Carbondale Reporter

Village of DeSoto Board of Trustees met May 4.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

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

Present:    John Evans Tony Rushing

Brian Gleason Paulette Johnson

Jennifer Morgan Cristy Desormeaux

Eric Schuler

Police Chief Ben Doan, Treasurer Dana Smith, Director of Public Works David Griffin, Deputy Clerk Jana Fann, and residents John Bowlin and Leroy Miles were also present on the call.

Motion made by Paulette Johnson, seconded by Eric Schuler, to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and to approve them. Motion carried.

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

Motion made by Eric Schuler, seconded by Paulette Johnson, to amend the list of bills by adding a $1,673.12 payment to Municipal Equipment Company Inc., Line Item 250-494, for a wastewater air release valve and to pay the list of bills as amended. Upon roll call vote: Tony Rushing – Yes; Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes; Eric Schuler - Yes. Motion carried.

John Bowlin explained that he was present on behalf of Tommy Don Bowlin, owner of the property next to Gresa’s Café on Chestnut Street. Mr. Bowlin was concerned that the concrete on the property had not been restored when the sidewalks were replaced. The concrete had been busted up and replaced with gravel. Trustee Tony Rushing explained that he had spoken with Wiggs Excavating, and they will pour the concrete next week to restore the property to its previous condition.

President John Evans presented the water rate study prepared by the Illinois Rural Water Association (IRWA). Clark Cameron of IRWA observed that the revenue generated by the water department is not adequate to meet the day-to-day operating expenses, and the Village is experiencing a water loss above the norm at 21.15%, resulting in a loss of revenue. Mr. Cameron made the following recommendations.

1. Lower the gallons included in the base charge from 2000 gallons to 1000 gallons to make up the revenue.

2. Have a meter replacement program in place and replace all non-working meters immediately; make sure all municipal building are metered; and repair leaks in as timely a manner as safety allows.

3. Consider adopting an automatic increase of 3% to cover annual inflation costs.

The Water Committee will schedule a meeting to discuss the findings and make recommendations.

Motion made by Paulette Johnson, seconded by Tony Rushing, to hire Derek Short Dryall for

$650.00 to finish the drywall in another room at the park house. Upon roll call vote: Tony Rushing – Yes; Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes; Eric Schuler - Yes. Motion carried.

President John Evans reported that Jason Albers of Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) had contacted him about their project for upgrading the railroad bridge on Hickory Street. UPPR wants feedback from the Village Board as to what is needed and what they feel is the best plan. This topic will be discussed and voted on at the next board meeting.

Motion made by Cristy Desormeaux, seconded by Eric Schuler, to approve the Illinois Department of Transportation’s audit covering the receipt and disbursement of the Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the Village for the period beginning January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2019. Upon roll call vote: Tony Rushing – Yes; Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes; Eric Schuler - Yes. Motion carried. The report will be filed as a permanent record in the office.

Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), the Park Committee will meet in closed session on Monday, May 11 at 6 PM to interview candidates for the park caretaker position.

Director of Public Works David Griffin reported that Egyptian Sealcoat could patch cracks and reseal the walking track for $1,596.00. He also reported that a hydrant meter to measure water usage when hydrants are flushed would cost $1,384.95.

The next village board meeting will be held Monday, May 18 at 7 PM via telephone conference. The telephone conference will be available to the public for their participation. The dial-in number is (978) 990-5087 and the access code is 536100#.

Motion made by Tony Rushing, seconded by Paulette Johnson, to adjourn at 8:13 PM. Motion carried.

http://villageofdesoto.com/uploads/1/2/5/0/125085618/minutes_5-4-20__1_.pdf