Village of Orion Village Board met Nov. 16.
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., via the Zoom electronic app (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) in lieu of Village Hall, 1202 4th Street, Orion, Henry, Illinois. The following members were present: Cooper, Drucker, Hancock, Mitton, Newman, and Nelson. Absent: Dunlap.
President Cooper called the meeting to order and led the board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
It was moved by Drucker, seconded by Mitton to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held November 2, 2020. Ayes: Drucker, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: Dunlap.
It was moved by Drucker, seconded by Nelson to approve the bills for the month: General Fund- $44,978.06, Recycle-$3,091.20, Water O&M-$2,383.61, Water Depr.-$1,781.66, Sewer O&M- $3,375.22, Sewer Depr.-$615.00, Sewer Cap. Impr.-$75.00, Sewer Surplus-$40.00, and MFT- $13,612.46. Ayes: Drucker, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: Dunlap.
Trustee Nelson reported trucks have been serviced for winter use. Survey stakes have been placed for the 5th Street storm drain project, which should begin soon. The street superintendent is still waiting for assistance to install flashing crosswalk signs, and Christmas decorations have been erected. Trustee Nelson asked that the placement of ornamental street lights added to the December 7th agenda.
Trustee Hancock said Sewer Supt. Chris Lundburg had been erecting Christmas decorations.
A new heater is on order for one of the pumphouses, according to Trustee Drucker. Also, a water main on 11th Avenue might need to be replaced. Two hydrants aren’t functioning well and may need to be taken out of service. It is possible opening and closing of the hydrants has caused cracks in the main. The expense to replace the main will be given further consideration at the next meeting of the Finance Committee. An engineer’s estimate put the cost of replacement at $354,000, $100,000 of which is to repair the street afterward.
Trustee Newman explained a plan to install street lights in the Love Park parking lot under development. He said MidAmerican Energy Co. will install the lights at a cost of $6,225.20. The cost of installation is much lower than the standard cost due to the fact it will be added to the village’s monthly street light billing package. It was moved by Mitton, seconded by Hancock to approve an agreement with MidAmerican Energy Co. to install lights in Love Park for the parking lot under development. Prior to a vote on the motion there were questions about the varying height of the poles and whether service would be trenched or bored. It was noted boring would take place. Trustee Newman asked that further questions be directed to Park Supt. Arnie Sandberg. The motion was called for a vote. Ayes: Drucker, Hancock, Mitton, and Nelson. Noes: None. Absent: Dunlap. Trustee Newman abstained from voting. Motion carried.
It was moved by Newman, seconded by Drucker to keep Christmas bonuses the same as last year. Ayes: Drucker, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: Dunlap.
Trustee Newman said the health insurance plan for employees increased by 5%, but the village’s insurance agent, Mr. Mike Hepner, was able to get a 2% reduction and recommended staying with the existing plan. The monthly fee is $7,540, and the carrier is UnitedHealthcare. The village has a non-Affordable Care Act plan. It was moved by Newman, seconded by Drucker to renew the village’s existing employee health insurance plan with UnitedHealthcare. Ayes: Drucker, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: Dunlap.
Trustee Newman said the village’s general fund continues to see financial strength and has a current balance of $970,000, despite an unbudgeted property purchase. Due to this, it was moved by Newman, seconded by Hancock to announce the intention to leave this year’s tax levy request the same as last year, $193,155. Ayes: Drucker, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: Dunlap.
Trustee Newman said the Finance Committee needs to consider financing for the 7th Street project and review a three-year history of utility tax revenue as a source for making loan payments. BankORION will be considered as a lender. Trustee Newman, President Cooper, and Attorney John Ames met to discuss the project and then later met with BankORION president, Matt Bollinger. Trustee Newman said a special Finance Committee meeting will be held December 2, 2020 at 4 p.m. to consider financing options.
Trustee Newman said a vehicle was stolen from an Orion residence but the perpetrator was apprehended. He reminded residents to lock their vehicles, and Trustee Mitton asked that suspicious individuals be reported at once.
Trustee Mitton thanked all who helped erect and decorate the Christmas tree in Central Park.
It was moved by Mitton, seconded by Nelson to approve an upgrade to the security camera system in Central Park. Ayes: Drucker, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: Dunlap.
It was noted more bulbs were needed for the Christmas tree, and President Cooper thanked Roger Peterson, Ron Thompson, and several high school students for helping with the tree along with village board members.
It was moved by Mitton, seconded by Newman to adhere to CDC guidelines as to a COVID-19 quarantine policy. Prior to a vote discussion was held on paying employees while in quarantine. It was moved by Nelson, seconded by Newman to amend the motion to include that employees will be paid while in quarantine. Ayes: Drucker, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: Dunlap.
It was moved by Nelson, seconded by Drucker to approve the form for General Consent for Limited Queries of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Ayes: Drucker, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: Dunlap.
President Cooper said the village will give $5 Charged Coffee gift certificates to the high school students who helped with the Christmas tree.
It was moved by Drucker, seconded by Hancock to cancel the village Christmas party and donate $500 to the Orion Area Food Pantry. Ayes: Drucker, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: Dunlap.
There being no further discussion to come before the meeting, it was moved by Mitton, seconded by Drucker to adjourn. Ayes: Drucker, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: Dunlap.
https://orionil.org/government/meetings/2014-03-09-05-52-59/1299-minutes-2020-11-16-pdf/file
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