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Tri-City Register
Mechanicsburg Village Board October
meeting minutes
The regular October meeting of the Village of Mechanicsburg was Oct. 5. Present were Mayor
Trew and Trustees Shoaff, Hohimer, Rogers, Metcalf, Aarup and Payton, Treasurer Kriener and
Clerk Berndt.
Recognition of Visitors: A presentation was made by Mr. Dan Walker, the Village’s current TIF
Administrator – from the Economic Development Group (EDG) as to the services offered by EDG
and Thomas N. Jacob to the Village.
Engineer’s Report:
Griffith Creek Estates Subdivision Pond Dam Progress — Trustee Hohimer indicated he is
compiling the material costs and the repairs could be completed in the next 4-6 weeks.
South Griffith’s Creek Road Bridge — The Engineer said the county has inspected the bridge
and is currently rated in good condition. The Engineer also inspected it and concurred with the
county’s finding. The next inspection should be January 29, 2010.
GIS — There are 468 parcels now in the GIS map of the village. The attributes like storm
sewers, water lines and related items can be added as available.
$250,000 grant opportunity — The Springfield/Sangamon County Regional Planning
Commission has said that there is $250,000 grant available for local governments in
Sangamon County, excluding Springfield. Grant is related to energy efficiently. The information is
still being formulated.
Zoning Report: There have been four new building permits.
Police Report:
A new squad car has been purchased using the JAG Grant and TIF. Selling the Ford Explorer
will offset the Village’s cost.
Police Advisory Committee (PAC) — This Committee is comprised of the Mayors of Buffalo
and Mechanicsburg, and one Trustee from each Village (Trustee Metcalf for Mechanicsburg).
The PAC handles police matters such as the incident reports, police budgetary issues and
personnel matters.
Incident Report — This report specifies the number of calls and operations reported by the
police department. There were about 52 incidents, and about a third of those were to respond to
assist county and other police agencies. Of the other two-thirds of the incidents between Buffalo
and Mechanicsburg, a majority of them were in the Mechanicsburg area. Police also assisted
federal investigator pertaining to the ongoing investigation of FEMA trailers purchased by the
Mechanicsburg Community Fire Protection District.
Our police are employees of the Village and the Board — The Mayor reminded the village
board that as elected officials they are held to a higher standard of responsibilities as it
pertained to employer and employee relationships.
Approval of Minutes: The Sept. 8 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
Payment of Monthly Bills:
Payment for motion sensor light in park pavilion and bulletin board for materials at Lowe’s.
Authorization for Russ Mendenhall is to move the pea gravel off cul-de-sac in the new
subdivision.
Payment of new squad car costing $21,697 through JAG Grant and TIF funding. JAG grant was
for $17,175. Village payment on the new squad car is to be supplemented by the sale of the
Police’s Ford Explorer.
Payment of General Revenue Bond, interest only, of $13,845 due Oct. 15.
Received grant for $1,100 for the reduction of youth access to tobacco products.
Approval of payment of monthly bills as of Oct. 5, 2009; vote was unanimous.
Agenda Items:
Discussion was held on a draft Ordinance pertaining Tax Levy for FY10. Adoption of Tax Levy
increase proposed for Nov. 2 meeting.
Discussion was held on a draft Ordinance pertaining to increasing municipal tax on gas and
electric utilities from 3 percent to 5 percent. Adoption of Municipal Tax increase proposed for
Nov. 2 meeting. Last increase in municipal utility tax was December 2002. An increase in
municipal tax revenues is needed to help offset drastic reduction of State tax revenues projected
to be lower by 18.8 percent in FY2010 over FY2009.
Adoption of an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Buffalo for joint Police service.
The agreement updated current language that has existed between the two Villages for a
number of years. Vote was 4-0-3 (Shoaff, Aarup, Payton abstain).
Approval for the refund of $25 to Mrs. Carrie Edwards for Park Pavilion rental. Vote 6-0.
Approval of the assessment of a municipal penalty – junk vehicle – Duzzaro residence. Motion
to set penalty at $25 initially if not moved in seven days, then an additional $25 fine for each
seven days there after. Vote 6-0.
4 Authorization to sale Police 2002 Ford Explorer by Sealed Bid Sale with a minimum bid of
$4,000. Vote 6-0.
Authorization to sale antique oak partner drafting desk by Sealed Bid Sale with a minimum bid
of $125. Vote 5-1 (Aarup nay).
Mayor’s Report: The Mayor and Trustee Metcalf met with Mr. Gary Plummer and his staff from
Greater Chamber of Commerce. There is about $250,000 in grants, 50 percent applicable for
outside of Springfield, to promote commercial activity within the Villages and Cities in Sangamon
County. The Chamber was asked to assist in soliciting prospective businesses for the Calhoun
Building and other vacant commercial properties in the Village.
The Mayor and Trustee Hohimer met with Mechanicsburg Township Road Commissioner Phil
Simpson to discuss road and bridge maintenance projects. Several projects were
discussed.
First Street reconstruction – First Street may need to be completely torn down to its road bed
due to excessive heavy traffic. There also maybe an old railroad track buried under the street
which will have to be removed. Closure of the road for a period of time may be necessary.
The Village needs to explore possible funding and grant applications that will assist in the
repair, if and when needed, of the Griffith Creek Road Bridge which is under the jurisdiction of
the Village.
Discussed the pros and cons of the usage of sand versus cinders in snow and ice
applications. The Village will need a spreader for the truck.
The Mayor initiated a meeting with Mr. David Schaab of Waste Management concerning the
implementation of a Village waster hauler contract similar to the current contract that Waste
Management has with the Village of Buffalo. Participating residents would be afforded lower
monthly rates than currently being charged and would be given free curbside recycling service.
Mr. Schaab will give a presentation before the Board on Nov. 2 regarding the fees to the Village
and its residents for waste hauling as well as free recycling service.
The recycling dumpster has been removed. The dumpster was located on the Calhoun
Building property which is now owned by Town & Country Bank and had to be removed. The
recycling dumpster was filling up about every 18-21 days and cost the Village $125 for every
dumpster load or about $2000 per year to maintain the dumpster. Unfortunately no grant money
is available for the recycling program. If the Board passes the proposed waste haulers
agreement with Waste Management, participating Village residents will be provided free
curbside recycling service and the Village would save approximately $2000 per year in recycling
cost.
The Mayor has requested that maintenance get ready for winter by looking at equipment
needs and contingency plans for snow plowing.
The Mayor expressed his appreciation to the many volunteers who have assisted the Village
and those who have donated to the Village.
The Mayor has made a decision to no longer rent the park pavilion due to a recent incident in
which the renting party was denied access to the Pavilion by those who had not rented the
facility. The Park Pavilion will remain open on a first come first serve basis. No water or electricity
services will be provided by the Village.
There will be a Mechanicsburg Magic meeting Oct. 12.
Volunteers are needed for the census count.
TRUSTEE REPORTS:
Trustee Hohimer – Trustee Hohimer asked if it would be possible to receive the minutes from
the Mechanicsburg Community Fire District and other boards and departments. The Mayor will
write a letter requesting minutes be furnished to the Village Board.
Trustee Metcalf – Trustee Metcalf mentioned that it may be a little while before the individuals
for the Greater Chamber of Commerce contact the village due to them working on the high
speed rail issues within the City of Springfield.
Trustee Aarup, Payton, Rogers, Shoaff – Nothing to report.
Meeting adjourned. Vote 6-0.
meeting minutes
The regular October meeting of the Village of Mechanicsburg was Oct. 5. Present were Mayor
Trew and Trustees Shoaff, Hohimer, Rogers, Metcalf, Aarup and Payton, Treasurer Kriener and
Clerk Berndt.
Recognition of Visitors: A presentation was made by Mr. Dan Walker, the Village’s current TIF
Administrator – from the Economic Development Group (EDG) as to the services offered by EDG
and Thomas N. Jacob to the Village.
Engineer’s Report:
Griffith Creek Estates Subdivision Pond Dam Progress — Trustee Hohimer indicated he is
compiling the material costs and the repairs could be completed in the next 4-6 weeks.
South Griffith’s Creek Road Bridge — The Engineer said the county has inspected the bridge
and is currently rated in good condition. The Engineer also inspected it and concurred with the
county’s finding. The next inspection should be January 29, 2010.
GIS — There are 468 parcels now in the GIS map of the village. The attributes like storm
sewers, water lines and related items can be added as available.
$250,000 grant opportunity — The Springfield/Sangamon County Regional Planning
Commission has said that there is $250,000 grant available for local governments in
Sangamon County, excluding Springfield. Grant is related to energy efficiently. The information is
still being formulated.
Zoning Report: There have been four new building permits.
Police Report:
A new squad car has been purchased using the JAG Grant and TIF. Selling the Ford Explorer
will offset the Village’s cost.
Police Advisory Committee (PAC) — This Committee is comprised of the Mayors of Buffalo
and Mechanicsburg, and one Trustee from each Village (Trustee Metcalf for Mechanicsburg).
The PAC handles police matters such as the incident reports, police budgetary issues and
personnel matters.
Incident Report — This report specifies the number of calls and operations reported by the
police department. There were about 52 incidents, and about a third of those were to respond to
assist county and other police agencies. Of the other two-thirds of the incidents between Buffalo
and Mechanicsburg, a majority of them were in the Mechanicsburg area. Police also assisted
federal investigator pertaining to the ongoing investigation of FEMA trailers purchased by the
Mechanicsburg Community Fire Protection District.
Our police are employees of the Village and the Board — The Mayor reminded the village
board that as elected officials they are held to a higher standard of responsibilities as it
pertained to employer and employee relationships.
Approval of Minutes: The Sept. 8 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
Payment of Monthly Bills:
Payment for motion sensor light in park pavilion and bulletin board for materials at Lowe’s.
Authorization for Russ Mendenhall is to move the pea gravel off cul-de-sac in the new
subdivision.
Payment of new squad car costing $21,697 through JAG Grant and TIF funding. JAG grant was
for $17,175. Village payment on the new squad car is to be supplemented by the sale of the
Police’s Ford Explorer.
Payment of General Revenue Bond, interest only, of $13,845 due Oct. 15.
Received grant for $1,100 for the reduction of youth access to tobacco products.
Approval of payment of monthly bills as of Oct. 5, 2009; vote was unanimous.
Agenda Items:
Discussion was held on a draft Ordinance pertaining Tax Levy for FY10. Adoption of Tax Levy
increase proposed for Nov. 2 meeting.
Discussion was held on a draft Ordinance pertaining to increasing municipal tax on gas and
electric utilities from 3 percent to 5 percent. Adoption of Municipal Tax increase proposed for
Nov. 2 meeting. Last increase in municipal utility tax was December 2002. An increase in
municipal tax revenues is needed to help offset drastic reduction of State tax revenues projected
to be lower by 18.8 percent in FY2010 over FY2009.
Adoption of an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Buffalo for joint Police service.
The agreement updated current language that has existed between the two Villages for a
number of years. Vote was 4-0-3 (Shoaff, Aarup, Payton abstain).
Approval for the refund of $25 to Mrs. Carrie Edwards for Park Pavilion rental. Vote 6-0.
Approval of the assessment of a municipal penalty – junk vehicle – Duzzaro residence. Motion
to set penalty at $25 initially if not moved in seven days, then an additional $25 fine for each
seven days there after. Vote 6-0.
4 Authorization to sale Police 2002 Ford Explorer by Sealed Bid Sale with a minimum bid of
$4,000. Vote 6-0.
Authorization to sale antique oak partner drafting desk by Sealed Bid Sale with a minimum bid
of $125. Vote 5-1 (Aarup nay).
Mayor’s Report: The Mayor and Trustee Metcalf met with Mr. Gary Plummer and his staff from
Greater Chamber of Commerce. There is about $250,000 in grants, 50 percent applicable for
outside of Springfield, to promote commercial activity within the Villages and Cities in Sangamon
County. The Chamber was asked to assist in soliciting prospective businesses for the Calhoun
Building and other vacant commercial properties in the Village.
The Mayor and Trustee Hohimer met with Mechanicsburg Township Road Commissioner Phil
Simpson to discuss road and bridge maintenance projects. Several projects were
discussed.
First Street reconstruction – First Street may need to be completely torn down to its road bed
due to excessive heavy traffic. There also maybe an old railroad track buried under the street
which will have to be removed. Closure of the road for a period of time may be necessary.
The Village needs to explore possible funding and grant applications that will assist in the
repair, if and when needed, of the Griffith Creek Road Bridge which is under the jurisdiction of
the Village.
Discussed the pros and cons of the usage of sand versus cinders in snow and ice
applications. The Village will need a spreader for the truck.
The Mayor initiated a meeting with Mr. David Schaab of Waste Management concerning the
implementation of a Village waster hauler contract similar to the current contract that Waste
Management has with the Village of Buffalo. Participating residents would be afforded lower
monthly rates than currently being charged and would be given free curbside recycling service.
Mr. Schaab will give a presentation before the Board on Nov. 2 regarding the fees to the Village
and its residents for waste hauling as well as free recycling service.
The recycling dumpster has been removed. The dumpster was located on the Calhoun
Building property which is now owned by Town & Country Bank and had to be removed. The
recycling dumpster was filling up about every 18-21 days and cost the Village $125 for every
dumpster load or about $2000 per year to maintain the dumpster. Unfortunately no grant money
is available for the recycling program. If the Board passes the proposed waste haulers
agreement with Waste Management, participating Village residents will be provided free
curbside recycling service and the Village would save approximately $2000 per year in recycling
cost.
The Mayor has requested that maintenance get ready for winter by looking at equipment
needs and contingency plans for snow plowing.
The Mayor expressed his appreciation to the many volunteers who have assisted the Village
and those who have donated to the Village.
The Mayor has made a decision to no longer rent the park pavilion due to a recent incident in
which the renting party was denied access to the Pavilion by those who had not rented the
facility. The Park Pavilion will remain open on a first come first serve basis. No water or electricity
services will be provided by the Village.
There will be a Mechanicsburg Magic meeting Oct. 12.
Volunteers are needed for the census count.
TRUSTEE REPORTS:
Trustee Hohimer – Trustee Hohimer asked if it would be possible to receive the minutes from
the Mechanicsburg Community Fire District and other boards and departments. The Mayor will
write a letter requesting minutes be furnished to the Village Board.
Trustee Metcalf – Trustee Metcalf mentioned that it may be a little while before the individuals
for the Greater Chamber of Commerce contact the village due to them working on the high
speed rail issues within the City of Springfield.
Trustee Aarup, Payton, Rogers, Shoaff – Nothing to report.
Meeting adjourned. Vote 6-0.
Issue Date: Nov. 26, 2009