Sangamon Sun

Village Board of Pleasant Plains met June 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Village Board of Pleasant Plains met in a special village board meeting at 6:00 p.m. President Craig Held called the meeting to order and roll call was recorded:

Tim Robinson present Mike Huber present William Riggins, Jr present Scott Flanigan present Wayne Heideman present Mike Long absent

President Craig Held declared a quorum present.

Staff Present: Craig Held, President

Judy Reiser, Village Clerk

Roll Call

Minutes were reviewed for the special public hearing and a motion was made by Trustee Mike Huber to accept the minutes as presented. This motion was seconded by Trustee Wayne Heideman. President Craig Held declared the motion carried by a unanimous aye vote.

Public Recognition: Jane Rushford, MECO Engineering

Jane discussed our application for a public infrastructure grant under the Rebuild Illinois program through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DECO) to assist with the cost of the new water tower. We are requesting $1,275,000 to be used to construct a new 250,000 gallons elevated water tower/replacement of high service pumps at the water treatment plant, as well we the demolition of the existing 50,000 gallons water tower and adjacent 150,000 gallon clear-well that was constructed in 1956. This grant application will be filed this week. There was a Fast Track version of this grant however funding ran out prior to the application’s due date. Additional financial avenues were discussed such as, the State Revolving Fund through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, private financial institutions, etc. Jane felt if we do go through IEPA Revolving Fund the water rates will need to be raised 25%. She stated we do not qualify for a debt forgiveness or for a 30 year loan. It would be only for 20 years. Jane also indicated there was a new Rolling Fund Grant she just heard about today. She indicated this grant is connected to Covid and after she learns more about it and her superiors have reviewed the particulars she will explain to us. Jane will keep moving forward.

The purpose of this meeting is to adopt Resolution 21-01 to commit local funds of 1% infrastructure tax, if needed, to back up our share for the water tower project; if we get the grant. Motion to accept Resolution 21-01 to commit local funds towards the cost of the water tower in conjunction with any available grants and/or public funding was presented by Trustee Bill Riggins, Jr. Trustee Mike Huber seconded this motion. President Craig Held called for a roll call vote.

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

Nays: N/A 

Abstain: N/A

Absent: Mike Long President Held declared the motion carried by a roll call vote.

Trustee Scott Flanigan expressed his concerns regarding the lack of progress MECO has made searching for financial assistance. He had the impression this process was started over a year ago. Jane Rushford will pass his concerns on to Max.

There being no further business, Trustee Scott Flanigan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was second by Trustee Tim Robinson. The motion was passed by voice vote. Mayor Held declared the meeting adjourned by a unanimous aye vote at 6:34 p.m.

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