Carbondale Reporter

Village of De Soto Board of Trustees met Nov. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

President Eric Schuler called the first regular monthly meeting of the De Soto Village Board of Trustees to order at 7:00 PM. Village Clerk Paula Parks was present to record the minutes.

Present: 

Brian Gleason      Fern Martin

Eric Schuler         Jennifer Morgan

Rachel Alstat

Absent: 

Tony Rushing Cristy Desormeaux

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

Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Fern Martin, to approve the October expense report. Motion carried.

Motion made by Rachel Alstat, seconded by Brian Gleason, to add a payment of $250.00 to De Soto Community Christmas Baskets from the De Soto Daze Fund, Line Item 150-499 and to pay the list of bills as amended. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Fern Martin – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Rachel Alstat – Yes. Motion Carried.

Director of Public Works Danny Vancil had reported that the flush hydrant south of the bridge had been damaged by the State. The Village will repair the hydrant, and the State will reimburse the Village for the cost.

Motion made by Rachel Alstat, seconded by Jennifer Morgan, to purchase flush hydrant parts in the amount of $2,721.80 from IMCO Utility Supply to be paid from the Water Operating Fund, Line Item 200-495. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Fern Martin – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Rachel Alstat – Yes. Motion Carried.

Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Rachel Alstat, to purchase a Christmas tree for Christmas at the Gazebo for up to $300.00. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Fern Martin – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Rachel Alstat – Yes. Motion Carried.

Health Insurance for the employees with Blue Cross Blue Shield was up for renewal for the period January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. The premium for renewing the current plan would increase by $523.25 per month. After reviewing other plans with Blue Cross Blue Shield and other carriers, the current plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield was the best option in order to keep the best coverage for the employees.

Motion made by Jennifer Morgan, seconded by Fern Martin, to renew the employees’ health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Plan G532BCE. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Fern Martin – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Rachel Alstat – Yes. Motion Carried.

Trustee Jennifer Morgan reported that Scout food bags will be distributed Saturday, November 16 and picked up on Saturday, November 23. There will be a bin at the village hall if people want to drop their bags off there.

Trustee Morgan reported that the Park Halloween Party and Hayride went well. There was a good turnout and lots of help from the Beta Club, board members, Danny Vancil, Cody Fred and community volunteers. Jana Fann shopped for the supplies and distributed the flyers. Trustee Morgan thanked everyone for their help.

A Water and Sewer Committee meeting with Engineer Harold Sheffer was scheduled for Monday, November 18 at 6:00 PM to discuss what kind of radio read meters the Village wants to use with the Phase IV Watermain Replacements project and removing the sludge in the lagoon.

Motion made by Fern Martin, seconded by Rachel Alstat, to pass Resolution No. 2024-5 in support and commitment of local funds for the CDBG housing grant. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – No; Fern Martin – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Rachel Alstat – Yes. Motion Carried.

The next board meeting will be held November 18, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the village hall.

Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Fern Martin, to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 P.M. Motion carried.

https://villageofdesoto.com/uploads/1/2/5/0/125085618/minutes_11-4-2024.docx