Sangamon Sun

Village Board of Pleasant Plains met April 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Village Board of Pleasant Plains met in a regular session on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., at the Village Hall. President Darrell Duey Blair called the meeting to order and roll call was recorded: Mike Huber present Elizabeth Rollins present William Riggins, Jr present Scott Flanigan present Tim Robinson present Wayne Heideman present

President Darrell Duey Blair declared a quorum present.

Staff Present: Darrell Duey Blair, President; Carl Draper, Attorney; Judy Reiser, Village Clerk; Dave Stewart, Water Superintendent; Brad Hermes, Acting Street Superintendent; Kevin Kesselring, Chief of Police

Visitor(s): Greta Myers, Representative Michael Murphy, Rachael Price

The Pledge of Allegiance Prayer Roll Call

Minutes were reviewed for the regular board meeting of March 12, 2019. A motion was made by Trustee Wayne Heideman to approve the minutes with requested corrections. Trustee Scott Flanigan seconded this motion. President Darrell Duey Blair declared the motion carried by a unanimous aye vote.

Minutes were reviewed for the regular board meeting of March 19, 2019. A motion was made by Trustee Tim Robinson man to approve the minutes with requested corrections. Trustee Bill Riggins, Jr. seconded this motion. President Darrell Duey Blair declared the motion carried by a unanimous aye vote.

Citizen Recognition: Representative Michael Murphy addressed the Board. He is the State Representative for the 99th District. Representative Murphy stated there are rumors of a potential capitol bill. The last capital bill was nine years ago. If there are issues that are hazardous to the people of Pleasant Plains and the Village would like state assistance, we should write a simple

request to him which includes the importance and potential costs of the proposed work. However, funds will be on a first come first serve basis. If the Board is interested in applying for financial assistance, they need to get their request into Representative Murphy “sooner rather than later”. The priority will be health and safety issues, followed by deferred maintenance and then new projects.

Rachel Price of the Parent Teacher Club at Farmingdale Elementary School, asked the Board’s permission to launch a new initiative during National Volunteer Week. “Farmingdale Weekend of Service” which teaches third and fourth graders about what it means to be a good citizen by having them participate in volunteering work with their parents and other supervising adults. A few events have been scheduled and they would like to add “Plains Spring Clean” on Sunday, April 14th 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. They will bring their own supplies and will rake, cut shrubs, pick up liter, etc. In the event of inclement weather another date will be set. The Board gave their approval.

Treasurer’s Report: In the Treasurer’s absence the Board reviewed the treasurer’s report. Trustee Scott Flanigan made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report. Trustee Tim Robinson seconded this motion. President Darrell Duey Blair called for a roll call vote.

Ayes: Tim Robinson, Bill Riggins, Jr., Scott Flanigan, Wayne Heideman 

Nays: N/A 

Abstain: N/A 

Absent: Elizabeth Rollins, Mike Huber 

President Blair declared the motion carried by a roll call vote.

Payment of Bills: Bill were reviewed and Trustee Tim Robinson made a motion to accept as presented. Trustee Bill Riggins, Jr. seconded this motion. President Darrell Duey Blair called for a roll call vote.

Ayes: Wayne Heideman, Scott Flanigan, Bill Riggins, Jr., Tim Robinson 

Abstain: N/A

Absent: Mike Huber, Elizabeth Rollins 

President Blair declared the motion carried by a roll call vote.

It was agreed after the new board has been sworn in, a budget meeting will be scheduled.

Water Customer Issues: Kip Leverton sent a note to the Board asking that anything over this usual sewer charges be waived due to a leak. The Water Superintendent did confirm the leak. Trustee Scott Flanigan. made a motion to waive sewer charges over and above his average cost of $l12.65. Trustee Tim Robinson seconded this motion. President Darrell Duey Blair called for a roll call vote.

Ayes: Tim Robinson, Bill Riggins, Jr., Scott Flanigan, Wayne Heideman 

Nays: N/A 

Abstain: N/A

Absent: Elizabeth Rollins, Mike Huber 

President Blair declared the motion passed by a roll call vote.

Water Department: Water Superintendent Dave Stewart advised the Board even though he is retiring May 1st he will still be around to assist as needed as long as he will be reimbursed for his services, but does not want to be obligated to work for the village on a daily basis.

Street Department: Brad Hermes, Acting Street Superintendent, was in attendance. Hermes was temporarily hired on March 15th, as the Street Superintendent, however May 1st he will become the new Commissioner of Public Works. This position will include overseeing the water, sewer and streets departments. Brad is a native of Waverly, however has lived in Pleasant Plains and has a varied background working in agriculture, Department of Defense, and the State of Illinois. He has also worked closely with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for the past nine years. First three weeks was spent primarily with Dave getting familiar with the water and sewer plants schedules and testing. The last week has been in the streets shop familiarizing himself with the equipment, doing some housekeeping, etc. There are problems with the Simplicity mower which will prevent it from being used as a mower, but it can be used for spraying, etc. The ex-mark’s blades were sharpened and oil changed so it’s ready to go. The most important is to get in compliance with IEPA and the CFRs for handling hazmat. A list of a few things needed is an oil barrel, funnel, spill containment pallet, a small corrosive locker, flam locker needs to be updated as well as the MSDS, etc. Right now, it appears altogether the cost would be around $600-$700. Just need time to get the paperwork done and everything in compliance. Trustee Bill Riggins, Jr., asked Brad to get his needs list together for the budget meeting. There is no guarantee he will get everything on his list but it will be reviewed. They would like to have years of equipment and costs for replacement. Mayor Blair added that if a new riding mower is needed and things like that to put this on the list as well. Brad states he will be talking with Mike McEvers, from Benton, regarding the street’s projects and MFT.

Police Department: Chief Kesselring states he received a resignation text from Officer Allison. Officer Ollech has taken additional hours. No additional officers will be hired at this time. Kevin said he has been in touch with Joe Lee and is still interested in obtaining the security cameras. Kevin states the price has not gone up therefore the current bid between $2800-$4800 is still in effect. He has been renewing golf cart permits. The tobacco law changes July 1st, where you must be 21 to purchase cigarettes so our ordinance will need to be updated. Chief Kesselring had an inquiry about getting a temporary golf cart permit that can be used in test driving golf carts. It was the Board’s decision that if this is for a business then the resident needs to make sure he is in compliance with the zoning ordinance. At this time the request is being denied. A resolution adopting affirmation of ten shared principles between The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Illinois Chief of Police Association was presented for a vote.

A motion to adopt the resolution of the ten shared principles between the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Illinois Chief of Police Association was made by Trustee Wayne Hiedeman and seconded by Trustee Scott Flanigan. President Darrell Duey Blair called for a roll call vote.

Ayes: Wayne Heideman, Scott Flanigan, Bill Riggins, Jr., Tim Robinson 

Abstain: N/A

Absent: Mike Huber, Elizabeth Rollins 

President Blair declared the motion carried by a roll call vote.

Chief Kesselring advised the new business of Inclusion City Shop has put in a drive-up window on the south side of the building and a concern for traffic in the alley promoted a request for making the alley or at least part of the alley one-way for safety reasons. It was decided by the Board to wait until the business opens to determine the necessity of an ordinance to identify the alley as one- way.

Village Clerk Report: After failure to comply regarding a citation that is now approaching two years the Board has instructed our attorney, Carl Draper, to revert back to the original $2,000 fine and to file a judgment if payment is not received.

Security Cameras: On hold until budget meetings.

Water Tower: Attorney Draper has been in contacted with Brandt’s attorney, Lee Allen. Brandt’s will sell a parcel of land to the Village for $1. An appropriate deed will be written that the property would revert back to the original owner if the property is not used for a water tower within a reasonable time.

Personnel Policy: Previous instructions for reviewing the personnel manual is tabled until next month. (Board members are encouraged to make a list of changes they would like to see implemented and e-mail them to Judy so one master list can be reviewed by the Personnel Committee. Suggestions for changes will be discussed at a board meeting. After all suggestions have been collected the Benefits and Salary Committee will meet to review and bring the personnel policy up to date. Chairman Trustee Scott Flanigan and committee members will review prior to it going to the Board for review and then to the attorney for final review.

Ordinance No. 19-008 Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment. The only change in this ordinance is the state law changing the number of days to file an alleged harassment incident to the Illinois Department of Human Rights from 180 days to 300 days. Trustee Wayne Heideman made a motion to adopt this amendment to the ordinance that corrects the policy that the 180-day reference has been changed to 300. Trustee Scott Flanigan seconded this motion. President Darrell Duey Blair called for a roll call vote.

Ayes: Tim Robinson, Bill Riggins, Jr., Mike Huber, Scott Flanigan, Wayne Heideman 

Nays: N/A 

Abstain: N/A 

Absent: Elizabeth Rollins 

President Blair declared the motion carried by a roll call vote.

Ordinance No. 19-009 This ordinance cleans up a number of personnel issues. Section 1. Repeals an old section of all provisions of appointment a Superintendent of Water. The Commissioner of Public Works will replace this position. Section 2. repeals the provisions of appointment a Superintendent of Streets. The Commissioner of Public Works will replace this position. Appointive Offices Qualifications indicate no person shall be eligible for any appointive municipal office unless that person is a qualified elector of the municipality or otherwise provided by law. The residency requirements do not apply, however, to municipal engineers, the Commissioner of Public Works, Chief of Police, health officers, attorneys, or other officers who require technical training or knowledge, to appointment village treasurers, or to appointment village collectors (unless the Village has designated by ordinance that the Village Clerk shall also hold the office of

collector). (See 65ILCS Sec.5/3.1-10-6). Section 3. Creates a new office of Commissioner of Public Works. The commissioner shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Board of Trustees for a term of one (1) year. The Commissioner shall have charge of the operation and maintenance of the municipal streets, the municipal water and sewer distribution system; and all other matters relating to any public utilities in the Village. All officers and employees assigned to the Streets and/or Water and Sewer Departments shall perform their duties subject to the orders and under the supervision of the Commissioner. Section 4. Outlines the necessity of the Municipality reimbursing employees for out of pocket expense for expenses incurred in the course of employment with the Village in compliance with the Reimbursement of Employee Expenses to the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. All expenses must be for expenses approved in compliance with the Village of Pleasant Plains Expense Policy adopted simultaneously herewith. Section 5. Outlines the line of authority. The Commissioner of Public Works and the Chief of Police are supervised by various committees of the Board. Each committee reports the activities of its department to the Village Board. 11-1-11 Overtime- this was brought up to date, also adding that overtime is not payable to any employee who is exempt under federal or Illinois Minimum wage and hour laws. 11-1-18 A Personal Policy Manual will outline fringe benefits and will be amended from time to time. All employees shall be delivered a copy of this manual. Section 6. Established the Public Works Department succeeds to the rights and obligations of the former Street Department and Water and Sewer Department. The Committee on Streets shall exercise a general supervision over the affairs concerning streets and alleys. Section 7. Outlines the duties of the Commissioner of Public Works. Trustee Bill Riggins, Jr. made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 19-009 repealing the Street Department, Water and Sewer Department and establishing the Commissioner of Public Works position and Public Works Department to replace those departments. Trustee Scott Flanigan seconded this motion. President Darrell Duey Blair called for a roll call vote.

Ayes: Wayne Heideman, Scott Flanigan, Mike Huber, Elizabeth Rollins, Bill Riggins, Jr., Tim Robinson 

Abstain: N/A 

Absent: N/A 

President Blair declared the motion carried by a roll call vote.

Personnel Committee met last week conducting interviews for the Public Works Laborer position.

Trustee Bill Riggins, Jr. made a motion to go into executive session to discuss personnel issues. Trustee Mike Huber seconded the motion. Meeting went into executive session at 8:26 p.m.

Returned to regular session at 8:35 p.m.

Trustee Scott Flanigan made a motion to approve Jason Dumonceaux as the new Public Works Laborer, annual salary of $36,000, with health insurance benefits at 80/20 and 2% of his salary up to $50 per month being matched by the Village for a retirement program through Amundi Pioneer. Trustee Tim Robinson seconded this motion. President Darrell Duey Blair called for a roll call vote.

Ayes: Wayne Heideman, Scott Flanigan, Mike Huber, Elizabeth Rollins, Bill Riggins, Jr., Tim Robinson 

Abstain: N/A 

Absent: N/A 

President Blair declared the motion carried by a roll call vote.

Announcement:

There being no further business, Trustee Tim Robinson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was second by Bill Riggins, Jr. The motion was passed by voice vote. President Darrell Duey Blair declared the meeting adjourned by a unanimous aye vote at 8:55 p.m.

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