Village of Bethalto Village Board Met May 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Village Board of Trustees met on the above date in the Bethalto Senior Citizens Building in a regular meeting called to order by Mayor Winslow at 7:00 p.m. The meeting opened with the “Pledge of Allegiance”. Roll call was taken by Village Clerk Sue Lowrance. Present: Trustees Bost, Dugger, Gibbons, Lowrance, Perkhiser and Stassi. Also present: Police Chief Mike Dixon, Public Works Director Rod Cheatham, Village Attorney Ken Balsters, Fire Chief James Schulte, Village Treasurer Joe Hughes, Zoning Administrator Randy Reddick, newly-elected Trustees Terri Keister and Tim Tweedy, and several firefighters, residents, family and friends.
Motion made by Bost, seconded by Gibbons, to approve village board meeting minutes of April 12, 2021 as printed. All members voted aye viva voce. Motion carried 6-0.
Motion made by Lowrance, seconded by Dugger, to approve village board special meeting minutes of April 26, 2021 as printed. All members voted aye viva voce. Motion carried 6-0.
REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENTAL SUPERVISORS:
Fire Chief James Schulte reviewed the statistical report for the month of April, noting 119 calls for the month, 15 lift assists and no fire loss. There have been 447 calls year-to-date. We currently have 17 volunteers on the roster and 18 part-time firefighters. Chief Schulte thanked the board and his fellow firefighters for their support during his 1-1/2 years as Chief. Schulte was then presented an award for his service to the department. There were no questions.
Police Chief Dixon presented the monthly activity report for April with no questions. The secondary radio installation at CM is ongoing and may take up to a year to complete. Dixon reviewed several significant incidents: a string of burglaries across several states that our officers were involved in solving, with help from our LPR system; a vehicular hijacking where the suspect was quickly apprehended; and a child pornography case where the subject was also apprehended. We have two new officers: Brian Gifford and Zachary Cato, and a background check is being completed on a potential replacement for retiring Sgt. Michelle Skinner. Chief Dixon presented a plaque of appreciation to Andrew Augustine for his support of the Department and the community at large. Augustine’s monetary donations have allowed several upgrades at the department, including an updated squad room and renovated basement area. Dixon then thanked outgoing Mayor Alan Winslow for his dedication to the community and presented him with an inscribed challenge coin.
Public Works Director Cheatham presented his departmental reports. The new software system will be up and running by October. Patch work is being completed, along with mowing, lift station maintenance, field prep and various other projects. There was one main break this month, and flushing has been completed for the Spring cycle. Cheatham noted that flushing gets easier and quicker with each twice-yearly cycle. Bids will likely go out for the main line replacements along 255 and 111 within 30 days. There were no questions.
Zoning Administrator Randy Reddick presented his monthly report. Permit counts were reviewed, with 1 commercial permit issued for Dollar General and three sets of plans submitted to BNF for review before permits are issued. Operations continue to run timely, and code violations are up due largely to grass complaints and spring cleanup issues. One dwelling was declared uninhabitable; this was a shed that had someone living in it. Trailer park conditions continue to be an issue. Reddick is working with the owner of 128 Hampton on demolition issues, and 58 N. Williams is in process as well. There were no questions.
SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Winslow acknowledged the attendance of former Trustees Gerald Bourland, Jeff Mull and Dan McRae and noted that the Village has had 12 different trustees on the board over his 8 years as Mayor. Winslow added that Village debt has been cut from $11 million to just over $5 million during that time, and that the general fund has gone from negative balances to just under $1 million as of tonight. Winslow applauded the efforts of all the board members he’s worked with and the noted tremendous turnaround, but added that a lot of the recovery has been accomplished by making some unpopular decisions: public works staff has been cut by 9 employees, the police department has been cut by 4 employees, leaf & brush pickup has been altered, and trash pickup changed from twice weekly to once a week pickup. Winslow noted that the Village is now seeing the positive effects of those decisions. Winslow further commended the current department heads, noting the Village has never had a better group of qualified professionals running its departments. Winslow stated he is excited for the new administration and expects that they will take Bethalto to the next level; he thanked the citizens for their support during his tenure and added that he hopes the residents feel he’s left Bethalto a better place.
GUESTS/PUBLIC COMMENT:
Incoming Trustee Terri Keister wished to address the board, noting that this will be her last chance as “just a resident” to do so before she is sworn in. Keister stated that she’s been approached by many residents who are concerned with the “decline” of our community, increasing salaries, and how the money spent on the TIF district brings no benefit to the Village. She mentioned the Business District tax and that it was created to help improve the business areas around town, but that businesses are sitting vacant and buildings are deteriorating. She further added that roads being in disrepair are a big concern, and that “what we were in the past is slowly slipping away”. She added that she takes pride in being from a small town with only 5 stoplights and enjoys this quiet community. Keister then stated that tonight after she is seated on the Board that she is expected to make a decision on a budget and salary increases, without having any information to base a decision on. She has concerns over this spending and she stated that a “call to action” is needed, and that she herself has no “dog in the hunt nor an axe to grind” but that she intends to ask questions and learn while trying to make Bethalto a better place to live. Mayor Winslow then clarified that there is nothing on tonight’s agenda regarding salaries or the budget, and that nothing will be considered on those for at least another month.
RESOLUTIONS
There were no resolutions presented for consideration.
ORDINANCES
There were no ordinances presented for consideration.
REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR:
Stephenson Scholarships were awarded at the annual CM Senior Celebration Dinner to Jenna Bloodworth and Ethan Scott.
Winslow reviewed the bids received for the replacement of the Spirit Building roof. Six bids were requested but only three returned; all of the contractors who submitted bids are considered quality performers by our Zoning Department. The three bids, including approximately 30 sheets of plywood, came in at: Paul’s Roofing, $12,370; Nolan’s Roofing $14,450; Eagle Home Improvement, $14,550. Motion made by Lowrance, seconded by Bost, to accept the low bid of Paul’s Roofing at $12,370 for replacement of the Spirit Building roof. Trustees Bost, Dugger, Gibbons, Lowrance, Perkhiser and Stassi voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
MONTHLY TREASURER’S REPORT:
The April Treasurer’s Report was presented by Treasurer Hughes. Revenue and expenses were reviewed, and the ending cash balance was up approximately $55,000 from the previous month. There were no questions. Motion made by Bost, seconded by Perkhiser, to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month of April, 2021. Trustees Bost, Dugger, Gibbons, Lowrance, Perkhiser and Stassi voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
BILLS
GENERAL FUND
Motion by Perkhiser, seconded by Stassi, authorizing payment of bills in the amount of $190,670.33. Trustees Bost, Dugger, Gibbons, Lowrance, Perkhiser and Stassi voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
WATER & SEWER FUND
Motion by Bost, seconded by Dugger, authorizing payment of bills in the amount of $124,749.73. Trustees Bost, Dugger, Gibbons, Lowrance, Perkhiser and Stassi voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
GARBAGE FUND
Motion by Gibbons, seconded by Stassi, authorizing payment of bills in the amount of $54,112.00. Trustees Bost, Dugger, Gibbons, Lowrance, Perkhiser and Stassi voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
BUSINESS DISTRICT FUND
Motion by Bost, seconded by Dugger, authorizing payment of bills in the amount of $31,500.00. Trustees Bost, Dugger, Gibbons, Lowrance, Perkhiser and Stassi voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
Mayor Winslow announced that Trustee Gary Bost has tendered his resignation from the current board, effective at the end of this meeting. Motion made by Lowrance, seconded by Perkhiser, to accept the resignation of Trustee Gary Bost. Trustees Bost, Dugger, Gibbons, Lowrance, Perkhiser and Stassi voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
Having no further business for the seated board, motion made by Lowrance, seconded by Dugger, to adjourn sine-die. Trustees Bost, Dugger, Gibbons, Lowrance, Perkhiser and Stassi voted aye, nays none. Motion carried.
Mayor Gary Bost and Trustees Terri Keister and Tim Tweedy were sworn in by Village Clerk Sue Lowrance. (Village Clerk Lowrance and Encumbent Trustee Brady Dugger were sworn in separately from the newly seated board). The new Mayor & Trustees were seated on the dais; roll call was taken at 7:45pm by Village Clerk Lowrance with Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy and Keister in attendance. The “Pledge of Allegiance” was recited, led by Mayor Gary Bost and his granddaughters.
REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND OTHER OFFICERS
Mayor Bost presented Jeff Mull as his recommendation for appointment to the vacancy on the Village Board. This will fill the remainder of the term left vacant by Mayor Bost’s election, and will be for a two-year period until the next municipal election in 2023. Motion made by Lowrance, seconded by Tweedy, to approve the appointment of Jeff Mull as Village Trustee for the remainder of the vacant term (2023). Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy and Keister voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 5-0. Trustee Mull was sworn in by Village Clerk Lowrance and took his seat at the dais.
Mayor Bost then thanked outgoing trustees Dave Gibbons and Erika Stassi for their dedication to the Village, along with retired Mayor Alan Winslow. Bost stated that he hopes he does as good a job as Winslow did during his tenure.
Mayor Bost presented his appointments for approval:
Motion made by Lowrance, seconded by Dugger, to approve Mike Dixon as Police Chief. Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy, Keister and Mull voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
Motion made by Lowrance, seconded by Tweedy, to approve Brian Buhs as Fire Chief. Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy, Keister and Mull voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
Motion made by Lowrance, seconded by Dugger, to approve for the Public Works Department: Rod Cheatham, Director. Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy, Keister and Mull voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
Motion made by Mull, seconded by Perkhiser, to approve Randy Reddick as Zoning Administrator. Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy, Keister and Mull voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
Motion made by Lowrance, seconded by Tweedy, to approve Jason Lamb as Deputy Police Chief, Dan Bartels as Deputy Fire Chief, and Jeremiah Grant as Assistant Fire Chief. Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy, Keister and Mull voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
Motion by Mull, seconded by Tweedy, to approve as Inspectors: Brian Buhs, Fire Inspector; Lee Friedel, Building Inspector; Greg Fowler, Plumbing Inspector; Tim Henson, Electrical Inspector. Aaron Snyder, Occupancy Inspector. Trustees Dugger, Perkhiser, Tweedy, Keister and Mull voted aye, Trustee Lowrance abstained. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion by Perkhiser, seconded by Tweedy, to approve as Professional Appointees: Village Attorney, Kenneth Balsters; Village Treasurer, Joseph Hughes, Brian Buhs, Emergency Management. Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy, Keister and Mull voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
Motion made by Perkhiser, seconded by Dugger, to approve appointee Brad Myers as member of the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy, Keister and Mull voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
Motion made by Mull, seconded by Lowrance, to approve appointee Matt Lehnen to the Fire & Police Commission. Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy, Keister and Mull voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
The appointment to the Police Pension Board is to be determined, and Committee assignments will be distributed at the next committee meeting.
The Splash Pad is set to open May 24, and the Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 31 with lineup behind the water office starting at 10:15am. Village offices will be closed on Memorial Day.
Bethalto Chamber of Commerce has requested the use of Bryant Park for a Fishing Day on June 26 in conjunction with Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Motion made by Lowrance, seconded by Mull, to allow use of Bryant Park by the Bethalto Chamber of Commerce on June 26 for a Fishing Day. Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy, and Mull voted aye, Trustee Keister abstained. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Bost announced that the Chamber would also like to request use of Central Park for Harvest Days on October 9 & 10. Mayor noted that Bethalto Spirit already has the park reserved on October 10 for their final Farmers Market, but verified with Spirit member Jane Ahasay that the two groups are working in tandem on this event so that there is no conflict. Motion made by Lowrance, seconded by Dugger, to approve use of Central Park by the Chamber of Commerce on October 9 & 10 for Harvest Days, in conjunction with Bethalto Spirit. Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy, and Mull voted aye, Trustee Keister abstained. Motion carried 5-0.
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 2021-16 A Resolution for Road Closure for Fireworks Event June 27, 2021 was presented. This resolution is an IDOT requirement in order to close off Route 111 during the scheduled fireworks show on June 27. Chief Dixon is asking for this closure to help with traffic concerns and to help prevent any accidents due to heavy traffic flow during the event. Traffic will detour around Bender Avenue as well as Airline to Buchta Road, but there will be access to all parking locations. Motion made by Lowrance, seconded by Mull, to approve Resolution 2021-16 A Resolution for Road Closure for Fireworks Event June 27, 2021. Trustees Dugger, Lowrance, Perkhiser, Tweedy, Keister and Mull voted aye, nays none. Motion carried 6-0.
ORDINANCES
There were no ordinances presented for consideration.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Committee meetings will be held on Monday, May 24 at 6:00pm.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on June 14, 2021 at 7:15pm.
Having no further business, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Perkhiser, seconded by Lowrance. All voted aye viva voce. Meeting adjourned at 7:54pm.
https://bethalto.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/VILLAGE_BOARD_MINUTES_051021.pdf
Alerts Sign-up