Village of De Soto Board of Trustees met Sept. 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
President Pro Temp Paulette Johnson 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: Brian Gleason Paulette Johnson
Jennifer Morgan Cristy Desormeaux
Absent: John Evans Tony Rushing
Eric Schuler
Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Cristy Desormeaux, to dispense with the reading of the minutes and to approve them. Motion carried.
Motion made by Jennifer Morgan, seconded by Brian Gleason, to approve the August expense report. Motion carried.
Motion made by Cristy Desormeaux, seconded by Brian Gleason, to pay the list of bills. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes. Motion carried.
Village Clerk Paula Parks reported that the Guardian insurance policy for the employees’ life and dental insurance was up for the renewal effective November 1, 2020 through October 31, 2021. Village Clerk Parks explained that the annual rate will stay the same as last year. The collective annual premium for dental insurance is $2,452.00. The collective annual premium for life insurance is $862.00. Mrs. Parks stated that because of the impact of COVID-19 on revenue, Guardian was offering a choice of a one-month premium credit or a two-year rate guarantee. Insurance Agent Mark Kelly recommended approving the two-year rate guarantee.
Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Christy Desormeaux, to renew the Guardian insurance policy and to accept the two-year rate guarantee. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes. Motion carried.
Discussion of an employee wage increase was tabled until the next meeting when the other trustees were present.
Board members then discussed providing an annual clothing allowance for the public works employees to help cover their cost for good boots and work clothes. The police officers currently have a clothing allowance.
Motion made by Cristy Desormeaux, seconded by Jennifer Morgan, to provide a $250.00 annual clothing allowance for each public works employee with the cost to be paid from the Miscellaneous Line Item in the Water, Sewer and Street operating funds, effective immediately. Upon roll vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes. Motion carried.
Public Works Employee Danny Vancil reminded the board that it is illegal to mow grass into the streets. He said grass in the streets is causing problems. Mr. Vancil asked if the Village could inform the residents of the law. Board members agreed to find ways to get the information to the residents such as Facebook and the Village’s website.
Mr. Vancil presented an idea for cutting down the cost of mulch for the welcome berms and reducing maintenance. He suggested laying some blocks and using vases with flowers. Mr. Vancil will check into the cost. Board members liked the idea and recommended starting with the south berm this year. The idea will be discussed further at the next board meeting.
The city-wide cleanup is October 12 on the west side of town and October 14 on the east side of town.
Trustee Paulette Johnson reported that the Illinois Housing Development Authority is accepting applications for grants through the Strong Communities Program (SCP). Grants will be given to municipalities, counties and land banks for the acquisition, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition of abandoned residential properties. Trustee Johnson and Village Clerk Paula Parks will gather information and complete the application.
The next village board meeting will be held Monday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the village hall.
Motion made by Jennifer Morgan, seconded by Cristy Desormeaux, to adjourn at 7:42 pm. Motion carried.
http://villageofdesoto.com/uploads/1/2/5/0/125085618/minutes_9-8-20.pdf
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