The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
(from the Biggsville Village Board Minutes October 1, 2003
by the Village Clerk Frank Jones)
President Janet Monville opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag with the following present: Trustees - Dale Allenbaugh, Marilyn Evans, Daryl Forbes, Gloria Minard and Bob Onion. (Absent was Louise Webb). Treasurer - Gloria Jones, Clerk - Frank Jones. Visitors - Heather Louck, Bill Leonard, and Dan Gibb 8:10 p.m.
After the usual business was conducted Clerk Jones was asked how much will be charged if the water is shut off while spending the winter elsewhere. If the water is left on, the charge is $43.00 per month, and if shut off, $50.00 when reconnected.
The Board reviewed delinquent water bills.
Bill Leonard stressed his concern about houses being lived in without water. Actually there is nothing that can be done. The Village currently has three such properties.
President Janet Monville reported that Shannon Duncan of WIRC advised her that the request for the Water Quality Grant had been submitted.
The Board discussed that several residents were not contacted for the income survey.
President Janet Monville read a sentence from the Illinois Pollution Control Board letter changing the date that the water quality must be corrected from December 2003 to December 2008.
She also had a letter from the Illinois EPA stating the date is December 8, 2003. President Monville will call and verify the date.
Clerk Jones reported the tax bill is for taxes on the property purchased from Ben Mohnike. Per the purchase agreement, the taxes are to be paid by Mohnike.
Clerk Jones will call Waste Management and inquire about the two trash bills received.
Dale Allenbaugh will call and have the portable toilets picked up.
Bob Onion reported the problems that Kirkwood were having with their public building codes.
Bob Onion handed President Janet Monville a letter from John Twomey of the Twomey Company. The letter read "The Twomey Foundation will provide matching funds from others up to $10,000 for the proposed building with handicap accessible bathrooms at the Biggsville ball park area. If the project goes through you can keep us advised. Signed, Sincerely, John Twomey." The Board was very surprised with such an offer. Bob Onion suggested the Board prepare a list of businesses to solicit donations from. Each Board member was asked to come up with business names for the next meeting. President Janet Monville will prepare the letter.
Treasurer Gloria Jones will open a special bank account at the First State Bank of Biggsville for anyone who would like to make a donation at the bank. Donations may also be mailed to Treasurer, Gloria Jones, 112 Worthy Acres Drive, Biggsville, Illinois 61418. Checks should be made payable to the Village of Biggsville Ball Park Fund.
Marilyn Evans asked about lights at the Village Park. She will call Illinois Power to find out the cost for one or two lights installed.
Marilyn Evans reported the Heritage Day Parade was well attended.
Trick or Treat will be October 31, 2003 with a wiener roast at the ball park from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by Trick or Treat from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Marilyn Evans will order the food and Gloria Jones the cider. Jeff Lant will start the fire.
Dale Allenbaugh reported that the Motor Fuel Tax projects were approved and started. The U-turn on Main Street is completed.
President Janet Monville will have Jeff Lant winterize the water shut-off pits as required.
The Board discussed protecting the fire hydrant near Craig Rima's.
President Janet Monville read the Water Ordinance Amendment 501A5, changing the water and sewer rates as approved in the June 4, 2003 minutes. Gloria Minard moved that Water Ordinance Amendment 501A5 be approved as read, seconded by Dale Allenbaugh. Roll was called and all present voted Yes.
The Board discussed receiving bad checks when paying their water and sewer bill. The Village will have the customer's water shut off and will only accept cash when restored.
The Board discussed Zoning Ordinance 300-A5 and went over the definition of a fence. Gloria Minard moved Zoning Ordinance 300-A5 be approved, seconded by Bob Onion. Roll was called and all present voted Yes.
President Janet Monville read a letter from the Henderson County Senior Citizens asking for a donation for expenses. Daryl Forbes moved the Village donate $100.00, seconded by Marilyn Evans. Roll was called and all present voted Yes.
President Janet Monville declared October Domestic Violence Month for Biggsville and posted the declaration in the Community Building.
Clerk Frank Jones presented the Village Audit for fiscal year May 01, 2002 through April 30, 2003 as audited by Blucker, Kneer & Associates, LTD. Marilyn Evans moved the Audit be approved, seconded by Daryl Forbes. Roll was called and all present voted Yes.
President Janet Monville reported the Village Attorney has placed a lien on the Ronald Stout and Gary Barker property for expenses for clean up and mowing owed to the Village.
The Board discussed condemning the Stout property. Daryl Forbes moved to condemn the Stout property, seconded by Gloria Minard. Roll was called and all present voted Yes. President Janet Monville will contact the Village Attorney to start the condemnation process.
The Board discussed trash build up within the village.
Dan Gibb asked if the holes in the alley to the ball park north of his property can be filled. Gibb also said the water main shutoffs in West Street need to be located and marked.
President Janet Monville reported that Henderson County State Attorney, Ray Cavanaugh called and asked if the Village would be interested in providing jobs for Community Service. Those assigned to work Community Service hours will need to be supervised. Monville asked the Board to think of tasks that would benefit the Village and present them at the next meeting.
The next regular meeting will be on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the Biggsville Community Building.
Daryl Forbes moved the meeting be adjourned at 9:55 p.m. and seconded by Bob Onion. Roll was called and all present voted Yes.
/s/ Frank H. Jones
Frank H. Jones, Clerk