Carbondale Reporter

Village of Yates City Committee Board met Sept. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. Call to Order

Present: Dave Mahr, Ron Smith, Seth Lekies, Vonda Brinker, Matt Ehens, Tom Kinzer, Mark Hostetler Also Present: Joy Mahr, Neely Carr, Chief Randy Benson

2. Police Chief Randy Benson

Chief Benson reported that Knox County was called Sunday for a dirt bike in the alley between Maple & Fulton Street. The complainee is a sixteen (16) year old, which led to the father and the complainant having a dispute. Benson received more messages on Monday regarding the matter. Discussion was had that the complainee has permission to ride in the yard of two residences that border the alley, but the dirt bike is not street legal and it is not to be rode on Village property in an alley. Benson discussed with the Board some suggested options (1) survey the alley and put up signage closed for public use, (2) vacate all or a portion of the alley, dependent on utilities, (3) do nothing. Hostetler reported he spoke with Kevan Cooper, who will charge $2,500.00 for locating the plot lines. There is a resident on the west end who has a fence that was built in 2017, which is in the alleyway. Hostetler had consulted Scott Brunton, Village Attorney, who informed him that the cost for paperwork to vacate the alley would be around $2,000.00. The discussion ended with the Village needing to locate the exact alleyway property lines. The Village will call for Julie locating and move forward with survey.

3. Update on Residence in the 400 block of West Main Street

Chief Benson updated the Board that the resident in the 400 block of West Main Street, to date, has not paid his fines. The Court will set a date for the Village’s entry of Memorandum of Judgement, if the resident fails to pay off the total amount of $2,600 or fails to appear, the Judge is expected to execute the Memorandums. They will be recorded with the County and the Village will have the ability to immediately foreclose on them. Ninety (90) days after the resident is served, the resident can be evicted.

4. Discuss Annual Financial Report

The Board had drafts of the AFR and reviewed them. No questions or concerns.

5. Update on Purchase of UTV for Water Department in an Amount not to Exceed $16,000.00

Lekies reported the Ranger that was previously discussed sold, but the exact same machine is being delivered tomorrow and it is reserved for the Village. The Board is going with a stronger winch that will support a possible plow purchase in the future. The new total is $15,430.95. Lekies will use his personal truck and trailer to transport the UTV back to Yates City. The Village will reimburse Lekies $170.80 (244 miles @ the IRS rate of $0.70/mile). Kinzer will need the VIN for insurance and Neely will provide a permit sticker.

6. Update on Agreement with Brian Efnor for Use of Personal 4-wheeler

Hostetler was informed by Brian that the spraying is complete. Brian will be prorated for two (2) days in September for the use of his personal 4-wheeler.

7. Update on Hiring Tri-City Masonry, LLC in the Amount of $7,300.00 for a Concrete Pad at South Lot

Travis from Tri-City estimated the work to be done between September 17th and September 25th. He will contact Mark for exact dates and plans.

8. Update on Woodcock Graveling the Alleys

Woodcock finished the final dressing and grading on the alleys.

9. Update on Installation of a Replacement Bearing on the South Oxidation Ditch Paddle Wheel at the Treatment Plant

Bruce and Brian, Public Works, worked on the bearing but are having Kinsel look over it next week. The Board discussed TEST and their role in this. The Board would like Chris from TEST to join us during the October Board Meeting.

10. Update on Well/Reservoir Project

Hostetler reported that Kevan Cooper and Albrecht Drilling would like to use a 130gpm pump, they believe the replenishment will be no issue, as well as no depth change. The old well pump is 160gpm but is only pumping 70gpm. Next month at 5:45pm before our normal meeting, there will be a Public Hearing for the reservoir.

11. Update on Purchase of 6 New Office Chairs in an Amount not Exceed $1,283.52

Chairs have been delivered. Neely’s chair is assembled and she reports it is very nice and thanks the Board. The other chairs will be assembled and placed in the other offices.

12. Update on Purchase of Wall Air Conditioner for the Treatment Plant in an Amount not to Exceed $500.00

Brian, Public Works, will install the air conditioner, but needs help due to the height placement.

13. Update on Purchase of Fire Hydrant

The fire hydrant has been ordered from Core & Main

14. Update on Purchase of 6 Flags and 6 Flagpoles from Carrot-Top in the Amount of $303.95

The flags and flagpoles have been delivered and installed.

15. Update on Water Building Amperage Increase from 200AMP Service to 320AMP Service and Moving Electric Boxes to the Car Port Area

Hostetler will reach out and see if this can be completed before the reservoir project.

16. Update on Cenergy Solar Company Project

Hostetler has had no follow-up communication with Cenergy.

17. Discuss Proposed Services by Salesman from Schooley Mitchell

Joe Hitchcock, present at our last meeting, discussed his job of negotiating contracts on behalf of the Village. The Board in not interested at this time.

OTHER

18. Discussion was had on Fall Dumpster Day. The Board discussed the illegal dumping we had in the Spring due to the dumpster not being available for pickup until the following Monday. The Board discussed options with cameras, heavy trash day curb pickup from GFL, 3rd shift police shift for that weekend, separate fines, cancelling, or having it during a weekday. Hostetler will contact GFL about the cost of heavy-trash day.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• FINANCE: Kinzer reported the audit cost will increase due to the EPA loan.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 7:22pm

https://villageofyatescity.gov/documents/293/9-3-2025_Committee_Minutes.pdf