Village of Orion Village Board met May 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
The regular meeting of the President and Board of Trustees was held at 7:00 p.m., May 7, 2018, at Village Hall, 1202 4th Street, Orion, Henry, Illinois. The following members were present: Cooper, Peterson, Newman, Mitton, Lawson, Hancock, and Drucker. Absent: None.
The meeting was called to order by President Cooper, who led the board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
It was moved by Drucker, seconded by Lawson to approve the minutes of the meeting held April 16, 2018. Ayes: Peterson, Newman, Mitton, Lawson, Hancock, and Drucker. Noes: None. Absent: None.
It was moved by Lawson, seconded by Drucker to approve the addition of the Village of Orion to a standard waiver of insurance and liability form used by the Charger Flag Football League. A hold harmless clause was also added. Trustee Lawson said all who play organized sports on village property should be on a level playing field with regard to the requirement to complete such paperwork. The motion was called for a vote. Ayes: Peterson, Newman, Mitton, Lawson, Hancock, and Drucker. Noes: None. Absent: None.
Discussion was held regarding a past request to allow basketball poles/hoops to be placed on village rights-of-way. Some felt the request could be allowed on a trial basis or for those who live in the Prairie Knoll subdivision and within its cul-de-sacs only. Village attorney Steve Ames said an ordinance could be written to limit approval to low traffic areas but warned the village could open itself up to a hazard by endorsing children playing on a public street. Questions arose over what would happen if more homes were constructed in the cul-de-sac, why the poles had to be removed after one complaint, etc. It was moved by Mitton, seconded by Lawson to authorize the drafting of an ordinance to allow basketball poles/hoops to be erected on Village rights-of-way in certain locations. Ayes: Peterson, Mitton, Lawson, and Hancock. Noes: Newman and Drucker. Absent: None.
It was moved by Mitton, seconded by Hancock to approve the recommendation by the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals to rezone to commercial the entirety of the property at 1209 Division Street, owned by Mr. Ben Woolley, to allow construction of a commercial storage building. Ayes: Peterson, Newman, Mitton, Lawson, Hancock, and Drucker. Noes: None. Absent: None.
It was moved by Lawson, seconded by Mitton to approve a request by Mr. Darrel Muhleman of the Veterans Memorial Committee to close 12th Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets from 8:30 a.m. to noon on May 28, 2018. Ayes: Peterson, Newman, Mitton, Lawson, Hancock, and Drucker. Noes: None. Absent: None.
Trustee Hancock asked that a complaint about storm water standing after a rainfall in the area of 6th Street and 13th Avenue or 13th Avenue A be investigated. Water Supt. Arnie Sandberg indicated the water drains away after a short time.
Trustee Hancock said a meeting with Golars and Illinois EPA representatives resulted in information that the two are considering a more advanced remediation system for the gasoline infiltration issue in the area of 1st Street and 11th Avenue. Golars is requesting water from the monitoring wells be put in the village’s sewer system. Sewer Supt. Chris Lundburg said the village would require proof that the water would be safe for treatment. Trustee Hancock said the IEPA noted Orion’s situation is somewhat unique.
An R.A.S pump was installed at the sewer plant. An influent pump that needs repair or replacement will remain down due to cost. Operation will continue with four other influent pumps.
Flushing of hydrants should begin this week. It has been delayed due to other priorities taking precedence and summer employees not yet being available.
Trustee Drucker said the landscape waste site was busy at first, last Saturday, then tapered off as time passed. Some brought multiple loads.
A vandalized light at the flag pole in Central Park was repaired. Lumber will be ordered and delivered to Central Park for an Eagle Scout’s project of refurbishing all benches. Infield mowing at the large Love Park baseball diamond has begun.
It was moved by Peterson, seconded by Drucker to hire Mr. Dan Ford at a rate of $17.50/hr. to work with the park and street departments. Prior to the vote much discussion took place about the position, its pay, and who did or didn’t review applications or participate in the interview process. The motion was called for a vote. Ayes: Peterson, Newman, Hancock, and Drucker. Noes: Mitton and Lawson. Absent: None.
President Cooper said progress on the crows’ nest has been slower than anticipated but it has all been completed by volunteer labor. A dedication ceremony will take place next week, on the 15th or 16th of May. President Cooper asked that board members attend if possible.
The Finance Committee meeting was set for 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 16th, at village hall.
It was noted the speed limit sign missing from Rt. 150 was replaced by the village’s speed radar sign but the radar sign is needed elsewhere. There have been complaints about the speed of traffic on 12th Avenue east of 13th Street.
Trustee Newman recommended purchasing a 2017 Ford AWD Utility Police Interceptor vehicle to replace the village’s Chevrolet Impala. The Chevy squad has 130,000 miles on it and has incurred several maintenance issues. Trustee Newman said fine receipts have been saved toward the purchase of a new vehicle and a large reimbursement was received from the contract with the sheriff’s department last year. Ford can install the light bars but cages and electronics would be installed after market. It was moved by Newman, seconded by Drucker to replace the 2009 Chevrolet Impala with a 2018 Ford AWD Utility Police Interceptor at a cost not to exceed $40,000. Ayes: Peterson, Newman, Mitton, Lawson, Hancock, and Drucker. Noes: None. Absent: None.
Trustee Mitton said the Central Park Band Shell has been treated for pests.
Discussion was held about turning one of the band shell security cameras toward the flag pole to discourage vandalism. Trustee Newman noted camera placement was done carefully in order to avoid keeping a property owner’s home within range. Trustee Mitton will contact Tri-City Electric to see if it’s possible to adjust the angle of the camera.
It was moved by Drucker, seconded by Peterson to declare May 26, 2018 Poppy Day in Orion as recognized by the Orion American Legion Women’s Auxilliary. Ayes: Peterson, Newman, Mitton, Lawson, Hancock, and Drucker. Noes: None. Absent: None.
The adoption of the International Building Code and International Residential Code was tabled until the board had an opportunity to review the ordinance.
President Cooper said his time spent in Springfield with legislators led to discussions about the financial impact the prevailing wage law has on small communities. There was also discussion on enterprise zones. Orion was included in an enterprise zone submitted for approval. President Cooper noted boundaries can be changed after approval of the application. Currently, there are three available zones and four applicants. President Cooper encouraged those in charge to approve all four zones, which are designed to encourage growth in the state and improve the economy.
It was moved by Drucker, seconded by Mitton to enter executive session at 8:17 p.m. Ayes: Peterson, Newman, Mitton, Lawson, Hancock, and Drucker. Noes: None. Absent: None.
President Cooper reconvened the meeting in open session at 8:26 p.m.
It was moved by Lawson, seconded by Mitton to hire Mr. Andrew Lundburg for summer employment at $10.50/hr., and if he does not accept the position Mr. Frank Laughner will be offered the position at minimum wage, which is $8.25/hr. Ayes: Peterson, Newman, Mitton, Lawson, Hancock, and Drucker. Noes: None. Absent: None.
There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was moved by Drucker, seconded by Mitton to adjourn. Ayes: Peterson, Newman, Mitton, Lawson, Hancock, and Drucker. Noes: None. Absent: None.
http://orionil.org/government/meetings/2014-03-09-05-52-59/979-minutes-2018-05-07-pdf/file
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