Carbondale Reporter

Village of De Soto Board of Trustees met June 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

President Eric Schuler called the first 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             Fern Martin

                        Eric Schuler                Jennifer Morgan

                        Cristy Desormeaux     Rachel Alstat

Absent             Tony Rushing

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

Motion made by Rachel Alstat, seconded by Brian Gleason, to approve the May expense report. Motion carried.

Motion made by Jennifer Morgan, seconded by Cristy Desormeaux, to pay the list of bills.  Upon roll call vote:  Brian Gleason – Yes; Fern Martin – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes.; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes; Rachel Alstat – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion made by Jennifer Morgan, seconded by Brian Gleason, to suspend the rules to move Agenda Items 10 c. Acceptance of engineering services agreement for sidewalk project; 10 b. Resolution 2024-2 to repair designated sidewalks; and 10 a. Resolution No. 2024-1 to accept the bid from Illini Asphalt Corporation to oil and chip designated streets.  Motion Carried.

Harold Sheffer of J. T. Blankinship, Inc. reported on the agreement needed for engineering services for design and construction of the sidewalk project.  The cost would be $12,000.00. The project includes 3 locations on Highway 149 to be made ADA compliant and a section of sidewalk from the white fence on Washington Street to the school.  The total cost for the project is $77,840.00.  Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds may be used for the project except for the section of sidewalk by school.  This section of sidewalk is not on Village right-of-way.  Repair of this section of sidewalk would cost $16,750.00 and would have to come from Village Street Funds.  Trustee Desormeaux will meet with the school superintended to ask if the school would be willing to pay for a portion of repairing the sidewalk not covered by MFT funds.

Motion made by Cristy Desormeaux, seconded by Jennifer Morgan, to accept the agreement with J. T. Blankinship, Inc. for engineering services for design and construction of the sidewalk project to cost $12,000.00.  Upon roll call vote:  Brian Gleason – Yes; Fern Martin – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes.; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes; Rachel Alstat – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion made by Cristy Desormeaux, seconded by Rachel Alstat, to pass Resolution 2024-2 appropriating $80,000.00 of Motor Fuel Tax funds to repair the designated sidewalks.  Upon roll call vote:  Brian Gleason – Yes; Fern Martin – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes.; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes; Rachel Alstat – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion made by Cristy Desormeaux, seconded by Brian Gleason, to pass Resolution 2024-1 to accept the bid of $43,622.00 from Illini Asphalt to oil and chip designated streets.  Upon roll call vote:  Brian Gleason – Yes; Fern Martin – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes.; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes; Rachel Alstat – Yes.  Motion carried.

Rick Weisenstein of 208 Pinewood Court reported that on Saturday, May 25, sewer backed up into his finished basement and flooded it.  The sewer line was blocked on the Village’s side.  Mr. Weisenstein asked for compensation for the cost of $891.60 for the clean up.  Mr. Weisenstein was willing to cover the other costs such as flooring damage.

President Schuler stated the problem was not due to the Village’s negligence even though the blockage was on the Village side.  This was not an area that has had previous problems.  As in the past, the Village does not compensate for these damages when the Village is not at fault.  Suggestions to Mr. Weisenstein for avoiding future problems would be a back flow valve.  President Schuler also stated that Mr. Weisenstein could ask his insurance company to contact the Village’s insurance company.

Motion made by Cristy Desormeaux, seconded by Fern Martin, to purchase an 8 ft. x 3 ft. pre-printed banner to advertise the 62924 Event for $60.00-$80.00 to be paid from sponsorship funds.  Upon roll call vote:  Brian Gleason – Yes; Fern Martin – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes.; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes; Rachel Alstat – Yes.  Motion carried.

Police Chief Ben Doan reported that the new part-time officer is now working.  He also reported that the body camera training has been completed.

Trustee Cristy Desormeaux reported that the 62924 Committee had met.  The sponsor total so far is $1,700.00.  Republic Services will donate more trash receptacles and will also buy popcorn, oil and bags.  The popcorn will be free. The Committee discussed placement of vendors, food trucks and games.  Drainage from the Fire Department spraying water will be investigated. Volunteers are needed to manage parking and to monitor the inflatables. 

Trustee Rachel Alstat reported that the abatement of the lagoon sludge should happen within two-three months.  The Sewer/Water Committees will meet when Harold Sheffer has more information.

Ace of Fades will have their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 29, 2024, the same day as the 62924 Event.

Motion made by Jennifer Morgan, seconded by Brian Gleason, to go into executive session at 8:10 PM to discuss litigation, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).  Upon roll call vote:  Brian Gleason – Yes; Fern Martin – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes.; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes; Rachel Alstat – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion made by Jennifer Morgan, seconded by Rachel Alstat, to come out of executive session at 8:15 PM.  Upon roll call vote:  Brian Gleason – Yes; Fern Martin – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes.; Cristy Desormeaux – Yes; Rachel Alstat – Yes.  Motion carried.

No action was taken.

The next village board meeting will be held Monday, June 17, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the village hall.

Motion made by Jennifer Morgan, seconded by Cristy Desormeaux, to adjourn at 8:17 PM.  Motion carried.

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