July 28, 2025(August Meeting)

Call to order at 7:00 pm by President Mat.

Members answering roll call, President Mat, Tom Smargiassi, Angie Niehaus, Mike Tichler, Dean Wright, Tim Martens, Jamie Melville, and Cheryl Liebenstein.

The minutes from the July meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent, by Dean. Second by Tim. Motion Carried.

Tim made a motion to pay all bills as presented with the addition of Kurt’s hours. Motion second by Dean.  Motion carried.

No transfer of funds needed.

Angie made a motion to approve the treasurer report as presented. Second by Mike. Motion carried.

Maintenance Report

VISITORS

President Mat received an email from John Costello letting the board know that there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Historical building on August 21st at noon. The grand opening will be Saturday August 23rd.

FINANCE/TIF FINANCE

No report

WATER/SEWER

No report

STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALK

No report

BUILDINGS/GROUNDS

No report

CEMETERY

Angie spoke with Flachtemeier Monument and was informed that $20,000.00 will get an eight or possibly 12 niche columbaria. These can be set up so that you can add on in the future. Flachtemeier works with two different companies for their products. President Mat informed the board that from 2020 to 2024 we sold 55 plots at Highland Cemetery. The Cemetery fund runs a negative balance now with the upkeep of mowing, equipment, retaining wall and road. Board members do not want to make any decision until we find out how many plots are left at the cemetery. The discussion will be tabled for now and reviewed at a later date.

POLICE

Tom noted that we do not have a police chief. There is another person interested in the position.  We also have an individual interested in some part-time hours.  The committee will interview the two persons with the help from Kurt. Committee will decide to hire one or both individuals.

Tom made a motion to approve Fred Cass’s letter of resignation, dated July 9, 2025, as the Pearl City Police Chief and Officer. Motion second by Mike.  Motion carried.

LIQUOR

Old Business

Last month we approved the Kass a Day Benefit. President Mat emailed IDOT requesting to shut down Rt 73 for the Benefit Walk. Our insurance will cover the event and board will need to pass a resolution to shut down the highway for approximately 20 minutes. Dean made a motion to approve a resolution to shut down Rt 73 for 20 minutes only. Motion second by Tom. Motion carried with 3-ayes and 2-nay.

President Mat has received two names for Kirk’s replacement on the board. Noah Liebenstein and Jessie Martin. President Mat would like to wait 60 days before we approve a new candidate. We will vote to approve at the September meeting.

New Business

President Mat informed the board that the village can levy a grocery tax to become effective January 1, 2026. As of January 1, 2026 Governor Pritzker has eliminated the grocery tax. If we wish to recoup the sales tax we will need to pass an ordinance by October 1. Board members have requested to table the discussion until September.

Due to the Labor Day holiday the September meeting will be held Wednesday September 3rd.  

Motion to adjourn at 7:55 by Dean.  Second by Tom. Motion carried.

Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk