Ferryville Minutes

DRAFT

DRAFTVillage of Ferryville
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Date: May 20, 2020
7 PM

Due to COVID-19 health concerns, the Meeting of the Board was held via a "To Go" teleconference.

Present: President - Steve Werner, Trustee Gloria Moore, Trustee Anna Ebner
Clerk, Bridget Schill Treasurer, Kent Salmon, EMR, Brenda Torger Vassar, Fire Chief, Alex Novak
1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:05PM by Village President, Steve Werner.
2. Certification of Open Meeting Law Requirements: Bridget Schill, Village Clerk confirmed that lawful notice of the public meeting had been posted on the official posting board inside and outside of the Village Hall, in the Post Office on 5/16/2020 and on www.ferryville.com.
3. Approve Agenda: Steve moved that the agenda be approved as posted. Gloria seconded the motion. The motion carried.
4. Approve Minutes of Previous Meeting: Steve motioned that the Minutes of April 15, 2020 be accepted. Anna seconded the motion. The motion carried and the Minutes were approved as written.
5. Public Comments: Sherry Quamme was present representing the Tourism Council and the Farmer's Market. Her group is working hard to promote visitors to our Village. She stressed the importance of making our Village appear neat and clean. She said that people are looking for places to drive to that offer places to eat, scenery, parks and friendly people. With restrictions easing up some from COVID-19, tourism will bring business to our area. Also, the Farmer's Market has a new manager, Janelle Anderson. The Market will be opening June 6 in the Village Hall lot.
6. Department Items:
Village Clerk: The Clerk reports that the Village Hall remains closed to events, meetings, walks, etc. due to COVID-19 concerns. Village Clean Up was held. The contract between Ferryville EMR and Town of Freeman was returned signed. Census workers are going to be coming around soon to hopefully improve compliance with the Census. Open Book is set up for May 19 from 10 AM - 12 PM. Board of Review will be held May 26 from 3 PM to 5 PM at the Village Hall. I will be attending a demonstration of voting machines in early June. We have been told that we need to budget for a replacement machine. Work is being started on Beer and Liquor licenses and Operator's Licenses.
Public Works: Dan's report was read by Steve. Garbage pickup on Eagle Mountain continued until the end of April. A videotaping session of the sewer main and manholes was done April 20th. Areas of concern have been identified and repair options are being discussed. The boat launch is now open and the docks have been installed. The handicap dock is awaiting some repair parts. New flags have been placed. Lagoon sludge tests were done. Thanks to Al Kirchner for his help. Sugar Creek Park remains closed, but well samples have been sent and cleanup is underway. The playground construction is underway. The brush pile was able to be burned. Marker buoys will be placed with Jerry Boardman's help when his schedule permits. Spring Clean Up was held and went well. The metal dumpster is available, but residents are asked to bring items for disposal on Fridays 9 - 11 AM or by appointment. Please do not leave items outside the gate. Bids have been received from two of three companies for a retaining wall behind the Village Hall.
Village Treasurer: Kent Salmon reports that bills are getting paid and issues are being resolved. The audit is currently being done. April financials will be acted on later in the meeting.
Fire Department/First Responders: Brenda reports that they continue to listen to the daily COVID updates from the County. There continues to be no in person training at this time due to social distancing, but most personnel have completed their recertifications. Meetings are being conducted via email. Alex got new epi pens for the EMR from Vernon Memorial. Thanks to Alex. Also, EMS Week is May 17 - 23. Thanks to all our volunteers for their commitment to our Village. Alex reports that Engine 1 pumper was recertified. Hose testing will be done in June. They have usage of a UV sterilization cabinet supplied by Crawford County for N-95 sanitation. Alex says that the Village should consider allowing residents to resume burning with authorization from the Fire Chief. This will be reviewed by the Board. Estimates for new turnout gear have been sent to Gloria. Many thanks to Curt Linsley, Cody Hobbs, Joshua Kipp and Scott Yanke for their help installing the many donated items in the Fire Department and the cleaning system.
Village President's Report: Steve thanked Gloria for once again setting up the remote meeting. As COVID-19 remains a concern, most of May's events have been canceled. Hopefully, things will improve and businesses can open up soon. The playground is being worked on and the goal is to open Sugar Creek Park May 26th. This could be postponed if construction is delayed. Board of Review is set for May 26th at the Village Hall. The Ferryville Farmer's Market will open on Saturday, June 6th. It will be held in the Village Hall/Community Center parking lot. The fireworks demonstration will be Saturday, June 6th at dusk at the ball field. Discussions are underway with the County Highway department regarding road work.
7. Disbursements: Steve motioned that expenditures in the amount of 12,176.30 and revenues in the amount of $9,266.71 be approved in the Village General Fund Account for the month of April, 2020. Anna seconded the motion. The motion carried. Steve motioned expenditures in the amount of $11,323.45 and revenues in the amount of $663.39 be approved in the Village Sewer Utility accounts for the month April, 2020. Gloria seconded the motion. The motion carried.
8. Old Business:
a. Consider/Approve: Eagle Mountain Replacement Sign - Three quotes have been received. Anna did get to see the signs prior to the meeting. Anna moved that the poly metal sign from Proline for $330.00 be approved. Steven seconded the motion. The motion carried.
b. Consider/Approve: Discuss COVID-19 Safety Precautions Now - The Village will follow County directions, State government and CDC recommendations. The use of the Village Hall was discussed and it was decided to follow Crawford County policy and leave the Hall closed at this time. Steve motioned that after discussion we do not allow groups to use the Hall until Crawford County opens their buildings or gives us more direction. Anna seconded the motion. Motion carried.
9. New Business:
a. Consider/Approve: Adopt Act 185 - Kent reported that the County Treasurer informed him that there will be a meeting at the May 21 to determine if Act 185 will be enacted. This act concerns interest charges and late fees on tax payments. Steve motioned that we approve whatever action Crawford County takes on Act 185 and apply it to our taxpayers in the same way. Gloria seconded the motion. The motion carried.
b. Consider/Approve: New Fire/EMR Members - None
c. Consider/Approve: Temporary Decrease in Alcohol/Operator's Renewal Fees and Beer and Liquor License Renewal Fees - This past month a letter was received from a Village businessman requesting some economic relief due to incomes losses due to COVID-19 at license renewal time. A long discussion followed. Steve explained the fee schedule he proposes. Steve motioned that there be a temporary suspension of Ordinance 12 Licenses and Permits 12.01 (2) a, b, d, e, f, and i. until June 17, 2020 to allow businesses and the Clerk to complete the licensing process. Steve then moved that the fees be as followed for renewals through June 17, 2020 for Chapter 12 (2) a, b, d, e, f, and i. Class "A" Beer $100 per year, reduced to $50.00, Class "B" Beer - $100 per year, reduced to $50.00, Temporary Class "B" Beer/Wine "Picnic" - $10.00 per occasion, no change, Class "A" Liquor $400 per year - reduced to $200.00, Class "B" Liquor $400 per year, reduced to $200.00, Operator's License $24 for two years (Prorated if application is made after the start date of the license period, Minimum of $5.00 plus $7.00 Record Check Fee, reduced to $12.00 plus $7.00 record check fee until June 17, 2020, Cigarette/Tobacco License $25 per year, no change, Class "C" Wine License $100 per year, reduced to $50.00. Gloria seconded the motion. The motion carried.
d. Consider/Approve: Building Permit - Visits to the Hinde building site were done by Steve, Anna and Dan. Everything looked good. Steve motioned that the building permit be issued to Thomas and Nancy Hinde. Anna seconded the motion. The motion carried.
e. Consider/Approve: President's Committee Appointments - Steve motioned that Bridget Schill be the designated secretary for the Planning Commission and that Michael White be approved for another 3 year term. Gloria seconded the motion. Motion carried. Steve motioned that Village President, Steve Werner and Trustee Gloria Moore be appointed to the Board of Review through 2021 with Bridget Schill being the secretary. He also motioned that Tom Chernouski and Chris Hendrickson each be appointed to a one year term. Gloria seconded the motion. Motion carried. Steve motioned that Brent Hutchison and Tom White be appointed to three years terms, through 2023 on the Board of Adjustment/Appeals. Anna seconded the motion. The motion carried. Steve motioned that the Village President, Steve Werner and Trustee Anna Ebner be appointed to the Building Committee. Anna seconded the motion. The motion carried.
f. Consider/Approve: Ordinances, Village Appearance, Grass, Weeds, Vehicles - Chapters 5, 8, and 10 of the Ordinances have been reviewed by the Board and Steve and Dan are contacting owners about getting their properties in order. Letters will follow if unheeded.
g. Consider/Approve: Budgeting for a Voting Machine in 2021 - For information only. Bridget will be going to a presentation June 3 on replacing our voting machine.
h. Consider/Approve: Port-a-Potty Rental for Sugar Creek Park - There is a need for a hand washing station to go along with the port-a-potty at Sugar Creek Park. This increases the cost to the Village. Discussion on alternatives followed. There was talk of building our own if none are available from our vendor. It was felt that given the health issues today, it needs to be rented. Gloria motioned that we rent a port-a-potty with a hand washing station. Anna seconded the motion. The motion carried.
i. Consider/Approve: Village Insurance Policy - This will be brought back next month after we receive our quote.
j. Consider/Approve: Schedule 6 Month Review with PW Employee - Steve requested that the Board designate him and possibly Bridget to meet with and do Dan's 6 month evaluation. Gloria made the motion. Anna seconded.
k. Consider/Approve: Opening Date for Sugar Creek Park - We are hoping to open the park on May 26th. The date is subject to any construction that may be going on. Hopefully, the new playground will be completed and the park ready.
l. Consider/Approve: Replacement of Village Hall Retaining Wall - Gloria moves that the bid by Wallesar Excavating and Concrete with an estimated price of $5,880 and flat work of $1,250 be accepted for the retaining wall at Village Hall. Steve seconded the motion. The motion carried.
10. Adjourn: Anna motioned to adjourn. Gloria seconded the motion. The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM.

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Bridget Schill Posted: 5/24/2020
Village Clerk Village Hall (inside and outside)
U. S. Post Office
www.ferryville.com