FREEBURG REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Monday, April 3 2006

7:30 p.m.

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mayor Raymond Danford called the Regular Board Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., on Monday, April 4, 2006, in the Freeburg Municipal Center Board Room.

 

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

 

ROLL CALL:  Trustee Rita Baker – here; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; Trustee Corby Valentine – here; Trustee Tony Miller – here; Trustee Kevin Groth – here, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent; and, Mayor Raymond Danford - here.  (6 present, 1 absent)  Mayor Danford announced there is a quorum.

 

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.  Trustee Rita Baker motioned to approve the minutes of Monday, March 20, 2006, as presented and Trustee Tony Miller seconded the motion.  (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  All voting aye, motion carried.

 

Trustee Charlie Mattern commented he was not sure of the minutes, but would continue on.

 

FINANCE:  Trustee Corby Valentine reported on the Finance Committee Meeting held Wednesday, Marcy 29, 2006, at 6:00 p.m.   Trustee Mary Krieg was absent.

 

            Trustee Corby Valentine motioned to pay the bills in the amount of $94,337.09 and Trustee Kevin Groth seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:    Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent.  (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

            Trustee Corby Valentine motioned to pay the bills in the amount of $32,863.19 and Trustee Kevin Groth seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent. (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

            Trustee Corby Valentine motioned to pay the bills in the amount of $33,720.00 and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; and,  Trustee Mary Krieg – absent.  (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Robert Haug approached the Finance Committee about beginning a new business on Lot 4 at the Freeburg Industrial Park.  Trustee Corby Valentine motioned for the Village to sell Lot 4 at the Freeburg Industrial Park at  a cost of $10,000.00 per acre and Trustee Kevin Groth seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Corby Valentine – aye;  Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent.  (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

            Sales tax on a new business behind Randle Construction was discussed and Administrator Herzing was asked to write a letter to Mr. Ron Randle asking for the sales tax be done in the Village of Freeburg.

 

            Trustee Corby Valentine motioned to have an ordinance prepared for a fee of $10.00 be placed on a customer’s utility bill for returned checks and Trustee Tony Miller seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent.  (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

            A Committee Meeting As A Whole was scheduled for Thursday, April 13, 2006, to discuss the Village’s audit.  Mr. Kevin Tepen is to be contacted to review the audit with the Board of Trustees.

 

            Trustee Corby Valentine motioned to approve a 3.75% salary increase for the Public Works Department and Electric Department and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – no; Trustee Mary Krieg – absent.  (4 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

            Trustee Kevin Groth commented that stipends are being worked on for those employees that apply for different type of licenses (i.e., mosquito spraying, wastewater testing).

 

            Trustee Tony Miller thought the supervisors received a raise last year in October and do an additional increase, possibly 2% increase, in April 2006.  He thought he had discussed a two-year plan with the Finance Committee previously and does not understand why that was not done for the Village employees.

 

            Trustee Corby Valentine motioned to approve a salary of $64,272.00 for Public Works Director Ron Dintelmann effective April 1, 2006, and Trustee Kevin Groth seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent.  (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

            Trustee Corby Valentine motioned to give the department heads a 4% salary increase effective April 1, 2006, and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – no; Trustee Kevin Groth – no; Trustee Tony Miller – no; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent.  (2 ayes, 3 nays, 1 absent)  Motion failed.

 

            Trustee Kevin Groth commented evaluations should be given on management and give raises on them one at a time.

 

            Trustee Charlie Mattern wanted to know if Billie Louthan is part-time or fulltime.  We have come down this road without fully looking at the appearance.  We battled this with Tracy Coughlin.  We even voted on full-time position.  Vacation time and sick time was discussed.   We have been down this path before and things being done and not really presented all the facts.  I supported Tracy Coughlin and I  trust Billie.  I do not support how it has happened.  We do need a Village clerk and Billie has been directed to help the new people along.  A raise is not necessary because Billie is part-time.

 

            Ms. Louthan stated she does not request an increase.

 

            Trustee Kevin Groth cannot give a raise for part-time.  At the time, she was appointed for 999 hours.  She was to work until her hours were used and we have reached that point.  She stopped taking her pension.  How do you justify giving her a raise.

 

            Mayor Danford reported we hired her fulltime until a replacement is named.  She came out of retirement to fill in until a full-time person is hired. 

 

            Trustee Miller thought the position was for 999 hours.

 

            Trustee Tony Miller motioned to send the salary increases back to Personnel Committee and Finance Committee and Trustee Charlie Mattern seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent.  (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

            The office staff salary increase is being sent to Finance Committee.

 

            Trustee Corby Valentine motioned to pay the annual contribution in the amount of $306.00 for membership in SIMAPC and Trustee Kevin Groth seconded.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent.  (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

            Reported Administrator Herzing is working on the budget.

 

            The Village Comprehensive Study is being sent to Legal and Ordinance Committee.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Treasurer Bryan Vogel  had nothing to report.

 

ATTORNEY’S REPORT:  Attorney Steve Wigginton’s associate attended the meeting.

 

ESDA REPORT:  Coordinator Gene Kramer reported on the forecasts for last week and the present week.   Coordinator Kramer presented Board members with charts to review.

 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: 

 

            Mr. Paul Anderson stated he did not feel owners of property at the Industrial Park should be able to sell property and make a profit.  The Village should have something that says the money would come to the Village.  It was stated nothing was stated in the selling agreement and this is the first time this has happened.  The subject will be looked into.

 

            It was discussed the Street Committee should look into a street overlay on North Main Street.  Trustee Miller stated his vision was to asphalt with curb and guttering all the way down North Main Street.

 

            Mr. Bob Koerber had no problems with what is going on at the Industrial Park.  If anything, we should be planning for another one.  I am just absolutely amazed at the Ace Hardware store.  Tom’s Supermarket will be moving and hope no problems arise at the south end of town.

 

            Mr. Paul Anderson thinks the Ace Hardware was really needed in town and there are a lot of people using the new stop lights.

 

            Ms. Karla Thies commented she did not know how Billie’s position was set up.  She does an excellent job for the Plan Commission.   Ms. Thies does not understand how the process of part-time, fulltime and retirement status stands.  When the clerk resigned, Billie stepped up to help out.

 

            Trustee Groth reported Attorney Wigginton has been asked to check into this.

 

            Mr. Koerber reported Billie is doing a good job.  The Village should be using her skills and experience.  Hope she doesn’t leave.

 

            Mayor Danford apologized for the confusion.  We are not trying to force anything and I will continue with my plans for the best of our government.

 

            Mr. Paul Anderson asked, don’t these items come up in committee meetings?  You have Tom Carpenter writing it for the paper.

 

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:  Nothing

 

RECOMMENDATIONS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:  Nothing

 

CONTRACTS, RELEASES, AGREEMENTS AND ANNEXATIONS:  Nothing

 

BIDS:  Nothing

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Resolution No. 06-16  A Resolution for Improvement by Municipality Under the Illinois Highway Code.  Trustee Tony Miller motioned to  to approve Resolution No. 06-16 by title only and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:   Trustee Tony Miller – aye;  Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; Trustee  Kevin Groth – aye; Trustee Corby Valentine – aye, and, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent.  (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

Resolution No. 06-17:  A Resolution for Maintenance of Streets and Highways by Municipality Under the Illinois Highway Code.  Trustee Rita Baker motioned to approve Resolution No. 06-17 by title only and Trustee Tony Miller seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg - absent.  (5 ayes; 0 nays; 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

ORDINANCES:  None

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

            Trustee Groth asked about annexations on the west side of town.  It was reported it is being looked into.  Some are waiting to find out if other property owners are interested.

 

            Trustee Mattern asked about the IMRF Audit.  Administrator Herzing reported the information has been sent to them and have not heard from them yet.

 

NEW BUSINESS:  Nothing

 

APPOINTMENTS:  Nothing

 

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES:

 

Electric Committee Meeting:  Trustee Corby Valentine reported on the Electric Committee Meeting held Monday, March 27, 2006, 6:00 p.m.

 

            Trustee Corby Valentine motioned to purchase 25 Christmas Wreaths for light poles at a cost of $5,850.00 and Trustee Tony Miller seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent)  (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

            The street light poles have a defect; the Power Plant is delayed because it is too wet; and the wrong permit was submitted for the power plant emissions.

 

            Trustee Corby Valentine motioned to recommend payment of $13,085.14 for a change order for the steel structure for transformers and Trustee Tony Miller seconded the motion.  Trustee Mattern stated it seems that was a needed change.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent.  (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

            Trustee Corby Valentine motioned to recommend payment of the BHMG bills in the amount of $7,377.81, $3,397.03 and $21,984.35 and Trustee Rita Baker seconded the motion.  ROLL CALL:  Trustee Corby Valentine – aye; Trustee Rita Baker – aye; Trustee Tony Miller – aye; Trustee Kevin Groth – aye; Trustee Charlie Mattern – aye; and, Trustee Mary Krieg – absent.  (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent)  Motion carried.

 

            Dates for employees training have been scheduled:  April 17th – Hazard Communication; May 22nd – Confined Space; September 11th – Fire Safety; October 16th – CPR; November 13th – Flagger Training; and, December 11th – Sexual Harassment at 1:00 p.m.

 

            BHMG is conducting a study for the commercial billing process.

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

 

Personnel & Public Safety Committee Meeting, Wednesday, April 5, 2006, 2:00 p.m.

Legal and Ordinance Committee Meeting, Wednesday, April 5, 2006, 6:00 p.m.

Personnel & Public Safety Committee Meeting, Wednesday, April 12, 2006 7:00 p.m.

Committee Meeting As A Whole, Thursday, April 13, 2006, 6:00 p.m.

Board Meeting, Monday, April 17, 2006, 7:30 p.m.

 

VILLAGE PRESIDENT’S AND TRUSTEES’ COMMENTS:

 

Trustee Charlie Mattern:  Nothing

 

Trustee Mary Krieg:   Absent 

 

Trustee Rita Baker:  Nothing

 

Trustee Corby Valentine:  I would like to recommend that there is no more discussion of committee level materials in open session and would like to have more information because I was not ready to make any decisions.  I would like more input because you are dealing with people’s livelihood.

 

Trustee Tony Miller:   Talked about the Village swimming pool being renovated.

 

Trustee Kevin Groth:    Read the following statement:  “As I close in on the end of my first year of a four-year term as Village Trustee, I find myself wondering how I can improve my performance as a public official.  There is a lot I do not know about the inner workings of municipal government, even though in this first year I have learned much.  Anyone who would tell you he knew all there is to know about Village government is probably not being completely honest.  To be of better service to the community, I feel I must strive to learn more.

 

“One thing that I have learned is that complete honesty is hard to come by at Freeburg Village Hall.  The lack of transparency in the day-to-day operation of the Village has caused me great concern, even resulting in a few sleepless nights.  While publicly addressing these concerns.  I have sometimes asked tough questions.  In doing that, not only have I met with resistance to the questions, but there are many unexplained discrepancies in the answers I have received from the Village President and his administration.

 

“These discrepancies begin from “day one” with the reported wage of the out-going Village Manager as $60,000 annually.  The truth is that his yearly wage at the time of his departure was $58,427.20.  One could say, “That’s only $2,000.00,” but to me two grand is a lot of money!  The real significance of this $60,000 dollar figure is that the new Village Manager’s wage was based upon this fictitious report.

 

“The discrepancies now continue with the IMRF audit, and there have been plenty of discrepancies in between.

 

“A random IMRF audit would not bother me too much, but it is my opinion that this audit is not random.  If the opinion I share with the other Village Trustees on the audit turns out to be correct, I would be remiss in my duties as a trustee if I didn’t try to find out the truth of the situation.  If I had found out about the audit from the Village President, rather than on the Village streets, and had I not been met with resentment from the president’s office when I asked questions, I would not be so concerned at this time.  But it seems as though a cloak of secrecy has enveloped the Freeburg Village Hall, and only after persistent questioning about the audit have we found out about an appearing and disappearing $3,200 check; the non-existent second letter from the IMRF miraculously appearing at the March 20th board meeting from the village assistant manager; and plenty of finger pointing.

 

“Of course, an explanation about the $3,200 check has been offered, but it raises ore questions than it answers.  Who knows what the real story on the second letter from the IMRF requesting more information is?  The finger pointing is an on-going issue.  And it seems to me to be more than just coincidence that the IMRF contact from the Village of Freeburg has been put on administrative leave at this time.

 

“Not only is there concern about the IMRF audit, there is shared concern about the non-appointment of a temporary employee to a full-time position of assistant manager without the “advise and consent” of the Board of Trustees.  I believe this non-appointment is related to the IMRF audit because without the consent of the Board, embarrassing questions have been avoided that would have eventually reached the eyes and ears of Village residents.

 

“Again, the non-appointment situation was one that I found out about on the streets of the Village, rather than officially through the Village President’s office.  There seems to be a pattern emerging here.  It looks like the trustees are the last people to find out about important Village situations.  I found out about the misplaced $6,000 check to the IEPA on the streets.  This is another example of something swept under the rug, finger pointing, and unclear answers.  Had I not been at the right place at the right time when a phone call came in from the Federal EPA office, I would have believed that a Village accounting clerk misplaced a check rather than the truth, that the assistant manager had sent the check to the wrong place.  Not a big deal.  It happens.   The big deal occurs when you try to keep the whole thing a secret and when the truth finally emerges, you blame it on someone else.

 

“The point of all this is that I have no trust in the answers given me by the Village President’s office.  All I want is the truth.  How can the board make informed, wise decisions if we are not given all of the facts all of the time?  We must be able to have confidence in the facts we are given or we have nothing.

 

“Of course, these are my opinions.  I do know, however, that the truth must come to light.  At this time I see only one way to get to the truth.  I call for the Village Board of Trustees to insist upon a parallel, independent, impartial investigation into both the IMRF audit and the suspension of the former Village IMRF contact.  Then, and only then, do I feel that we can have confidence in the facts presented to us.

 

“Kevin Groth”

 

Administrator Dennis Herzing:  Nothing

 

Public Works Director Ron Dintelmann:  Nothing

 

Chief Mel Woodruff:  Nothing

 

Treasurer Bryan Vogel:  Nothing

 

Administrative Assistant Billie Louthan:  Nothing

 

ADJOURN: 

 

            Trustee Rita Baker motioned to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. and Trustee Corby Valentine seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

                                                                        Billie Louthan, Deputy Clerk