Sangamon Sun

Village of Chatham Committee of the Whole met Feb. 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Attendance

Chairman Gerger

Trustee Chiaro

Trustee Detmers

Trustee Mann

Trustee Scherschel

Absent

Trustee Mau

Mayor Kimsey

Call to Order

Chairman Gerger called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken.

Approval of the Minutes from January 14, 2020

A motion was made by Trustee Detmers and seconded by Trustee Chairo for approval of the January 14, 2020 minutes. Motion was approved unanimously.

Old Business

Update of the Parks Comprehensive Report

Kent Massie from Massie Massie & Associates provided an overview of the draft parks comprehensive report. Mr. Massie explained the purpose of a comprehensive plan. He explained the process of developing the plan. The plan contains goals, an overview of Chatham’s attributes, take-aways and ways to address the park needs of the village for the next 20 years.

The board and Mr. Massie held a discussion on the plan. Topics discussed include the location of the proposed dog park, the concentration of events at South Park, the future for the village to apply for recreational grants and the recommendation to work cooperatively with other units of local government to help address the recreational needs of the village.

Update of Matrix Report

The Matrix Consulting Group completed a performance audit for the Village of Chatham. Allen Pennington with the Matrix Consulting Group gave a presentation on the audit. The audit contains several recommendations within the various village departments. The Board asked several questions regarding the report and its recommendations. Village Manager McCarthy stated that the report contained good ideas and it is a good game plan. After the discussion, it was determined that Mr. Pennington will finalize the report and the report will be given to the board.

New Business

Engineering Update

Village Manager McCarthy provided an update on the following topic:

Chloramines will possibly be added to the water by the end of February.

Village Manager Update

The MFT projects will be completed soon and the repairs in Glenwood Estates will be attempted to be completed by this spring.

Public Property and Recreation Committee Discussion

Trustee Detmers stated that the committee has not met. He did receive concerns over the proposed location of the dog park and shared those comments with the Chair of the committee.

Utility Oversite Committee Discussion

Village Manager McCarthy explained the details on the request from the South Sangamon Water Commission to amend the intergovernmental agreement regarding the issuance of bonds. Trustee Gerger stated that the Committee had several questions regarding the refinancing of the bonds as proposed by the South Sangamon Water Commission. Trustee Gerger asked the general council to look into the ability of the Commission to refinance the bonds over the Village’s objection, whether there is a penalty for early payment of the bonds, provide an independent review of the financial impact of refinancing the bonds and the explanation for the maximum amount listed for refinancing the bonds. Other trustees had a few other questions for the general council to review. The general council indicated that he will have a discussion with the bond council to review the refinancing proposal.

Trustee Gerger also stated that the committee addressed a meter issue that was posted on social media. It was stressed at the committee that customers need to contact the village regarding their concerns.

Discussion on Modifications to Outdoor Café Permits

This issue will need to be reviewed by the Planning Commission. Since this ordinance was approved about two decades ago, a proposal to update the ordinance will be prepared.

Discussion on Transfer of Liquor License of Spartan Park

Village Manager McCarthy informed the board that, due to the transfer of management at Spartan Park, the liquor license will also need to be transferred to the new lease holder.

Adjournment

With no further business, Trustee Scherschel with a second from Trustee Chiaro made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion was unanimously approved by voice vote.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/chatham/Board.nsf/Public