Carbondale Reporter

Village of DeSoto Board of Trustees met Dec. 6.

Here is the agenda provided by the Board:

President John Evans called the first regular meeting of the De Soto Village Board of Trustees to order at 7:00 P.M. Village Clerk Paula Parks was present to record the minutes.

Present: Paulette Johnson, Brian Gleason, Tony Rushing, John Evans, Eric Schuler

Absent: Heath Rushing

Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Eric Schuler, to dispense with the reading of the minutes from the last regular board meeting and the Public Safety Committee meeting on October 25 and to approve them. Motion carried.

Motion made by Tony Rushing, seconded by Brian Gleason, to approve the October expense report. Motion carried.

Motion made by Eric Schuler, seconded by Brian Gleason, to pay the list of bills. Upon roll call vote: Tony Rushing – Yes; Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Eric Schuler - Yes. Motion carried.

Mark Kelly of Sheffer Insurance Agency explained to the board members that the current employee healthcare plan has been discontinued by Blue Cross Blue Shield. He presented a similar plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield that would result in a 10% increase on the premium. The annual cost would increase $426.96 per month. The new premium would be $4,414.92. Mr. Kelly was waiting for quotes from United Healthcare and Health Alliance. He should have them by the next board meeting so the Board can make a decision.

Motion made by Tony Rushing, seconded by Paulette Johnson, to approve Pay Request No. 2 for up to $213,447.32 for the Phase II Watermains Replacement Project. Upon roll call vote: Tony Rushing – Yes; Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Eric Schuler – Yes. Motion carried.

Chelsea Johnson, president of the De Soto Little League, explained that they are starting up Little League plans for next season, and she would like to meet with Park Committee before December. President Evans stated that a meeting would be scheduled as soon as possible.

Trustee Brian Gleason reported that the Public Safety Committee met on October 25 to discuss the procedures for the Public Service Workers Program and to review the draft drone ordinance. Mr. Gleason presented the procedures for the Public Service Workers Program as recommended by the committee. Trustee Johnson had some questions. Board members will look at the recommended procedures, taking Trustee Johnson’s concerns into consideration, and take action at the next meeting.

The Public Safety Committee recommended that the Village not pass a drone ordinance at this time. The possibility of having a drone ordinance could be revisited if issues arise. Trustee Eric Schuler suggested including information in the next Village newsletter regarding drone use and operation and contact numbers. Police Chief Ben Doan will contact the airport for recommendations as to what information should be included.

Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Paulette Johnson, to allow Brent Doerner to do a ride-a-long with the police at a date to be determined, with Chief Doan’s approval. Motion carried.

Trustee Paulette Johnson reported that the Park Halloween Party and Hayride went well. She was very appreciative of the help from volunteers especially Larry and Julie White and Ronald and Susan Blumenstock.

Mrs. Johnson reported that three slow pitch teams did not pay their fees.

Motion made by Paulette Johnson, seconded by Brian Gleason, to authorize Village Clerk Paula Parks to purchase a Christmas tree for Christmas at the Gazebo for up to $150. Upon roll call vote: Tony Rushing – Yes; Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Eric Schuler - Yes. Motion carried.

Motion made by Paulette Johnson, seconded by Eric Schuler, to go into executive session at 8:17 PM to discuss personnel, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Upon roll call vote: Tony Rushing – Yes; Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Eric Schuler - Yes. Motion carried.

Tony Rushing left the meeting at 9:18 PM.

Motion made by Eric Schuler, seconded by Brian Gleason, to come out of executive session at 9:29 PM. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Eric Schuler - Yes. Motion carried.

Motion made by Eric Schuler, seconded by Brian Gleason, to adjourn the meeting at 9:37 PM. Motion carried.

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