City Council

March 11, 2024 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE DWIGHT VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Held in the Public Services Complex 209 South Prairie Avenue, Dwight Illinois March 11, 2024 at 6:30PM President Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:30PM and asked for a roll call. PRESENT: Paul Johnson, Village President; Marla Kinkade, Trustee; Jenny Johnson, Trustee; Brian Berta, Trustee; Pete Meister, Trustee; and Randy Irvin, Trustee ABSENT: Justin Eggenberger, Trustee OTHER Village Officials in Attendance: Crissy Livingston, Village Administrator; Hayden Tjelle, Finance Director; Cory Scoles, Public Works Director; Mike Nolan, Police Chief; Michael Callahan, EMS Chief; and Whitney Scott, Village Clerk The Village Board Minutes from February 26, 2024 were presented for approval. Trustee Irvin made a motion, with a second from Trustee Johnson, to approve the minutes as submitted. Roll call. All voted aye. Motion carries, 5-0. FINANCIAL REPORTS Payment of the March 7, 2024 bills in the amount of $73,134.02 were presented for payment from the various funds. Trustee Irvin made a motion, with a second from Trustee Berta, to pay the bills as submitted. Roll call. All voted aye. Motion carries, 5-0. The January 2024 Treasurer’s Report was presented for review. Trustee Kinkade made a motion, with a second from Truste Meister, to approve the report as submitted. Roll call. All voted aye. Motion carries, 5-0. Village Administrator Livingston presented a request for a fund transfer of $289,969.93 from the General Fund (01) to the Capital Expenditures Fund (38) for the purpose of Capital Outlay. Trustee Irvin made a motion, with a second from Trustee Berta, to approve the fund transfer. Roll Call. All voted aye. Motion carries, 5-0. PUBLIC FORUM Doug Patten, Coordinator of the Dwight Economic Alliance, was in attendance to discuss upcoming DEA Events. Springfest will be held May 4th and 5th, and local restaurants have been invited to set up to showcase their menu offerings. The Board confirmed that existing local businesses would not be required to pay the $50 Food Truck Permit fee for the event. Patten also advised that Buzz the Gut is scheduled for June 22nd from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, and that they’d be asking to close East Main Street starting at 3:00pm to set up for the event. Patten also thanked the Village and the Board for their continued support of the DEA and asked for their consideration in renewing their membership at the same or similar level. He explained that of the previous years’ donations of $25,000, approximately $18,000 is used for the annual fireworks display. Patten stated that they’re up 35 new members from 1 March 11, 2024 last year, 14 have upgraded their membership at least one level, and they continue actively recruiting. Patten confirmed that while the focus is on Dwight local businesses, some area businesses that are providing a service that there is no local competition have joined as well. PRESIDENT’S REPORT President Johnson thanked everyone for their work on the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget. President Johnson stated that several people are upset with the Village that the bowling alley is being sold. He clarified that this is a business transaction that the Village does not have the authority to be involved in. He thanked the Banks family for their many years providing service to the community and urged the community to support local businesses moving forward. Johnson also confirmed that whatever new business came to the space would follow zoning and ordinances. VILLAGE REPORTS Village Administrator Livingston advised that there has been no progress with the insurance claim. She added that Wilmington has also been having several issues with their insurance claim, and there will be changes in the future, but that there can’t be any changes in the middle of the claims process. Livingston shared her excitement for the new budget as well as the recent grants the Village had received. She stated that the West parking lot at Renfrew will be moving quickly, with bids going out soon, and hopes to start in May and be completed by July. Chief Callahan stated that they had received the Zoll cardiac monitors on loan until they can purchase their own, that several crew members are completing training, and that copies of the change orders for the ambulance project were shared with the Board. Chief Nolan stated that the two new recruits are starting week 10, and that he typically gets an update from the commander every few weeks, but this week he’s received emails directly from their instructors stating that they’re both really dialed in and doing well. Nolan advised that Officer Kennedy had submitted his resignation, so now they’ll be down two officers; he’s hopeful they’ll have a candidate to send to the May 5th academy. Chief Nolan extended his thoughts and prayers to the Beier family after a recent incident and advised that Livingston County has been assisting since Detective Beier can’t investigate. Nolan also thanked Livingston for her efforts on the 2024-2025 budget, stating that her insight has been really helpful, and this is the first year he’s understood the budget. Nolan also asked that the community share their recognition and thanks to all the Police, EMS, and Fire and help keep an eye on them; they’ve dealt with some really terrible things lately and it's our responsibility as a whole to help and see that they’re taken care of. Nolan confirmed that there is buy in at the academy level for state and nationwide mental health support resources, and that they’re sharing those resources across the board. Public Works Director Scoles confirmed that the new restrooms would be open in time for the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt and asked the community to help keep an eye out on those; they’ve spent a lot of time and money and would hate to see any vandalism and destruction of the new restrooms. Scoles confirmed that leaf pick up begins April 1, and the guys have started to get the ball fields ready, the scoreboards are in and will be installed March 21st. Scoles also asked the community to have grace, they’re still doing their best with limited equipment. Livingston and President Johnson both confirmed that Public Works has been doing a phenomenal job! Scoles also shared his thanks to Livingston for her efforts on the upcoming budget, and shared a reminder to the community to keep an eye out or all the kids out and about as the weather gets nicer. 2 March 11, 2024 ORDINANCES / RESOLUTIONS Resolution 2024-06 A Resolution to Enter into an Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement with Heritage Corridor Convention and Advisor’s Bureau, regarding a grant for promotion of Route 66 and tourism. The grant awards $250,000.00 towards Dwight EV Parking ($225,000) and Texaco Visitor Center Enhancements ($25,000), with a one-time payment of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to CVB to cover project management costs. Trustee Kinkade made a motion, with a second from Trustee Berta, to approve the Resolution as proposed. Roll call: Johnson (aye), Kinkade (aye), Meister (aye), Berta (aye), Eggenberger (absent), Irvin (aye). Motion carries, 5-0. A COPY OF RESOLUTION 2024-06 IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE CLERK Resolution 2024-07 to Keeley Trust. The 2024 Keeley Trust Resolution providing for the expenditure of the sum of $25,000 for labor to be done and materials furnished in building and repairing sidewalks, alleys, and roads within the Village of Dwight, Illinois, during the calendar year 2025 was submitted for approval Trustee Berta made a motion, with a second from Trustee Meister, to approve the Resolution as proposed. Roll call: Johnson (aye), Kinkade (aye), Meister (aye), Berta (aye), Eggenberger (absent), Irvin (aye). Motion carries, 5-0. A COPY OF RESOLUTION 2024-07 IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE CLERK COMMITTEE MEETINGS Administration & Finance Committee, Monday March 11, 2024 at 5:45pm PRESENT: President Johnson and Trustees Meister, Kinkade, Berta, Johnson, and Irvin Others in Attendance: Public Works Director Scoles, Sewer Operator Tutterow, Village Administrator Livingston, Finance Director Tjelle, Chief Nolan, Chief Callahan, and Village Clerk Scott. President Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:45pm. Livingston presented Ordinance 1801 for review, explaining that the Village has the authority to increase water/sewer rates by 5% and asked if anyone was opposed to the increase for the upcoming Fiscal Year? It was unanimously agreed to increase the rates and will be recommended to the Board for approval at the next meeting along with the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget. Livingston then reviewed the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget in its entirety; explaining salary and technology increases across the Board, as well as noting the need to transfer funds in order to increase capital accounts. Livingston explained that Love’s Travel Stop had successfully challenged their assessment, and the Village will lose $60,000.00 in revenue in TIF 1 for this year. Livingston reviewed all of the upcoming expenses and capital investments by department and answered questions, confirming that the Village would end the year in a good position, completing some much needed maintenance. President Johnson stated that Livingston and Tjelle had done a fantastic job summarizing the funds and expenses and proposed budget for the upcoming year and thanked them and the directors for all of their efforts. With no further business to discuss, it was unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at 6:30PM. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS Kathy Patten, Secretary of Dwight Youth Baseball and Softball, submitted a request for a fencing extension at Field 2 (along Washington St) from Pinto to Mustang level (distance). Patten was in attendance to explain that registration is up to 230+ kids this year, and that they’d need to utilize the Pinto field for Mustang games. She confirmed that they’re working with Public Works and would be covering 3 March 11, 2024 all costs. Trustee Johnson made a motion, with a second from Trustee Meister, to approve the proposed request. Roll call. Johnson (aye), Kinkade (aye), Meister (aye), Berta (aye), Eggenberger (absent), Irvin (abstain). Motion carries, 4-0. Doug Patten, on behalf of DEA, submitted a request to close East Main Street on Saturday June 22, 2024 from 3:00pm until 8:00pm for their annual Buzz the Gut Event. Trustee Berta made a motion, with a second from Trustee Johnson, to approve the Road Closure Request. Roll Call. Johnson (aye), Kinkade (aye), Meister (aye), Berta (aye), Eggenberger (absent), Irvin (abstain). Motion carries, 4-0. Adam Goetsch, on behalf of VFW Post #2608, submitted an application for solicitation for a Bucket Brigade for their annual Buddy Poppy Donation Drive. This will take place May 3rd and 4th, from 8:00am to 3:00pm, at the corner of Route 17 & 47. Trustee Irvin made a motion, with a second from Trustee Johnson, to approve the request. Roll call. All voted aye. Motion carries, 5-0. Eric Frobish, on behalf of Dwight Lion’s Club, submitted a request to reserve the NE Shelter and the East half of Renfrew Park for their annual Easter Egg Hunt. Trustee Kinkade made a motion, with a second from Trustee Johnson, to approve the request. Roll call. All voted aye. Motion carries, 5-0. Officer Kennedy submitted his letter of resignation, effective March 15, 2024. Trustee Irvin made a motion, with a second from Trustee Meister, to approve the resignation as submitted. Roll call. All voted aye. Motion carries, 5-0. Livingston presented a proposal from John’s Service and Sales for the Cast Iron Piping Replacement Project at the Village Complex, totaling $45,799.00. Trustee Kinkade made a motion, with a second from Trustee Meister, to approve the proposed project as quoted. Roll call. All voted aye. Motion carries, 5-0. Livingston presented the hiring of Nicholas Ehrgott, attorney, as a part-time Village Employee, with an salary of $40,000, replacing his hourly rate fee schedule. Trustee Johnson made a motion, with a second from Trustee Kinkade, to approve as proposed. Roll call. All voted aye. Motion carries, 5-0. Finding no further new business, President Johnson asked for a motion to enter into executive session, to discuss 2(c)2 Collective Bargaining. Trustee Irvin made a motion, with a second from Trustee Berta to enter into executive session at 7:30pm. Roll call. All voted aye. Motion carries, 5-0. The Board returned to regular session at 7:37pm with no action items. Finding no further business, President Johnson asked for a motion to adjourn. A motion to adjourn was made by Trustee Berta with a second by Trustee Meister. All voted aye by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:45pm. APPROVED: _______________________________________ Paul Q. Johnson, Village President ATTEST: ____________________________________ Whitney M. Scott, Village Clerk 4