Sangamon Sun

Village of Jerome Board of Trustees met June 4.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order President Lopez called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm.

Roll Call 

Present: 

President Mike Lopez 

Trustees Kathy DeHart, Leigh Irons, Ralph Irons, Dale Lael, Philip Raftis, Christina Smith 

Clerk Linda Wheeland 

Attorney Jason Brokaw 

Treasurer Steve Roth

Approval of Minutes

May 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes 

A motion was made by Trustee L. Irons to approve the Minutes of the May 21, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees. The motion was seconded by Trustee Smith.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee DeHart, Trustee R. Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L. Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried.

March 5, 2020 Executive Session Minutes

A motion was made by Trustee L. Irons to approve the Minutes of the March 5, 2020 Executive Session of the Board of Trustees. The motion was seconded by Trustee R. Irons.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee De Hart, Trustee R. Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L. Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried.

April 2, 2020 Executive Session Minutes 

A motion was made by Trustee L. Irons to approve the Minutes of the April 2, 2020 Executive Session of the Board of Trustees. The motion was seconded by Trustee R. Irons.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee DeHart, Trustee R, Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L. Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried.

April 16, 2020 Executive Session Minutes 

A motion was made by Trustee L. Irons to approve the Minutes of the April 16, 2020 Executive Session of the Board of Trustees. The motion was seconded by Trustee DeHart.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee DeHart, Trustee R. Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L. Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried.

Approval of Warrant List 21-03 

President Lopez stated that Warrant List 21-03 dated June 4, 2020 totaled $22,373.52. Treasurer Roth added that of this amount $9,747.33 will be paid from the General Revenue Fund, $27.47 will be paid from the 1% Fund, and $12,598.72 will be paid from the Water Fund.

Trustee Smith noted that the first item on the warrant list for a Traverse carrier with Velcro pocket for badge would not be reimbursed by Sergeant Langan, The Village always pays for this item.

A motion was made by Trustee L. Irons to approve Warrant List 21-03 dated June 4, 2020 for a total of $22,373.52. The motion was seconded by Trustee Smith.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee DeHart, Trustee R. Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L, Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried.

Visitors Acknowledgement 

President Lopez opened the Visitors Acknowledgement portion of the meeting at 6:40 pm.

Clerk Wheeland noted that during the time period when remote meetings are being held public comments must be submitted in writing to the Clerk by email or by placing them in the deposit slot outside the office front door by 6:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. She stated that no public comments had been received by 6:00 p.m. today.

This portion of the meeting closed at 6:40 pm.

Presentation of Potential Liquor Licensee Application 

President Lopez chose to address the first item under New Business at this time and introduced Chef Kevin Sullivan.

Mr. Sullivan stated he is the owner of The Barn restaurant at 1501 Wabash Avenue. His restaurant opened about four weeks ago with curbside pickup. He would like to be able to offer alcoholic beverages for his planned breakfast and lunch service and for special events during the year. Serving dinner is not in his current plan but may be looked at down the road. The restaurant will not offer video gaming.

A motion was made by Trustee Lael to approve issuing a liquor license to The Barn. The motion was seconded by Trustee Smith.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee DeHart, Trustee R. Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L. Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried.

Reports from Village Departments

A. Public Health Trustee L. Irons reported the following:

• Several fire pit permits were issued..

• There are still a few yards with issues.

President Lopez suggested Trustee L, Irons contact the Sangamon County Department of Public Health in August to coordinate a flu clinic in the fall.

B. Public Works Trustee Raftis reported the following:

• Public Works staff was able to secure aggregate and emulsion for the Durapatcher; however, the machine blew a seam weld on a compressed air tank and needs to be repaired.

• He received an email from Terry Fountain regarding items related to the lles Avenue grant application including the opportunity to increase the score by providing some matching funds, the need for letters of support from various entities, and the benefit of the project to disadvantaged business enterprises. He will forward the email to Board members.

C. Public Property Trustee DeHart reported the following;

• She left a message with Canham Graphics regarding replacement of the Village welcome signs and Library sign.

• Before the flag can be replaced the trees around the flagpole need to be trimmed. Otherwise, flags will continue to fray. Also, the SMTD buses cannot drive under the trees.

• Some local libraries are providing book pickup this summer for their patrons. That would be difficult at the Jerome Library because there is no inventory of materials. She is considering ways to address this, perhaps by residents making an appointment..

• She received a message that a resident is interested in volunteering for the Village

• She hasn't heard anything about when the park can open. 

• She would like to talk with President Lopez, Trustee Raftis, and Dave Wilkin next week on how to address the concerns of Jose Lopez with speeding traffic on Thayer Avenue,

D. Building & Zoning Trustee Lael reported the following:

• He needs legal guidance on dealing with the contractors working at the new house on Vernon Avenue. They have not gotten contractor permits. The owner of the property will not return his calls. (Attorney Brokaw said he would talk with Trustee Lael about this matter tomorrow.)

• He is dealing with several people installing fences.

E. Public Safety Trustee Smith reported the following:

• The Police Department was very busy this past week. They worked with the Springfield Police Department and Sangamon County Sheriff's Department with the potential for unrest in the City. Chief Estill was monitoring the situation on Sunday and Monday with three of our officers on duty those two evenings working with other area departments.

• Graffiti appeared on the back of the former Shop 'n Save building over the weekend between two police shifts. Officer Albright reported it when he came on duty.

• There have been some complaints from residents about difficulty in reaching our Police Department. She noted that people should call the dispatch number 217-753-6666 to reach an officer. (Trustee DeHart noted that the Village website may contribute to the confusion over what number to call and she suggested it be updated.)

• Officer Brewer has been running traffic studies on lles Avenue and writing warning tickets.

F. Water Department Trustee R. Irons reported the following:

• Six fire hydrants were identified with problems. Dave was able to re-landscape around three of the hydrants so they are the proper height above ground. This cost $240. Two others need to be replaced and one needs parts. CWLP will do the work on these. The FY 21 budget does include addressing these fire hydrants.

G. Village Treasurer Treasurer Roth reported the following:

• We have received no revenues yet in June.

• Checks for the May 21st warrants were mailed out right after that meeting. Payroll was met for May 29th Checks will be mailed out following this meeting. 

• He finally obtained the last of the information needed for the end of the year report and forwarded this to our accounting firm. They are preparing the report rather than the auditors who previously charged extra for this.

• He is sending a list of addresses in the Village to 76 telecom companies to assure we are receiving telecom tax from them.

• He is anticipating a downturn in revenues overall.

• The balances of various accounts are approximately as follows:

> Illinois Funds General Revenue Account - $329,183

> Motor Fuel Tax Fund - $7,998

> INB General Revenue Account - $22,217 

> INB Water Account - $243,494

> 1% Account - $329,741 

> Law Enforcement DUI - $95

> Law Enforcement Vehicle - $169

> Road & Bridge - $17,964 

> Police Equipment Fund - $40 

> Cannabis Fund - $349 

> MFT-Rebuild Illinois -$18,184

Trustee DeHart noted that we currently have a $1,000 credit with CWLP. Since we are on a level payment plan with them the credit could be used during the summer months.

H. Village Clerk Clerk Wheeland stated she had no report.

I. Village Attorney Attorney Brokaw stated he had no report.

J. Village President President Lopez reported the following:

• He has been keeping in contact with Board members over this past week with the protest situation. Our police department is doing an incredible job and there was great collaboration between many departments. 

• Some residents are not happy that the village-wide garage sales have been cancelled. However, the Village cannot sponsor the event under current executive orders of the Governor. Individual garage sales are allowed. 

• The July 4th parade is cancelled. It may be re-scheduled in late summer or fall. 

• Graduates can now enter their information on the Village website and Ben Story will post the information through June 30th 

• The graffiti on the former Shop 'n Save building was painted over today. 

• We need to watch spending and particularly the amount spent on legal services. 

• Three restaurants in Jerome have opened outdoor seating under Phase 3 of the State plan to reopen Illinois. 

• He would like to get a bulletin out in the next few weeks to address the effects of COVID 19 and the cancellation of events. He asked Board members to send ideas for the bulletin to him and the Clerk. 

• He will attempt to obtain sponsorships for the bulletin. He is monitoring the re-opening of the Village office on June 15th. Plexiglass was installed at the payment window.

Old Business 

A. Discussion of Garbage Trucks on West Grand Court 

Attorney Brokaw said he will prepare letters to the garbage companies providing service in the Village to address the damage being done to West Grand Court.

B. Discussion of Food Truck on Property at Chatham Road and Wabash Avenue 

President Lopez confirmed that no further communication has been received on the placement of a food truck in the parking lot at Chatham Road and Wabash Avenue.

Attorney Brokaw explained that currently under Village ordinances food trucks are identified as transient merchants if they are in town for a temporary amount of time in one place. Anyone wishing to place a food truck in Jerome would need to submit a permit application seven days in advance of a Board meeting when it would be discussed. The Village could adopt rules specifically for food trucks.

C. Discussion and Approval of Ordinance 21-05 Amending Section 100.6-7b of the Jerome Village Code Relating to compensatory Time 

Attorney Brokaw explained that at a past meeting Treasurer Roth had raised the issue of the liability and inconsistency among departments of comp time. This ordinance makes comp time accumulation limited to one week's time, uniform for all employees, and requires approval of the trustee over the department.

Treasurer Roth expressed his concern with the effect on the budget of allowing 40 hours of comp time accumulation. He preferred 20 hours which would keep the liability at a minimum. He advised trustees to keep in mind the comp time liability when monitoring their budgets.

It was noted that under the previous union contract police officers could accumulate up to 120 hours. The Village ordinance currently allows employees to accumulate up to 80 hours.

A motion was made by Trustee L. Irons to approve Ordinance 21-05 amending Section 100.6 7b of the Jerome Village Code relating to compensatory time. The motion was seconded by Trustee R. Irons.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee DeHart, Trustee R. Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L. Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried.

New Business

A. Presentation of Potential Liquor Licensee Application This item was addressed earlier in the meeting.

Proclamation Declaring and Continuing State of Local Disaster 

President Lopez chose to address the fifth item under New Business at this time.

A motion was made by Trustee L. Irons to approve a proclamation declaring and continuing a state of local disaster. The motion was seconded by Trustee Smith.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee DeHart, Trustee R. Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L. Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried.

Discussion and Approval of Extending Suspension of Utility Disconnections Consistent with ICC Request to Municipal Utilities

President Lopez chose to address the fourth item under New Business at this time.

Attorney Brokaw explained that the Illinois Commerce Commission had requested municipal utilities to continue the practice of suspending utility disconnections consistent with the provisions of the Governor's executive order for public utilities.

A motion was made by Trustee R. Irons to approve extending the temporary waiver of water shutoffs to August 6, 2020. The motion was seconded by Trustee Smith.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee DeHart, Trustee R. Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L. Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried.

B. Discussion and Approval of Hiring a Water Clerk 

Trustee R. Irons reported that Betsy Buttell would be leaving the position of Water Clerk sometime in June. Diane Ahern, who held that position previously, is interested in coming back.

A motion was made by Trustee R. Irons to approve hiring Diane Ahern as Water Clerk at $14.00 an hour starting on June 8, 2020. The motion was seconded by Trustee Smith.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee DeHart, Trustee R. Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L. Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried.

C. Discussion and Approval of Adding a Part-Time Police Officer 

This item was addressed after executive session.

D. Discussion and Approval of Extending Suspension of Utility Disconnections Consistent with ICC Request to Municipal Utilities 

This item was addressed earlier in the meeting.

E. Proclamation Declaring and Continuing State of Local Disaster This item was addressed earlier in the meeting.

Executive Session

A motion was made by Trustee Lael to go into Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of a specific employee or legal counsel for the public body (5 İLCS 120/2(c)(1)); minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act for purposes of approval by the Body (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21)); and security procedures and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8)). Trustee R. Irons seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee DeHart, Trustee R. Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L. Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried.

The Board went into Executive Session at 7:44 pm.

The Board returned from Executive Session at 8:13 pm.

Clerk Wheeland called the roll. 

Present: 

President Mike Lopez 

Trustees Kathy DeHart, Leigh Irons, Ralph Irons, Dale Lael, Philip Raftis, Christina Smith 

Clerk Linda Wheeland 

Attorney Jason Brokaw 

Treasurer Steve Roth

Discussion and Approval of Adding a Part-Time Police Officer 

A motion was made by Trustee Smith to approve hiring Corey Reynolds and Derek Hull as part time police officers at $17.00 an hour. The motion was seconded by Trustee Irons.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee De Hart, Trustee R. Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L. Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried.

Adjournment

A motion was made by Trustee L. Irons to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Trustee R. Irons.

Róll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Lael, Trustee DeHart, Trustee R. Irons, Trustee Smith, Trustee L. Irons, Trustee Raftis

The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm.

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