The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
President Dale Allenbaugh opened the December 5th Biggville Village board meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
In attendance were: Trustees-Marilyn Evans, Gloria Minard, and Bob Onion. Treasurer-Gloria Jones. Clerk-Frank Jones. Visitor-Dan Gibb. Absent Trustees-Brian Cochran, Jennifer Hopkins and Brian Sterett.
President Allenbaugh reported on the trip to Springfield to discuss where the Village of Biggsville lost points in the water grant application. Dan Gibb and engineer John Roegiers had traveled with Dale.
Biggsville missed by two points in receiving the grant. Points were lost in the financial need section. Biggsville's water rates are not as high as the Illinois average. Even though Biggsville had an increase in January 2007, it didn't count for points.
Additional points were lost in the Corporate Municipal Tax percent for being below the state average. Biggsville's percent is .25 while the state average is 1.20 percent.
Points were also lost in Project Readiness. The dollar amount Rural Development submitted on Form 1940-1 appeared low for the total funds required to borrow for the Water Quality Project. This amount will need to be increased pending funds available to Rural Develop.
Dale Allenbaugh advised the board that the water tower will need painting inside and out within the next two years.
Dale Allenbaugh discussed the need for a water rate increase to cover expenses in the water fund and to bring the rate closer to the Illinois average and hopefully gain points on the grant application in 2008.
Dale Allenbaugh reported the remaining two easements to be signed need to be changed.
Dale Allenbaugh reported the water contract with Dallas Rural will expire in January 2008. The contract will be renewed for one year.
The water softener has been removed from the community building.
Minutes of the regular meeting were read by Clerk Frank Jones. Gloria Minard moved the minutes stand approved as read and seconded by Marilyn Evans. Roll was called and all present voted yes.
Treasurer Gloria Jones presented the treasurer's report. Marilyn Evans moved the treasurer's report be approved as presented and seconded by Gloria Minard. Roll was called and all present voted yes.
Bills were read by Clerk Frank Jones. Gloria Minard moved the bills be paid as read and seconded by Bob Onion that orders be drawn on the treasury for the same. Roll was called and all present voted yes.
Reports-
Parks and Recreation-The Community Building is ready for emergency use if power is lost. A subcommittee is being formed for the honor garden. Discussed ball park cost sharing and a multi-township park district.
Lights-Dale Allenbaugh reported that the village has been accepted by AmerenIP to replace some existing lights with sodium lights.
Public Relations-Dale Allenbaugh is sending two letters, one about the water quality grant that was not received and the other advising water/sewer/customers that service will be discontinued on the 10th if delinquent. No notification letter will be sent.
Streets-Dale Allenbaugh reported snow plow has been purchased.
Water-The water tower needs painted in the next two years.
Sewer-Dale Allenbaugh reported the second blower needs new belts.
Zoning-Dale Allenbaugh reported the Eric Wixom properties were let go back to the original owners. Complaints have been received about the condition of the property located at 102 W. Main Street.
Old Business-
Clerk Frank Jones asked if there were any questions on the Annual Report. Marilyn Evans moved the Annual Report for period May 1, 2006 through April 30, 2007 be approved as prepared by the auditor and seconded by Bob Onion. Roll was called and all present voted yes.
New Business-
The smoke free in public places law goes into effect in January 2008.
Christmas candy and fruit will be prepared on Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. The Christmas lighting contest will be judged during the week of December 16. Gloria Minard will contact Oak Lane for judges. Gloria Minard will purchase the candy and fruit.
Bob Onion moved the meeting be adjourned at 8:55 p.m., seconded by Marilyn Evans. Roll was called and all present voted yes.
The next regular meeting will be on Wednesday, January 2, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at the Biggsville Community Building.
Frank H. Jones
Clerk