Sangamon Sun

Village of Chatham Utility Oversight Subcommittee met Aug. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the subcommittee:

A. Call to Order

Chairman Brett Gerger called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

1. Moment of Silence

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

Present: Meredith Ferguson; Paul Pachelhofer; Kristen Chiaro; Brett Gerger; Dan Lewis

Absent: None

Also Present: Village Clerk Dan Holden

4. Public Comments Agenda Topics

Jason Dozier had questions about the Village’s Policy Handbook. He noted that the Handbook was not yet updated yet with policies for billing, etc. relating to Solar energy. Net metering vs. Net billing was an area that needed clarification. Mr. Dozier also noted that it would be helpful if there was a glossary of terms within the Handbook.

Darlene Judd requested that the Village revisit the policy of adding 10% to late returned payments for Utility Bills. The members of the Committee discussed this issue and there was agreement to recommend to the full Village Board to revisit and discuss. A motion was made by Dan Lewis to recommend to the Village Board a discussion of the issue. This motion was seconded by Paul Pachelhofer. By an affirmative voice vote of the members, the motion passed.

B. Consent Agenda

1. Approve the Minutes from the October 18, 2021 Chatham Utility Oversight Subcommittee meeting

A motion was made by Kristen Chiaro to approve the Consent Agenda. This motion was seconded by Paul Pachelhofer. By an affirmative voice vote of the members, the motion passed.

C. Old Business

There was no Old Business discussed at this meeting.

D. New Business

1. Request for Leak Adjustment

Darlene Judd had made a formal request through the Village Utility office to have an adjustment in her water bill. Ms. Judd noted that the usage in question was not feasible and not in line with her long term usage of water. Ms. Judd noted that Village employees have visited her house and that she also has had two toilets replaced. There was general discussion amongst the Committee members about what avenue to pursue for Ms. Judd. The documents attached to the agenda include a “Request for a Leak Adjustment” which is the Villages process for documenting usage and the cost involved. The “Request for a Leak Adjustment” listed a credit of $34.99. After additional discussion it was determined that Ms. Judd should get a refund/credit of $69.98, which is double of $34.99. A motion was made by Kristen Chiaro to provide Ms. Judd with a credit/refund of $69.98. This motion was seconded by Dan Lewis. By an affirmative voice vote of the Committee members, the motion passed.

2. Public Comments Village Business

Jason Dozier had questions about IMUA and IMEA and their reinvestment program for the Village. How does the Village get that money? Is it budgeted? How is it determined where the money goes? He specifically was wondering about Car Charging stations. Chairman Gerger stated that it is at the discretion of the Village Manager and that it is not budgeted because it is not guaranteed to occur and it is disbursed by IMUA and IMEA for things like high efficiency street lights, etc.

E. Schedule of Meetings

1. Utility Oversight Subcommittee Meeting Municipal Hall October 10, 2022 6:00 PM

F. Closed Session

There was no need for Closed Session at this meeting.

G. Closing

1. Adjournment

A motion was made by Paul Pachelhofer to adjourn the meeting. This motion was seconded by Meredith Ferguson. By an affirmative voice vote of the Committee members, the motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 6:37 pm.

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