September 3, 2025

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

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

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

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

No transfer of funds needed.

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

Maintenance Report

Rob was not available for the meeting, but had several questions he needed answers from. He wanted to know how long he could keep Lucas Tichler working.  The board determined to keep him if he is needed. Fran Dole would like to see post and survey corners and maybe a chain rope to signify the property line now that the survey is complete. The trees are not on our property. Fran will speak with the property owner and see if they want the property back or have the village buy the extra land. Rob can have Fehr Graham update the cemetery map. Rob can have Stephan Electric fic the street light wiring on the downtown poles.

Rob will need to get a quote to slope the creek bank.

Cracks in the streets on the North side, Rob is to use crack fill for now. The board did not feel we should do a skim coat on the streets and we could flag those streets for summer maintenance for 2026.

VISITORS

Fran Dole was present to inform the board that the cemetery property has been surveyed. (Discussed under the Maintenance section)

FINANCE/TIF FINANCE

No report

WATER/SEWER

No report

STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALK

President Mat informed the board that IDOT has approved the permit to close Rt 73 for 20 minutes during the Kass A Day Benefit walk. Will have Tom speak with the Police for coverage and with Rob for barricades.

BUILDINGS/GROUNDS

No report

CEMETERY

It was determined that we have 40 full lots left at the cemetery, which is 160 single plots. On average we sell 12 plots per year, which will give the village at least 13 years of available plots. At this point, the board has determined to table any further discussion regarding a Columbarium. The committee will make a recommendation next month on plot price increases and the possibility of selling single plots.

POLICE

The committee has interviewed for the Police Chief position. Kurt has informed the committee that he would now be interested in the Chief position.

Of the 3 candidates 1 said they would not want patrol hours, 1 will take patrol hours but cannot start until December and 1 will do hours and can start anytime. Dean made a motion to recommend Kurt Schnor as Police Chief and extend patrol hours to Sidney now and to Geraud in December.  Motion second by Angie. Roll Call vote as follows: Tim-yes, Dean-yes, Mike-yes, Angie-yes.  Let the record show 4-yes, 0-no and 1-absent.

LIQUOR

Old Business

President Mat had sent a letter to the homeowner regarding the dangerous tree limb and stated they had 2 weeks to have it removed or the village would have it done and charge them. President Mat was advised that it would be trimmed this week.

President Mat would like to bring Noah Liebenstein’s name for discussion and vote to fill the vacant trustee position. All board members voted aye. President Mat will get in touch with Noah.

The water connection for the coffee trailer at Hometown Motors has been installed. The bill will be sent to Coe Kempel.

 The Historical Society has presented a bill to the board for the new hand rails. The bill was for a total of $4,000.00 for the rails and installation. Dean made a motion to pay the whole bill and to pay it from the Public Benefit fund.  Motion second by Tim.  Motion carried. President Mat informed the board that he attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new building and that there was a good crowd.

After a brief discussion the Grocery Tax was tabled and we will not impose it for 2026.

New Business

Rob noted that there is now a new slurry mix that can be used on the roads.  We will speak with Fehr Graham about this option for our next street maintenance.

We did not hear any feedback regarding the Boulevard Bash.

Mike Mudge from Rock River Energy sent the village information regarding the participation in a community solar farm for our pumping accounts. This program is a “no cost” to the village. Mike stated we would qualify for a 15% reduction that would equate to about $2500 per year in savings.

Tim made a motion to sign up with the Community Solar with the option to discontinue at any time and not be locked into a long-term contract. Motion second by Dean.  Motion carried.

Permission granted to Fred and Earlene to stay at the campground for the month of September.

President Mat had a citizen requesting the welcome signs on the North/South end of town be cleaned up. 

It was suggested that we add mural to the solid wall on the lift station. 

 Motion to adjourn at 8:15 by Angie.  Second by Tim. Motion carried.

Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk