April 21, 2015 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:04 pm on Monday April 21, 2025 at the Village Office by Clerk Hedrick. Notice of the meeting was posted in three public places: Village Clerk’s Office, MNB Bank Stratton, and United States Post Office Stratton. Availability of the agenda was communicated in the advance notice. A poster of the “Open Meetings Act” was clearly visible on the wall, and the attention of those present was directed to the poster. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session.

Present: Trustee J. Stewart, Trustee H.A. Windecker, Trustee K.R. Moore. Also in attendance were: Assistant Utilities Superintendent C. Stout, Clerk T. Hedrick, and members of the public Melissa Dailey, Linda Zahl, Deb Clingan, Melba Rife and Jen Moore.

Motion by Stewart and seconded by Windecker to appoint Stewart as Chairman pro tem for the current board of trustees meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

Motion by Stewart and seconded by Windecker to excuse the absence of Trustee Hanes and Bohochik. Roll call: Ayes: Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

OPEN FORUM:

No public comment made.

Motion by Stewart and seconded by Windecker to approve the previous minutes, claims and treasurers report as presented. Roll call: Ayes: Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Discussion on Utilities Superintendent applicants. Stewart explained that the individual who was approved to be hired during the March 7^th meeting had declined the position. Other potential candidates were also no longer interested. Stewart noted that more follow up information would need to be obtained on one candidate. Motion by Stewart and seconded by Windecker to reopen acceptance of Utilities Superintendent applications for the next thirty days. Roll call: Ayes: Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

Pool applications were reviewed and budget discussed. Member of the public, Deb Clingan informed the board that a small group of volunteers had been formed to do some fundraising to assist with cost at the swimming pool. Clerk Hedrick advised that the Stratton Community Foundation could also be a potential source of funding for upgrades and needed repairs as well as the cost of lifeguard certification classes. Motion by Stewart and seconded by Windecker to hire Katrina McCorkle as pool manager at $15.00 per hour and Zac Shapley, Haley Ladenburger, Noah Wiese, Ashton Baker, Selah Lozano, and Annalee Shapley as lifeguards at $14.00 per hour pending obtaining their lifeguard certification by May 23, 2025 with the exception of Annalee obtaining certification as able after reaching the minimum age required for the course. Roll call: Ayes: Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried. Discussion on potential assistant pool managers. It was agreed that Roy Shapley be hired if he agreed to obtain his lifeguard certification as well.

Discussion on estimates for street repairs on Railway Street. Motion by Steward and seconded by Windecker to postpone the subject to the next regular board meeting on May 19^th.  Roll call: Ayes: Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Fence permit at 407 Boyle Avenue was reviewed. Motion by Stewart and seconded by Windecker to approve the fence permit at 407 Boyle Avenue with the condition that the fence was minimum one foot in from the front sidewalk. Roll call: Ayes: Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

Fence permit at 511 Barton was reviewed. Motion by Stewart and seconded by Windecker to approve the fence permit at 511 Barton with the condition that the fence was one foot in from the north sidewalk and four foot in from the alley. Roll call: Ayes: Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

Motion by Stewart and seconded by Windecker to state the Village of Stratton’s intent to continue our financial support of Hitch and Hay Public Transit. Roll call: Ayes: Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

Location of new playground equipment was discussed. It was discussed rather to ask for volunteers or get Work Ethic Camp to assist with installation. Stout suggested putting the rocks from the old location in the parking area on the west side of the park. Clerk Hedrick informed the board that a grant was received from the Stratton Community Foundation in the amount of $38,022 to pay the remaining balance needed for the playground set as well as the new ground surfacing materials. Motion made by Windecker and seconded by Stewart to install the new playground equipment in the open area next to Hartford Street just east of the tennis court and west of the outhouse with a deadline for installation by Memorial Day and relocating the rocks from the old location to the west parking area at the park. Roll call: Ayes: Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried. Discussion was had regarding the cement surfacing at the tennis court. Member of the public Deb Clingan advised there are more people using the area to play pickleball and there are safety concerns regarding the cracks and sinking of the surface. Motion by Stewart and seconded by Windecker to consult with companies on repairs and or replacement of the cement at a depth of three inches. Roll call: Ayes: Stewart, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

Employee Report: Nothing new to report.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Discussion regarding unauthorized items being dumped in the tree limb dump, such as grass clippings. There have also been problems with the gate being left open. It was agreed to change the locks. Discussion on need for sign instructing to close the gate between loads and possible security camera or use by appointment only.

Electricity Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick distributed information for a free board training regarding drinking water. Stout stated disinfection of water has ended. Member of the public, Melba Rife inquired when the safety cone and concrete that was removed at her property last year during water repairs would be cleaned up.

Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Health & Welfare Committee: Nothing new to report.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: Member of the public, Linda Zahl asked if the dog waste stations at the park would be refilled as they were currently empty.

Motion by Stewart and seconded by Windecker to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Stewart, Windecker. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:44pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday May 19, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.