The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
-from Biggsville Clerk Frank Jones' Minutes of the May 7, "03 meeting
President Janet Monville presiding over the Biggsville Board early this month discussing the note on the REC Recycling, Inc invoice that stated the recycle bin would be picked up twice a month "because it is a mess inside."
The feeling is that it is good that the bin is being used, however, also abused by the trash that is placed in the bin. Daryl Forbes will try to locate someone or group that is interested in keeping the recycle bin orderly.
Shannon Duncan of WIRC was present to advise the village that the Water Quality Project was not funded.
Duncan went over the evaluation letter that was sent to the village.
Poor income survey response from the residents of Biggsville was the lowest mark. Duncan suggested the village resubmit the application in October 2003 and start immediately on a new income survey.
She would like to see a 80% response. The project must be continued to prove project readiness, design completed and permits in-hand before the October submission.
Eric Moe of McClure Engineering stated the EPA still expects the project to be under contract by October 2003, and may choose to issue a violation for non-compliance. Moe suggested the Village notify the EPA of just what has transpired.
He also suggested the village contact the Department of Commercial Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and schedule an appointment to discuss the application. In the meantime the village needs to increase the water rates now.
Daryl Forbes mentioned the water problem at Craig Camerons which may have been caused by the sewer line. This needs to be checked out by a plumber. Dale Allenbaugh will contract Craig's.
Gloria Jones stated that the Water Committee needs to be delayed until more details are available for the Water Quality Project cost. President Janet Monville put the water rates committee on hold.
Eric Moe stated that the village needs to contact their Congress Representatives and go ahead and plan to resubmit the application for next year. The board approved the measure.
Marietta Jones was present stating that since the drop box was removed by the Lyle Jones' property during the sewer project, he has water in his basement.
Chris Webb said he has water run off on his property on East Main Street because the ground is sloped the wrong direction. Webb requested the area be graded and re-sloped. Jeff Lant will see that this is fixed.
Bob Chandler addressed the board with the problem that the drains installed from the recently completed drain project are too high not allowing water to enter. The water actually goes around the drains and ends up in his building. Chandler requested that fill dirt not be placed around the inlets and cement be laid instead. The drains must be lowered. Daryl Forbes will contact Pro Plumbing to correct this problem.
Bob Onion reported the ballpark lights have not been fixed and Jeff Lant fixed the drain pipe. Jeff Lant will contact Steve Jones about the light problem and also check the breakers in the snack area.
Daryl Forbes reported that Trash Day will be Saturday, June 7, 2003, at a time to be determined. Maybe 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (signs will be posted.) There will be a charge of $7.00 for each appliance, payable before depositing in the container. A limited curb pick up will be provided for the Senior Citizens. They must call a Trustee in advance and make arrangement. Daryl Forbes will finalize the trash day details.
Dale Allenbaugh had discussed the Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) projects with Allen Ferguson and the board gave Dale six items to go ahead and have fixed. An estimated cost of the projects was $7,000. The lagoon road needs to be done immediately so remaining sewer project funds may be used. Eric Moe advised that the village needs to flush the sewer line at the Library and Gibb's for ten minutes to solve that problem.
Don and Carolyn Fry were present because they read in the paper that they were being fined for their water and sewer connections.
Janet Monville apologized and said this matter was turned over to the Village Attorney and he had not sent the notification. Carolyn Fry advised the board that they were given copies of ordinances by then Mayor Max Lant and thought everything was okay. Don Fry said the water service was installed by Gene Ray Services, shut-off valves by David Hill and Jeff Lant turned on the water. Jeff Lant said he wasn't the one who turned on the water. Fry stated that very little water is being used and requested the violation be rescinded.Jeff Lant said one shut-off was located and not the second. Lant will try to locate the second so the water can be shut off. The shut offs do not have a pit and are covered with dirt.
President Janet Monville said if they were billed the bill would total $989.00 for 23 months of usage. Fry stated that he had requested water be shut off after the plumbing was tested and this never happened. Frys intention is that they owe nothing because they followed all instructions given.
Presidents Janet Monville polled all the Trustees on their thoughts:
Marilyn Evans, maybe they should pay the hook up fee.
Daryl Forbes, call the Village Attorney and we should stand by the motion made at last month's meeting.
Bob Onion, I voted "No' last month.
Louis Webb,, she agreed it is a mix up, however if I had a utility I would know I owed the bill.
Gloria Minard, no comment.
Dale Allenbaugh, the water and sewer was used for 23 months so it must be paid for. The village needs to discuss with the Village Attorney to either drop or pursue.
Dale Allenbaugh moved the discussion be tabled until next meeting, seconded by Daryl Forbes. Roll was called and all present voted Yes. President Janet Monville will contact the Village Attorney and advise the Frys of the Attorney's views.
Don Fry commented on an earlier matter involving guard rails. He said if the shoulder was filled in Hillcrest the present guard rail would not be required and be available to use elsewhere.
Bill Leonard asked if the village could just appoint people to the Sesquicentennial committees.
Nancy Hendrickson asked the village if they could mow the bank on Washington Street because they are not able to take care as in the past. President Janet Monville said the village will take care of this.
Marietta Jones asked if the village could do something with the alley by Lyle Jones'. The alley has deep ruts and can't be mowed. Jeff Lant was instructed to level off the alley.
Bob Onion reported that he has had complaints about the burning pile being closed.
Daryl Forbes reported that the hole on the Hopkins property needs to be filled with clean black dirt. Also, the village needs clean black dirt to finish filling the hole on the property by the water tower. Jeff Lant will order the dirt.
President Janet Monville read a Service Agreement Contract from McClure Engineering for the period of April 9, 2003 through December 31, 2003. This contract listed their rates for any project during this period. The village wasn't sure why the contract and President Janet Monville will call Eric Moe. No action was taken.
Daryl Forbes in behalf of Dickie Goff asked for a donation for the Midget and PeeWee ball teams. Forbes did say there will be no Little League or Pony League in Biggsville this year. Dale Allenbaugh during the discussion expressed his position on donations by the village. Daryl Forbes moved the village donate $200 to the Midget and PeeWee ball program in Biggsville, seconded by Bob Onion. Roll was called, Dale Allenbaugh-no; Marilyn Evans-yes; Daryl Forbes-yes; Gloria Minard-no; Bob Onion-yes and Louise Webb-yes. Motion carried and Clerk Jones will issue a check.
Clerk Frank Jones asked if the village wanted to submit an application to Catfish Bend Casino. Daryl Forbes said to submit the Community Building Roof.
Clerk Frank Jones asked if the board had any questions about the insurance coverage with Bi-County. Clerk Jones mentioned he didn't see the sewer lift stations listed as a separate item and will check this out.
Clerk Frank Jones advised the board to be thinking about the budget. Clerk Jones state the water bills need to be increased immediately and not wait for the Water Quality Project. The water rates were discussed but tabled until next month.
Jeff Lant requested to replenish the water parts inventory and purchase Roundup. Daryl Forbes moved the village purchase a pressure relief valve and the hose valve for the fire hydrant, Roundup and the three loads of dirt mentioned earlier. All approved.
At 10:50 p.m. the board went. into executive session.
It returned at 11:05 p.m. back into regular session where it was adjourned. The next regular meeting will be on Wednesday, June 4, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the Biggsville Community Building.
Those in attendance were: Trustees, Dale Allenbaugh, Marilyn Evans, Daryl Forbes, Gloria Minard, Bob Onion, and Louise Webb. Treasurer, Gloria Jones. Clerk, Frank Jones. Maintenance man, Jeff Lant, and visitors, Eric Moe of McClure Engineering, Shannon Duncan of WIRC, Don and Carolyn Fry, Dale Gall, Bill Leonard, Bob Chandler, Marietta Jones, Heather Louck, Nancy Hendrickson, Dick Reid and Chris Webb.