Sangamon Sun

Village of Jerome Board of Trustees Met April 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

President Lopez called the meeting of the Village of Jerome Board of Trustees to order at 6:30 pm.

Pledge of Allegiance

President Lopez led all those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call

Clerk Cave called the roll:

Trustee Lael

Trustee DeHart

Trustee Ralph Irons

Trustee Smith

Trustee Leigh Irons

Trustee Raftis

President Lopez

Attorney Brokaw

Treasurer Roth

Present:

President Mike Lopez

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

Attorney Jason Brokaw

Treasurer Steve Roth

Approval of Minutes

March 18, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes

A motion was made by Trustee Leigh Irons to approve the Minutes of the March 18, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees. The motion was seconded by Trustee Ralph Irons.

Roll Call Vote:

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

The motion carried.

January 21, 2021 Executive Session Minutes

A motion was made by Trustee Lael to approve the Minutes of the January 21, 2021 Executive Session of the Board of Trustees. The motion was seconded by Trustee Leigh Irons.

Roll Call Vote:

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

The motion carried.

February 7, 2021 Executive Session Minutes

A motion was made by Trustee Lael to approve the Minutes of the February 7, 2021 Executive Session of the Board of Trustees. The motion was seconded by Trustee Ralph Irons.

Roll Call Vote:

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

The motion carried.

March 4, 2021 Executive Session Minutes

A motion was made by Trustee Lael to approve the Minutes of the March 4, 2021 Executive Session of the Board of Trustees. The motion was seconded by Trustee Leigh Irons.

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 21-23

President Lopez stated that Warrant List 21-23 dated April 1, 2021 totaled 31,143.95. Treasurer Roth added that of this amount $15,146.69 will be paid from the General Revenue Fund, $265.96 will be paid from the 1% Fund, and $15,731.30 will be paid from the Water Fund.

A motion was made by Trustee Raftis to approve Warrant List 21-23 dated April 1, 2021 for a total of $31,143.95. 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.

Visitors Acknowledgement

President Lopez opened the Visitors Acknowledgement portion of the meeting at 6:37 pm.

He 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.

Clerk Cave stated only one comment had been received.

Clerk Cave read the following emails from Michael Johnson

Third time sending.

I live on maple ave and have a window that faces the stop sign at park and maple. People rarely stop at this stop sign and go at high rates of speed thru said stop sign. People walk their dogs, myself included, and one day, someone will get hit. Might I suggest a speed bump in front of the stop signs as a deterrent to running these signs. Any question you may have, please feel free to call me at +12176914664. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Please call me at the above number to let me know that you received this text. Michael Johnson

Sent from my iPhone

Subject: Re: Maple and park ave stop sign

Michael

I did discuss these issues with both the Chief of Police and our Public Works trustee. It is a difficult intersection to patrol and putting a speed bump on a new road is not ideal. But we have discussed some other options and will see what we can do. All parties are aware of the issue and thank you for brining it to our attention.

Christina Smith.

To the Village of Jerome Board Trustees,

I would like to discuss the subject of speeding and failure to stop at stop signs in the village of Jerome. After having experienced this first- hand and discussions with numerous people living in the area around Maple Ave and Park Ave., I feel there is a need for something to be done.

Thinking that I was alone in my concerns about this, I was surprised to learn that other people had concerns as well. A neighbor who had just moved in, (this was before I moved into Jerome), had their dog hit because of speeding and /or failure to stop. They told me that the car never did stop. Thankfully, the dog did survive. Numerous people walk their dogs or just take walks throughout Jerome. It is a nice quiet neighborhood to do these things, however, in the absence of sidewalks, people must walk in the street.

The reasoning for people speeding and not stopping, in my opinion, is due to the intersection of Wabash Ave. and McArthur Blvd. People do not want to wait to turn right onto Wabash Ave., so they turn onto Maple Ave. going at a high rate of speed, turning left on Park Ave., again going at a high rate of speed neglecting to stop at the stop sign and heading South to the light at Park Ave. and Wabash Ave.

The same also happens on Highland Ave. turning right on Highland to Park Ave., in many instances, not even attempting to stop at the intersection of Maple Ave. and Park Ave.

Having stated my concerns, may I suggest the use of speed bumps at the stop signs on Maple Ave. and Park Ave. as well as midway down Maple Ave. from McArthur at S. Lincoln Ave and one on Park and Glenn Ave. as well as another one at Park and Urban St. Nobody likes speed bumps, myself included, however, I believe it is necessary due to the number of people, children included, that walk these streets. Failure to do this may result in harm or death to a loved one. Another benefit to speedbumps may be less traffic on the streets of Jerome.

I encourage you to contact me by phone or in person if you have any questions or if you need clarification on possible placement of speed bumps as I have stated above. I thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Michael B. Johnson

This portion of the meeting closed at 6:41 pm.

Reports from Village Departments

A. Public Health

Trustee L. Irons reported she has received complaints on couches in yards and cars also parking in the yard. She is drafting a letter to those residents and will have the letters be hand delivered by the Chief with an explanation.

Trustee L. Irons wanted to remind all residents to place stickers on your leaf bags.

B. Public Works

Trustee Raftis wanted to thank Michael Johnson on writing a letter to the Village Board and it is on his list. Durapatcher parts are in and will be installing them as time allows and will begin patching soon.

C. Public Property

Trustee DeHart wanted to remind Trustee Raftis that Iles Ave and Thayer also be put on the list to look at. The Village Park is officially open. Social Media has been positive. New signs will be installed this week. No date on the opening of the civic center or the library. Still need to verify the volunteers and possibly reevaluate the hours of operation. Trustee DeHart is still looking for recommendations from residents. We are still figuring out when we will open the civic center for rentals. Going forward one change will be only 1 rental per weekend due to the cleaning that needs to take place. The microwave has been replaced in the civic center.

D. Building & Zoning

Trustee Lael reported on 1526 Glenn will be demolished. A tree fell on the house and they will not be rebuilding at this time.

E. Public Safety

Trustee Smith reported it has been pretty calm the last week.

F. Water Department

Trustee R. Irons had nothing to report.

G. Village Treasurer

Treasurer Roth reported the following:

• We have not received any new revenues for April.

• Checks for the warrants for the last Board meeting were mailed out right after the meeting and we met payroll for March 30th. Checks will be mailed out following this meeting.

• Currently there is approximately $429,970.54 in the Illinois Funds GRF account and $56,015.74 in the MFT funds. There is approximately $70,055.89 in the INB GRF account and $252, 666.38 in the INB Water account. The other bank account balances are as follows: Law Enforcement - DUI – $22.10; Law Enforcement – Vehicle - $457.43; 1% NHR - $434,497.03; Road & Bridge - $18,526.27; and Police Equipment Fund - $99.83, Cannabis Fund - $1,291.59, and for the MFT-Rebuild Illinois fund – $54,568.47.

• CURES Act and CARES Act As reported at last meeting we received our check from DCEO. I met with a representative with IEMA who walked me through how to apply for funds, which I will do. I am not sure what we can claim at this point, but will do so once I am read to file.

• Budgets. I am presenting the Board with suggestions to revise the overall budget to comply with a balanced budget for next fiscal year. The Board will have to decide by the next meeting as to how to proceed.

Trustee Raftis asked if there is a timeline on receiving the grant money? Treasurer Roth stated there is no timeline when they will award the funding.

H. Village Clerk

Clerk Cave stated she had nothing to report.

I. Village Attorney

Attorney Brokaw had nothing to report.

J. Village President

President Lopez reported although we all have busy lives, the budget needs to be completed on a timely basis. With that said, we will hold a special meeting on April 8, 2021 at 6:30 pm to discuss the budget so we can approve the budget at the next scheduled regular board meeting. President Lopez would like the newsletter to get out. Village Trustees will need to send in any information that they will like to be published in the newsletter by April 21st. President Lopez is concerned about COVID19, cases are rising in Sangamon County and until we get a full clearance that we can interact the Village Office will remain closed. Masks must be worn in the Village Office. :Trustee DeHart will be checking on the Civic Center occupancy during this time. The 4th of July brunch dogs are still on hold at this moment.

Old Business

A. Appointment of Individuals to Village Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission

President Lopez stated that at this time he has noone else to recommend for the Village Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission and asked the Clerk to remove this from future agendas until there is an individual to nominate.

B. Discussion and Approval of Annual Curbside Pickup of Branches, Tree Limbs, and Tree or Shrubbery Trimmings, Including the Number of Times in 2021 and the Months in which the Pickup will Occur.

President Lopez recommended to table this topic until the FY2022 Budget is approved. C. Discussion and Consideration of FY2022 Budget Draft

Treasurer Roth sent each Trustee some recommended budget cuts this morning to review in order to have a balanced budget. Treasurer Roth asked each Trustee to review them prior to April 8th so he can try to put the budget together before the meeting. President Lopez stated

we will receive some stimulus money but it is months away, the State of Illinois could delay the funding but it could be mid to late Summer of 2021 we could receive half with the remaining half would be sent to us 12 months after.

New Business

A. Discussion and Approval of Ordinance 21-17 Providing Existing Liquor Licensees a Process to Apply for a Change of Location

Attorney Brokaw stated that there has been several instances where the Village has had liquor licenses request a change of location. Current practice has been they would fill out a new application and pay the full amount then the Village would issue a refund on a prorated amount of the license. Ordinance 21-17 would slim down the process, they would fill out a shorter form and as long as they are an existing liquor license holder, has been in business 90 days prior to the move and same owner, pay a one time fee of $100 and the liquor license could be moved to the newest location. They could not keep the license at the old location. Trustee Leigh Irons asked if this is a competitive charge? Attorney Brokaw stated yes he had checked with the City of Springfield and surrounding municipalities.

A motion was made by Trustee Lael to approve Ordinance 21-17 Providing Existing Liquor Licensees a Process to Apply for a Change of Location. The motion was seconded by Trustee Ralph Irons.

Roll Call Vote:

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

The motion carried.

Additional Comments:

Trustee DeHart stated she is setting up the Comcast appointment for expanding the WIFI service in the Village Board Room. Trustee DeHart also stated that there are tree branches on Iles Ave that hopefully by next meeting the effort will be successful. Trustee DeHart would like to suggest a Village Wide Clean Up maybe around Earth Day, meaning cleaning up the easements and possibly some landscape work, things like that. Chatham Road has had quite a bit of trash on the side of the road and there is a resident that does pick up occasionally themselves.

President Lopez stated that there is some interest in Food Trucks in the Village. President Lopez asked Trustee Lael to contact Attorney Brokaw to draft something for Food Trucks on businesses lots, in the Village, that tie on their event they are promoting. This would not void the peddlers permit, possibly a new permit with fee to allow Food Trucks in the Village.

Adjournment

A motion was made by Trustee Leigh Irons to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Trustee Raftis.

Roll 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 7:18 pm.

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