Illinois Valley Times

Village of Diamond Village Board of Commission met Feb. 13

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Proceedings, transactions, and resolutions made and order of said record of said Board in the Village of Diamond, IL on the 13th day of February 2024. 

The scheduled meeting of the Diamond Village Board was held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Teresa “Terry” Kernc presiding. Upon roll call Commissioners present were Mark Adair, Dean Johnson, Jeff Kasher, and Dave Warner. 

Approval of 1-23-2024 Minutes 

MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Warner to approve the 1/23/2024 regular meeting minutes and place on file. Ayes: Kasher, Warner, Kernc. Abstain: Adair, Johnson. Motion Carried. 

Approval of February 13, 2024, Bill List 

MOTION was made by Commissioner Johnson, SECOND by Commissioner Warner to approve the February 13, 2024, bill list and place it on file. All Ayes: Motion Carried. 

Approval of the January 2024 Treasurer’s Report 

MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Adair to approve the January 2024 Treasurer’s Report and place it on file. All Ayes: Motion Carried. 

Public Comment 

None 

New Business 

Approval of Ordinance #2024-02; Amending the Alcoholic Licenses  

Village Attorney John Gallo stated this amendment is for Hero’s West Diamond which increases the number of Class “F” liquor licenses. MOTION was made by Commissioner Warner, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher to Approve Ordinance #2024-02, Amending the Alcoholic Licenses. All Ayes:  Motion Carried. 

Approve Chamlin and Associates to submit RFQ for Watermain Project Mayor Kernc stated a submittal for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is required since this is a federally funded project. The village has already expended funds in the amount of approximately $34,000.00 for preliminary engineering for the project. Once the firms who submit their qualifications from the RFQ process, then it will go to the board. The board must then select the engineering firm to complete the project. There is $65,000.00 in grant money which will be applied to the construction engineering costs and any remaining money can be applied to the construction of the project. MOTION was made by Commissioner Johnson, SECOND by Commissioner Warner to approve Chamlin and Associate to submit RFQ for Watermain Project. All Ayes: Motion Carried. 

Approve Travel Reimbursement/Expense for John Guistat to attend AWWA Watercon Public Works Supervisor Jim Dunning stated this is a conference in which classes and workshops are offered. John would like to attend since they are related to the water plant. The classes/workshops include but are not limited to preventive maintenance, leak detection, water loss control, etc. MOTION was made by Commissioner Warner, SECOND by Commissioner Adair to Travel  Reimbursement/Expense for John Guistat at attend AWAA Watercon. All Ayes: Motion Carried. 

Approve Travel Reimbursement/Expense for Mayor Kernc to attend IML Lobby Day Mayor Kernc stated this is for 1 night stay and she will submit mileage reimbursement for travel which is estimated at 300 miles. MOTION was made by Commissioner Johnson, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher to Approve Travel Reimbursement/Expense for Mayor Kernc to attend IML Lobby Day. All Ayes: Motion Carried. 

Approve Dacott Electrical Renewal Contract 

Village Clerk Lori Holmes stated this was addressed in November however, the current contract  expires in March. The board did not want to decide at that time due to the fluctuation of rates. The current rates were presented. Commissioner Kasher and Commissioner Warner stated with the elections ahead and the volatile economy, the rates could change therefore, they suggest a 12-month  contract with AEP at a .05508 current rate which was reflected at last week’s rate which it could change slightly upon renewal date. MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Warner to Approve Dacott Electrical Renewal for a 12-month Contract with AEP. All Ayes: Motion Carried. 

Update Comprehensive Plan 

Mayor Kernc stated the recommendation is to update the comprehensive plan every 5 years. The last  time the village’s plan was updated was 8 years ago. Kernc discussed with Zoning Administrator Cindy Haywood regarding the transitional commercial properties along IL Route 113. Kernc stated it was brought to her attention that a property owner on IL Route 113 is leasing out a significant amount of his property to a solar farm, which is not the vision Kernc has for Route 113. The owner  left 5 acres in front of the property which runs along Route 113 vacant for other potential development. Kernc reached out to Teska to have them prepare an updated comprehensive plan. Village Attorney John Gallo stated the village could complete a request for qualifications from other companies like Teska to compare costs etc. Kernc stated the village is inconsistent with some things that have been done and would like to update the plan to keep the village progressing in the right direction. Commissioner Johnson is concerned about the solar farm and if that is allowed. Gallo explained the project must come to the board for approval. There is another area regarding zoning codes which needs to be addressed, however, that is a separate issue not part of the comprehensive plan. Kernc stated she would like a consensus from the board to pursue this update with Teska. Once received, then the board can decide if they would like to go in the direction of submitting a request for qualifications from other community planning consultants. A consensus was reached to move forward with Teska. 

Old Business 

Grundy and Will County Sheriff’s Monthly Update 

Mayor Kernc stated there was nothing out of the ordinary to report.  

Legal Counsel 

No Report 

Engineer Updates 

Village Engineer Mike Perry stated Chris Perra from Test, Inc. is impressed with John Guistat’s work performance at the plants. Perry stated he is very close to advertising bids for the water main projects. He is waiting for final approvals in a few areas. The Jewel site is 2-4 weeks away from the public infrastructure work. They received an IDOT permit to proceed with directional boring for the water main and the sewer, which should proceed in the next week. Commissioner Kasher inquired about the ditch opening, which was discussed at a prior meeting. It was discussed to pour a wall and placing a cap over it. Perry stated they have a plan to install grating instead of a solid cap.  

Public Works Department Updates 

Public Works Supervisor Jim Dunning stated trucks will be going through the inspection process and  will be receiving undercoating. Well 4 wiring should be completed by the end of the week. The motor at the lift station at Burt Estates had to be replaced. The air quality report was received, and it looks good. Dunning discussed the storm tile which needs to be replaced on Stellon Street and the installation of a new line from Calkey to School/Stellon to School which would drain into Claypool. Dunning stated the department will have much needed tiling work that the department will be working on in the months ahead. 

Clerk Updates 

Village Clerk Lori Holmes had no report, however, did mention the 3rd notification letter for those homeowners which have not had their water meters replaced. Village Engineer Mike Perry stated there are approximately 50 meters which still need to be replaced. Holmes stated she and Dunning  discussed this previously to decide on the date that the 3rd notification should be mailed. Holmes suggested that the 3rd notification letter that United Meters should send out should be scheduled for March 1, 2024. Holmes will also place the notification in the water bills for those who have not complied in scheduling their appointments for the mandatory water meter replacement. Those who do not comply will have their water service interrupted in March.  

Commissioner Comments 

Commissioner Adair 

No Report 

Commissioner Johnson 

No Report 

Commissioner Kasher 

Commissioner Kasher inquired about the damage at the Laura Lane pipe from Surf Internet. Dunning  stated Surf does not feel it is their responsibility to fix it, due to the fact the pipe was not on the JULIE, since it is a private line. The homeowner does have a letter from the village allowing the connection to the drain. Mayor Kernc verified and acknowledged the homeowner does have a letter. There was discussion of the ways in which to fix the issue. Kasher is concerned about the cost of completing this project. Dunning will obtain pricing for the cost of boring under the driveway and cost of cutting into driveway, then finishing it to run the new line. Once Dunning receives the quotes, he will present to the board. 

Commissioner Warner  

No Report 

Mayor Kernc 

No Report

Adjournment 

MOTION was made to adjourn at 6:34 p.m. by Commissioner Warner, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher. All Ayes: Motion Carried. 

https://www.villageofdiamond.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/02-13-24-1.pdf