The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
(October, 5, 2005)
The Biggsville Village Board during regular session October 5th, terminated their long-time engineers of their sewer project.
The board discussed the services of McClure Engineering. Jack Brokaw moved the village of Biggsville terminate the services of McClure Engineering, seconded by Marilyn Evans.
Roll was called; Dale Allenbaugh, yes, Jack Brokaw, yes, Marilyn Evans, yes, Gloria Minard, yes, Bob Onion, yes, and Brian Sterett, no.
President Monville will advise the village attorney to send the termination letter to McClure Engineering.
Jeff Lant said the village needs to ask for copies of built water and sewer line maps.
The board discussed engineering firms to interview. The President will contact firms and schedule meetings as required.
The Wednesday evening meeting was led by President Janet Monville with Trustees-Dale Allenbaugh, Jack Brokaw, Marilyn Evans, Gloria Minard, Bob Onion, and Brian Sterett, Treasurer-Gloria Jones, Clerk-Frank Jones, and Maintenance Man-Jeff Lant present.
Visitors were-Gale Moore of Illinois Rural Water Association, Larry Anderson and Rev. Carol Stufflebeam of the Biggsville Methodist Church, Bill Leonard, Randall Anderson, Heather Louck, Dan Gibb (7:13 pm), and Glen Olson (8:20 pm).
Gale Moore of the Illinois Rural Water Association was present to express his views on rural water in Illinois. Reverse Osmosis (RO) can get very expensive. Replacing membranes could be as much as $5,000 per year. Moore has heard of no problems with RO when discharging into sewer lagoons.
Marilyn Evans asked if the village can purchase water and still use our wells? No, the water sources must be kept separate.
Larry Anderson, of the Biggsville Methodist Church, asked if the Cypress tree on the southwest corner of the church could be removed so they could enlarge their parking lot. The tree in question is on the church's property and not on the village property.
Thank you, you have answered my question. Anderson then asked if the grass between the sidewalk and street in the same area be mowed.
Dale Allenbaugh said it is an unwritten understanding that the property owner mows to the street.
President Monville read the annual contract with Total Environmental Service Technologies (TEST) for Certified Operator services for the period October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006. This contract increases the monthly charge to $445.00.
It was approved that the village would sign the contract for said period.
Trip to Springfield.
President Monville and Jack Brokaw represented the village at a meeting in Springfield. Also, in attendance was Shannon Duncan of WIRC. Jack Brokaw reported the discussions with the EPA's Finance Committee went real well. Chances are good for another contract.
President Monville talked with Shannon Duncan of WIRC and Duncan said the village needs to reapply for 2007 CDAP funds.
President Monville read a letter, from Shannon Duncan WIRC, which included the Springfield meeting minutes. It is a possibility that remaining constructions funds may be used as design grant funds. Duncan stated the village needs to make a decision by December 1, 2005 on what their plans are.
The design project costs need to be determined at this time. The Village needs to reapply for construction grant funds for 2007 to be submitted in January 2006.
President Monville asked the EPA if the current wells need to be sealed? No, the well can be marked for emergency use only.
President Monville reported what she found out about Dallas Rural Water.
Water should be available within three years at a cost of around $2.10 per 1,000 gallons. A contract of 40 years is available.
The water line construction and easements will either be Biggsville's responsibility or of Dallas Rural Water's depending on where the meter is installed, Biggsville or Media.
Old Business
President Monville said she received a copy of added insurance values.
President Monville reported she had received two bids to repair the sidewalk at Muriel Oak's.
Allenbaugh moved the village accept the low bid, seconded by Sterett and all approved. Monville will contact the winning bidder.
President Monville reported on the Biggsville Ambulance meeting. Mr. William Heller of the Biggsville Fire District presented a plan to install a door on the south side of the present building for the ambulance to use.
This was an excellent idea and all present were in favor. This door will cost the Biggsville Ambulance approximately $5,000. In addition a driveway will need to be installed on the south side of the building. This driveway will be on village property and require an easement.
The Biggsville Fire District also presented a plan to charge the ambulance 20% of the building costs per year.
The EMT's for the Biggsville Ambulance asked for ideas on how to pay for the door and driveway.
Richard Lutz of Bi-County Insurance said he had $1,000 to match donations from the citizens in the area. Anyone wishing to donate to the Biggsville Ambulance may do so by donating at the First State Bank of Biggsville or mail your donation to:
Janet Monville, P.O. Box 76, Biggsville, Illinois 61418.
Monville said several people have expressed interest on becoming an EMT.
New Business-
Trick-or-Treat will be on Halloween, October 31, 2005, 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. Gloria Minard will order the food and Gloria Jones the cider. Jack Brokaw will be responsible for the fire.
Monville read a letter from the Henderson County Health Department requesting a donation for transportation costs. Onion moved the village donate $200, All voted yes.
Monville read a letter asking the village to proclaim October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. All approved.
Copies of the village audit were given to trustees to review and approve at the next regular meeting.
Allenbaugh will check on highway funding that may be used for streets.
Brokaw said the highway department claims the West Street entrance onto Highway 34 is adequate and does not need to be cut back.
Lant reported that trees at Brian Cochran's and Rob Hendrickson's need trimming. Lant will ask permission before trimming the trees.
Lant asked if he should go ahead and fix the four meter pits that froze last winter. Permission was granted.
He discussed the need for major tractor repairs or a new tractor for the village. Lant had optained pricing from several dealers. The price for a tractor similar to what the village has, ranged from $25,250 to $37,900.
The board requested additional information about financing, and the issue was tabled until later.
The meeting adjourned at 9:21 pm. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 2, 2005, at 7 pm at the Biggsville Community Building.