Carbondale Reporter

Village of Yates City Board of Trustees met July 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. Call to Order: 6:00 p.m.

2. Roll Call:

Present: Ken Vallas, Seth Lekies, Matt Ehens, Mark Hostetler, Tom Kinzer, Dave Mahr, Debbie Canier, Joy Mahr, Wayne Statham

Citizens James and Laura Kitchen

3. Pledge: We stood and gave Pledge of Allegiance to our flag.

4. Approval of Minutes for June 14th Board Meeting and July 5th Committee Meeting

Kinzer made a motion to approve the minutes. Ehens second motion. Roll call unanimous.

5. Approval of Monthly Bills and Payroll and Monthly Financials

Kinzer made a motion to approve the Monthly Bills and Monthly Payroll. Ehens second motion. Roll call unanimous.

6. Citizens to address the Board

James and Laura Kitchen addressed the Board regarding sewer backup at their residence. They asked if there was a policy in place for Yates City. There is not a policy unless the Village is specifically at fault. With the amount of rainfall over the 4th of July holiday there was no where for the extra amount of water to go, causing a backup. The Kitchens’ were concerned of their insurance claim increasing their rate, concerns of the tile not being replaced since the 50’s or 60’s and asking if that could be updated. The Kitchens recently purchased the home, liked the town & people, but felt ill during the backup of sewage. Vallas suggested a CK Valve be installed as it will only let water out and not in. It would need to be checked periodically, as if a root, mud, etc. would get clogged there is a possibility of sewage coming in again.

7. Police Report: June report was presented to the Village President.

NEW BUSINESS:

8. Discussion and possible action of bids taken to cut down tree/trees in the Village.

Riverbottom Tree Service will cut down a tree, cut limbs and clean-up for $5500.00.

Kinzer made a motion to approve with Lekies second. Roll call unanimous.

9. Discussion and possible action on demolition of property/properties in the Village.

A letter can be sent stating that the buildings are considered dangerous and unsafe and will need to be torn down. Knox County Zoning did send a letter to the Felkers property on Dixon Street. Attorney Wayne Statham feels that should be left up to County Zoning as of now. Ehens made a suggestion to give the Barn/building on 201 N. Burson Street 1 month to clean-up. Chief Benson has spoken with the Grandson at the property and will notify the Village in 1 month or begin filing action. There are also concerns to removal of asbestos and costs.

If court action is taken and a Judge will put liens on the properties, which are approximately $5000 - $6000, the City will need to pay for the liens and demolition. The current Village ordinance regarding vehicles in a yard will be looked at.

This is further tabled for the August 9th Board Meeting.

10. Discussion and possible approval of a ad for the Farming Fall & Winter Sports Program.

The previous ad was a cost of $35.00. Kinzer made a motion to approve placing the ad for this years Fall program. Ehens second motion. Roll call unanimous.

11. Discussion and possible approval of spending limits for Department Heads & Village Officials.

Kinzer made a motion to keep the limits the same as the 2022 year. Ehens seconded motion. Roll call unanimous.

No Committee reports were given.

Adjournment:

Ehens made a motion to adjourn. 6:29 p.m. Hostetler second. Meeting adjourned

https://villageofyatescity.com/documents/293/Brd_Minutes_7-12-23.docx