FREEBURG REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Monday, April 5, 2004

7:30 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER:  Mayor Allen Watters called the Regular Board Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., on Monday, April 5, 2004, in the Freeburg Municipal Center Board Room.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:  Those present and Board members recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:  The following Board Members were present:  Trustee Tom Gaby – present; Trustee Paul Janssen – present; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – here; Trustee Rita Baker – here; Trustee Tony Miller - here;  Trustee Mary Krieg – here; and, Mayor Allen Watters – here.  The Mayor announced there is a quorum.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:    Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to accept the March 15, 2004, minutes as presented and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.   All voting aye, motion carried.

FINANCES:

Finance Committee Meeting:  Chairman Paul Janssen reported on the following:

Thursday, April 1, 2004, 4:30 p.m.

Claims:  Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to pay the claims in the amount of $550,600.31 and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Building Permit Refund – Rachell - $739.90:  Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to refund the Building Permit fee in the amount of $739.90 to Jim and Judy Rachell and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.   Roll Call:  Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried. (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

       Also discussed was entering into a contract for the Grant Locator Program.  It will be discussed later on the agenda.   

TREASURER’S REPORT:  No action taken.

ESDA REPORT:  Nothing

ATTORNEY’S REPORT:  Attorney Greg Nold reported things are moving forward on the S.A.V.E. annexation.  Preparing a roadway right-of-way easement on S.A.V.E. Road.  Helms and Smith Annexations are taking place tonight.  Coast-to-Coast should be contacting us with respect to the purchase of the railroad right-of-way. 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: 

       Mrs. Janet Baechle stated she had three things.  (1)  Mrs. Baechle commented on an article  in reference to a type of store for apparel, accessory base projection of $12,790,000.00.  It was explained that the article was  talking about the needs in the town.  (2)  On March 3, 2004, tried to attend the Electric Committee Meeting and the doors were locked.  Took 13 minutes to get into the door with the help of the Police Department.  (3)  Still against the TIF.

       Ms. Sherry Heiligenstein reported she had difficulty getting on the Freeburg web site, but several mentioned they had no trouble getting on the web site today.  The only reason for not getting on the web site, might be - it was being updated. 

       Mr. Paul Anderson asked if the Board could update them on what is going on in the TIF District area and what is going on with Joe Koppies.  Mr. Anderson asked if Mr. Koppeis could not work out something with the property owners, is the Village going to take the property by imminent domain?   The Village is not interested in imminent domain.  Administrator Snider reported the Village has received the Eligibility Study and the area does meet the blighted criteria.  The TIF Eligibility Study is available for anyone who would like a copy.  The cost is $5.00.  The Village is still negotiating with Mr. Koppeis.  An informational meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday, April 27, 2004, 6:00 p.m., at the Freeburg Municipal Center.  It is a meeting required by State Statute.   Mr. Anderson was wondering how negotiations with a developer can be done until the actual TIF District is approved.  Administrator Snider explained you have a determination of certain requirements for a Tax Increment Financing District, negotiations with a developer and having our consultants prepare a study for this particular area.  At the same time, we are also having our consultant develop a rebuilding plan.  Mr. Anderson asked if it was better to set up a TIF District and then negotiate with a developer?  Advertisement for a developer was done.  The Village does not want to have a TIF District without a developer, so it was better for us to negotiate with a developer, as well as work towards obtaining a TIF District.

       Mrs. Baechle stated it would be better to put in a hardware store or theater rather than a grocery store and pharmacy.   The Village cannot tell the businessman what to put into the complex.  He is a businessman and knows where it is best to put his investment. 

       Mrs. Gloria Niebruegge asked if Public Participation could be put at the end of the meeting so participants may ask questions.  It was explained that there were individuals with particular questions about items and did not want to wait two to three hours so Public Participation was placed early on the agenda.  The agenda is also setup in the Municipal Handbook that we follow.    Most of the business is discussed in Committee Meetings and voted on at the Board Meetings.  Very little discussion is held at Board Meetings.

       There were questions about an individual wanting in the Industrial Park and Trustee Tom Gaby explained that the gentleman was here tonight and he spoke to him and he left.  Right now,  Industrial Park spaces are being advertised in several different forms.  We are holding properties for someone who will have true manufacturing jobs.  This gentleman has a contracting business. 

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCES:  Nothing

RECOMMENDATIONS OR ACTIONS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:

Plan Commission Recommendation – Wilbert & Nancy Smith:   Trustee Tracy Coughlin motioned to accept the recommendation by the Plan Commission to rezone property at 1874 East Illinois Highway 15, Belleville, belonging to Wilbert and Nancy Smith (Highway Business “B-2” – 14-06.0-300-018,   East 200 feet of 14-06.0-300-005; Agricultural “A” – 13-06.0-300-005 and 13-01.0-400-022; and, Moderate Industrial “I-2”,  13-01.0-400-023 and Trustee Paul Janssen seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye;  Trustee Tony Miller – aye, Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Plan Commission Recommendation – Matthew Helms/Jane Helms:  Trustee Tony Miller motioned to accept the recommendation by the Plan Commission to  change zoning of Agricultural “A” to “B-2” Highway Business for Matthew Helms and Jane Helms and Trustee Tracy Coughlin seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Rita Baker- aye; and, Trustee Tom Gaby – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

BIDS:

2004 Properties Mowed:  Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to accept the 2004 Properties Mowing Bid in the amount of $187.00 to Xtreme Lawn and Landscaping and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

West Apple and South State Streets Water Main Project:  Trustee Tom Gaby motioned to award the West Apple and South State Streets Water Main Project Bid to IMCO at a cost of $25,032.50 and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – aye.  All voting aye, motion  carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Loader/Backhoe:  Trustee Tracy Coughlin motioned to enter into a contract with H. Edwards Equipment in the amount of $32,185.00 to be made in semi-annual payments in the amount of $6,840.07 for the Loader/Backhoe and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Petition for Annexation (Smith):  Review.  No action taken.

Petition for Annexation (Helms):  Review.  No action taken.

Railroad Crossing Permit Contract 2,751’:  Review.  No action taken.

Railroad Crossing Permit Contract 1,467’:   Review.  No action taken.

eCivis Grants Locator Contract:  Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to enter into a contract with eCivis Grants Locator as outlined and detailed in the Terms and Conditions and Trustee Mary Krieg seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Kenneth Johnson Agency, Freeburg Industrial Park Listing Contract:  Mayor Watters reported that any Industrial Park lot sale is subject upon approval by the Village Board of Trustees.  Trustee Tom Gaby motioned to enter into an agreement with Kenneth Johnson Agency for the purpose of selling ground at the Industrial Park and Trustee Paul Janssen seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; and, Trustee Rita Baker – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

RESOLUTIONS:

Resolution 04-04:  A Resolution Adopting Freeburg’s 2004-05 Operating Budget – No. 04-04 – Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to adopt Resolution No. 04-04 by title only and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  Trustee Tracy Coughlin reported he had some concerns with the budget because of a deficit in the General Fund.  Some items can be eliminated.  Things are getting tight because of the loss of revenue.   The supervisors need to know what they can spend.  If we cannot find the money, services may need to be cut.  There is a deficit of $71,000.00 projected.  Hopefully, with the new developments and maybe some other revenue from some other source to make that up, but until then, our managers and police should not be misled.   The budget should be balanced.  It was mentioned there was a grant for one police vehicle.  Trustee Paul Janssen stated that the Village’s auditor stated for the Fiscal Year March 2003, the Village has improved its economic situation in several funds.  The only two areas of concern were the water and swimming pool.  Since this information, we have retired a bond in the Water Department, which has made a big difference in the Water Department and we just received a grant in the amount of $25,000.00 for the Swimming Pool.  Trustee Tony Miller remarked that the Swimming Pool is a deficit every year.  Do we shut it down?  Either shut it down or raise the fees.  Roll Call:  Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; and, Trustee Tracy Coughlin – no.  Motion carried.  (5 ayes, 1 nay, 0 absent)

Resolution 04-05:  A Resolution Authorizing Support Of An Application For Program Year 2004 Community Development Block Grant – No. 04-05 – Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to adopt Resolution No. 04-05 by title only and Trustee Tom Gaby seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; and, Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Resolution No. 04-06:  A Resolution Providing For Amendment Of Resolution No. 03-19 Of The Village Of Freeburg, St. Clair County, Illinois, Adopted On September 15, 2003, By Providing For The Re-Designation Of Due Dates For Note Resolution 04-06:  Payments Originally Established In Said Resolution No. 03-19 – No. 04-06 – Trustee Tracy Coughlin motioned to adopt Resolution No. 04-06 by title only and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.   Administrator Snider gave a brief explanation for the Resolution – in conjunction with a resolution we filed last fall for a Bond with Union Planters.  Since we did not close until March of this year, the effective dates of the terms of the agreement changed.  Basically, it is March 3, 2004-2005.  Interest rate is guaranteed.  Roll Call:  Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen - aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Resolution 04-07:   A Permit Resolution (Mile Post G 20 + 2,751” – Freeburg) – No. 04-07 – Trustee Tracy Coughlin motioned to adopt Resolution No. 04-07 by title only and at a cost of $1,575.00 to Illinois Central Railroad and Trustee Tom Gaby seconded the motion.  Trustee Tracy Coughlin commented on the costs to Illinois Central Railroad.  Roll Call:  Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; and, Trustee Rita Baker – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Resolution 04-08:  A Permit Resolution (Mile Post G 21 + 1,467’ – Freeburg) – No. 04-08 – Trustee Tracy Coughlin motioned to adopt Resolution No. 04-08 by title only and at a cost of $1,575.00 to Illinois Central Railroad and Trustee Paul Janssen seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Resolution 94-09:  A Resolution for Peabody’s Development Of A Power Plant And Coal Mine Facility North Of Tilden – No. 04-09 – Trustee Paul Janssen motion to adopt Resolution No. 04-09 by title only and Trustee Tony Miller seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; and, Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Ordinance No. 1134:  An Ordinance Authorizing Execution Of Annexation Agreement (Smith) – No. 1134 – Trustee Tom Gaby motioned to adopt Ordinance No. 1134 by title only and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; and, Trustee Paul Janssen – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Ordinance No. 1135:  An Ordinance Annexing Certain Territory To The Village Of Freeburg. St. Clair County, Illinois (Smith) – No. 1135  - Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to adopt Ordinance No. 1135 by title only and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; and, Trustee Tom Gaby – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Ordinance No. 1136:  An Ordinance Authorizing Execution Of Annexation Agreement (Helms) – No. 1136 – Trustee Tom Gaby motioned to adopt Ordinance No. 1136 by title only and Trustee Tracy Coughlin seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; and, Trustee Rita Baker – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Ordinance No. 1137:  An Ordinance Annexing Certain Territory To The Village Of Freeburg, St. Clair County, Illinois (Helms) – No. 1137 – Trustee Tracy Coughlin motioned to adopt Ordinance No. 1137 by title only and Trustee Tony Miller seconded the motion.   Roll Call:  Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; and, Trustee Paul Janssen – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Ordinance No. 1138:    An Ordinance Amending Section 32-06 Of The Revised Code Of Ordinances – Holidays (Adding Birthday and Good Friday) – No. 1138 – Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to adopt Ordinance No. 1138 by title only and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Ordinance No. 1139:  An Ordinance Amending Section 32-07 Of The Revised Code Of Ordinances – Sick Leave And Family Death Leave (Accumulation of Sick Days) – No. 1139 – Trustee Rita Baker motioned to adopt Ordinance No. 1139 by title only and Trustee Tom Gaby seconded the motion.  Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; and, Trustee Paul Janssen – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

OLD BUSINESS:  None

NEW BUSINESS:  None

APPOINTMENTS:  None

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting:  Chairperson Rita Baker reported on the Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting held Saturday, March 20, 2004, at 10:00 a.m., at the Freeburg Swimming Pool.

            The Committee Members had a walk around the pool to review the list of repairs.  The conclusion was all State requirements will be done and others will be completed by Village personnel as monies are available.

            A chest freezer has been donated to the Concession Stand by Ms. Billie Louthan.

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting:  Chairperson Rita Baker reported on the Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting held Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at 4:30 p.m.

            Trustee Rita Baker reported the Committee reviewed the finances of expenses and revenues.  There is always a deficit spending regarding the swimming pool.  Trustee Rita Baker motioned to raise general admission for adults to $4.50 and children $4.00; half price for the evenings (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.); in-town pool passes increase $5.00, out-of-town pool passes increase $10.00, and senior citizens stay the same ($15.00) and Trustee Mary Krieg seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; and, Trustee Tom Gaby – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

            Trustee Rita Baker reported on the Swim Team User’s Fee.  Trustee Rita Baker motioned to approve raising the Swim Team User’s Fee to $40.00 and Trustee Mary Krieg seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

            Trustee Rita Baker discussed putting up a gate at the east end of the swimming pool for the swim team to move their equipment into the pool area when there are swim meets.

            Trustee Rita Baker stated the Committee also discussed salaries for the pool personnel.  Trustee Rita Baker motioned to approve salaries for the following:  Kim Towers (Manager) $6,000.00; Sheila Gale (Assistant Manager) $2,000.00; Andrea Klopmeyer (Assistant Manager) $1,250.00; Barb Borger (Education Coordinator) $2,200.00;  Melinda Crecelius (Swim Team Lifeguard) Lifeguard pay;  Lifeguard pay increase by $.50; and, all swimming pool personnel will complete time cards and  Trustee Mary Krieg seconded the motion.  Roll Call:  Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Mary Krieg – aye; Trustee Tracy Coughlin – aye; Trustee Paul Janssen – aye; Trustee Tom Gaby – aye; and, Trustee Tony Miller – aye.  All voting aye, motion carried.  (6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent)

Building, Annexation and Zoning Committee Meeting:  Chairperson Mary Krieg reported on the Building, Annexation and Zoning Committee Meeting held Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at 6:00 p.m.

            Trustee Mary Krieg reported the Committee received a letter from Jim Coughlin, Devin Kaemmerer and John Blomenkamp about a house on Walnut Street being run down.  The Village of Freeburg does not have any laws to condemn property on the outside structure.  Zoning Administrator Pat Smoker has been talking with Mrs. Evans about her property. 

            Trustee Mary Krieg discussed the issue of mowing Freeburg properties that are in violation of weed control.  The Village will continue with its policy as in the past.

            The Dambacher property was in question and the property is grandfathered in with the same amount of property.

            Zoning Administrator Smoker advised the Committee of Mr. Vollmer beginning to sell 49 lots on the First Addition of Lone Oaks Trail.

            Trustee Janssen suggested the Habitat for Humanity could possibly help Mrs. Evans’ with her house.

Water and Sewer Committee Meeting:  Chairman Tom Gaby reported on the Water and Sewer Committee Meeting held Monday, March 22, 2004, at 4:30 p.m.

            Trustee Tom Gaby reported the Committee discussed with Mr. Mike Smith about the wastewater line on Cherry Tree Lane.  TWM’s approximate proposal cost was $88,000.00 and going to serve a very small number of people.  It was the consensus of the Committee, unless the Board feels differently,  it was cost prohibitive to do the project.  It was discussed with Mr. Smith maybe a grinder pump might be attached to our system at some point and we would work with him and help him get it done.

            Assistant Public Works Director John Tolan is still working on the meter reading proposals.

Industrial Park/Economic Development Committee Meeting:  Chairman Tom Gaby reported on the Industrial Park/Economic Development Committee Meeting held Monday, March 22, 2004, at 5:30 p.m.

            Trustee Tom Gaby reported the main discussion of the Committee was the TIF District and got the information back on what is going on.  The study was completed and it meets the criteria for a TIF District. Now, waiting on the financial information from Mr. Koppeis and Mr. Koppeis has been in contact with all the property owners out there.  As soon as the Village gets the final figures, if in fact they can reach a decision, the Board will be in a position to make a decision  whether to go on.

            Mr. Scott Ford , Ford Marble and Tile, is very interested in purchasing property at the Industrial Park.  He has about 15 people working for him and would like to see him at the Industrial Park by the end of this year.

            Discussion was also held regarding the parking lots at the Industrial Park not being paved.  All the people have been contacted and they have given us information when they are going to do it.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

Daylight-Saving Time Begins, Sunday, April 4, 2004

Electric Committee Meeting, Wednesday, April 7, 2004, 4:30 p.m.

Street Committee Meeting, Wednesday, April 7, 2004, 5:30 p.m.

Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting, Thursday, April 8, 2004, 5:30 p.m.

HOLIDAY, GOOD FRIDAY, Friday, April 9, 2004

Police Committee Meeting, Monday, April 12, 2004, 4:30 p.m.

Cleanup Begins, April 16, 17, 18 and 19, 2004

Board Meeting, Monday, April 19, 2004, 7:30 p.m.

VILLAGE PRESIDENT’S AND TRUSTEE’S COMMENTS:

Mayor Allen L. Watters:  Mayor Watters read and signed a Proclamation for the month of April for Autism Awareness Month.

Trustee Tony Miller:  Pass

Trustee Tracy Coughlin:  Welcomed the Smiths and Helms to the Village of Freeburg.  In reference to comments made about the budget.  Once I had the budget, I discussed it with Administrator Jim, but did not go into a deep conversation about it.  Since then, the budget has changed.  I did not see the final budget until I picked it up on Friday evening.  I just wanted to clarify that point.

Trustee Paul Janssen:  Trustee Janssen wanted to remind everyone that on April 24th at the Freeburg Bowling Alley is the fund raiser for our canine unit.   Trustee Janssen wants to meet with Mr. Lee Sauzek and Zoning Administrator Pat Smoker about setting up a schedule with the Plan Commission.

Trustee Tom Gaby:  Trustee Gaby had a question for Attorney Greg Nold about the properties to be vacated.  Mr. Nold reported the engineers and surveyors are working on the legal descriptions for Devin Kaemmerer and Gregory Hazelwood.  Did not know about Karla Thies, but will work on that also.  Trustee Janssen advised Mr. Nold the Street Committee had requested the Thies request to vacate property by the Village Shed be prepared for vacating.

Trustee Rita Baker:  Nothing

Trustee Mary Krieg:  Trustee Krieg asked about vacating the triangle of property on Apple Street.  Can the Street Committee decide that?  Mayor Watters responded the Board would have to say whether or not to vacate property.  Discussion was also had regarding drainage problems with the triangle piece of property.

            Trustee Tony Miller remarked Mr. Koerber had an interesting saying on this about a year ago and I have to agree with him.  The Village is not in the business of giving land away.  Trustee Gaby commented about the land by the church.  That land is of no value to us and we are paying to have it mowed and in the case of the land by the Village shed, by giving that away, we can put a house or building in there and collect taxes from it.  It was questioned if a house was going to be built on it?

Administrator Jim Snider:  Nothing

Public Works Director Ron Dintelmann:  Nothing

Attorney Gregory C. Nold:  Nothing

            Trustee Paul Janssen motioned to adjourn at 8:53 p.m. and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  All voting aye, the motion carried.

                                                                                                            Billie Louthan, Deputy Clerk