Carbondale Reporter

Village of Yates City Board met Sept. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. Call to Order

Hostetler called the meeting to order at 6:01pm

2. Roll Call:

Present: Tom Kinzer, Dave Mahr, Seth Lekies, Ron Smith, Matt Ehens, Vonda Brinker, Mark Hostetler Also Present: Neely Carr, Joy Mahr, Randy Benson, Molly Richeson from The Weely Post, Seth Bales, Kristyn Bales, Jerry Haulk, Chris Bewley, Scott Brunton Village Attorney

3. Pledge of Allegiance

All present stood and pledged to the flag

4. Citizens to Address the Board

Chris Bewley was present on behalf of the Salem Township Road District. She expressed that Fall Clean Up Day should not be during a weekday so working-class residents have the same opportunity as others. She offered that the Township would host at their building, the Road Commissioner and Trustees would work it, and they would order the dumpsters. She requested we send the AD out to the Weekly Post, add the note on water bills and calendar on website. She wanted the Village Boards input before taking it to the Township Board, but if it passes then they would schedule for a Saturday in October. The Village and Township would split all costs.

Jerry Haulk inquired about Ordinances for the Village and where to obtain a copy. Randy informed him he would most likely be wanting a copy of the Municipal Codes which Neely offered to print off as well as directed him to the website.

Seth and Kristyn Bales were present to discuss recent issues regarding a resident on a dirt bike. Seth inquired about the validity of a noise complaint related to a dirt bike. Chief Randy explained that under the Illinois Vehicle Code, there would only be a violation if the vehicle had an improper or modified exhaust system; a factory exhaust is compliant and not in violation. Benson also noted that barricades have been placed to prevent use of the alley, and that if the individual is observed operating the dirt bike in the alley, a citation may then be issued, as it constitutes a non-highway vehicle being operated on a public roadway, which is prohibited.

5. Approve Minutes for August 11th Board Meeting, and September 3rd Committee Meeting

Ehens moved to approve the Minutes for August 11th Board Meeting and September 3rd Committee Meeting. Smith seconded the motion. Roll call unanimous.

6. Approve Monthly Bills, Payroll and Financial Statements

Kinzer informed the Board of the need to transfer $10,000.00 from Police Savings to Police Checking and $6,000.00 from MFT Savings to MFT Checking and made a motion to approve the transfer. Ehens seconded the motion. Roll Call unanimous.

Kinzer made a motion to approve monthly bills, payroll, and financial statements. Ehens seconded the motion. Roll call unanimous.

7. Police Report – Chief Randy Benson

Chief Benson provided the Board with his monthly police report. He noted that the first half of the month was relatively quiet, while the second half had been busier. The microphone has been installed in the police squad car, and he is awaiting the invoice. He also reported that the squad car requires new tires which is line item 17.

OLD BUSINESS:

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

Lekies informed the Board that the parts were ordered but connectors were back ordered so he will be contacted once they are in and everything is ready.

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

Tri-City Masonry informed Hostetler that the project timeline remains scheduled for September 17th through the 25th. Public Works still needs to complete the digging, pea gravel layer, and setting of the blocks. Verification of the pea gravel purchase is still required. Ehens expressed concern regarding the property lines and whether additional surveying or planning may be necessary.

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

Hostetler reported that he spoke with Kinsel regarding the equipment issue. Kinsel indicated that the shaft is bent. It was noted that it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new one, as repairing the existing shaft would likely cost about the same. Oscar estimated the replacement to be approximately $5,000. Mahr noted that Lakeside remains significantly high. Kinsel was the contractor who previously replaced the shaft and bearing the last time issues occurred. Lekies inquired why the part had only lasted one year. The Board was informed that when Public Works questioned why they failed again, the initial explanation given was a lack of greasing; however, Bruce and Brian stated that greasing was done weekly. Greg from TEST informed them that over-greasing could blow the seals, but there is difference of opinions.

11. Update on Well/Reservoir Project

Cooper informed Albrecht that a 130gpm pump would be sufficient for operations. The existing pump is rated at 160gpm but is tapered back, resulting in a similar flow rate. Reported flow rates were 140gpm in July and 141.5gpm in August. It is currently unclear when the replacement pump will arrive. Mike Dryden is scheduled to remove the rock within the next week to week and a half.

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

Hostetler reported that Brian from Public Works installed the Air Conditioner and everything is working great.

13. Update on Purchase of Fire Hydrant

Hostetler reported that Brian from Public Works had picked up the fire hydrant today and Kinsel will be installing.

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

Hostetler reported that BJ Harper from Quick Electric and Brandon Hall from Amp Electric will both be submitting bids for the project. The bids will be prepared on an apples-to-apples basis, using the same project description for consistency. Michael Clausen is the representative from Ameren and will be contacted. BJ Harper is on vacation until September 16th, and his bid is expected to be received shortly thereafter.

15. Discuss Alley behind 306 W. Maple

Hostetler informed the Board that this line item would be combined with line items 19 and 20. NEW BUSINESS:

16. Discuss/Finalize Annual Financial Report

Kinzer informed the Board that the annual financial report was in order and ready for signature at this evening’s meeting.

17. Discuss/Approve Purchase of New Tires for the Police Squad Car from Jordan’s Service Center in an Amount not to Exceed $1,200.00

As mentioned earlier by Chief Benson, new tires are needed for the police squad car. Benson reported that the rear tires are bald and the front tires are at approximately 25% tread. The current bid covers two tires, but he recommended that the Board consider replacing all four at the same time. The $1,200 amount reflects double the bid for two tires. Ehens moved to approve the purchase of new tires for the squad car in an amount not to exceed $1,200.00. Smith seconded. Roll call unanimous.

18. Discuss/Approve Tentatively Hosting Dumpster Day on October 16th from 8:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Ordering of One Dumpster from Quality Roll Off and Running Two Weekly Ads in The Weekly Post in an Amount Not to Exceed $700.00

Hostetler stated her was in favor of Chris Bewley’s proposal and tabled this until Chris receives approval from the Township Board.

19. Discuss/Approve Hiring Surveyor to Locate Plot Lines in an Amount not to Exceed $2,500.00 Hostetler informed the Board that this line item would be combined with line items 15 and 20. 20. Discuss/Approve Restriction for Public Use of Alley between Maple Street and Fulton Street

At 6:43 p.m. a motion was made by Kinzer to enter executive session to discuss probable or imminent litigation affecting or on behalf of the Village. Smith seconded the motion. Roll call unanimous. At 7:25 p.m. Brinker moved to end the executive session. Kinzer seconded the motion. Roll call unanimous. In open session, roll call was taken. Present: Tom Kinzer, Dave Mahr, Seth Lekies, Ron Smith, Matt Ehens, Vonda Brinker, Mark Hostetler

Also Present: Neely Carr, Joy Mahr, Randy Benson, Molly Richeson from The Weely Post, Seth Bales, Kristyn Bales, Jerry Haulk, Scott Brunton Village Attorney

No motion was made to hire a surveyor to locate the plot lines in an amount not to exceed $2,500. Hostetler brought forward the question of restricting public use of the alley between Maple Street and Fulton Street. The motion failed with the following vote: Aye – 0; Nay – 6; Absent – 0.

OTHER BUSINESS:

21. Committee Reports

No reports

22. Discussion of Such Other Business as may Properly Come before the Board and Action, if any, to be Taken as Result of Discussions

ADJOURNMENT

Lekies moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:40pm. Smith seconded the motion. Roll call unanimous.

https://villageofyatescity.gov/documents/293/9-10-2025_Board_Minutes.pdf