Carbondale Reporter

Village of DeSoto Board of Trustees met April 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

President Douglas Hexamer called the second regular 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

Doug Hexamer     Jennifer Morgan

Eric Schuler

Absent: Tony Rushing Cristy Desormeaux

Motion made by Jennifer Morgan, seconded by Brian Gleason, to dispense with the reading of the minutes and to approve them. Motion carried.

Motion made by Paulette Johnson, seconded by Eric Schuler, to approve the March Revenue report. Motion carried.

Motion made by Paulette Johnson, seconded by Eric Schuler, to amend the list of bills to include a $450.00 payment to Matthew Schuler, Line Item 152-445, the list of bills and to approve the list of bills as amended. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Eric Schuler – Yes. Motion carried.

Resident Curtis Miller complained about the condition of the properties at N. Walnut and Cherry Streets. Chief Doan stated that registered letters had been mailed to the property owners, and the Village is in the process of getting the problems taken care of.

Julie White was present to point out that there had been no change with the ducks. They are still getting on other peoples’ properties. The Village has a court date in June for the original violation. Brett Sutphin said the ducks are a constant ongoing problem, and something needs to be done now. Allison Sutphin said that their rights were being violated because the defendant violates the ordinance, and the property owners are paying the cost of the demolition to their properties. Chief Doan said he had issued a state citation that has a court date next week.

The electricity rates quoted suppliers as submitted by Select Energy at the last meeting had increased by the time the Board voted on accepting Constellation’s rate of $0.08963 for 12 months. Based on the new quotes, Homefield Energy had the lowest rate of $0.11990 for 12 months.

Motion made by Eric Schuler, seconded by Paulette Johnson, to go with Homefield Energy or the supplier with the lowest rate at the time for 12 months. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Eric Schuler – Yes. Motion carried.

Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Eric Schuler, to pass Ordinance No. 2022-2 amending Ordinance 38-2-6(D) to increase renal utility deposit rates to $150.00 effective May 1, 2022. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Paulette Johnson – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Eric Schuler – Yes. Motion carried. Ordinance incorporated by reference.

Trustee Paulette Johnson reported that it is time to renew the agreement with the park caretaker. The Village’s risk management insurance agent had suggested that the park caretaker get renter’s insurance. Trustee Johnson will discuss the matter with the park caretaker and revise the agreement if needed. The agreement will be reviewed for possible approval at the next board meeting.

Trustee Johnson said there was a good turnout for the park Easter egg hunt. She complimented the Beta Club for doing a fantastic job helping.

Trustee Johnson discussed the fact that Utilities Clerk Tricia Burns had been with the Village for about two years. She is doing a very good job. As a part-time employee, Mrs. Burns only gets two paid holidays per year. Therefore, in appreciation of her excellent performance, Office Manager Jana Fann had suggested granting Utilities Clerk Tricia Burns two more paid holidays. Memorial Day and the Fourth of July were her preference. A decision will be made at the next board meeting.

President Doug Hexamer stated that he and the bank administrators were pleased with the turnout for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Du Quoin State Bank.

The next Village board meeting will be held Monday, May 2, 2022 at 7 PM at the village hall.

Motion made by Eric Schuler, seconded by Jennifer Morgan, to adjourn at 8:26 PM. Motion carried.

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