Village of Orion Village Board met Oct. 19.
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, Dunlap, Hancock, Nelson, Newman, and Mitton. Absent: None.
President Cooper called the meeting to order and led the board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Cooper reported on the state of the coronavirus in Henry County. He noted there had been 47 cases in the 61273 zip code area and 75 in the 61238 zip code area. President Cooper urged everyone to take the virus seriously.
It was moved by Drucker, seconded by Mitton to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held October 5, 2020. Ayes: Drucker, Dunlap, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: None.
It was moved by Drucker, seconded by Mitton to approve the bills for the month: General Fund- $42,969.03, Recycle-$3,082.24, Water O&M-$8,316.93, Water Deprec.-$10.07, Sewer O&M- $16,983.62, Sewer Surplus-$120.00, MFT-$7,421.75, and Fines-$242.00. Ayes: Drucker, Dunlap, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: None.
Pipe has been ordered for the 5th Street storm drain project, according to Trustee Nelson. The project is still on the contractor’s schedule for this year. Also, installation of the flashing crosswalk signs is more involved than previously thought and the street superintendent is searching for an auger appropriate to drill the needed holes. It was brought to Trustee Nelson’s attention that streets were painted with directional signs for a sporting event by a school employee last week. He said anyone wishing to paint on the streets needs to obtain permission from the village.
The placement of ornamental street lights was reevaluated by the street department. Initially, the lights were to be installed in the uptown business district area but alleys, driveways, parking spaces, and other obstacles were found to present problems. Trustee Nelson asked the board to consider placing the lights on Rt. 150, from 10th Avenue to 13th Avenue. Initially, six lights would be placed on the east side and once more funding becomes available, they would be placed on the west side as well. It could entail 17-21 lights, once the three-block area was finished. Trustee Nelson said the Illinois Department of Transportation requires the village submit an engineering study prior to installation. It is unknown at this time what such a study would cost. Trustee Nelson liked the Rt. 150 location for its high visibility for those driving through the community. He said the lights could be considered for 5th Street, near Central Park, when the 5th Street reconstruction takes place. Trustee Drucker asked that the idea be given more thought, due to the fact the lights were initially planned for the 4th Street and 11th Avenue area. Trustee Nelson asked board members to drive around and visualize where they would like to see the lights be installed.
Trustee Hancock said the VLR was removed from the sewer plant and sent out for repair. It is expected to be returned in a week or so.
Water mains will be flushed beginning October 20th. Trustee Drucker said water could be discolored while the flushing takes place but it will be safe to drink.
Trustee Dunlap said audio for the security camera system is not working. Tri-City Electric is investigating the problem.
Trustee Dunlap discussed installing touchless sinks, toilets, and hand dryers in the park restrooms. Trustee Newman said the Finance Committee felt the items would qualify for Local CURE funding, but Trustee Drucker noted the park superintendent was checking with others regarding the touchless toilets’ cost and maintenance. Clerk Sampson contacted the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to see if the sinks and hand dryers would qualify and is awaiting an answer. She did not ask about the toilets since the park superintendent was wavering about that item.
Trustee Newman reviewed items that could be applied for through the Wyman R. Coulter Trust. Applications are due November 13, 2020. Under consideration are new Christmas decorations, upgrading and adding more security cameras in Central Park, and security camera installation in Love Park. Trustees Newman and Mitton will work together to get cost estimates for security cameras. Trustees were encouraged to submit other ideas prior to the next village board meeting. President Cooper and Clerk Sampson were asked to prioritize submissions and present to the board at its November 2nd meeting.
Trustee Newman explained to the board that an application was completed for FEMA funds due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds also became available through IDCEO, totaling about $77,000. Trustee Newman said the village is not likely to use all of the IDCEO funding and he recommended closing out the FEMA application. It was moved by Mitton, seconded by Hancock to close the village’s FEMA application for COVID-19-related funding. Ayes: Drucker, Dunlap, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: None.
Utility tax revenue should be used to repay any loan extended for the 7th Street reconstruction project, according to Trustee Newman. The Finance Committee recommended checking with three lenders for the approximated $800,000 loan. Possible choices are BankORION, Bernardi Securities, and First Midstate. Trustee Newman said the village could take the most economical approach or give weight to the village’s own financial institution. At this time, there is no interest in PMA, an intermediary, who would work to get Orion the best deal. That firm’s fee would be $14,000, at minimum. Trustee Drucker said the village needs to do its due diligence with the process. The financing process could be wrapped up by year’s end if hard numbers for the street project can be determined. Clerk Sampson suggested that Trustee Newman work with John Ames, the village attorney, on the process.
Trustee Drucker said sales tax revenue continues to outpace that from the same period last year. It is good news for the village and business owners.
Trustee Newman is working with Henry County Deputy Chad Baze on a couple of issues that occurred in Love Park and on Main Street. It is relatively quiet in Orion as compared to other areas of the county. Trustee Newman said speed radar signs will be moved to 15th Avenue. Drivers need to be reminded to slow down.
Trustee Drucker asked what type of return on investment the village is getting from its security cameras. Trustee Newman said the cameras have been used to identify perpetrators of vandalism. Juveniles were involved in the most recent incident, and those cases are handled differently. Identities of juveniles are protected. Trustee Mitton said repeat offenders need to be prosecuted. Trustee Newman reported on traffic tickets issued. Over 75% of those pulled over were issued tickets and others received warnings.
President Cooper said he and Trustee Mitton have been talking with builders and other municipalities about constructing a village hall. He is trying to get building plans without having to spend any money and is now corresponding with Russell Construction.
President Cooper said it might not be wise to hold a Christmas party this year. If a party is not held, funds saved could be donated to a charity such as the local food pantry. President Cooper asked the board to consider the options and make a decision at its November 2, 2020 meeting.
President Cooper, Trustee Drucker, and Attorney Ames will meet with Mrs. Kim Herold and others representing the Prairie Knoll subdivision. The developers are willing to enter discussions about offering tax incentives in order to encourage the sale of housing lots and are eager to see the life of the TIF district extended. It was noted the village could upfront the incentive and get it back at the end of the year from Orion Land Development’s share of TIF proceeds. President Cooper said some taxing bodies might be hesitant to go along with the extension, but Henry County Administrator, Erin Knackstedt, has offered to help explain the benefits of extending the district.
People were encouraged to vote. It was noted early and absentee voting can only be done at the Henry County courthouse and not at village hall.
There being no further business to come before the meeting it was moved by Mitton, seconded by Drucker to adjourn. Ayes: Drucker, Dunlap, Hancock, Mitton, Nelson, and Newman. Noes: None. Absent: None.
https://orionil.org/government/meetings/2014-03-09-05-52-59/1284-minutes-2020-10-19-pdf/file
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