Ashton Board of Trustees met Monday, Dec. 12.
Here are the minutes as provided by Ashton:
Regular Meeting December 12, 2016
The Village of Ashton Board of Trustees met at 7:00 pm on December 12, 2016 in the Village Hall with President Ross presiding. Trustees in attendance were Tom Balch, Hannah Neuenschwander, Tim Henert, Susan Larson, Dean Meurer, and Kevin O’Dell.
Motion was made by Larson, seconded by Henert to approve the October special meeting and the November meeting minutes. Voice votes, 6 ayes - Balch, Neuenschwander, Henert, Larson, Meurer, and O’Dell. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Balch, seconded by Henert to draw upon the treasury to pay the monthly bills, payroll and the additional bills in the amount of $83,705.08. Voice votes 6 ayes - Balch, Neuenschwander, Henert, Larson, Meurer, and O’Dell. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
In New Business Adam Heal, the village insurance representative, presented the insurance renewal which is a locked rate for three years and we are entering year two of the renewal. No changes to the policy have been made but updates to village properties and equipment have been made. The village saved money in police payroll which shows a decrease to workman compensation payments.
Manheim informed the board that he was still sending letters out to homeowners.
Meurer said there was no meeting for economic development, but had heard there was interest of a craft store going in on Main St.
O’Dell reported that with the first snow fall the street department faced challenges of a broken plow and salt spreader, which have been repaired and the crew did a good job of getting the town cleared. They are looking into options for a new salt spreader as it has needed to be replaced for some time. There are a few cracks in the new sidewalk downtown and we will have Willett-Hofmann look into them. Some of the new truck route signs have been put up and we hope they will direct the semi-traffic off of the new streets. Stop signs have also been placed on main St and we will order all-way signs to go underneath of them. Orange flags have also been added to the signs to help people notice them.
T Balch informed the board the committee had met and are putting a plan together for a sewer maintenance program. Balch recommended to the board that an increase to Schaneberg’s pay was in order for his completion of schooling for water testing. When he was hired it was on a salary basis and is now hourly so a $1.00 an hour raise would equate to what had been stated when he was hired. A motion was made by Balch to increase Schaneberg’s pay a $1.00 an hour retroactive to November 15, seconded by Henert. Roll Call vote Balch-Aye, Neuenschwander-Aye, Henert-Aye, Larson-Aye, Meurer- Aye, and O’Dell-Aye. 6-Ayes. 0-Nays. Motion Carried.
Larson reported the park did not have a meeting, but had the movie night on December 3 and did not have a great turnout. The committee has received bids for tables, benches, garbage cans, and playground equipment for the splash pad shelter. Larson would like to submit a Blum grant up to $20,000.00 for these purchases. Motion made by Balch seconded by O’Dell to submit the application to the Blum Foundation for up to $20,000.00 for the equipment. Voice votes 6 ayes - Balch, Neuenschwander, Henert, Larson, Meurer, and O’Dell. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Chief Yater discussed that he had spoken to IDOT about posting signs at the village entrances about the 20 mph speed limit in town and was told that was not something the village could do, so he suggested changing the town ordinance to make this happen and change out the signs as needed in town. The speed sign works very well and the brackets have been hung around town to be able to move the sign.
Clark asked that the Annual Levy Ordinance to be passed as presented at the November meeting. Motion was made by Larson seconded by Henert to pass the Annual Levy Ordinance as presented. Roll Call vote Balch-Aye, Neuenschwander- Aye, Henert-Aye, Larson-Aye, Meurer-Aye, and O’Dell-Aye. 6-Ayes. 0-Nays. Motion Carried.
Ross said the lights for the Mills & Petrie look fantastic and that Dale Tulk did a great job getting the project done.
Crull presented the Ordinance regarding travel, meal, and lodging expenses. A motion was made Henert seconded Larson to pass the ordinance as written. Roll Call vote Balch-Aye, Neuenschwander-Aye, Henert-Aye, Larson-Aye, Meurer-Aye, and O’Dell-Aye. 6-Ayes. 0-Nays. Motion Carried.
Balch made a motion, seconded by Henert to adjourn. Voice votes, 6 ayes - Balch, Neuenschwander, Henert, Larson, Meurer, and O’Dell. Motion carried. 7:55 P.M.
Meghan Clark, Village Clerk
Alerts Sign-up