Kankakee Times

Village of Ashkum Board of Trustees met Dec. 3.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Ashkum Village Board met Monday, December 3, 2018 @ the village hall. Present were Donna Schmitz, Ed Tholen, Angie Gray, Jeremy Beherns, Russ Hull, and April Lyons. President Paul Heideman and Trustee Shannon Meier were not in attendance. Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Hanson and Treasurer Krystal Alberts were also in attendance.

In the absence of President Heideman, President Pro tem Ed Tholen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Clerk Donna Schmitz read the minutes of the November 19, 2018 meeting. April Lyons moved to approve the minutes as read, seconded by Angie Gray and the motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS/VISITORS

President Pro tem Ed Tholen recognized Treasurer Krystal Alberts who gave the Treasurer’s report for October 2018. Krystal reported a CD in the Police Fund is due to mature and asked what, if anything, the board would like her to do. Krystal was advised no action is necessary. April Lyons moved to accept the treasurer’s report as read, seconded by Russ Hull and the motion passed. April Lyons moved to present the bills to the Finance Committee, seconded by Jeremy Beherns and the motion passed. Finance Chairman Ed Tholen reported expenditures of $9,602.77 in the General Fund, expenditures of $40,002.99 in the Water Works Fund, and expenditures of $14,433.25 in the Road and Bridge Fund. Total expenditures in all funds were $64,039.01. Russ Hull moved to pay all October bills in the usual manner, seconded by April Lyons and the motion passed.

President Pro tem Ed Tholen recognized Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Hanson who reported on the following:

Do we have an extra credit card for the police? No one knew for sure if we still have one and President Heideman will have to be asked. With the joint police force, it is the responsibility of each village to maintain its vehicles, provide insurance on vehicles, and purchase the fuel.

Tim Potts helped put garland of the lamp posts, provided the lift, which saved Jeff numerous hours. Jeff advised the board Tim would not take anything for his help, but Jeff would like the board to consider something. Russ Hull moved the village give Tim $100 and to write a letter of appreciation for his help, seconded by April Lyons and the motion passed.

The summer banners are ratty and fading, and we may need to purchase new ones, but we may be able to use them for another year.

The Christmas banner brackets are holding up and Jeff has no complaints with the people who installed them.

One of the lights in the park needs to be rewired. It has been a problem for a long time, but it’s working right now.

President Pro tem Ed Tholen brought the following before the board for discussion and/or action: In the past, Christmas gifts were given to employees and asked if we wanted to continue the policy. After a short discussion, Russ Hull moved to give all full time employees $100 and all part time employees $50, seconded by April Lyons and the motion passed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Trustee April Lyons had no report.

Trustee Russ Hull reviewed the list of delinquent water accounts and the amounts past due. After discussion, it was a consensus the water service be terminated on the delinquent accounts. Trustee Russ Hull will advise Jeff Hanson of the board’s decision.

Trustee Jeremy Beherns had no report.

Trustee Angie Gray had no report.

Treasurer Krystal Alberts updated the board on Russ Schoon’s insurance premium we paid after his retirement. Russ retired April 30, 2018 but the insurance was paid through the August/September billing. According to Krystal figures, Russ owes two payments @$458 for a total of $916. Krystal was instructed to discuss the overpayment with Russ and ask for a reimbursement.

Clerk Donna Schmitz reported postage will increase a nickel per stamp in January and asked if we should consider purchasing more forever stamps to have on hand. Russ Hull moved to purchase $500 in stamps, seconded by April Lyons and the motion passed unanimously.

As there was no further business to come before the board, Jeremy Beherns moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m., seconded by Angie Gray and the motion passed.

http://www.ashkum.net/pages/subpages/minutes.htm