November 11, 2008                                                                Regular Meeting 

Mayor Franks called the November meeting to order with Sturtewagen, Gustafson, Curran, Fulton, and VanKerrebroeck present. Also present at the meeting was Don Sierens. 

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

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

Police Report
Tim Wise gave the police report showing 5 citations and 17 warnings for the month.

Economic Development Report
Tracy Diehl gave the economic development report. She sent thank you letters to sponsors of the Henry County Economic Development buffet/meeting held in Annawan recently. Sponsors were Birkey’s, Annawan Banking Center, Bank Orion, and the Chamber of Commerce, along with the Village of Annawan. Chris Auni has been working with Diehl on the village website. Look for future updates when the weather gets better and pictures can be taken more easily. Diehl showed samples of letterhead drawn up by Mary Kay and Terry Evans. No action was taken, but board members agreed that the letterhead is necessary.

Update from Shive-Hattery
Board members were given an update prepared by Marti Ahlgren of Shive Hattery. Land acquisition is going well. There was a problem with waiting for tiling bids from the tiling contractor. So the 11-26-08 deadline may not be met. The new deadlines would be ROW certification by 1-21-09, bid date 3-6-09, estimated construction start 5-1-09, and construction completion date 11-30-09.

Update on new Concession Stand
Curran told board members that the concrete is poured and the rough plumbing is in. The estimate from Charlie Farmer is under $15,000, ½ o of the construction price, thanks to donating ½ of the cost. Many more donations are being made. Board members agreed that a thank you party needs to be hosted by the village when construction is complete.

IMLRMA
The village clerk reported that towing of vehicles is not on the insurance policy. Blaine Kurth, of IMLRMA, may be contacted for safety courses. Board members told the clerk to invite Kurth to a board meeting. Board members feel that the street lights on Route 6 in the village need to be insured. The clerk will contact IMLRMA.

Ordinance Number 310
Curran, seconded by VanKerrebroeck, made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 310 (An ordinance amending the Municipal Code of Annawan relating to abandoned and inoperable vehicles. Motion carried.

Dugout Repairs
VanKerrebroeck told board members that Jerry Van Damme is going to make repairs to the dugout in Howes Park that was damaged by the July windstorm. Curran suggested that vents be put in the dugout wall to prevent more wind damage.

Gold Star F.S. Fuel Prices
After discussion, Sturtewagen, seconded by Curran, made a motion to lock in 800 gallons of gas for one year with Gold Star F.S. Motion carried, with Gustafson voting no. The rates change daily so there is no way to tell what the rates will be. The bid on November 12^th was Gas-$2.71.1; Diesel-$3.20.6.

New Hiring
Matt Dynes, of Annawan, will be hired as part time police officer for the village.

2008-2009 Tax Levy
VanKerrebroeck presented board members with several options for the new tax levy. VanKerrebroeck, seconded by Curran, made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 311 (tax levy showing a total levy increase of 4.93% over money received in 2007). The total tax levy is $121,145.There is no need for a Truth in Taxation Hearing. Motion carried.

Christmas Lighting Contest
There will be a Christmas Lighting Contest in the village with gift certificates for 4 houses and 1 business. The village will pay for 3 gift certificates. The Chamber of Commerce will pay for 2. Gustafson will get more details on the time of the contest.

Christmas Bonuses
Curran, seconded by Gustafson, made a motion to give bonuses of $150 to full time employees and $75 to part time employees. Motion carried.

Items Tabled for Later Action
New dump truck for village needed due to snow clearance on Patriot Way. Mayor Franks had information on the tuck. Board members want to get estimates on a smaller truck

Job Descriptions

New Employee Handbook

Sand-Salt Mixture for Village Streets

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

Julie DeSplinter

Village Clerk