Illinois Valley Times

Village of Ladd Village Board met Dec. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Ladd Village Board met in regular session on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the Ladd Village Hall at 121 N. Main Avenue. Village President, Frank Cattani called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm and led the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.

Roll Call: Present: Trustees Dave Margherio, Jan Martin, Dan Nelson, Brad Nicholson, Andy Ruggerio, Molly Thrasher (6)

In attendance: Village Clerk Rhonda Bezely, Deputy Clerk/Village Treasurer Julie Koch, Police Chief Jacob Frund, Engineer Adam Ossola, Superintendent Doug Englehaupt, Atty. Pat Barry

The Public Meeting was opened by Connie Buchanan from the North Central Council of Governments. Buchanan explained the reason for the public meeting. Ladd is applying for a competitive housing grant for $650,000.00 to rehabilitate approximately 10 single-family homes within the Village limits. These residents qualify through low to moderate-income household thresholds. 5-year forgivable loan. Each home will qualify for up to $60,000.00 maximum in renovations to the home. The homeowner is asked to agree to stay in the house for 5 years, barring any unforeseeable circumstances, and the loan is forgiven. The Village of Ladd has committed $15,000.00 from the General Fund for use on the first house rehabilitated if the grant is awarded to Ladd. Upon award of this grant, there will be 5 community representatives that will act in accordance with the grant. They will consult with the home selection process and with the sealed bids by contractors. Buchanan stated the state likes to see the Village’s wish list to see their vision for future growth. Buchanan listed a new village hall, new water tower, new water and sewer system for future growth, Main Ave sidewalks and ADA compliance, and new park equipment. Margherio asked if in 2 years someone has a job transfer. Buchanan stated they would need to pay back the 2-year difference out of the sale of the home and these funds would be returned to the Village. Buchanan stated they are always looking for more contractors to be part of this program. She mentioned having contractors contact NCICG to get qualified. Applications are due January 2024 and usually 6 months later we find out what towns were selected. The work generally begins approximately 6-9 months after being awarded.

Nelson motioned/Martin second to Pass a Resolution for a Commitment of $15,000.00 from the General Fund for the Housing Rehabilitation Program.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher, Cattani - Motion carried 7-0

Nelson motioned/Margherio second to Pass a Resolution to Adopt the Housing Manual for the Housing Rehabilitation Program.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher, Cattani - Motion carried 7-0

The public Meeting was closed.

Thrasher motioned/Nelson second to accept the November 28, 2023, regular meeting minutes as presented.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

Nelson motioned/Nicholson second to authorize payment of the bills in the amount of $35,433.43.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

Correspondence: None

Public Comment: None

Committee Reports: 103 N. Hennepin Ave has a walnut tree they request be taken down due to the concern for someone getting hurt or vehicles being damaged by these falling walnuts. Margherio and Nelson feel the tree should not be removed by the Village. This could potentially open up the Village to other requests. It was mentioned that perhaps they could be sold at the Farmer's Market.

Engineer’s Report: Unfinished Business – Discuss Cost Estimates for New Village Hall: Ossola reported he has been working on cost estimates for the drawing the council approved but isn’t quite finished yet. Ossola would like to hear from another contractor before bringing figures to the council. This will be placed on the next agenda on 1/9/2024.

New Business – Consider working with Chamlin & Associates on EPA Mandated Contamination Policy: Ossola explained this new mandate from the EPA in detail. Chamlin is presenting many surrounding communities. This information is due by the end of July 2024. The estimated cost for this is $5,500.00. This will need to be reviewed every 5 years according to Ossola.

Martin motioned/Thrasher second Hiring Chamlin & Associates to do the EPA Mandated Contamination Policy.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

Superintendent’s Report: Nothing to report

Police Chief: New Business – Additional Flock Camera Purchase: Chief Frund provided the council with detailed information on the Flock Camera system and the cost to purchase additional cameras. After a detailed discussion ensued with many scenarios, it was decided to purchase 3 more cameras for Ladd’s other entrances and exits to town, and to lock in the lower rate for annual use. Frund explained that $9,450.00 would be the total for this year. Peru’s Flock camera over by Sapp Brothers had 52,000 plate reads and in that same amount of time Ladd had 58,000 plate reads. Security for our residents is a top priority.

Nelson motioned/Thrasher second to Purchase 3 more Flock Cameras @ $7,500 + $1,950 for installation for a total of $9,450.00 to Secure all Entrances/Exits to the Village of Ladd.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

Building Inspector: Not in attendance

Village Attorney: New Business – Paid Leave for All Workers Act: Atty. Barry distributed a model ordinance for Paid Time Off For All Workers Ordinance. The Village is opting out of enacting a new ordinance because our existing ordinance and labor agreement are better for employees. Atty. Barry will update the existing ordinance in place to include part-time, temporary, or seasonal workers receiving 1 hour of paid time off for every 40 hours worked.

Martin motioned/Margherio second to Pass the Paid Leave for All Workers Act Ordinance

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher, Cattani - Motion carried 7-0

Atty. Barry reminded the council of the IMEA meeting on Thursday at Uptown at 6:30. Barry was in Springfield last week. He stated that IMEA is going to be starting to ask municipalities to extend their contracts coming up next spring with almost a year to decide on extending the contract with IMEA.

New Business – Donation Request from Gateway Services: Discussion regarding Ladd residents being part of Gateway ensued. A resident of Ladd is the head of Gateway and 2 resident’s children are part of Gateway.

12-12-2023 Continued

Thrasher motioned/Martin second Donation of $50.00 to Gateway Services Inc. Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

New Business – Donation Request from IVCIL:

Margherio motioned/Nicholson second to Donate $50.00 to Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

New Business – Itron Maintenance Agreement: This agreement is to troubleshoot any problems when reading meters. The price did increase slightly.

Nicholson motioned/Martin second to Accept the Itron Maintenance Agreement for 4-1-2024 through 3-31-2025.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

New Business – Outdoor Warning Siren Maintenance Agreement for 2024: Discussion regarding who sets off the weather siren in bad weather. This will be investigated and brought back to the council. Bezely and Koch set off the siren monthly for testing. It was felt that we must maintain that the siren works so this maintenance contract is important. Residents have mentioned they do not hear the siren when in their homes. It was originated as an Outdoor Warning Siren. This warns anyone outdoors of bad weather coming. Adam Lind will be contacted from EMA to see if he can be responsible for setting our siren off in bad weather. Training needs to be provided as to who is responsible for the siren. Englehaupt feels a protocol must also be put in place so that whoever is responsible for setting it off is aware of the timing as to when it should be sounded.

Margherio motioned/Nicholson second to Renew the Outdoor Warning Siren Maintenance Agreement for 2024 at $1,470.00. with Braniff Communications.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

Announcements: Track Coach: Bezely received a call from Steve Bosi to inform the Village that BJ Liebe is a volunteer track coach. He is taking personal time to attend and help at meets. Residents have questioned him about why he is not at work. Bosi wanted to make us aware. Copier: Bezely told the council that Marco is no longer in Peru. We needed to replace staples and Bezely felt that if they could bring the staples and clean it at the same time. The copier was purchased in 2019 and Bezely felt cleaning it every 5 years and having it looked over was a good idea but the cost is $175 per hour plus $2 per mile to come from either Rockford or Peoria. This would be quite costly so Bezely asked the council. Bezely will reach out to Impact to see if they have a service tech. BCR Alerts: Bezely announced that BCR Alerts will be ending on 12/31/2023. She is currently looking into Code Red. She will inform the council as soon as research is done. 4 Weeks Between Meetings: Bezely announced it will be 4 weeks between meetings due to the 12/26/23 meeting being canceled due to the Christmas Holiday. The next council meeting will be on 1/9/2024.

Martin thanked Bezely and the Ladd Christmas Walk Committee. Nelson was thanked for helping carry up all the easels and sandwich boards along with vacuuming the council chambers for Bezely.

Nelson motioned/Thrasher second to adjourn.

Ayes: Margherio, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 6-0

The meeting adjourned at 7:47 pm

https://www.villageofladd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-12-12-MINUTES.pdf