Carbondale Reporter

Village of Yates City Committee Board met Jan. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. Call to Order

Present: Matt Ehens, Vonda Brinker, Tom Kinzer, Ron Smith, Dave Mahr, Seth Lekies

Via Phone: Mark Hostetler

Also Present: Neely Carr, Joy Mahr

2. Discuss Hiring Levi Carr for Emergency Snowplowing for remainder of 2025 Winter and 2025-2026 Winter

Board discussed hiring Levi Carr for Emergency Snowplowing for remainder of 2025 Winter and 2025-2026 Winter season at a rate of $16.50/hr. Joy Mahr will have paperwork.

3. Discuss Hiring Jason Waugh for Emergency Snowplowing for remainder of 2025 Winter and 2025-2026 Winter

Board discussed hiring Jason Waugh for Emergency Snowplowing for remainder of 2025 Winter and 2025- 2026 Winter season at a rate of $16.50/hr. Joy Mahr will have paperwork.

4. Discuss Brian Efnor Attending Chemical Spraying Classes in Springfield

Hostetler will check on Brian’s availability to travel to Springfield for the class. Brian is on probation until February but Board would like to move forward on class times and his availability. Brian has been previously certified and is knowledgeable in the area.

5. Update on Village Resident Seeking Reimbursement in the Amount of $11,411.59 for Sewer Backflow Damage and Possible Litigation

Board discussed residence in the 300 block of South Burson Street. The resident is claiming damages to her floors and furnace from sewer backup. Joy Mahr informed the Board that she is not a current water customer, services are in the prior owner’s name. Hostetler has been trying to collect data and facts of the situation due to resident seeking reimbursement and possible litigation. Hostetler expressed his frustration of inconsistent and conflicting accounts between the current owners documentations and the previous owners accounts.

6. Update on Probable or Imminent Litigation Affecting or on Behalf of the Village Concerning a Possible Property Deemed Abandoned

Board discussed resident in the 400 Block of West Main Street. Resident was served with a 15-day Notice for his property, which gives him notice of the issues with his property. That 15-day Notice has now lapsed, so Scott will look to get an Abandonment Petition prepared and filed in court in the next week. Once filed with the Knox County Court, the resident will need to be served with this Abandonment Petition using a process server. A copy will be given to Police Chief Benson should Chief Benson see him in town or at the house. When the resident gets served with the Abandonment Petition, the resident will have 30-days to respond. After this 30-day period expires (after he is served with the Petition), we can then seek a default judgment if he has not done anything in relation to the Petition.

7. Update on Marco Contract

Joy Mahr informed the Board that she has no update from Tyrell McGowan, Marco rep.

8. Discuss Upcoming Meeting with Britt Ewalt, Elba-Salem Township Fire Chief, Regarding Fire Water Usage

Hostetler and Britt Ewalt are planning an upcoming meeting to discuss all Fire Departments drawing water from Yates City Village fire hydrants. An issue arose in November when there was a local fire, too much water was being drawn from the water tower, which put the Village at risk for no water. To ensure this does not happen again, a plan will be created.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Police- Ehens

Hostetler informed Board that Benson reported NYE was uneventful.

• Finance/Insurance- Kinzer

No estimate has been received from Walter Street incident. New insurance cards will be coming. Audit is complete.

• Sewer – Mahr

The North Oxidation ditch needs repaired/replaced. The concrete is cracking. Wait for better weather.

• Technology/Public Grounds – Brinker

Christmas lights will be coming down. Snowflake replacement needs to be considered. Brinker and Carr will check into options.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 6:48 P.M.

https://villageofyatescity.gov/documents/293/1-2-2025_Committee_Minutes.pdf