Carbondale Reporter

Village of DeSoto Board of Trustees Met March 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

President John Evans called the second monthly 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

John Evans Jennifer Morgan

Eric Schuler

Absent: Tony Rushing Cristy Desormeaux

Motion made by Paulette Johnson, seconded by Eric Schuler, to dispense with the reading of the minutes and to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on March 1, 2021, and the Bank Committee meeting on March 1, 2021, as presented. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Eric Schuler – Yes. Motion carried.

Motion made by Eric Schuler, seconded by Jennifer Morgan, to approve the February revenue report. Motion carried.

Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Eric Schuler, to pay the list of bills as presented. Upon roll call vote: Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Eric Schuler – Yes. Motion carried.

Fire Chief Chris Shelton was present to tell the Board that the De Soto Township Fire Protection District is very interested in purchasing some of the old lagoon property north of town. President Evans explained that the Board wanted something from the fire department board indicating they are serious about purchasing the property before the Village incurs any cost, such as surveying the property. Mr. Shelton said the fire department board wants a price per acre before any cost is incurred to make sure they want to move forward with the purchase. President Evans explained that the Board is just looking at recouping the cost of the survey and the fees required for the land transfer. They are not interested in making money off of the sale to the fire department. Trustee Paulette Johnson said she would start working on a price, and the Village will get back to the fire department board with a price.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Village will not have the Easter egg hunt this year. Instead, on April 3 the Easter Bunny will travel from the city maintenance building to the Seniors Park, where treats will be passed out and pictures with the Easter Bunny will be taken.

Trustee Johnson reported for the Bank Committee that she has talked with Mr. Rayburn, the owner of the bank building. He is supposed to talk with the SIU Credit Union by the end of the week. Trustee Johnson had also received a call from Southern Illinois Bank in response to the letter and proposal that was sent out. However, the person had not gotten back with her as he said he would.

Trustee Johnson had called the owner of 215 N. Walnut Street again. Trustee Johnson felt that the owner is not interested in negotiating. Trustee Johnson had also contacted the owner of 207 N. Walnut St. Police Chief Ben Doan will look into ordinance violations.

Trustee Jennifer Morgan reported that she plans to purchase flowers for the Village’s flower pots. She would also like to get larger flower pots for downtown.

Jody Smith-Fink is planning a city-wide clean up on Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25 from 9 AM – 2 PM to pick up trash.

The Little League park clean up is scheduled for Saturday, May 1.

The De Soto Little League season is scheduled for May 17 – June 26. Tournaments are scheduled for June 28 – July 9.

Director of Public Works David Griffin reported that the water tower inspection had been postponed until a later date. Amanda Tinsley can only inspect the tower, and she felt it should be cleaned out at the same time. Mrs. Tinsley was going to give Mr. Griffin the name of a company that could do both.

Travis Fred had given a verbal estimate of not more than $5,100 for installing the sidewalk on Highway 149. He is supposed to submit the estimate in writing.

Motion made by Eric Schuler, seconded by Jennifer Morgan, to table discussion on the water rate increase until Trustee Tony Rushing is back. Motion carried.

Motion made by Paulette Johnson, seconded by Brian Gleason, to go into executive session at 7:48 PM to discuss personnel, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Eric Schuler – Yes. Motion carried.

Motion made by Jennifer Morgan, seconded by Eric Schuler, to come out of executive session at 8:09 PM. Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Eric Schuler – Yes. Motion carried.

No action was taken.

Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Jennifer Morgan, to transfer funds as determined by the treasurer from the General, Motor Fuel Tax, Water and Sewer Operating Accounts to the respective savings accounts. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Eric Schuler – Yes. Motion carried.

The next village board meeting will be held Monday, April 5 at 7 PM in person at the Village Hall.

Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Jennifer Morgan, to adjourn at 8:14 PM. Motion carried.

http://villageofdesoto.com/board-members--village-minutes--forms.html