September 9, 2008                                                                 Regular Meeting

Mayor Franks called the September meeting to order with Sturtewagen, Gustafson, Curran, DeRycke, Futon and VanKerrebroeck present. Also present at the meeting were Francis Sierens and Bob Westfall.

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

Monthly Bills
Curran, seconded by Gustafson, made a motion to pay the monthly bills. Motion carried.

Police Report
Tim Wise gave the police report showing 8 citations and 7 warnings for the month.

Economic Development
Tracy Wise gave the Economic Development report. The selling of old street signs is officially over. A profit of $466 was made for the Beautification Committee. She received a form from IDOT for advertising on the signs at Exit 33 from Route 80. She will be talking to businesses who want to advertise. The money from the Hotel Tax could be used toward advertising. Mayor Franks said that with the importance of the signs he thought the village and/or the Chamber of Commerce could help business owners with the expense. The signs attract tourists to the village. Tourists bring in sales tax. No action was taken. Mrs. Allen Foes is now the interim Director of Henry County Tourism. Tracy will be working with John Roegiers on the grant for the extension of water lines under Route 78. Board members gave permission for Chris Aunie to intern with Diehl. He will work with Diehl on the village website at no cost to the village to complete some of his college credit.

Development Request
Bob Westfall reported to board members that he is trying to buy North Meadow Village. He will need variances due to the fact that the lot sizes do not meet the code for subdivisions in the village. Board members told him to proceed. Westfall wants to sell the houses, not rent them. There is a concern for people presently living in North Meadow Village. They are senior citizens who might not be interested in buying the house. They are renting their houses and are provided with lawn mowing and snow shoveling as part of their rent. Westfall told board members that he would not force those people to move and would work with them for everyone’s benefit.

Update from Shive Hattery
A written report was given to board members. It was faxed by Marti Ahlgren of Shive Hattery. Land acquisition must be certified by 11-26-08 in order for the 1-16-09 letting. Shive Hattery revised plans for the extension of Lathrop Street to be 2 lanes for a portion of Progress Parkway from approximately 1250 feet west of Hwy 78 to approximately 400 feet east of 2900 E. due to the rise in construction costs since the first plans were made. The plans have been sent to IDOT. S/H anticipates review comments to be received by 9-30-08.

Update on Concession Stand
The concession stand will face the north diamond with windows that allow workers to see all three diamonds. Dierick’s Electric is going to donate labor and whatever electrical work is necessary. Paul Specht is going to pour concrete footings and charge for the concrete at a reduced rate.

Unlicensed Vehicles
Chief Wise has been in touch with Village Attorney Scott Smith. Smith asked for a copy of the letter sent by Bill Stewart. He faxed materials to Wise. No action was taken.

Trick or Treat Hours
Trick or Treat Hours will be on October 31, 2008, from 5:00 to 7:00 in the village.

Upcoming Maintenance Needed
Board members discussed maintenance needed for the garage at the village sewer plant. The siding is rotting. Bids have been received from ABC Supply and Menard’s for vinyl siding at an approximate cost of $600. The maintenance will be done by village employees.

Bids were received from Van Damme Construction and Creative Carpentry for maintenance to the village building on Dhamers Avenue. Board members decided to table the maintenance to give them time to look at the building needs. It will be discussed at the October board meeting.

Hennepin Canal
Mayor Franks read a letter from Nicole Summers concerning the possible closing of the Hennepin Canal Parkway and the loss it would mean for the area.

Blacktopping
The blacktopping of Pritchard Street and West South Avenue, Motor Fuel Tax projects for 2008, is now scheduled for October 2, 2008.

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

Julie DeSplinter
Village Clerk