Carbondale Reporter

Village of Yates City Committee Board met May 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. Call to Order

Hostetler called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M.

Present: Dave Mahr, Ron Smith, Seth Lekies, Matt Ehens, Vonda Brinker, Mark Hostetler

Also Present: Joy Mahr, Neely Carr

Absent: Tom Kinzer

2. Discuss Hiring Blankenship Custom Remodeling for Soffit Repair at Public Works Building in the Amount of $450.00

The job has been completed under Hostetler’s approval

3. Discuss Hiring Blankenship Custom Remodeling for Concrete at Town Park in the Amount of $1,200.00

This is in regards to a new concrete slab for a picnic table to replace the damaged park bench. The old slab will be removed and a new slab measuring 9’ x 10’ x 4” would be poured for $1,200.00

4. Discuss Purchase of Picnic Table from Kirby Built in the Amount of $1,199.00 with Shipping Amount of $279.37 for Total Amount of $1,478.37

This picnic table would replace the damaged park bench at Town Park. It matches the remaining benches and is a 6ft rectangle table.

5. Discuss New 4-year Constellation Contract for Electrical Supply in the Amount of $ 0.10299/kwh

Jesus, Constellation Rep, confirmed the fixed rate and locked us in at that price. The new contract is a 4- year contract that has been signed and confirmed.

6. Discuss SLFRF Savings Account Funds of $42,072.68

Closing paperwork has been completed prior to the 4-30-2025 deadline. We are awaiting confirmation of its closing before deciding what to do with the money in our bank account. The funds were properly accounted for on their website as required by law.

7. Discuss MFT Approval of $15,000.00 for Gravel on Alleys

IDOT Estimated Maintenance is $12,245.30. MFT will approve up to $15,000.00 for overages. Woodcock can spread the gravel.

8. Discuss and Possible Appointing of Positions and Oaths for Officials

Swearing in of Trustees will happen at the May 14th Board Meeting. A Special Meeting will need to be held for Appointments when Hostetler returns from out of town.

9. Discuss Employee Pay Raises

Bruce Brinker, Public Works, declined a pay raise. Brian Efnor received a pay raise in February 2025. Discussed the Police Department raise at $1.00/hour for each officer.

10. Discuss Hiring Seasonal Public Works Employee

Abby Cash has applied for the position. She has been interviewed and introduced herself to the Board. She graduated from Black Hawk College this year and lives in town. She is very community oriented and loves working outdoors. She is flexible with her availability and would love the opportunity to work for the Village.

11. Discuss Road Closure/Barricades on Market & Union Street for St. Jude Fundraiser Event in June 2025 St. Jude is scheduled for June 14th

12. Discuss Residents Water Billing Late Fees

Residents are receiving damaged bills from USPS or not receiving them at all. Pink cards are the same. Residents are not wanting to pay the $10.00 late fee. There are approximately 20-25 more than average late bills. Joy Mahr has spoken with USPS about this and they are bundling the bills to be sent to run through a different machine with hopes of no future issues. Hostetler would like a social media and website post made about resident’s responsibilities. Board discussed waiving the late fees for the whole town for this month only.

13. Discuss Donation to Elmwood/Yates City/Farmington Fireworks Committee in the Amount of $500.00 The Board has donated $500.00 to the fireworks committee for the last several years.

14. Update on Advanced Tree Service for Library

Vonda Brinker informed the board Jeremy said he would be here by the end of month to complete the tree service.

15. Update on Intergovernmental Agreement with Elba-Salem Park District

Waiting for Park District to meet

16. Update on Spray Patching from Ace in the Hole

Spray Patching is competed with no complaints

17. Update on Big Pump Soft Start at Lift Station from Quick Electrical

Completed with no issues

18. Update on Water Building Amperage Increase from 200AMP Service To 800AMP

Hostetler received the load/voltage sheet and was informed that 320amp would be sufficient. If amperage was any higher Ameren would need to install a new pole line due to weight.

19. Update on Well

A depth of approximately 1,112 feet has been reached. This is the depth for the 8” casing pipe, which was delivered. “Swabbing” of the drill rods is being taken as an extra measure to ensure the integrity of the hole. Once the casing install is done, they will grout the casing which will have at least a 3-day curing period before they begin drilling the remaining uncased portion of the well. The uncased portion will extend to 1,580 feet.

20. OTHER

Joy Mahr let the Board know the audit info would be picked up at the end of the month.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 7:04 P.M.

https://villageofyatescity.gov/documents/293/5-7-2025_Committee_Meeting.pdf?1747323460