Sangamon Sun

Village of Pawnee Board of Trustees met June 10

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

▪︎ President Clarke called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call

▪︎ Deputy Clerk Cynthia Kramer called roll 

▪︎ Trustees in attendance: Dale Walters, Phillip Thompson, Patrick Murphy, David Skinner, and Brian Whitlow

Absent: Trustee Troy Grant, and Clerk Devona Martin

▪︎ Also, in attendance: Village attorney Don Craven, Treasurer Brent Wise, Gas and Water Supervisor Andy Lee; guests Megan Simpson and Chantel Corrie-Pawnee Sports Boosters, Jay Smith Locals, and resident Tory Wilson 

Recognition/Comment/s of Visitor/s 

▪︎ Megan Simpson and Chantel Corrie, Pawnee Sports Boosters, informed the board of an upcoming fundraiser for the organization scheduled in conjunction with Locals for Saturday, August 10 from 3 p.m. until no later than 9 p.m. on the Village Square. The board was fine with the fundraiser and date, however, President Clarke noted that alcohol on the square would be under Local's umbrella, and that Locals would be granted a special event license, that all Village rules/regulations for alcohol on the square must be followed. Trustee Thompson added that the Village will provide porta-potties and handwashing stations for the event. Before departing, Simpson asked if North Park, park facilities including the ball diamond could be used for a future fundraiser. Clarke replied that it would depend on scheduling, but it was possible. 

▪︎ Chantel Corrie spoke briefly to the board stating that the driveway culvert was completely clogged and needed to be cleaned out. President Clark responded stating the village would remove the clog. 

▪︎ Jay Smith-Locals, he reiterated, what President Clarke stated concerning alcohol on the square and that Locals would apply for a special event license. However, he was present to inquire about an ongoing issue pertaining to food trucks and if the village made any progress in determining rules/regulations such as to require a license, number to be issued, hours of operation, location for operation, etc. Smith was very forthcoming noting that food trucks will have an impact on local Pawnee, well established, tax paying businesses and there is concern because the Village at this time has nothing in place to police or regulate this issue. President Clarke stated trustees have discussed the issue, but they have not reached a consensus of what regulations/rules should be included in an ordinance. Trustees will revisit this issue and will bring forth a measure to regulate. 

▪︎ Tory Wilson, Wilson Bros. Farm appeared before the board to address a drainage issue (Doc Norris/drainage ditch off Michele Drive) affecting Wilson land, not permitting grass to grow due to flooding. The Village presented two options for resolution, an inexpensive temporary easement or an expensive permanent easement with preliminary engineering work completed. Wilson requested the Village take a "wait and see attitude" by giving the less expensive option time to work. Trustees briefly discussed the matter and opted to go with Wilson's request with Trustee Thompson noting that an easement from Wilson Bros. Farm will cost the Village of Pawnee $12,500 for either a temporary or permanent easement. 

Motion made by Trustee Thompson for the Village of Pawnee to enter an agreement with Wilson Bros. Farm for a temporary to transition to a permanent easement, August 1, 2026 with easement cost of $12,500 payable to Wilson Bros. Farm. 

Second by Trustee Murphy 

Roll Call Vote Taken: Walters-yes, Thompson-yes, Murphy-yes, Skinner-yes, and Whitlow- yes. 

Motion Carried (5-0) 

Chantel Corrie spoke briefly to the board stating that her driveway culvert was clogged and needed to be cleaned out. President Clark responded stating the village would remove the clog. 

Clerk's Report 

▪︎ The minutes of May 28, 2024, were presented for review and approval. 

Motion was made by Trustee Murphy to approve as presented the minutes of May 28, 2024, as presented. 

Second by Trustee Walters 

Roll Call Vote Taken: Walters-yes, Thompson-yes, Murphy-yes, Skinner-yes, and Whitlow- yes. 

Motion Carried (5-0) 

Personnel & Finance Committee Report: Committee Chair, Trustee Skinner 

▪︎ Trustee Skinner presented bills payable of $120,597.73 for the week ending June 10, 2024 for review and approval. 

Motion made by Trustee Skinner to approve the bills payable for the week ending June 10, 2024, in the amount of $120,597.73. 

Second by Trustee Thompson 

Roll Call Vote Taken: Walters-yes, Thompson-yes, Murphy-yes, Skinner-yes, and Whitlow- yes. 

Motion Carried (5-0) 

▪︎ No treasurer's report this meeting. 

Gas and Water Committee Report: Committee Chair, Trustee Whitlow 

▪︎ Trustee Whitlow reported there were five (5) shut offs for the month of May. 

Streets, Alley and Sidewalk Committee Report: Committee Chair, Trustee Grant 

▪︎ None 

Police Committee Report: Committee Chair, Trustee Skinner 

▪︎ None. 

Sewers and Parks: Committee Chair, Phillip Thompson 

▪︎ Everything is working as it should. Trustee Thompson stated he received a request that the Village of Pawnee build a community swimming pool at North Park, both an adult and children's pool with several amenities such as a splash pad. Will take under advisement. 

Zoning Committee Report: Committee Chair, Trustee Murphy 

▪︎ 1119 Henkle Drive will replace an existing porch. 

▪︎ A Zoning Board hearing is scheduled immediately before the July 8 Village Board meeting. Resident requesting permit to build an oversized garage. 

Ad Hoc Committees 

▪︎ Committee reports were not given for the Bargaining Committee, Energy Committee, and the Infrastructure Committee. 

Unfinished Business 

▪︎ None 

New Business 

▪︎ Natural Gas Agreement Amendment 

Motion Made by Trustee Murphy to approve Amendment to Natural Gas Agreement with UGM with the noted increase of nine cents from seven cents per million therm will not be passed on to the consumer. 

Second by Trustee Whitlow 

Roll Call Vote Taken: Walters-yes, Thompson-yes, Murphy-yes, Skinner-yes, and Whitlow- yes. 

Motion Carried (5-0) 

President's Comments 

▪︎ President Clarke noted that the village is considering hosting another electronic recycling event, possibly this fall or as early as the end of August. 

Motion to Adjourn: 

▪︎ Motion to adjourn made by Trustee Murphy 

Second by Trustee Thompson 

Roll Call Vote Taken: Walters-yes, Thompson-yes, Murphy-yes, Skinner-yes, and Whitlow- yes 

Motion Carried (5-0) 

Meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024. The Next scheduled meeting of the Pawnee Village Board of Trustee is Monday, June 24, 2024, 7 p.m. at the Pawnee Village Hall.

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