City of Fairmont City Board met April 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
President Michael Suarez called the meeting to order followed by the opening prayer and pledge of allegiance.
Clerk Richard Ramirez recorded attendance. The following were in attendance: Trustees: David Suarez, Guadalupe Hernandez, Raul Munoz, and Charles Arriola. Trustee Michael Fiudo was absent. Also, in attendance were; Treasurer Juan Mena, Police Chief Administrator Scott Penny, Fire Chief Robert Allen and Public Works Director Roger Juenger.
Clerk Ramirez read the resignation letter presented by President Michael Suarez as a trustee.
The President Pro Tem reported the trustees have met regarding filling the trustee position vacant with the appointment of Michael Suarez as president. It was agreed to appoint Robert Belba as acting trustee. The appointment will be valid until the April election of 2019, when the term ends.
The motion was made by Guadalupe Hernandez and seconded by Raul Munoz to appoint Robert Belba as trustee. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Guadalupe Hernandez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Michael Fiudo was absent.
Motion Passed
At this time Clerk Richard Ramirez administered the oath of office to Trustee Robert Belba.
The motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting of April 4, 2018 was made by Guadalupe Hernandez and seconded by David Suarez. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, pass; Guadalupe Hernandez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Michael Fiudo was absent.
Motion Passed
Treasurer's Report-
Treasurer Mena presented the financials for March of 2018 along with a brief description.
The president asked for an update on the new phone system. Treasurer Mena reported the phones are here but they have not been connected. The old phone still has service. Verizon is waiting on AT&T or vice versa the treasurer was unsure.
Clerk's Report:
Clerk Ramirez wanted to congratulate Trustee Robert Belba.
The clerk presented a Business License Application, Olvera Construction Inc., 5300 Collinsville Road, a Tire Shop. The owner was present and explained he would like to have tire repair available to the community. They will also be selling new and used tires. It was explained the tires would be contained inside the building and would not be an eye sore. The fire chief had some question regarding the amount of tires they might be storing. He requested an inspection due to a possible fire hazard. The owner agreed.
Fire Chief Allen reported he has no problems dealing with Mr. Olvera in the past and expects the guidelines to be followed.
The motion was made by David Suarez and seconded by Charles Arriola to approve the Business License Application, Olvera Construction Inc., 5300 Collinsville Road, a Tire Shop pending inspection by Fire Chief Allen. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Guadalupe Hernandez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Michael Fiudo was absent.
Motion Passed
Report of Police Chiefl Administrator-
Chief Penny re-introduced retired Lieutenant Mark Ostendorf who now lives in Texas. Mr. Ostendorf congratulated Trustee Robert Belba on his appointment to the board.
Chief Penny reported there has been a ham in the community center refrigerator that needs to be cooked. The police department will be cooking it on Friday, April 20, 2018 and the chief invited everyone present for lunch.
Report of Zoning Administrator - No Report
Report of Fire Chief-
Fire Chief Allen also congratulated Trustee Robert Belba.
The fire chief reported the Fireman's Association annual Trivia Night Fund Raiser held April 14, 2018 raised $8,000.00 which will eventually be making it's way into the fire department in the purchase of equipment.
Report of the Public Works Director-
Director Juenger gave brief update on the sewer project on Collinsville Road.
President Michael Suarez expressed his gratitude to have Mr. Juenger back to the meeting in good health.
Committee Reports:
Community Relations & Communications - Chair – Charles Arriola
Trustee Charles Arriola also wanted welcome Robert Belba and was also glad to see the Public Works Director back to the meeting.
Economic/Finance, Development, Planning, and Tourism - Chair - Michael Fiudo - Absent No Report
Streets, Sewers, Grounds, Building & Parks - Chair Michael Suarez - see President Report
Public Health & Housing – Chair- Raul Munoz - No Report
Police/Public Safety-Chair- Guadalupe Hernandez – No Report
Fire Protection - Chair – David Suarez
Trustee David Suarez asked Chief Penny to do something about a specific house on 44th street where the yard is trashed. He thought maybe some volunteers might be willing to help the owner out since she is somewhat elderly.
President's Report:
President Suarez reported the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) will be holding a public meeting on May 22, 2018 at 5pm and 6:30pm to introduce the next stage of the remediation plans for the American Zinc Project in the village. Their people will be available before the meeting to meet with board members with any questions.
Mr. Suarez asked Director Juenger to make a decision on some new equipment approved at an earlier meeting. The equipment is in regard to mowing the grass off the interstate in the Stockyard area of the city. The season is here and he would like to have it place by the next meeting.
The president asked Mr. Penny to do a follow up on the letter village residents received from the Wisper Internet Carrier, regarding a village discount they will be discontinuing. The president thought the discount was part of an original agreement.
President Michael Suarez wanted to congratulate Charles Arriola and Raul Munoz on the success of the Youth Group they have established in soccer. The program is growing and the Youth Group organization and the Police Athlete League will be teaming up with a golf tournament fund raiser to be held Friday, May 4, 2018. In support of both groups the president asked the board members to consider buying some of the food. President Suarez asked the board to approve $1,500.00 for the catering.
The motion was made by Guadalupe Hernandez and seconded by David Suarez to approve a donation of $1,500.00 for the catering at the golf tournament to be held May 4, 2018 and sponsored by the Youth Group Program and Police Athletic League.. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Guadalupe Hernandez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Michael Fiudo was absent.
Motion Passed
Public Comment:
A local resident asked for an explanation of the Wisper discount. Administrator Penny explained when the company came into town the village provided poles for the service and they discounted village residents $5. Since then the company has put up their own poles and has an agreement to use village easement for them. Since they are using their own equipment and paying for the easement, they are discontinuing the $5 discount.
The same resident reported he has witnessed dumping of dirt at the corner of Route 203 and Collinsville Road and thought the property belong to the state. Chief Penny and Director Juenger have already looked into the problem. The property is privately owned and there are no legal avenues to stop it.
This resident also wanted to know about an ordinance passed at a previous meeting regarding the parking of trailers off roadway. Chief Penny reported he is still working on some of the details to begin the enforcement of the ordinance.
President Michael Suarez introduced Jessica and Sara who were representing the Goeshen Market Foundation from SIU-E (Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville). The girls explained they have a Food Market on Wheels which will sell fresh fruits and vegetables. The program will accept link cards but is also available to the general public.
Those present were very receptive. There was some discussion about location and the current program the library has. One of the women is a professor at SIU-E and is using students in her class in the program. The overall picture is to educate the public regarding nutrition.
Chief Penny suggested a business license application be filled out. He also suggested contacting the East Side Health District.
Executive Session:
At this time the motion was made by Guadalupe Hernandez and seconded by David Suarez to enter into an Executive Session regarding personnel. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Guadalupe Hernandez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Michael Fiudo was absent.
Motion Passed 7:34pm
The motion to return to the regular order of business from Executive Session was made by David Suarez and seconded by Charles Arriola. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Guadalupe Hernandez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Michael Fiudo was absent.
Motion Passed 8:07
Municipal Bills:
A motion that the bills be accepted as presented, in the amount of $130,097.60 and authorized for payment was made by Guadalupe Hernandez and seconded by Charles Arriola.
A motion was made by Rau Munoz and seconded by Charles Arriola to accept the bills for April 4, 2018 as presented. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Guadalupe Hernandez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Michael Fiudo was absent.
Motion Passed
Adjournment:
With that, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Charlie Arriola and seconded by David Suarez. Roll Call Vote: David Suarez, yes; Guadalupe Hernandez, yes; Raul Munoz, yes; Robert Belba, yes; and Charles Arriola, yes. Trustee Michael Fiudo was absent.
Motion Passed 8:07
The meeting was adjourned.
http://fairmontcityil.com/docs/minutes/2018/04_18_2018.pdf
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