The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
January 2, 2008 Board Meeting.
Biggsville's Village trustees met in regular session with President Dale Allenbaugh presiding and Trustees-Brian Cochran, Marilyn Evans, Jennifer Hopkins, Gloria Minard, Bob Onion, and Brian Sterett. Treasurer-Gloria Jones. Clerk-Frank Jones. Visitors-Richard Liby, Richard Johnson, Randy Anderson and Dan Gibb.
After opening ceremonies, President Dale Allenbaugh reviewed the water project. The submission date for the grant application is February 15, 2008. Rural Development has a new representative working with the village. John Roegiers of Missman Stanley and Associates will provide Rural Development, an engineering report and environmental study. The engineering report is needed for Rural Development to determine the loan amount required for this project.
Allenbaugh reported that the water user rate needs to be increased to show the village has sufficient funds to repay the loan. He had attended the Henderson County Water Coalition meeting.
Dallas Rural was in attendance and said the water rate for users on their line is a minimum of $25.00 and a bill runs between $40-$45 a month. Engineer Roegiers has revised the estimate for the water project by $30,000 due to fuel prices. Roegiers will also need to add the meter pit installation costs not previously included.
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.
Allenbaugh reported the remaining two easements are in the process of being changed.
Allenbaugh also reported on the village's corporate tax. saying "we lost points because our current rate of .25% is much lower than the state average of 1.20%."
Minute and the Bills read by Clerk Frank Jones and the Treasurer's Report given by Treasurer Gloria Jones were approved.
Allenbaugh said tax levies are available for special allocations such as, street lights, audit, and insurance just to name a few. Several other villages within the county have such levies in place.
Reports- Parks and Recreation - Dale Allenbaugh reported on the community building warming center. More details need to be addressed, who is responsible for supplies, when to open (How many hours after the outage?), transportation plan, fuel, and bedding.
Richard Liby pointed out that the Henderson County Health Department in Gladstone already has such an emergency service.
Additional items to address, who is in charge to maintain order, lights in community building, and insurance coverage.
Richard Johnson asked what is the next step. Brian Cochran moved that the village move forward with the "warming center". Dale Allenbaugh will contact AmerenIP to see if they have a special emergency number other than in the telephone book. This call is needed to determine opening the center.
Public Relations - Dale Allenbaugh will ask Jeff Lant to shut off all delinquent water and sewer users Thursday, January 3, 2008.
Gloria Minard - The judges were not available therefore the Christmas lights were not judged. The village delivered 59 Christmas baskets to the senior citizens.
Streets- Dale Allenbaugh said he has received both compliments and complaints on the snow plowing. Marilyn Evans asked why the Christmas decoration that had fallen down was not picked up.
Water - Dale Allenbaugh showed the board members several photos of the condition of the water tower. The outside of the tower needs painted and the inside need epoxy coated within the next two years at an estimated cost of $20,000.
Allenbaugh said the village needs to raise the water rates $6.00 across the board immediately in February 2008. This increase is to assure Rural Development that the village has sufficient means to pay the loan for connecting to the Dallas Rural Water System.
Brian Cochran stated he could not vote to increase the water rate until the water quality is improved.
After a lengthy discussion, Brian Sterett moved the water rate increase be tabled until next meeting. No second was received.
Marilyn Evans moved the village increase the water rate $2.00 in February 2008 and an additional $2.00 in February 2009 to all customers.
Jennifer Hopkins seconded the motion. Roll was called. Brian Cochran no, Marilyn Evans yes, Jennifer Hopkins yes, Gloria Minard yes, Bob Onion yes, and Brian Sterett yes. Motion carried.
Sewer - Dale Allenbaugh reported that John Allaman has a 3-phase generator without the PTO to sell the village for $800.00 This generator could be used at both sewer pumping stations and the water tower for water. Brian Sterett moved the village look at this generator and purchase if it fits our needs, also purchase a PTO as required, seconded by Gloria Minard.
All approved the motion.
Zoning - Dale Allenbaugh reported of a county zoning meeting on January 16, 2008 at the courthouse to discuss the taxation on house trailers.
The meeting adjourned at 10:01 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Biggsville Community Building. Meetings are open to the public.
-Frank H. Jones-Clerk