January 13, 2009                                                                       Regular Meeting

Mayor Franks called the January meeting to order with Sturtewagen, Gustafson, Fulton, and VanKerrebroeck present. Also present at the meeting were Ellen DeRycke, Francis Sierens, Mark Crosby, Bob Brown, Blaine Kurth, and John Roegiers.

Minutes
Gustafson, seconded by VanKerrebroeck, made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.

Monthly Bills
VanKerrebroeck, seconded by Gustafson, made a motion to pay the monthly bills. Motion carried. Under discussion was a bill from Chapman Tiling for necessary work they did on the Annawan ditch. It was decided that a meeting needs to happen between the village and landowners so that bills for the ditch are shared, not paid entirely by the village.

Police Report
Tim Wise gave the police report showing 3 warnings and 4 citations for the month.

Economic Development
There was no Economic Development report.

IDOT Legal Issue
Bob Brown, of IDOT, discussed with board members the acquisition of land from John Hollander due to the Patriot Way/Route 6 intersection. Most of the board members thought the acquisition had already occurred. But money sent to the Bureau County Treasurer was deemed insufficient by Hollander. He has hired lawyers and is asking for more money. Mr. Brown was present at the meeting to advise the board to think about paying Hollander the extra amount rather than going to court and having lawyer fees, court fees, etc., which could end up being more than what Hollander is asking for. Board members decided to offer Mr. Hollander an additional $2000. The amount is less than he is requesting.

IMLRMA Safety Courses
Blaine Kurth, of IMLRMA, spoke to board members about safety courses available at no cost to the village. He gave board members handouts concerning each course. The board chose 3 or 4 topics and will be setting up the courses when the weather is better. They may invite neighboring towns who are IMLRMA members to attend also. A copy of courses offered is on file at the village office.

Residential Request
Mayor Franks had a request for the village to repair tire tracks on the easement on South State Street in front of the Jay Bridges home. Board members decided to let the homeowner pay for the repairs. Further requests from residents will be handled in the same manner.

Ordinance Number 312
Sturtewagen, seconded by Gustafson, made a motion to adopt Ordinance Number 312 (Annual Tax Abatement Ordinance). Motion carried.

New Liquor License
A liquor license was granted to Christopher Vandersnick (Front Street Tap). The license will expire April 30, 2009.

Gas Bill for Annawan-Alba Library
Board members discussed the monies spent for gas at the library. It was decided to bill the library twice a year for gas used in hopes that Annawan and Alba townships will share the bill. The library is actually a township library.

Henry County Economic Development Dues
Fulton, seconded by VanKerrebroeck, made a motion to pay the yearly dues. The dues are $250.00.

Residential Request
Mayor Franks had a request from John Arthur Rosenow to refund part of his liquor license since he is  no longer in business. Because of Village Ordinance 152 his request was denied.

New Pumps for the Village
Mark Crosby talked to board members about the need for new pumps. During the big rainstorms this past year pumps had to be rented. Village employees lost time driving to get the pumps and the money paid for the rentals could be put toward village-owned pumps. VanKerrebroeck, seconded by Sturtewagen, made a motion to purchase one 3-inch pump and one 4-inch pump. Motion carried.

Annawan High School Close-up Program
A letter requesting money was read from students planning to go to Washington, D.C. to attend the Close-Up program. Because the same request was denied in 2008 no money will be sent.

Update from Shive-Hattery
The critical path item is land acquisition.  It must certified by 01-21-09, but that doesn’t seem likely. The next right of way certification deadline would be 03-11-09, with construction beginning in the spring of 2010. Properties still under negotiations belong to the James Wildemuth Estate and to Mel Saad.

Update on concession stand
Mayor Franks advised board members that a backup plan may be needed if Charlie Farmer doesn’t meet the deadline of March 1. Board members discussed ordering necessary materials from Anchor Do-It Center and building the concession stand.

Executive Session
Gustafson, seconded by Sturtewagen, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss Employee Job Descriptions and a new Employee Handbook. Motion carried.

Board members decided that they would like to have more time to study the handbook.

Several things came under discussion: accrued sick days, etc.

Gustafson, seconded by Sturtewagen made a motion to adjourn the executive session. Motion carried.

Job Descriptions
Gustafson, seconded by VanKerrebroeck, made a motion to approve the job descriptions for Lead Maintenance Worker and Water and Sewer Operator, Maintenance Worker I, Maintenance Worker II, and Chief of Police. Motion carried. The job descriptions are on file at the village office.

Adjourn
There being no further business, Gustafson, seconded by Sturtewagen, made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried.

Julie DeSplinter
Village Clerk