July 21, 2025 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 pm on Monday July 21, 2025 at the Village Office by Chairman S. Hanes. 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 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 P. Bohochik, Trustee H.A. Windecker, Trustee K.R. Moore. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent J. McCorkle, Assistant Utilities Superintendent C. Stout, Clerk T. Hedrick, and members of the public Sabrinna Morgan, Deb Clingan, Lenay Johnson, Linda Zahl, Jannet Felt, Katrina McCorkle and Jen Moore.

Motion by Bohochik and second by Hanes to excuse the absence of Stewart from the current July 21, 2025 meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

OPEN FORUM:

Member of the public Sabrinna Morgan inquired if it was required for the utility workers to drive around together in the mornings.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Street Rehabilitation Project Bids: Bids received to date were reviewed. Utilities Superintendent Petersen was in contact with a company regarding estimates. Utilities Superintendent McCorkle will follow up with the company for armor coating bids. Motion by Hanes and second by Bohochik to request updated estimates from Figgins and TriState Paving to armor coat Bailey Street from Howard Street to the north, repair and armor coat Railway Street from Beaver Street west to Howard Street, and armor coat all streets remaining on the one year plan of the 1&6 year street plan. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Motion by Moore and seconded by Hanes to approve the submitted invoice for the playground equipment construction. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Abstain: Bohochik. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

An Ordinance to allow for chickens was discussed. Many community members spoke against allowing chickens. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Windecker for the ordinance to remain as it currently is prohibiting chickens in Village limits. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Library Board Member Jannet Felt presented the proposed Library budget for 2025-2026. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Bohochik to accept the proposed Library budget for 2025-2026. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Bohochik to approve League Association of Risk Management 2025-26 Renewal Resolution 541. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Motion by Windecker and seconded by Bohochik to renew time deposit certificate number 141042. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Swimming pool closing date and hours were discussed as well as availability of staff. Pool Manager Katrina McCorkle suggested having normal hours until August 9, 2025 then, due to school starting the next week, have shortened hours of 6:00-8:00pm Monday through Friday and normal hours for Saturday August 16, which would be the last day open for the season. The board members were in agreement with the suggested hours as long as staff were available to work. It was noted the pool cover would be ordered this year but would not arrive in time for this season. Katrina inquired about swim time for the last ten minutes the pool was open each day. Chairman Hanes stated hours open doesn’t mean swim time, that’s the time the gates open and close, every swim break should be at 10 minutes before the hour. Trustee Windecker inquired about a dog swim day after the last day open.

Employee Report: Utilities Superintendent McCorkle reported that the first week was going well as Utilities Superintendent.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Member of the public Sabrinna Morgan advised she believed the grass and tree dump may need some maintenance completed.

Electricity Committee Report: McCorkle stated they have had issues with locked gates and are unable to read an electric meter. The landlord of the property will be contacted regarding the issue.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Chairman Hanes advised that we needed to make changing out broken water meters a priority before winter. 

Finance Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick informed the board members that the budget workshop would take place on August 25^th at 6pm. Clerk Hedrick advised the contracted trash rates have increased and the board may need to consider increasing customer charges. It was noted that several of the dumpsters have been damaged. Utilities Superintendent McCorkle will contact the company regarding the damage.

Health & Welfare Committee: Nothing new to report.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: It was reported that there has been graffiti repeatedly at the bathrooms in the park. They have been documented and the paint removed. Discussion on the resurfacing of the tennis courts at the park. Quotes for asphalt have been requested, and McCorkle will follow up with the company. Member of the public Deb Clingan inquired if the mud built up in the corners of the court could be removed and there was discussion on landscaping around the outside of the courts.

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Windecker to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday August 18, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.