Roll call showed the following members present for the meeting on this date at 6:30 p.m. Burnell, Kronenberger, Larger, Lomakin and Wuebker. Kuck was excused with a motion by Burnell. Second by Larger. Also, present were Mayor Parker, Solicitor This, Chief Skinner, Fiscal Officer Speelman and Village Administrator Richter.
Visitors attending were Corey Maxwell from The Evening Leader, Jeff Elking from The Daily Standard and Jerry McClannan from Mote & Associates.
Minutes from the May 24, 2021 regular meeting were approved. Motion by Wuebker. Second by Kronenberger. Five ayes.
Mayor Parker’s Report:
- Thank You to all the village employees and contractors for all the hard work in completing the pool repairs. A special thanks to Cotterman Roofing for repairing the pool liner.
- The hours at the pool are being reviewed and will likely change due to having a low number of lifeguards.
- Residents please to considerate of your neighbors and maintain grass and weeds. Reminder that paint cans are not to be placed in your weekly trash.
Village Administrator Richter Report:
- Swimming Pool opened on June 7. Slide pump was rebuilt with a new impeller and is now operational. 2003 Dolphin robotic pool cleaner is no longer working, evaluated options and decided to purchase new.
- Bids are being evaluated from the May 27 bid opening for ODNR Bike Path & Crosswalk and 2021 Resurfacing Project.
- Concrete pad at the fire department is scheduled for replacement in September.
- Water plant filter install is complete. Need to replace the blackflush valves; 4 complete, 4 more to replace.
- Waste Water Plant Ohio EPA Draft 5 year permit – Technical call with EPA on June 4, awaiting EPA response. Need to begin a Master Plan for mitigation, infrastructure, land management, economic impact and rate study.
- Illinois Legislature is pursuing a new energy bill that would include premature closure of Prairie State Energy coal fired plant in 2035. New Bremen currently receives approximately 63% of our electricity from PSE.
- ODNR Nature Works Grant was submitted for new backstops and dug out winds at the 4 diamonds at Bremenfest Park. Selection is mid-October.
- Franklin Ash Reconstruction – Tom’s Construction has started to work on punch list items. Grass has been reseeded.
- CIC state audit is complete and final report received.
There are six delinquent utility accounts dating back to 2003-2015, total of $5,740.60. Efforts were made in the past to collect but these remain uncollectible. These accounts will be removed from the utility software.
First Reading Ordinance 2021-06-12 Deem certain utility accounts uncollectible.
Village of New Bremen and New Bremen Schools received sculptures donated from Komminsk Estate. Sculptures will be placed at various locations within the village and at the school. The village provided concrete pads for placement of the sculptures at the school. Currently the cost is approximately $1,900 and don’t expect any additional cost.
Larger made a motion to suspend the rule. Second by Kronenberger. Five ayes. Declaring Emergency Resolution 2021-06-07 Placement of Komminsk Sculptures at New Bremen School. Motion by Burnell. Second by Larger. Five ayes.
Discussed current income tax collections and 1% COLA employees received in January. Remains undecided on employee withholdings for those working from home due to COVID. More information will be available in July. At this time, no COLA adjustment for employees.
The Village’s property, vehicle and equipment insurance renews on July 1. Stolly Insurance received initial renewal of 2.4% for a total cost of $68,580.
Second Reading Resolution 2021-05-06 Annual Property, Vehicle and Equipment Insurance renewal.
Administrator Richter was hired in November 2020, at that time the position did not include the responsibilities of Economic Development. Richter has assumed these responsibilities and will be compensated at $10,000 per year. The compensation will not be subject to cost of living adjustments.
Second Reading Ordinance 2021-05-11 Village Administrator to assume duties of Economic Development Director effective July 1, 2021 at $10,000 per year and will not be subject to cost of living adjustments.
Kronenberger made a motion at 6:48 p.m. to enter executive session to discuss property and personnel. Second by Larger. Came out at 7:13 p.m. with no action.
Kronenberger made a motion to adjourn at 7:13 p.m. Second by Lomakin. Five ayes.