After an appeal by Roger Dale to the board on Monday night stating what his father’s wishes had been and confirmation by Sue James of a conversation she had with Dale’s father, the board agreed to let the two parcels donated by Dale’s parents stand as they had wished, that the two lots would be used for a small park. James remarked that the width of the parcels was too narrow for children’s playground equipment, but that benches and a seating area could be installed. They mayor said he is still looking to bring new businesses to town with TIF funding and he will not give up on that.
On the agenda was the possibility of the corner of Main and Division being used for a business venture, which is still not out of the question with the remaining parcels.
An update on Wild Bunch, LLC shows that they are in the process of a title search on the property they are purchasing.
In other TIF news, Lincoln Hobbs approached the board with the disclosure that DoOver Decor is purchasing the old Masonic Lodge building at 108 So. Division. They are looking at a few major repair jobs that need fixing on the building and are asking for assistance from TIF. The front windows and door need to be replaced and a major tuck pointing job on the north side of the building is looming. The board gave their assurance that they were interested in assisting DoOver Decor, which is a growing business.
In other business, with one board member missing, Carl Whipple, the board gave its approval to the October minutes and treasurer’s report and approved the bills for payment.
After more discussion about the boat motor purchase, the board agreed to give Jack Johnson a ceiling of $3000 to purchase a new motor. Jack said he decided, after thinking through the safety issues of putting village workers on the Wabash River, that a new motor was warranted.
Board members brought a few concerns to the meeting. Sue James reported an abandoned black vehicle on Carroll St. Joe Skaggs said that the library is finding it necessary to enlarge their parking lot due to the response to programs they are featuring. He hoped that the village would be able to assist in the cost from TIF funds. The mayor said he would look into that. The cost of the project is estimated at $120,000. Jack Johnson said the reservoir got a poor report. It seems there is just no way to beat the algae problem and the diminished fishing that it is causing. He suggested the village look into building a new lake.
Animal control reported there were seven complaints and four warnings in October. Regarding the townwide vaccine project: they were advised to wait until after Christmas when children will receive new pets!
The concrete floor at the shelter house the park is in very bad shape and will need at least partial replacement.
The mayor received a proposal for sealing the cracks in the road on Cherry Street. Financial sharing may come from the terminal and Indian Creek township. The seal uses a hot rubberized material and a machine that blows the dirt and water out of the cracks before filling them.
The board agreed to add Columbus Day by resolution to the village’s vacation days.
A resolution in support of the Illinois Bicentennial Celebration received the board’s approval.
Permission to pay monthly re-occurring bills and/or bills that accrue interest and/or penalties if not paid before the next scheduled board meeting received the board’s approval.
There were two small leaks shown on the gas survey.
The mayor dispensed with the Executive Session and the meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
The next meeting will be December 4, 2017 at 7 p.m.
