Village of Elwood Board of Trustees Met Feb. 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The Regular Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees, Village of Elwood at 7:00 PM, was called to order by Village President Doug Jenco.
Role Call
Present: Village Board President Doug Jenco, Village Board Trustees: Darryl Lab, Ron Schmidt, Jodie Bertucci, Tricia Maas, Michael Varman, and Kendy Elberson
Also, Present: Village Administrator/Village Clerk Julie Friebele, Director of Public Works Larry Lohmar, Police Chief Fred Hayes, and Attorney Jordan Kielian
The Meeting Opened with the Pledge to the Flag
Presentations and Public Hearings
Grant Procurement Presentation – Tammy Leonard
Grant Staff Inc. is a full-service development staffing-firm that specializes in grant writing.
Surf Broadband Solution Presentation – Cesar P. Bratta
Surf Broadband Solutions would like to develop broadband infrastructure to benefit residents and businesses within the Village of Elwood.
Public Comments – Pertaining to Agenda Items
Members of the audience did not have public comments pertaining to agenda items.
Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Trustee Maas to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
• Presentation of Minutes – January 6, 2021
• Presentation of Bills – Paid Invoice Report January 7, 2021 through January 24, 2021, in the amount of $33,519.10.
• Presentation of Bills – Unpaid Invoice Report in the amount of $116,621.47.
Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.
REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS FROM VILLAGE OFFICIALS
Administration – Village Administrator Julie Friebele
December 2020 Financial Report
The December 2020 Financial Report prepared by Finance Director Robbie Day was presented to the Village Board for review. The report represents the Village of Elwood’s year to date revenues, expenses, and end of the month fund cash balances.
Municipal Gas Use Tax Collection Agreement
The Village of Elwood contracts with Azavar Government Solutions to audit utilities including Nicor. Azavar identified a gas tax collection gap whereby the Village is losing municipal revenue each year. Substantive deregulation of natural gas in Illinois took hold in 2002 and Illinois law now allows users to purchase their natural gas from sources other than their local utility company. As of 2015 there were 36 alternative gas suppliers providing service to Illinois, and the number continues to increase. This results in a growing loophole whereby only some natural gas used by customers pay the Village’s municipal utility gas tax. To close this loophole, the staff recommends approving the Municipal Gas Tax Collection Agreement with Nicor. A motion was made by Trustee Lab to approve Municipal Gas Tax Collection Agreement. Trustee Elberson seconded the motion. A vote was called: Village President Jenco – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.
An Ordinance to Amend its Ordinances Regarding Taxation by Creating a Municipal Gas Use Tax A motion was made by Trustee Elberson to adopt an Ordinance to Amend its Ordinances Regarding Taxation by Creating a Municipal Gas Use Tax. Trustee Lab seconded the motion. A vote was called: Village President Jenco – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.
An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of Not to Exceed $5,000,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2021
On December 10, 2020, the Village Board reached an agreement with CenterPoint as to the refunding and reissuance of the Series 2010B Bond. The Ordinance authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $5,000,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds Series 2021 would authorize the Village President, Village Clerk, and the Village Treasurer to perform on behalf of the Village each and everything necessary for the issuance of the 2021 Bonds, including the proper execution and delivery of the 2021 Bonds and Bond Order.
• The Replacement Bond shall bear interest at the compounding interest rate of 2.50%.
• There shall be no repayment penalty for the Replacement Bond.
• The Replacement Bond “Maturity Date” shall be on the day of issuance ten (10) years after issuance.
• The Replacement Bond shall constitute a general obligation of the Village and the full faith credit pledge of the Village.
• The Village shall make payment of the principal and interest then due on the Maturity Date. A motion was made by Trustee Maas to adopt an Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of Not to Exceed $5,000,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2021. Trustee Varman seconded the motion.
A vote was called: Village President Jenco – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.
An Ordinance Amending the code of Ordinances to Establish New Water Meter Fees and Repealing Ord 928 for the Village of Elwood
The Board of Trustees passed Ordinance 928 establishing new water meter fees pursuant to ordinance 695. Since that time, the fees to purchase new water meters and the equipment involved with the installation increased in pricing. A motion was made by Trustee Bertucci to adopt an Ordinance Amending the Village of Elwood Code of Ordinances to Establish New Water Meter Fees and Repealing Ordinance 928. Trustee Varman seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.
History club Donation Request
Annually the Elwood/Jackson History Club submits a letter to the Village Board requesting a monetary donation in support of the club. The club collects pictures, newspaper clippings, and additional information pertaining to the community, and then they record and file them in the archives. The History Club also placed planters at the corners of Mississippi Avenue and Chicago Street, filled them with beautiful seasonal flowers and stunning decorations that enhance beauty and charm at one of the Village’s main intersections. They are doing an excellent job. A motion was made by Trustee Maas to approve a donation in the amount of $500.00 to support the Elwood/Jackson History Club. Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.
Police Department – Chief Fred Hayes
During the month of December 2020
The Elwood Police Department responded to 418 calls for service. For more details concerning the types of calls, residents can visit the Village of Elwood website.
Police officers issued a total of 136 citations: (The reason for the low year to date number is due to the COVID19 Pandemic)
• Local Citations (O.V.) 3
• State Citations 133
• Overweight Violations (17)
• Monthly Total 136
• 2020 Year to Date Total 2179
Arrest Report Summary:
• Traffic Arrests 14
• Warrant Arrests 2
• Criminal 0
• Monthly Total 16
• Year to Date Total 331
TRAINING REPORT:
OFFICER CLASS DATE Hours
Due to COVID-19 All Training Was Cancelled
Total Training Hours: 0
Public Works – Director of Public Works Larry Lohmar
WWTP
Two (2) motor mounts for the ox ditch failed. We are in the process of having new ones built so public works can replace them.
Christmas Decorations
As you may have noticed, all Christmas decorations have been removed and stored for another year.
Water Analyzer
The Brandon Road water analyzer is installed and is now in operation. This analyzer helps us maintain the quality of our water at the north end of the Village.
Village Hall Heat
The new boilers are ordered and the contractor has begun demo of the old system.
Snow & Ice Storm
Since our last meeting, we have had two snowstorms, with the last one putting down a total 10” of wet snow. After three days of plowing the wet packing snow, our roads are in excellent shape and just in time for the next snowstorm. During this snowstorm, we were down to one of four trucks we have due to mechanical breakdowns. We also assisted Elwood Police on Route 53 with multiple vehicles being stuck and blocking northbound Route 53. Public works plowed a path for stuck motorists to get out. Larry gave the public works team a that a boy for working through the issues and still kept our Village roads clear.
Light Tower
Public Works placed a light tower as a temporary solution on the dark curve of the newly reconfigured St. Louis Street. The Village is working on getting a permanent lighting solution, although the residents are appreciative of the temporary lighting.
Village Administrator – Julie Friebele
DECO Grant $750,000
On December 30, 2020, we received a PDF copy of the Village’s fully executed Grant Agreement from David E. Parr, Deputy Director, Office of Grants Management. The Village received funding to begin the much-needed capital improvements at the Village Hall. First and foremost, the HVAC system at Village Hall.
Budget 2021-2022
Staff is in the process of preparing the proposed fiscal year 2021/2022 budget. The public hearing is scheduled on March 3, 2021, where the proposed budget will be presented to the Village Board of Trustees.
Central States Tower
The Village has been working with Central States Tower for the construction of a cell tower located on Village property since 2015. The Village Board approved the Central States Tower project in March 2020. The project is finally moving forward. The project team requested a pre-construction meeting. The meeting will be held on February 8, 2021, and hopefully this project will move forward without further delays.
J-Power
The water supply agreement with JPower is satisfied with Well “8” and the vessel are online and permitted. J-Power indicated they will start to use water in November 2021 for startup and anticipate full water use by April 2022.
Midewin Anniversary Banners Celebrate 25 Years of Restoration
Five (5) banners are hanging near an original section of pavement from Route 66 and the interpretive sign that highlights Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The banners are representative of the whole-community restoration process at Midewin. The Village of Elwood is honored to partner with Midewin and commemorate 25 years of Community restoration.
Upcoming February Meetings
Planning and Zoning February 23rd 7:00 pm
Finance Committee February 23rd 4:00 pm
Village President – Doug Jenco
I want to thank the Administration Staff, Public Works, Police Department, and Trustees for their dedication and great job everyone does.
Appointment of a Park and Recreation Committee Member
On November 24, 2021 Dorothy Cirrencione resigned from the Park and Recreation Committee. Village President Jenco appointed Molly Lopez’s to fill the vacancy and serve as a member on the Park and Recreation Committee for a 4 year term. A motion was made by Trustee Elberson to approve and confirm the appointment of Molly Lopez to serve as a member of the Park and Recreation Committee for a four (4) year term. Trustee Bertucci seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.
Other Business
No other business was discussed.
Public Comments
Members of the audience did not have public comments.
Closed Session
A motion was made by Trustee Maas to go into closed session to consider:
• The Setting of a Price for Sale or Lease of a Specific Property Owned by the Public Body
• The Probable Or Imminent And Pending Litigation
Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.
Reconvene Open Session
A motion was made by Trustee Maas to reconvene the Open Session Meeting. Trustee Varman seconded the motion. A vote was called: Village President Jenco – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.
Actions To Be Taken Following The Closed Session Meeting
No actions were taken following the Closed Session Meeting.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Trustee Maas to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. The Village Board all voted in favor of the motion. The motion carried.
http://www.villageofelwood.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02032021-614
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