Kankakee Times

Village of Herscher Board of Trustees met Jan. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Village President Shannon Sweeney called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The following Trustees were present: John Branz, Bob Voss, Jacob Wagner, Mike Bruner, Andy Cotter, and Skip Grigas. Also, Village Clerk Heather Meredith, Police Chief Chad Scanlon, Public Works Employee Keith Witheft, Janet Mau from The Herscher Pilot, and Attorney Chris Bohlen. Frank Cassar, Casey Cassar and Adam Pate.

Bob Voss moved to approve the Regular minutes of December 20, 2022; John Branz seconded. Motion carried. 5-0-1 Jacob Wagner abstained as he was absent from the last meeting

STREETS:

Bob Voss reported that he is working on getting insulation installed in the Quonset Hut.

FINANCE:

John Branz presented the Accounts Payable Report totaling $21,305.74 to the Board for payment. John Branz moved to accept the accounts payable as presented. Skip Grigas seconded. Roll call taken Mike Bruner-aye, Andy Cotter-aye, Skip Grigas-aye, John Branz-aye, Jacob Wagner-aye, and Bob Voss aye. All in favor; Motion Carried.

Payroll presented totaled $19,570.22. John Branz moved to accept payroll as presented, Skip Grigas seconded. Roll call taken Jacob Wagner-aye, Mike Bruner-aye, Andy Cotter-aye, Bob Voss-aye, Skip Grigas-aye, and John Branz-aye. All in favor; motion carried.

John Branz added:

- The Illinois Funds Daily rate is 4.108%

- Working on the Work Comp Report to be posted February 1-April 30

- EPA Fiscal Report due by January 31

- The health insurance renewed January 1, 2023. Will be handing out disclosures

PARKS:

Andy Cotter said he and AL Deany are working on getting a bid package for the Dog Park. Once bids are in, we can decide if we want to proceed with the project.

WATER AND SEWER:

Mike Bruner said that the new generators at the wells and the water plant will be installed Thursday or Friday. Mike wants to have Darin Clark from Maguire Iron to give a presentation to the Board for water tower maintenance program. Mike was going to ask him if he could come February 6 at 6pm.

ORDINANCE:

Jacob Wagner said that he has 3 months of permits. He said that he will be getting prices for a new printer as ours is on its last leg. He would like to consider getting a free standing unit.

Jacob Wagner moved to suspend the rules which would interfere with the passage of Ordinance #23- 01 an ordinance implementing a Raffle License. Mike Bruner seconded the motion. All in favor; Motion Carried.

Jacob Wagner moved to place Ordinance #23-01 on its final passage and pass. Skip Grigas seconded the motion. Roll call taken Jacob Wagner-aye, Mike Bruner-aye, Andy Cotter-aye, John Branz-aye, Skip Grigas-aye, and Bob Voss-aye. All in favor; Motion Carried.

POLICE:

Nothing to report

OLD BUSINESS:

John Branz said that he talked with Kevin McNamara Village Administrator of Dwight about the windfarm contract. They are still waiting for an official presentation form the company.

NEW BUSINESS:

Village President Sweeney informed the Board that he was contacted about opening a Gaming Café on Main Street in the old Sammy’s Pizza building. Village President Sweeney introduced Frank Cassar. Frank says that he is seeking a liquor license that is required before receiving a gaming license from the state. He introduced his partners, Adam Pate and Casey Cassar. The only available liquor license we have available is a Class F Restauranters License. They really do not want to serve food but will if required. After some discussion Attorney Chris Bohlen suggest that we amend our ordinance and add another Class A Liquor License.

OPEN TO THE FLOOR:

John Branz wanted to remind the Board that we need to start thinking about Budgets. Heather Meredith told the Board that the Planning and Zoning Board will meet at 6pm before our next Village meeting on January 17.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Jacob Wagner made a motion to enter Executive Session (7:33pm) to discuss appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the Village of Herscher and Potential Litigations. Mike Bruner seconded. Roll call taken Skip Grigas-aye, Andy Cotter-aye, Mike Bruner-aye, John Branz-aye, Bob Voss-aye, and Jacob Wagner-aye. All in favor; motion carried.

Mike Bruner motioned to exit Executive Session at (8:13) pm. John Branz seconded. All in favor motion carried.

Motion to adjourn by Andy Cotter. Seconded by Bob Voss. All in favor. Motion carried.

https://herscher.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Bd-Minutes-January-3-2023-.pdf