Village of Hinckley Board met Oct. 22.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
CALL BOARD MEETING TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order by Village President Nelson at 7:00 PM. Roll call was taken showing the following:
Present: Trustees Mike Constant, Tim Sellers, Jeff Nier, Louis Manivong, Chuck Riforgiate, and Jeff Gordon. Quorum Established.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Village Clerk Elizabeth Losiniecki, Treasurer Maroo, Attorneys Kristine Gibbons, Chief
Everhart, Sabrina Geroulis, Chris Ott (EEI) and Members of the Public. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The pledge to the flag was recited.
PUBLIC COMMENT on Agenda Items Scheduled for Action Only
Resident Steven Kreitzer commented regarding the Park Program. He stated that it was one of the reasons he chose to move to Hinckley. He stated that eliminating leaf pick up and the parks program will not pay off the debt. He is a member of the Harvesting Our Future Team and would like to see the Village investigate alternative solutions.
Resident Dave Maroo commented regarding the Park Program. He stated that the Park Program was not originally set up as a money maker. It was intended as a source of learning, community and fun. He suggested not eliminating the program until an alternative is identified.
Guest Presentation by Mim Evans and Norm Walzer of NIU Center for Governmental Studies
Ms. Evans presented an overview of the initiative and the report that was provided to the Board of Trustees. She stated that Mike Constant, Danielle Marion and Joan Umano comprised the leadership team and that they had met several times, in small and large groups, to formulate fluid, changeable plans. She stated that there will be an Open House in November to present the findings to the public.
Agenda item for discussion/approval: Harvesting Our Future Plan
Trustee Constant stated that a lot of work from a lot of community members had gone into the effort and that he is very enthusiastic about the initiative. Mr. Constant moved to approve the Harvesting Our Future Plan, as presented and Mr. Gordon seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Gordon-Aye, Riforgiate-Aye, Manivong-Aye, Nier-Aye, Sellers-Aye, Constant-Aye. Motion carried. Trustee Constant thanked Village President Nelson and the Board of Trustees for the implicit agreement to move forward with the next phase of the grant process. President Nelson thanked Mr. Constant, Joan Umano and Danielle Marion for all of the hard work and success.
General Business
Agenda item for discussion/approval: 10/08/18 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
Trustee Constant moved to approve the minutes as presented and Trustee Manivong seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Gordon-Aye, Riforgiate-Aye, Manivong-Aye, Nier-Aye, Sellers-Aye, Constant- Aye. Motion carried.
Agenda item for discussion/approval: Payment of Invoices Due
Trustee Nier stated that the weed spraying at the sludge storage building had been done by Chemwise for $65.00. Mr. Nier moved to approve the invoices as presented and Trustee Riforgiate seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Gordon-Aye, Riforgiate-Aye, Manivong-Aye, Nier-Aye, Sellers- Aye, Constant-Aye. Motion carried.
• President’s Report
Agenda item for discussion/approval: Building Inspection Company
Attorney Gibbons handed out a letter to the Board of Trustees for review. The letter will be sent to ICCI requesting an amendment to the contract. It will implement fees to be paid to the Village for permits issued. Discussion followed regarding fees, ordinances and permit applications. Consensus was reached among Trustees to have Attorney Gibbons send the letter.
Agenda item for discussion/approval: Tree Replacement
Village President Nelson stated that she had received a request from a resident that wants to plant a tree in the parkway. The resident would pay for the tree, selected from the approved tree list, but is asking for the Village to dig the hole. Discussion followed regarding type of tree, number of trees, formal policy, time of year, etc. Trustee Gordon stated that he felt that it may be a liability for the Village. After further discussion, Trustee Constant moved to approve having the Public Works department plant trees in the parkway that are purchased by residents. Trustee Manivong seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Gordon-Nay, Riforgiate-Aye, Manivong-Aye, Nier-Aye, Sellers-Nay, Constant-Aye. Motion carried.
Agenda item for discussion/approval: 181 Ray Street to build cover over stoop
President Nelson stated that the resident at 181 Ray Street had been dealing with ICCI regarding the placement of a roof extension over their existing front porch stoop. The resident had expressed confusion and frustration with the building inspection company and the delays in the permitting process. Ms. Nelson stated that she had had Trustee Riforgiate review the request and he had stated that it was okay for the work to be done. President Nelson stated that, as zoning official for the Village, she was giving her approval for the work to be permitted. Trustee Riforgiate stated that the overhang cannot exceed the encroachment and that any questions that the resident has regarding the construction should be directed to him (Riforgiate).
Agenda item for discussion/approval: Revised Creekside Composting quote
President Nelson stated that Creekside Composting had come out to deliver the dumpster and discovered that our loader cannot reach over the top to load leaves. They will have to use a different sized dumpster, which will cost more money. Instead of a cost of $6.50/CY, the cost will be $9.00/CY. This amounts to approximately $2100.00 in additional cost per year. Trustee Constant pointed out that it is $2500.00 more than dumping at Royal Estates. Trustee Manivong moved to approve the revised Creekside Composting contract and Trustee Gordon seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Gordon-Aye, Riforgiate-Aye, Manivong-Aye, Nier-Aye, Sellers-Aye, Constant-Aye. Motion carried.
Report of Officers, Trustees and Department Heads
• Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Maroo presented the monthly Treasurer’s report and stated that 97% of the property tax money had already been collected.
• Attorney’s Report
Attorney Gibbons stated that she is working on the Building Code Ordinance, and two other ordinances, for the next meeting. She also stated that the ICCI letter will be sent tomorrow.
• Engineer’s Report
Chris Ott stated that the road work should come in around $80,400.00. He said that Michelle Piotrowski (EEI) met with Trustee Nier regarding the water tower and that the project should go out to bid next month. Once the project is secured, she will come out to present to the Board of Trustees.
• Chief of Police
Chief Everhart stated that the new vehicle is here and out on the road. New “ghost” graphics were added. She advised residents to be sure to keep their leaves and brush out of the road. Trustee Sellers asked how the new radios were working out and Chief Everhart stated that they would not be installed and in use until January, 2019. Trustee Constant asked if the radios have already been paid for and Everhart stated that the County required payment in September, 2018.
• Parks & Recreation
Sabrina Geroulis stated that preparations are underway for the Royal Warrior Challenge and that 84 Lumber had donated lumber. The first park program on-line payment was received successfully and there will be a new dance and tumbling instructor starting.
• Water & Sewer
° Agenda Item for Discussion/Approval: Tri-R Electric Repair to failed WWTP blower #3 – not to exceed $1000.00
Trustee Nier stated that one of the air blowers at the WWTP had failed and needed to be replaced. This is for $300.00 in parts and three hours labor, not to exceed $1000.00. After a brief discussion regarding other options, Trustee Nier moved to approve the repair to the blower, not to exceed $1000.00 and Trustee Sellers seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Gordon-Aye, Riforgiate-Aye, Manivong-Aye, Nier-Aye, Sellers-Aye, Constant-Aye. Motion carried.
• Public Works
President Nelson stated that Joe Moore is on vacation all week and that leaf pick-up will begin on October 29, 2018. Chris Ott asked if the stone and gravel restoration work had been completed and Trustee Sellers stated that it had.
Village President Nelson stated that the Buildings, Grounds and Parks Committee report would come next on the agenda.
Committee Reports
° Buildings, Grounds & Parks
Trustee Sellers stated that the park program has been struggling due to a variety of reasons, including building availability, difficulty with some instructors, and library and community building staff. He stated that the new Park Program Coordinator and Park Advisory Board are trying to find solutions but that, “parks money disappears into the general fund, never to be seen again.” He suggested that Hinckley consider creating a park district and Gene Nehring, from Big Rock, would be a good resource. He suggested that the Park Program is coming into the slow season and that the Park Board and Board of Trustees needed to take time to consider whether to cut the whole thing or go status quo with unsuccessful programs. Discussion followed regarding establishment of a park district and what other local groups could step in for the Christmas tree lighting. Trustee Sellers mentioned the Lions Club and Boosters as possibilities. Trustee Constant asked what the role of the Board of Trustees is in this going forward and Trustee Sellers suggested that the Village could pay for or contribute toward the legal fees associated with establishing a park district. Trustee Constant stated that he felt that this is a cop-out. He said that, in his opinion, something is broken and rather than putting forth an effort to fix it, we’re just throwing it out. Trustee Riforgiate stated that the Village gave life to this program, maintained it, and is responsible for it. It can’t just be dropped. He stated that this is like leaf pick-up – a core service. He stated that more credible information was needed and that not enough information was provided. He stated that he hasn’t seen any financial reports and won’t vote without more information. Trustee Sellers provided Mr. Riforgiate with financial reports for park program income and expenses. After additional discussion, with Trustees Riforgiate and Constant asking for more information to be made available, it was agreed to table the discussion until January, 2019.
° Personnel
No report.
° Harvesting Our Future
Report already provided.
° Finance & Economic Development
Trustee Constant stated that the first payment from the 1% sales tax increase had been received. He stated that the money will be put into a separate account. Village President Nelson stated that the money has to be put into a separate account, as per the language on the ballot.
Agenda item for discussion/approval: An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2018 and Ending April 30, 2019
Trustee Constant stated that this is an annual filing with the County asking for a 3.5% increase and that the truth in taxation form will also be filed. Trustee Constant moved to approve the Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2018 and ending April 30, 2019. Trustee Nier seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Gordon-Aye, Riforgiate-Aye, Manivong-Aye, Nier-Aye, Sellers-Aye, Constant-Aye. Motion carried.
Village President Nelson reiterated that the referendum language on the ballot stated that the money would be completely separate. The money is not to go into the general fund and that she wants it completely separate.
° Public Safety
No report.
° Streets & Alleys None.
° Water & Sewer None.
Public Comment:
Joan Umano thanked the Board of Trustees for approving the Harvesting Our Future Plan and handed out invitations to the Community Meeting to be held on November 13, 2018 at the Community Building at 7pm.
Resident Jim Freeland asked if each department has a separate budget and President Nelson answered that anything over $500.00 has to have approval from the Board of Trustees.
Building owner Tom Kindler commented regarding an incident he had with the Village President over repairs he is doing to his building. He stated that the building had been placed into a trust for the Hinckley Historical Society and the Hinckley Public Library, transferrable upon his death. However, after being harassed by the Village President, he changed the trust to revoke the building.
Resident Larry Menz inquired regarding the actual costs to the Village for the Park Program. He stated that Oak Street is rough after being newly black topped. He asked what the amount was of the first check from the 1% sales tax and Village Clerk Losiniecki stated that is was approximately $7282.00. Mr. Menz asked if that was monthly or quarterly and Trustee Constant stated that it appeared to be monthly.
Resident Rob Zimmerman asked who would be digging the holes for trees in the parkway purchased by residents and President Nelson stated that it would be the Public Works department. Mr. Zimmerman also requested a copy of the train quiet zone study from EEI that was done a few years ago. He also suggested that the contracts for the parks program instructors needed to be reviewed.
Resident Abby Myer stated that she is seeking proper permitting information from ICCI regarding the coffee truck located in the parking lot of the Brown Pub.
Open Discussion:
Trustee Sellers stated that he received an email from Lakeshore Recycling seeking notification of vacant properties and commercial buildings that should not be receiving a bill for garbage pick-up. Clerk Losiniecki explained that the Village is not necessary informed when properties become vacant but that the information could be shared with Lakeshore if it is available.
ADJOURMENT
Motion: Trustee Nier moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 PM. Trustee Gordon seconded the motion. Voice Vote: All members voted yes. Motion carried.
The next Regular Meeting of the Village Board is scheduled for November 12, 2018.
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