Village of Elwood Village Board met Feb. 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Call to Order
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: Michael Varman, Tricia Maas, Darryl Lab, Ron Schmidt, and Kendy Elberson
Also, Present: Village Administrator/Village Clerk Julie Friebele and Police Chief Fred Hayes Not Present: Village Board Trustee Jodie Bertucci
The Meeting Opened With the Pledge to the Flag
Presentations and Public Hearings
Library Accessory Building – Ashley Hopper
Ms. Hopper presented a concept plan and a proposed location for a Library Accessory Building in the Village of Elwood. She discussed the building design and the benefits the accessory building would offer the community.
Public Comments – Pertaining to Agenda Items
Members of the audience did not have public comments pertaining to the agenda items.
Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Trustee Schmidt to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
• Presentation of Minutes – December 1, 2021
• Presentation of Closed Session Minutes – November 10, 2021 (Not For Release)
• Presentation of Bills – Paid Invoice Report December 20, 2021 through January 21, 2022, in the amount of $320,983.95.
• Presentation of Bills – Unpaid Invoice Report in the amount of $87,276.15.
Trustee Lab seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
Reports & Communications From Village Officials
Administration – Village Administrator Julie Friebele
November 2021 & December 2021 Financial Reports
The November 2021 & December 2021 Financial Reports prepared by Finance Director Robbie Day were presented to the Village Board for review. The reports represent the Village of Elwood's year to date revenues, expenses, and end of the month fund cash balances.
Library Accessory Building in Elwood
Library Director Ashley Hopper approached the Village with the concept of a Library Accessory Building to be located in the Village for the benefit of the Village of Elwood and Jackson Township residents. The library landscape is still changing and growing into one that's more flexible and versatile than ever before. There are multiple benefits for the Library Accessory Building to be located in the Village of Elwood. • Patrons will have the option to hold or pick up their books at any time, any day of the week for convenient book pick-up & drop-off; no signature is required.
• The library smart locker banks alleviate the problem of traveling to and from Manhattan to pick up or drop off books.
• Security cameras will be installed for safety.
A motion was made by Trustee Maas to approve the concept of a Library Accessory Building located in the Village of Elwood. Trustee Varman seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
Assistant to the Public Works Department
In June 2021, the Village hired Jacob Breausche as a part time seasonal employee in the public works department. Jacob is dependable and demonstrates a strong work ethic. Jacob desires to work with the Village on a permanent basis as an assistant to the Public Works department doing the same tasks he is currently assigned.
Administrator Friebele spoke with Teamsters Union Local 179 representatives Greg Elsbree and Jeff Brown regarding the proposal of hiring Jacob on as an assistant to the Public Works Department. Jacob is not qualified to perform the required union functions and would not be a Bargaining Unit Employee. The Union agreed to the proposal and presented a one-time agreement and a one-time position to allow Jacob Breausche to be employed as a full time assistant to the Elwood Public Works department, providing he does not take work away from Bargaining Unit Employees under any circumstances. A motion was made by Trustee Lab to approve the Agreement and Addendum to the Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the Village of Elwood and General Chauffeurs, Sales Drivers and Helpers Union Local 179 and to hire Jacob Breausche as a full-time assistant to the Elwood Public Works Department. Trustee Elberson seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
Listing Agreement Regarding 111 E. Mississippi Avenue
The Village is the owner of the property located at 111 E. Mississippi Avenue. The property is located in the Village's downtown area and the building has been unoccupied for a number of years. The Village staff desires to sell the property to promote rehabilitation of the downtown area and to encourage economic development. The comparable was run for the property and it was determined that the starting list price should reflect $79,900. The Listing Agreement reflects the suggested starting sales price of $79,900, a five (5) month term beginning February 2, 2022 through June 2, 2022, and at the commission rate of 5%. A motion was made by Trustee Varman to approve the Execution of a Listing Agreement regarding the property located at 111 E. Mississippi Avenue, Elwood, IL. Trustee Maas seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Schmidt – no. The motion carried.
Listing Agreement Regarding 115 E. Mississippi Avenue
The Village is the owner of the property located at 115 E. Mississippi Avenue. The property is located in the Village's downtown area and has been vacant for a number of years. The Village staff desires to sell the property to promote rehabilitation of the downtown area and to encourage economic development. The comparable was run for the property and it was determined that the starting list price should reflect $45,000. The Listing Agreement reflects the suggested starting sales price of $45,000, a five (5) month term beginning February 2, 2022 through June 2, 2022, and at the commission rate of 5%. A motion was made by Trustee Lab to approve the Execution of a Listing Agreement regarding the property located at 115 E. Mississippi Avenue, Elwood, IL. Trustee Elberson seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Schmidt – no. The motion carried.
Police Department – Chief Fred Hayes
During the Month of November 2021
The Elwood Police Department responded to 452 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 678 citations:
• Local Citations (O.V.) 1
• State Citations 67
• Overweight Violations (3)
• Monthly Total 68
• 2021 Year to Date Total 1548
Arrest Report Summary:
• Traffic Arrests 6
• Warrant Arrests 1
• Criminal 0
• Monthly Total 7
• Year to Date Total 139
TRAINING REPORT:
OFFICER CLASS DATE HOURS
Anthony Lohmar First aid/Stop the Bleed 11/10/21 4
Ken Jaburek First aid/Stop the Bleed 11/10/21 4
Ed Wright First aid/Stop the Bleed 11/10/21 4
Sean Swabowski First aid/Stop the Bleed 11/10/21 4
Robert Wellen First aid/Stop the Bleed 11/10/21 4
Nick Adams First aid/Stop the Bleed 11/10/21 4
Anthony Lohmar Hostage Rescue 11/10-12/21 24
Total Training Hours: 48
During the Month of December 2021
The Elwood Police Department responded to 397 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 72 citations:
• Local Citations (O.V.) 2
• State Citations 70
• Overweight Violations (2)
• Monthly Total 72
• 2021 Year to Date Total 1654
Arrest Report Summary:
• Traffic Arrests 7
• Warrant Arrests 2
• Criminal 0
• Monthly Total 9
• Year to Date Total 148
TRAINING REPORT:
OFFICER CLASS DATE HOURS
Ed Wright Street Cop Training 12/06/21 8
Sarah Zimmerman Juvenile Officer Certification 12/07/21 8
Total Training Hours: 16
Public Works – Director of Public Works Larry Lohmar
No report was given.
Village Administrator – Julie Friebele
Budget 2022-2023
Staff is in the process of preparing the proposed fiscal year 2022/2023 budget. The public hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2022, where the proposed budget will be presented to the Village Board of Trustees for review.
Illinois Public Risk Fund Safety Grant
The Illinois Public Risk Fund (IPRF) advised us that the IPRF Grant Committee approved our Grant Application. The Village received Safety & Educational Grant Award funds in the amount of $7,555.00.
Covid 19 - Omicron Variant Surge
On January 5th the Village Hall was closed to the public due to a surge in the Omicron Variant cases in Illinois. Although the Village Hall was closed staff remained committed to serving our residents and continued to conduct business by phone, email, mail, and meeting with residents when essential in conducting business. The hospitalizations and positivity rates are now declining in Will County, showing the worst of the Omicron resurgence has passed. Based on the decline of the positivity rates, the Village Hall reopened to the public on Monday, January 24th.
Statement Of Economic Interests
The Illinois General Assembly recently enacted Public Act 102-0662 which, among its many provisions, includes a complete overhaul of the content of the Statement of Economic Interests form.
The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requires Will County elected and appointed officials and certain employees of units of local government to file a Statement of Economic Interests with the Will County Clerk's Office each year. The Village Clerk of the Village of Elwood certified to the Will County Clerk the persons within our organization who meet the statutory criteria for filing.
The filing period for 2022 will open on or around February 14, 2022. Persons required to file a Statement this year will receive filing information sent to them by email at the start of the filing period. The filing deadline is May 1, 2022.
Warming Center
As the weather gets bitterly cold, we urge people to check on their neighbors and family, especially the elderly. In addition, we are encouraging our residents who need a place to get warm to find a warming center to protect themselves.
There are warming centers available in almost every municipality in the county, including in village halls, fire stations, libraries, or other public meeting sites. Since many of these locations are open upon request, residents should contact the shelter to ensure availability.
Elwood Village Hall is a warming center open upon request. Residents should call 815-423-5011 during normal business hours, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, or after hours 815-423-5411.
For a full list of Warming Centers, visit https://www.willcountyema.org/warmingcooling
The Need For Warmth
The Village cares about each person who is in need of warm weather items. We began the project called "The Need for Warmth" a few years ago to assist family's needs during the winter months. We encouraged people to look inside their closets to find gently used or new coats, gloves, hats, scarves and boots, and drop them off at the Village Hall so we may distribute them to those in need. The response was remarkable and continues to grow. So far this winter season we were able to assist families with the following items. • 31 coats
• 4 pairs of snow pants (there are no more available at this time)
• 5 pairs of boots (there are no more available at this time)
• 55 pairs of gloves
• Approximately 20 hats
• Approximately 20 scarves
• 5 blankets
• 5 umbrellas
Thank you to everyone that made the donations; you are the angels that make this possible!
Valentine's Day
The students will each receive a special Valentine's Day surprise from their friends at the Village Hall. Thank you to Elwood School for working with the Village to make this possible.
We wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!
Snow Angels
Removing snow from sidewalks and driveways can be a challenge for some at risk Elwood residents, especially after large storms. The Village has a list of individuals that will volunteer their time to assist with snow removal for those in need. Please contact the Village Hall if you require assistance.
Upcoming Village Meetings
Planning and Zoning Tuesday, February 22nd 7:00 pm
Finance Committee Tuesday, February 22nd 4:00 pm
Village Board of Trustees Wednesday, March 2nd 7:00 pm
Village President – Doug Jenco
• Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! The Christmas parade was great. Thank you to all that participated in the parade. We are truly grateful to the entire community and are proud to bring you the Christmas Parade.
• Thank you to our Public Works department, they are working tirelessly to remove the snow from our roads and they are doing an excellent job.
• Thank you to the Village staff they work hard and well together, and they do a great job.
• We are preparing for Elwood Community Days Event, scheduling bands, and trying to secure a carnival. The event is scheduled on August 19th, 20th, and 21st. We will keep you updated.
Other Business
• Thank you to the police department for your connection with Elwood School and for interacting with the kids. It is important to build positive relationships with the children.
• Trustee Kendy Elberson reported that she attended the Western Will County Communication Center (WESCOM) meeting held on February 18, 2022, and everything is good. Trustee Elberson is on the WESCOM Board representing the Village of Elwood.
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 discuss:
• Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal Of Specific Employee(s), Appointment of Village Official
• Collective Bargaining
Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
Reconvene Open Session
A motion was made by Trustee Varman to reconvene the open session meeting. Trustee Elberson seconded the motion. The Village Board all voted in favor of the motion. 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 Varman to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Elberson seconded the motion. The Village Board all voted in favor of the motion. The motion carried.
http://www.villageofelwood.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02022022-664
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