November 20, 2023 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 pm on Monday November 20, 2023 at the Village Office by Chairman S. Hanes. Notice of the meeting was posted in three public places and availability of the agenda was communicated in the advance notice. A poster of the “Open Meetings Act” was clearly visible on the wall, and Chairman Hanes directed the attention of those present to the poster. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session.

Present: Trustee S. Hanes, Trustee J. Griffiths, Trustee P. Bohochik, Trustee J. Stewart, Trustee M. McDonald. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent M. Petersen, Clerk T. Hedrick, Assistant Utilities Superintendent C. Stout, and members of the public Melissa Dailey, Barbara Sydow, Wade Hanes, Chet Bridge, and Thomas Rife.       

OPEN FORUM:

Member of the public Wade Hanes questioned the status of the survey that was requested by the Village as well as a pending lawsuit. No new information was available. Discussion was had regarding contacting the surveyor for an update.

Member of the public Melissa Dailey questioned when the last board meeting was and discussion was had regarding posting of notices. Melissa stated she would like to see notices posted on Facebook in addition to the three public places.

Member of the public Thomas Rife addressed his concerns regarding the drainage of water on Railway Street near the Fire Barn. Rife questioned whether millings could be scraped down on the street. Utilities Superintendent Petersen stated curb and gutter may be something to consider. Petersen will assess the location and drainage options at a later date.

Motion by Griffiths and seconded by Hanes to approve the previous minutes, claims and treasurers report with correction to the date of the minutes listed on the agenda. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

State bids were reviewed for the purchase of a new pickup. Motion by Hanes and second by Stewart to accept the state contract bid and purchase the 2024 2500 Tradesman Regular cab 4x4 for the amount of $44,701. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Consideration of 2009 Dodge Ram as surplus property: Utilities Superintendent Petersen advised the pickup just had some repairs and is working well at the time being. With no objection it was agreed to keep the current pick up to use for backup or alternative use for the time being.

Finance Committee Report: Utilities Superintendent Petersen inquired as to how much and where the board would like to list the trash truck for sale. Petersen will research comparable vehicles.

Motion by McDonald and second by Bohochik to approve Resolution 529 Signing of the Year-End Certification of City Street Superintendent. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried. Chairman Hanes completed the signing of the Certification of City Street Superintendent.

There was discussion regarding the possibility of Great Plains use of Village REA poles for hanging wire for fiber internet access to residents. There was concern regarding the removal and maintenance of unused wire. Board members would like to have a representative available to answer questions prior to making any decisions.

Employee Report: Discussion was had about possibility of paperless packets for the board meetings. Clerk Hedrick reviewed benefits of electronic packets. Board members agreed they preferred hard copies.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Utilities Superintendent Petersen discussed options for street repairs. Petersen would like to see other bids prior to next armor coating.

Member of the public Melissa Dailey inquired about the discussion from the last meeting regarding the school property. Chairman Hanes reviewed that the School Superintendent approached the board that the school building property would be for sale and would like to involve the Village in the process.

Electricity Committee Report: Utilities Superintendent Petersen advised electric meters had been changed out at Grandview.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Utilities Superintendent Petersen stated they have continued to install new water meters. He also reported there continues to be air in the water lines. Petersen stated water tower cleaning went fine and would be good for the next five years.

Health & Welfare Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick advised there was a complaint regarding nuisance violation at 510 Barton. Hedrick advised there has been concerns in the past regarding the property and neighborhood residents are currently reporting seeing mice and rats at the residence of 510 Barton. The board instructed to send a letter to the owners of the property giving them 30 days to clean up the property.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: Utilities Superintendent Petersen advised the dog waste receptacles have been installed at the park. Discussion was had regarding updating playground equipment. The board would like to check on status of availability of the school equipment.

Motion made by Griffiths and second by Hanes to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried and meeting adjourned at 7:48 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday December 18, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.