July 7, 2025

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 June meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent, by Dean. Second by Tom. Motion Carried.

Angie made a motion to pay all bills as presented. Motion second by Tim.  Motion carried

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

Maintenance Report

Visitor

Jeff Johnson was present to address the board regarding the Boulevard Bash. This year is our 12th annual Bash and they have donated $166,000.00 in the past eleven years.  Jeff is requesting permission to use the vacant lot next to the Bash for parking and a portion of it for the Children’s activities. Also, extra police presence for the parade and to make walk throughs during the evening/night. The Bash would also like to hold the annual Beer Garden with the alcohol being purchased through Little John’s Tap. Motion was made by Tim to approve the request for the Beer Garden.  Motion second by Tom.  Motion carried.

Carly Tessendorf was present to inform the board of a Cancer Benefit for Kassidy Tessendorf. The benefit is to be held October 4, 2025 and they are requesting approval to have alcohol served.  They will be having activities throughout the day including a walk at 10am ending with a dinner and dance at the fire station. They would like to close a portion of Rt 73 while the walkers are in that area.  President Mat will speak with IDOT since this is a state highway. Motion was made by Dean to approve a Special Use Liquor Permit for Little john’s Tap to supply the alcohol for the event. Motion second by Tom.  Motion carried.

Fran Dole was present to update the board on the cemetery survey. She reported that the surveyor has not gotten back with her.

Tony Kempel was present to update the board on what he found for a Columbarium. Tony showed the board several options from Eichoff Company.  President Mat requested that we find out what the prices will be and need to gauge the interest of the public. Angie noted that she spoke with Lena and they built theirs’ in 2021, which is a 72 niche.  Each niche holds two urns. Their cost was approximately $30,000.00. Today that price would be for a 24-niche unit. The columbarium sits on a cement pad. Lena charges $1000.00 per niche and has sold 15 in the last five years. Angie will get prices for a 24 and 36 niche columbarium from Flachtemeyer and Eichoff Company. We need to find out what we have left for plots and how many we sell in a year. Tony will look to see if he can get any donations to help with the purchase cost.

FINANCE/TIF FINANCE

WATER/SEWER

We have seven late water bills, with two that will be shut off. Rob noted that the mapping of the water services has been uploaded on the WaterRun app. Rob will need to rent the equipment again so that he can map the hydrants and mains.

STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALK

There is a tree that needs to be trimmed by the school. Rob will address this with the homeowner and follow up with a registered letter if needed.

The board needs to pass an ordinance to use the Motor Fuel Tax for salt, street signs, street lights, etc. Tim made a motion to approve the ordinance as written by Fehr Graham.  Motion second by Mike.  Motion carried.

BUILDINGS/GROUNDS

Kirk has resigned his position effective July 1, 2025.  President Mat is requesting names of persons that may be interested in filling the vacant trustee position.

CEMETERY

Angie noted that Lena does not require a head stone/marker on their grave sites. The board members discussed sending letters to find out if intent to put on a marker, amending our current ordinance to not require a head stone. It was moved to table the discussion until the August meeting.

POLICE

Tom noted that he is working with Wayne Gift on being our Police Chief for the village. We have interest with another individual for Police Officer. Tom would like to get a chief hired before we hire officers. Tom made a motion to hire Wayne Gift as Chief, if he wants the position.  Motion second by Dean.  Motion carried.

LIQUOR

Old Business

None noted

New Business

Motion by Dean to go into Executive Session at 8:15pm for the purpose of employee review.  Motion second by Tom.  Motion carried.

Out of Executive session at 8:30pm

We have no update on the status of the Post Office. The Postal Service did send out a mailer to all the residents. There was another person on Main St that will submit his property for review.

We will need to change our August meeting to June 28th.

Motion to adjourn at 8:45 by Tom.  Second by Dean. Motion carried.

Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk