Sangamon Sun

Village of Jerome Board of Trustees met Jan. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER: The President and the Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at the Jerome Civic Center, 2901 Leonard Street, Jerome, Illinois. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by President Lopez, followed by Roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL: The following were present:

Mike Lopez, Village President

Kathy DeHart, Trustee of Public Property & Co Trustee Public Health

Christina Smith, Co-Trustee of Public Health

Leigh Irons, Trustee of Public Safety, via zoom

Dale Lael, Trustee of Building & Zoning

Ralph Irons, Trustee of Water Department

Phil Raftis, Trustee of Public Works

Also Present:

Jason Brokaw, Attorney, Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, P.C.,

Steve Roth, Village Treasurer

Lisa Cave, Village Clerk

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: President Lopez asked whether the Board had reviewed the January 5, 2023, Minutes and if they found need for any changes, corrections, or amendments. President Lopez asked the January 5, 2023, minutes would stand approved as presented.

Motion to approve the January 5, 2023, Meeting Minutes as presented by: Trustee Lael and 2nd by Trustee DeHart

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES.

President Lopez asked whether the Board had reviewed the December 15, 2022, Executive Minutes and if they found need for any changes, corrections, or amendments. President Lopez asked the December 15, 2022, executive minutes would stand approved as presented.

Motion to approve the December 15, 2022, Executive Minutes as presented by: Trustee Smith and 2nd by Trustee Ralph Irons

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES 

At this time, we were able to connect to zoom, which allowed Trustee Leigh Irons and fellow residents to attend the meeting.

APPROVAL TO PAY BILLS: President Lopez asked whether the board had reviewed Warrant List 23-18 dated January 19, 2023, totaling $33,231.46. Treasurer Roth added that of this amount $8,389.81 will be paid from the General Revenue Fund, $24,702.94 will be paid from the Water Account, and $138.71 will be paid from the 1% Fund. President Lopez asked for a motion to approve Warrant List 23-18 as amended.

Motion to Approve the Warrant List 23-18 totaling $33,231.46 as amended by Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee Smith

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

PUBLIC COMMENTS: 

President Lopez opened the Visitors Acknowledgement portion of the meeting at 6:46 pm. Clerk Cave reported receiving no emails.

Gayle McCuster was present and thanked the guys for their hard work on repairing the water leak. Gayle stated that boiling the water was not an issue for her and appreciated the precaution of boiling the water for safety. Gayle also mentioned that she would like to learn more about our police officers and who they are. The officers are all new and no one knows them. President Lopez stated he intends to have the Chief or an officer on the 1st meeting of each month attend the meeting so residents can meet or at least see the officer. Trustee DeHart stated it would be nice to have a meet and greet for the Police Departments and the residents in the future.

This portion of the meeting closed at 6:50 pm.

Stephanie Ballinger with Benton & Associates presented the Engineering Services Agreement for signatures that will be turned into the State for the Iles project.

Motion to approve the Engineering Services Agreement by Trustee Raftis and 2nd by Trustee Smith

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

REPORTS: 

Trustee Smith stated that she had met with Trustee DeHart and she wanted to thank her publicly for all her help and handling the Public Health issues while she was away. Trustee Smith stated there are a few letters that she has asked Chief Forsyth to serve to the residents.

Trustee Raftis reported the new truck has arrived.

Trustee DeHart reported the Civic Center painting will begin within the next two weeks as there is no rentals for a bit. The library electrical is underway and Trustee DeHart will be meeting with Watts copier for the repairs to the Office copier and discuss the new contract on Friday at 10 am. Trustee DeHart will be having surgery next week and she plans to attend the meetings while she is recovering.

Trustee Lael reported that there is a new nail salon opening in the 1500 strip mall.

Trustee Leigh Irons stated the Police Department is staying busy with calls in and outside the Village as they are requested for backup. Trustee Leigh Irons reminded everyone to remember to lock their doors and houses and to be safe.

Trustee Ralph Irons stated he wanted to thank the Public Works crew for the repair on the water leak. The Village issued a boil order for the water until the Village had a chance to test the water and lift it. The water was tested on Friday evening and again on Saturday morning and the Village was allowed to lift the boil order. Trustee Ralph Irons stated that he wanted to thank Public Works for an outstanding job.

Clerk Cave reported that Trustee DeHart, Smith, Ralph Irons, Leigh Irons, Lael and President Lopez has reviewed the Executive Minutes Review. Trustee Raftis is the last one to review. Once that is complete the Executive Minutes Review will be on the agenda.

Attorney Brokaw had nothing to report.

President Lopez stated he did speak with the Niemann Group and they have secured the SW corner. The Green Family has leased the ole Shop and Save for 30 days and had a great sale day on their first day due to a Facebook live. President Lopez also wanted to thank Dave and the crew for their hard work and that due to the water repair and shut off of the Village, the Village received 383 calls, 58 voicemails and Trustee Leigh Irons called each of the voicemails back on Monday. President Lopez wanted to thank Leigh Irons for her help in calling residents back. President Lopez stated he is looking at dates for a meeting opposite of a board meeting that there can be a town hall for the residents to discuss Iles Ave project and one for the presentation of E-alert. E-alert will enable the residents to sign up for voice, texts and or emails in the event there is a water leak or a natural disaster, similar to SAM. President Lopez asked for all bulletin items be sent in to the Clerk prior to March 1, 2023. Trustee DeHart is looking for volunteers for the Easter Egg Hunt.

TREASURER REPORTS: Treasurer Roth presented to the Board of Trustees the Financial Status as of January 5, 2023, via email: Revenues: We continue to see same pattern we have all fiscal year with healthy increases in the Use Tax, Income Tax and Gaming Revenue, and revenues down for Telecom, Sales Tax, and 1%, although they are balancing each other out at this point. Funds: There are approximately $1,064,456.57 in the Illinois Funds GRF account after I transferred the revenues for December into the 1% and Cannabis accounts. There is $171,379.13 in the MFT funds. There is approximately $13,430.82 in the INB GRF account and $174,210.31 in the INB Water account. The other bank account balances are as follows: Law Enforcement - DUI – $110.36; Law Enforcement – Vehicle - $687.43; 1% NHR - $275,642.68 (with the January revenue included); Road & Bridge - $19,458.78; Police Equipment Fund - $2,893.88, Cannabis Fund - $575.87 (with the January revenue included); MFT-Rebuild Illinois fund – $109,136.94; American Rescue Funds - $135,694.39. 

OLD BUSINESS DISCUSSION: Trustee DeHart asked to table the Leasing of the Jerome Civic Center until the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION: President Lopez opened discussion and approval of Purchasing the Repair Parts for the Water Department and a Reed CP15-38B Pump Stick with case from Midwest Meter. Trustee Ralph Irons stated the Village could use a Reed CP15-38B Pump Stick with case to pump out the meter pits and valve boxes where the larger water pump won’t fit into. Total costs are $1,600.00.

Motion to approve the Purchasing the Repair Parts for the Water Department and a Reed CP15-38B Pump Stick with case from Midwest Meter not to exceed $1,600.00 by Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee Smith

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of Purchasing of Parts for Emergency Water Main Repair from Midwest Meter. Trustee Ralph Irons stated the Village needs to replace the emergency parts that the Village used to repair the leaks. Total costs are $1,600.00.

Motion to approve the Purchasing of Parts for Emergency Water Main Repair from Midwest Meter not to exceed $1,600.00 by Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee Smith

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of the Purchase of a Locator for Water Leaks from Rycom Industries. Dave Wilken, Public Works Supervisor stated that the locator the Village has is not picking up the water lines. The locator is not accurate. The City of Springfield brought out their locators and was accurate. Dave stated that they range in price and the locator he is recommending has 10 watts of power compared to the one the Village has which is 2 watts of power that picks up gas meters and fiber optics. This locator has a 4-year warranty. Total costs are $1,600.00.

Motion to approve the Purchase of a Locator for Water Leaks from Rycom Industries not to exceed $6,500.00 by Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee Smith

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of Purchase of a Smart Tract 102 Locator from Contractors Tools. Dave Wilken, Public Works Supervisor stated that this locator will locate the iron valve boxes that are lost. The Locator from Rycom Industries does not pick up the old irons. The Village has a lot of iron valve boxes in the Village and without a locator they cannot be found.

Motion to approve the Purchase of a Smart Tract 102 Locator from Contractors Tools not to exceed $1,600.00 by Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee DeHart

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of the Purchase of LED Strip Lights from Springfield Electric for the Civic Center Hallway. Trustee DeHart stated that the Village would need to purchase 4 8ft fixtures and 2 4ft fixtures, they will be LED lights for an amount of $670.00.

Motion to approve the Purchase of LED light fixtures not to exceed $700.00 from Springfield Electric by Trustee DeHart and 2nd by Trustee Smith

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of Upgrading the Electrical in the Village Garage. Public Works have had issues with tripping breakers. Trustee DeHart stated that the Public Works Department would be able to add new wiring and breakers for a total amount of $1,100.00 for the parts and supplies.

Motion to approve Upgrading the Electrical in the Village Garage not to exceed $1,100.00 by Trustee DeHart and 2nd by Trustee Ralph Irons

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of Purchasing the Front Tires for the Backhoe from Goodyear, 12-15.5 12 ply. Trustee Raftis stated the tire tread is gone and they need replaced.

Motion to approve the Purchase of Front Tires for the Backhoe from Goodyear in the amount not to exceed $850.00 by Trustee Raftis and 2nd by Trustee Ralph Irons

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of the Purchase of a Trench Box also known as a Badger Box. Dave Wilken, Public Works Trustee stated that OSHA requires this for excavations of 5 foot or deeper.

Motion to approve the Purchase of Trench Box not to exceed $4,800.00 by Trustee Raftis and 2nd by Trustee Ralph Irons 

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of Brandon Jackson attending IRWA class for a Certified Water Operator. Trustee Ralph Irons stated that it would benefit the Village having Brandon attend the class. The course is through Blackhawk College and is an online course. Total cost is $600.00.

Motion to approve of Brandon Jackson attending IRWA class for a Certified Water Operator not to exceed $600.00 by Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee Smith

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of the Purchase of Gravel from Athens Quarry. Trustee Ralph Irons stated the Village needs replenishing the stock pile prior to the water leaks.

Motion to approve the Purchase of Gravel from Athens Quarry not to exceed $500.00 by Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee Smith

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez stated that other items will need to be presented after executive session.

Treasurer Roth stated that there are additional amendments to the Employee Handbook and asked that this be tabled to the next meeting.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 

A motion was made by Trustee Ralph Irons to go into Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of a specific employee or legal counsel of the public body (5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1)); minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act for purposes of approval by the Body (5ILCS 120/2(c)(21); Trustee Smith seconded the motion.

The Board went into Executive Session at 7:25 pm.

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

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of Personnel Action with Respect to the Village Secretary Position.

Motion to approve the termination of Teresa Kirk as the Village Secretary effective January 19, 2023, by Trustee DeHart and 2nd by Trustee Raftis

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of Reassignment of Water Clerk candidate to the Village Secretary Position.

Motion to approve the reassignment of the Water Clerk Candidate, Jessica Thornton to the Village Secretary Position by Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee Smith

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of Hiring Part time Help for Training of the Secretary.

Motion to approve the hiring Debbie Denk for Part time Training at a rate of $25.00 per hour effective January 20, 2023, by Trustee DeHart and 2nd by Trustee Smith

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of Candidates for hiring as the Village Water Clerk.

Motion to approve the hiring of Amanda Leasman contingent on background at a rate of $20.00 per hour part time as the Village Water Clerk tentatively starting January 23, 2023, by Trustee Ralph Irons and 2nd by Trustee Smith

Upon roll call vote, all voted AYE;

MOTION PASSES. 

President Lopez opened discussion and approval of Compensation for Village Treasurer Training. Treasurer Roth suggested tabling till the next meeting.

ADJOURNMENT: With no further business, President Lopez asked for a motion to close the meeting at 8:13pm. Motion was made by Trustee Leigh Irons and 2nd by Trustee Ralph Irons.

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