Illinois Valley Times

Village of Ladd Village Board met May 28

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Ladd Village Board met in regular session on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in 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 Jan Martin, Dan Nelson, Brad Nicholson, Andy Ruggerio, Molly Thrasher (5)

Absent: Trustee Dave Margherio (1)

In attendance: Village Clerk Rhonda Bezely, Engineer Adam Ossola, Atty. Pat Barry, Superintendent Doug Englehaupt

Martin motioned/Nicholson second to accept the May 14, 2024, regular meeting minutes as presented.

Ayes: Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 5-0-1

Absent: Margherio

Ruggerio motioned/Nelson second to authorize payment of the bills in the amount of $81,531.60

Ayes: Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 5-0-1

Absent: Margherio

Thrasher motioned/Nicholson second to accept the Treasurer's Report for April 2024.

Ayes: Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 5-0-1

Absent: Margherio

Correspondence: A thank you was read from Taylor Coutts for the Graduation Card the Village sent.

Public Comment: Mike Meuser & Dan Pinter expressed concern for anyone walking or riding on West Cleveland Street. People are speeding from the corner of West Cleveland and Central Ave. down to Western Avenue. They are concerned that someone is going to be killed. The speed limit is 25 mph and they feel we need another sign showing the speed limit closer to the corner of West Cleveland and Central Ave. They also feel a stop sign at West Cleveland and Western Avenue is needed in both directions. People coming from the West into Village limits also need a sign showing the speed limit is 25 mph. They both feel a stop sign would fix the situation. Also mentioned was a temporary speed bump.

Committee Reports: Nelson reported on 2 trees. 234 N. Bureau Ave. There are dead branches up in this tree and one recently fell on the resident’s house. There was no damage, but he is requesting that the dead branches be trimmed out of this tree. Englehaupt will check out the situation. 233 N. Central Ave. There is a large tree that is split. They are concerned about the one branch becoming too heavy and pulling down power lines. Nelson doesn’t feel that this tree requires anything. It won’t take down power lines if it was to fall and Nelson doesn’t see any concern for this happening. It is still alive. Cattani mentioned to Englehaupt to take a look at a tree that is mostly dead in the yard at 120 S. Chicago Ave. Ruggerio brought in some pictures of a tree on the south side of the home at 202 N. Central Ave. This tree looks mostly dead. Ruggerio states that it is 85-90% dead. It recently dropped a large limb. Ruggerio wanted to bring this to the council to discuss removal. Englehaupt will take a look at this tree also.

Ruggerio brought up the USS Arizona replica being housed at the Village Hall since the Library was to keep it but have since let Ruggerio know that they do not have room for it. Ladd resident, Hank Ellerbrock built this and it needs a safe place to be housed. There will be a dedication service on July 20, 2024, in War Memorial Park near the Veteran’s Monument. Everyone agreed to bring it to the Village Hall and see how it fits. The location can be discussed again at this time.

Ruggerio thanked Stewey and Kristin Stewart and Stewey’s brother who donated mulch and their time putting down the mulch at War Memorial Park. Mulch was spread in the flower box and all around the monument. It looked great for the Memorial Day Service.

Engineer’s Report: Ossola reported on Safe Routes to School. They are hoping to get Peru Ave. knocked out this week. Nelson had taken a picture of a section of a missing sidewalk on S. LaSalle Ave. Ossola was asked if this would be part of the Safe Routes to School. Ossola stated no. Nelson spoke with Ossola regarding an issue with Jim Piacenti’s sidewalks and driveway. Ossola stated that the contractor for the project, Gensini Excavating, is working with Piacenti to resolve the issue.

Ruggerio asked about an area near the school crosswalk, on the East Side of Main Avenue where a section of sidewalk is raised causing a sizeable tripping hazard. Ruggerio asked about getting asphalt put in this area to help prevent an issue. This area is part of the $150,000.00 State Grant for the replacement of Main Avenue sidewalks. Ossola stated this could be done in 2024. Nelson questioned that since this has taken several years to fund, will we need to reassess which sidewalks take priority since we won’t likely be able to redo as many sidewalks as we thought 5 years ago due to inflation. Ossola reported he will be getting information to Bezely regarding the advertisement necessary to get the engineering phase progressing on the Main Avenue Sidewalk Project.

Ossola updated the council on the Motor Fuel Project, stating that our extension is until June 28, 2024, and Pavement Maintenance is confident that they will get us done before June 28th. Ossola double-checked on chipping inside the fence at the electric garage. President Cattani stated that yes, we were still wanting this done.

Old Business: USDA Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program: Ossola updated the council on the Storm Sewer Separation Project which would go out from West Cleveland to Adams Creek. Chamlin did property research and field surveying to figure out how lot lines were relative to the road. All the landowners own to the center of Cleveland Street, there are no dedicated right of ways. We will need easements to go through this area from all landowners and additionally, from Hall Township since it is their road. There would be 6-7 property owners to approach, depending on which side of the road Ladd decides to put this on. Ossola feels the south side would be easier since there are no power lines on this side ofthe road. Ossola explained funding options to get this project completed. He feels our best option would be an IL EPA loan with 30% forgiveness. The loan rate would be 1.4% He stated that the next step would be to create a map showing the property owners. President Cattani will lead an initial conversation with the property owners to see if they would be on board with the project. Ossola was instructed to move forward with this project.

Superintendent’s Report: New Business: Discuss Sewer Rebate for Pools & Gardens: Englehaupt discussed the information presented by a resident at the last meeting. The Village of Ladd uses AMR meters that remotely read usage. Spring Valley takes their old meters and fixes them to attach to resident's hose bibs. Englehaupts concern for the Village is that our meters will continue to read usage and if we rebate residents eligible for this, changing the meter readings would be an issue. Essentially, we couldn’t change the readings as a means of rebate. Englehaupt explained all the information he obtained from the City of Spring Valley. He cautioned the council on making this change due to our rate structure being the way it is possibly because the Village sewer minimum is 500 cu ft. and the water minimum is 300 cu ft.

Which essentially gives customers 200 cu ft. of sewer “free”. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that the cost for the Village to purchase the number of meters needed to give residents this rebate far outweighs the savings for residents. Not to mention the rate structure could be considerably compromised if rebates are offered. Englehaupt also reported the cost of service study that was done in the recent past, along with the rate changes that were mandated before getting the grant for the Main Avenue water main replacement were included in this information. So if we change these rates or the way we bill this could be problematic. The council took no action on rebating sewer fees to residents who fill a pool, water gardens, or flower beds. Old Business: Dick’s Tap New Sidewalk: Englehaupt reported that he spoke with Jason Pottinger regarding changes to the design to comply with the IL Accessibility Code.

Ossola stopped and spoke with Pottinger and Jeppson. They stated that they would make changes to comply and then let the Village of Ladd know when ready to move forward.

Police Chief: Not in attendance

Building Inspector: Not in attendance

Village Attorney: Nothing to report.

Old Business: Non-Union Employee Insurance Renewal: Bezely explained she obtained quotes from two other insurance companies for comparison. One of the companies was unable to get us a quote due to the insurance lines they work with not being able to quote municipalities. They had another line but they had a minimum of 10 employees required. The 2nd company provided similar plans to our existing coverage but with a level funded plan. Bezely explained that this doesn’t cover any preventative treatments, i.e. mammograms, physicals, etc. which are important to all 3 employees enrolled in the health insurance. The also can raise rates up to 100% every year depending on the coverage they provided the prior year. The 2nd company’s owner asked if the Village was unhappy with their insurance or their agent. Bezely stated not at all, it was the council who requested quotes to make sure costs were reviewed for comparison. The estimated cost for the level-funded plans wasn’t discussed because it would not be exact until employees completed a health questionnaire. After a lengthy discussion, a decision was reached.

Martin motioned/Thrasher second that Non-Union Health Insurance be Renewed with Suarez & Associates for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Gold Plan G532BCE

Ayes: Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 5-0-1

Absent: Margherio

Old Business: Ladd Cemetery: Cattani reminded the board that the cemetery is currently breaking even.

Cattani feels that if investments are made with attention to the best rates this could be less of a concern.

Cattani reminded the council that Biccochi will continue to run the cemetery. Cattani also stated that Mike Grivetti Sr. is the person who requested this change. Atty. Barry stated that there are audit reports due in August that Biccochi will need to do. Cattani stated that Julie Koch was interested in taking on additional work but Bezely stated that the Clerk’s Office is too busy to allow Koch to do this work during the day. Cattani stated that it would be after hours at the Clerk’s Office. Bezely stated that Koch would need to be asked because she has 4 kids in many sports. It was mentioned that Sammi Sarosinski could possibly take on this additional work if the Village takes over the cemetery. It was agreed that someone needs to learn Biccochi’s job.

Thrasher motioned/Ruggerio second to table the Ladd Cemetery decision until more information is obtained.

Ayes: Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 5-0-1

Absent: Margherio

Old Business: Hiring Summer Help for Public Works: There were 4 applicants able to attend the meeting tonight. They each introduced themselves and stated where they lived. All conflicts for each applicant were noted. Nicholson asked Englehaupt how many kids he would like. He stated that 2 is usually a good number. Nicholson asked Englehaupt what they would work, and he stated that 7 am – 3:30 pm Monday through Friday is the schedule. Nicholson asked Englehaupt if he would come up with a list of work they would be doing. He would explain the work and make sure they had what they needed to get any projects done. 3 kids were from Spring Valley and 2 kids were from Ladd. The only applicant who couldn’t attend was employed by the Village of Ladd for the last 2 years and did a great job. Englehaupt stated his biggest challenge is transportation for the summer help. If the employees give up their vehicles so the summer help can get tools and supplies to job sites then they have no transportation to check the well or various other projects in the Village. Englehaupt states that he knows having the summer help on the Kubota tractor with the standing rack on the back is not okay with the council but that is Englehaupt’s only option unless the Village comes up with an idea like a golf cart or equipment from Kubota. Perhaps see if they have anything the Village can lease for the summer. Englehaupt needs a solution or he recommends nothiring summer help. Nelson asked if the employees could drive the other vehicles that the kids can’t drive and allow them to use the pickup trucks. This isn’t a good option, as the pickup trucks have all the tools and various stock of supplies for the Village. It was mentioned that a Kubota that could have a plow attached would be a great option for Village sidewalks in the winter. Englehaupt will speak with Jared at Ladd Farm Mart. Discussion ensued regarding which candidates would be hired. The council decided to hire 3 applicants. Englehaupt will manage their work schedules and will also reach out to Jared regarding transportation issues.

Martin motioned/Thrasher second to Hire Luis Reyes, Zack Bosi, and Evan Englehaupt for $15.00/hour for Summer Help working 7 am – 3:30 pm Monday – Friday.

Ayes: Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 5-0-1

Absent: Margherio

New Business: 202 N. Main Avenue Building Renovation Update: Raquel Hermosillo, Jose Dela Torres, and Efren Dela Torres updated the council on the progress of their building. Efren is still living in the back apartment. The floors are ½ way done and they are making progress. They have new windows coming.

They took the drop ceiling out and discovered various other issues. They are working hard on this building.

After discussion, the council feels comfortable with their progress and asked them to return in August or September with another update. No decision has been made on what kind of business will be located in the building. Jose Dela Torres has a flooring business and he stated he will move his business into the building if he doesn’t get other interested parties.

Nicholson motioned/Nelson second to allow the renter to continue to live in the back apartment while the business is being renovated.

Ayes: Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 5-0-1

Absent: Margherio

New Business: Donation Request IVCIL: No action was taken.

New Business: OSLAD Grant Application: Bezely explained there is a 50% match from the Village. No action was taken.

New Business: Weed Control 2024: A proposal for weed control of the WWTP and Parks was obtained from D&M Landscaping. They have provided this service for the Village for many years. They are excellent at following the rules and regulations required for spraying parks and ball fields. Englehaupt stated they have the required licensing. 

Ruggerio motioned/Nicholson second to Accept the 2024 Proposal from D&M Landscaping for Weed Control in the Village of Ladd for $1,730.00.

Ayes: Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 5-0-1

Absent: Margherio

New Business: Façade Grant Payment: Bezely explained that Mario Data has turned in documentation and attached bills from his project. He will continue to work on the inside. Data is entitled to a $500.00 check for the Façade Grant. The council stated that Barry Flanagan would sign off as Village employee on the application after completing the inspection. A check will be issued to Mario Data upon approval.

Martin motioned/Thrasher second to Issue a Check to Mario Data for $500.00 for the Façade Grant Upon Approved Inspection.

Ayes: Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 5-0-1

Absent: Margherio

New Business: Façade Grant Application from Ladd Sound Productions: Tabled until the June 11, 2024 meeting.

Announcements: Bezely updated the council on an email she received from Jim Piacenti regarding compensation for his wife’s business due to the Safe Routes to School project disrupting their access to their house. Bezely reported that a thank you card was sent to Stewey & Kristin Stewart for mulching and cleaning up the landscaping at the Veteran’s Monument and War Memorial Park. Ax Church will be here on Thursday, June 6th for Hope Week. Anyone wanting to come to lend a hand is welcome. Desserts are appreciated. We have drinks and pizza covered. Veteran’s Monument – Mike Grivetti Sr. asked that I announce a big thank you to Dan Nelson, Molly Thrasher, Andy Ruggerio, Gregg Ripka, and Mike Grivetti Jr for helping paint the sidewalk up to the monument. Class A Liquor License: Bezely got a phone call from someone considering buying the old Lanuti’s building. He asked about Video Gaming. Bezely told him they needed a Liquor License to have Video Gaming and that currently there wasn’t an open licenseavailable. He was told that he could come to a meeting and request an additional license be added. He was going to go through the building first and then get back to Bezely. Cattani directed the council toward the Monthly Tax Report. He called attention to April 2023 Video Gaming Tax money was $2,506.05 and April 2024 brought in $3,736.45. This money goes into the general fund. Bezely reported that a resident stopped by the Clerk’s Office with a concern about how the contractor for the Safe Routes to School is allowing their workers to block the roads with their vehicles while working on this project. She felt like they were just standing around talking while their vehicle remained in the roadway, therefore, it is difficult for residents to get around the area of the project.

Thrasher motioned/Nicholson second to adjourn.

Ayes: Martin, Nicholson, Nelson, Ruggerio, Thrasher - Motion carried 5-0-1

Absent: Margherio

The meeting adjourned at 8:27 pm

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