Village of Rapids City Village Board met Oct. 27.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
This Regular Board meeting was called to order by President Mire at 7:00p.m.
Roll Call:
Present – Rankin, Schnieder, Fiems, Clark, Fowler and Robertson
Absent – None.
Others Present – Attorney Nick Mason, Clerk Housenga, Chief Tone, Greg Kerner, John Neziroski, Don Hunt
A quorum was physically established.
CONSENT “Omnibus” Agenda:
Rankin motioned to approve 10-08-2020, Regular Meeting Minutes, 11-2020 Monthly Bills and Treasure’s Report presented by Barber 10-2020. Fiems seconded. All board members voted yes, motion carries.
PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD:
PRESIDENT – Mire: Mire first took up the matter of the Tax Levy for collection year 2021. Mire recommended a taxing rate of.5761 and has conferred with Treasurer Barber, Mire states Barber has no issues with this rate. Clerk Housenga also provide a worksheet that detailed a maximum collection amounts for consideration
Mire recommended Halloween Trick or Treating festivities be held on Saturday, October 31st between 5pm and 8pm. Schnieder would like the ILDPH policy and recommendations concerning Halloween posted to the Village of Rapids City sites. Robertson expressed his concerns and is opposed to conducting the event. Mire stated we have to trust residents and parents to do what is right for the children of our community.
Mire moved the meeting forward by explaining he and Fowler would like to hold the Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon again this year, drive-thru style. Schneider motioned to approve an expenditure not to exceed $1,500.00 for the Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon. Clark seconded. All members voted yes, motion passes.
Late charge forgiveness program proved to be successful according to preliminary numbers.
POLICE REPORT – Chief Tone: Report as presented. Mire noted Chief Terry Engle street dedication ceremony will be held in Hampton on Sunday, October 18th, 2020 at 4pm. The location is between 3rd and 4thStreets on 4th Avenue. The Board requested Clerk Housenga request a different format of the report presented by the Department each month. The previous format Chief Engle had used is what is preferred which included date, time, patrol or call information for locations in Rapids City. New information being requested is the number of tickets written in Rapids City.
ATTORNEY – N. Mason: Nothing to report at this time. Mire touched base on the property the Village has been pursuing. Mason reported the land portion of the two parcels were sold under tax sale, the parcel with the dwelling did not sell under tax sale. The Village is still in litigation for the property.
FIRE REPORT – Chief Carey: Report as presented.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Report as presented. Bump expressed concerns over the temporary weight limit on 13th Street. With the weight limit imposed the street cannot be plowed. The Board requested the additional inquiry from the engineer concerning the weight limit. MFT funds are available to make culvert repairs, Bump would have liked to see 17th Street. Mire stated 13th Street would be more of a priority due to the possibility of liability.
BUILDING, ZONING & PLANNING – Fiems: Fiems reported small permits are being issued still, possibly for wind storm repairs. Fiems previously expressed concerns over the progress of a new construction home that has seceded progress, after review of the cost of building materials he may have identified why. Since last month progress on the property has begun again.
PERSONNEL & FINANCE – Clark: Clark reported Tug Fest has returned our check for our previous donation since the event did not take place this year.
Clark also noted the receipt of Village Ordinance imposing Municipal Cannabis Retailer’s Occupation Tax by the Illinois Department of Revenue. Total Adult Use Cannabis tax is 13.25%. Clark authorized a donation to Wounded Warriors in the amount of $100.00.
Clark motioned to pay option # 1 to renew Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association policy at the cost of $21,072.66. Rankin seconded. All members voted yes, motion carries.
INFRUSTRUCTURE – Rankin: Rankin informed the board we are still waiting on Needham Construction to release lien waivers to prior to paying final payments on the 14th Street.
ELECTIONS – Mire: Mire reminded consolidated elections for the Village will be April 6th, 2021, positions available are Village President and 3 Trustee spots. Packets can be picked up for positions beginning September 22nd, 2020 and need to be turned in between December 14th and 21st, 2020. Mire also reminded all to vote in November.
PARKS, RECREATION & CEMETERY – Robertson: Robertson noted a sight inspection was conducted on the Schuler’s Shady Grove Wellness Equipment location by the IDNR. IDNR representative stated a hard surface need meet the mulched area to meet ADA requirements. A quote was presented to install Pro-Techs Surfacing in the amount of $2,000.00. Additional information would like to be asked in order to make the proper decision to meet compliancy. IDNR will be sending a signage that must be posted prior to completion of the project.
ORDINANCE & LICENSES – Schneider: Schneider noted while attending local businesses over the past weeks he noticed food service staff not using or wearing masks. Schneider would like to see written notice sent to local businesses to enforce the use of masks. Schneider would like the first step to be a written notice and not a phone call as stated in the Illinois Public Act. Mire stated businesses have had a hard time during this time, adding he would like to see a phone call made to businesses to give a friendly reminder before issuing a letter. Fiems stated people are getting more comfortable and a reminder would be welcomed. Mire will draft a letter to send business owners, add to our website and to post on Facebook to remind everyone of mask regulations imposed by the State of Illinois.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS, EVENT PLANNING & PUBLIC SAFTEY – Fowler: Fowler announced filled Halloween Trick or Treat bags will be available for pickup on Friday, October 30th, 2020 from 9am to 5pm at Village Hall. The Police Department has not requested funds for Trick or Treat candy as of yet.
Fowler is still throwing around how to handle Christmas festivities for children and will report back.
OLD BUSINESS: Mire reminded all of the upcoming expiration of the police contract. Mire will be touching base with Hampton and Sheriff Bostos seeking bids for police protection. Mire also elaborated he received calls from residents with concerns of the stability of the police force and role of the Police Department within the Village. Mire will be addressing items of concern with the Hampton Mayor and Police Chief Tone.
The repair of the wall and a/c units at the Community Center has been scheduled for the end of the month.
NEW BUSINESS: The back room that was just mitigated of mold it appears to be coming back. Rankin feels landscaping is what is needed to in order to rectify the situation. Bump will make phone calls.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None.
With nothing further to be discussed, Fiems motioned to adjourn this Regular Board Meeting; Rankin seconded. All members of the Board concurred. President Mire adjourned this October 13th, 2020 meeting at 8:50p.m.
http://www.rapidscity.us/minutes/20201110.pdf
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