DeKalb Times

Village of Shabbona Village Board met Jan. 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Regular Meeting of the Shabbona Village Board was called to order by Village President Donald J. Goncher on Monday, January 27, 2020, at 7:00 P.M. in the Village Hall meeting room.

OPENING OF MEETING/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/ ROLL CALL

Roll Call: Marc Cinnamon-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, Frank Ottengheime-aye, Josh Clark-aye, Richard Lockowitz-aye.

Village President Goncher called for a minute of silence in honor of the memory of Trustee Joe Perkins.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

Update on Building Expansion – Frank Ottengheime

Businesses inquiring about what village can do to help them out – Marc Cinnamon

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Marc Cinnamon motioned to approve the agenda. Richard Lockowitz seconded. All in favor vote-aye. Motion carried.

CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE BOARD:

Jon Ritter handed out a letter to the board offering his services to fill the Trustee position.

NEW BUSINESS

A. TRUSTEE APPOINTMENT: Village President Goncher appointed David Simpson to serve as Trustee for the duration of Joe Perkins term which expires in 2021. Marc Cinnamon moved to approve the appointment of David Simpson to serve as trustee for the duration of Joe Perkins term, Josh Clark seconded said motion. After discussion, Village President Goncher called for a Roll Call Vote: Marc Cinnamon-aye, Josh Clark-aye, Jamie Deutsch-no, Richard Lockowitz-no, Frank Ottengheime-no. 2 aye- 3 no, Motion failed.

Village President Goncher then appointed Michele Harlan to serve as Trustee for the duration of Joe Perkins term. Marc Cinnamon moved to approve the appointment of Michele Harlan to fill the open trustee seat, Josh Clark seconded said motion. After discussion, Village President Goncher called for a Roll Call Vote: Marc Cinnamon-aye, Josh Clark-aye, Jamie Deutsch-no, Richard Lockowitz-no, Frank Ottengheime-no. 2-aye-3 no, Motion failed.

Village President Goncher then appointed David Simpson to serve as a temporary Village Board Trustee to serve until either another appointment was approved by the Board or for the remainder of Joe Perkins’ term.

Frank Ottengheime said he disagreed with the process that was followed during Nominations for Trustee. Attorney Keith Foster said that filling the open trustee seat is, per state law, the Village President’s nomination and since two appointments were rejected by the Board, the Village President has the right to make an appointment from the two that were rejected and that the process was done appropriately tonight.

Village Clerk, Jen Morrison, swore in David Simpson as Trustee.

B. VILLAGE PARK RESOLUTION

Village President Don Goncher recommended a Resolution Honoring Joe Perkins and naming Village Park in his honor and memory. Don read resolution and Josh Clark motioned to approve “Resolution Honoring Joe Perkins and naming Village Park in His Honor, Marc Cinnamon seconded said motion. Discussion: Jamie Deutsch asked about putting something there, Don said we can look into a bench with a plaque and doing a dedication in the Spring. Village will need to have parcel surveyed prior to dedication. Frank Ottengheime said he thinks Village can do something better than that but said he doesn’t know what. Don said that this is one of the few parcels village owns and is a good location. Roll Call Vote: Marc Cinnamon-aye, Josh Clark-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, Richard Lockowitz-aye, Frank Ottengheime-no, David Simpson-aye. 5 aye-1 no, Motion carried.

REPORTS and ACTION

A. VILLAGE ELECTRIC SERVICE AGREEMENT-ARNIE SCHRAMEL

Arnie Schramel said that our electrical service is coming up in March and he has new pricing for board to review and consider. Historically, the Village has done 36 months and is currently at $.06077. He asked the board to consider 48 months $.049621 which is 32% lower than ComEd tariff rate and 18% lower than current village contract. Richard Lockowitz asked about risk of locking into 4 years and Arnie said that this would be the lowest price the Village of Shabbona has ever had. Village President needs to sign contract within the next 2 weeks in order to make any change as ComEd requires 18 days notice prior to March meter readings for supplier changes. Arnie requested that the board give Don Goncher permission to sign the contract. Price will be similar to what is being discussed tonight when contract is signed. Arnie recommends the Village switch suppliers based on the new rates. 24 and 48 month costs are not far apart, 36 month is very slightly higher. Jamie Deutsch motioned to sign contract for 36 months, David Simpson seconded. Marc Cinnamon asked who the supplier would be, and Arnie said supplier depends on how pricing falls at the time contract needs to be signed. Roll Call Vote: Marc Cinnamon-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, Richard Lockowitz-aye, David Simpson-aye, Josh Clark- aye, Frank Ottengheime-aye. 6-0, Motion carried.

B. VILLAGE ENGINEER-NORM BEEH

EDI/BLOWERS: Blowers were delivered with wrong motor power phasing. Norm got a phone call from EDI today that it would be 2-3 weeks before the correct blowers would be received. They were supposed to be 3-phase and only 1-phase were supplied by EDI. Electrician said that from the spec’d info, blowers would be 3-phase. Norm said original 1977 plans for the 2 blowers have 120/240v 3- phase power. Bud gave EDI a set of the same plans Norm is referencing, so EDI had the information. A site visit is part of the contract. EDI was also late in putting in aeration, to date Village has only paid for half of contract amount. In one of Don’s conversations, EDI said that they wondered why 1-phase but they never asked Engineer or anyone to verify.

C. MAINTENANCE REPORT

Read meters at end of December, assisted a few residents with high meter readings due to potential leaks within residence (water heater, water softener). Another load of salt is coming. HAP left one set of Christmas décor brackets on a streetlight which Bud will get down when flags go up.

APWA AWARD OF MERIT: Don nominated Bud for Award of Merit and Bud received the award on 1/14. Congratulations to Bud.

D. SHABBONA PATHWAY COMMITTEE—MARC CINNAMON

No meeting in January, next meeting 2/8/2020, the Annual Meeting 8am at Village Hall. Since December meeting, Dan Nolan & Jim Johnson met with Indian Creek School Board and discussed some changes in pathway on school property and are reaching agreement with School Board. Looking at breaking ground, approximately 800’ at school property, before end of June.

E. RPC REPORT—LAURIE WILSON: Next meeting 1/30/2020.

F. SHABBONA HORTICULTURAL COMMITTEE—MARC CINNAMON: Nothing new, next meeting Saturday 2/15/20 at Village Hall 8am.

G. SHERIFF REPORT - Reviewed Sheriff’s report.

H. CLERK & DEPUTY CLERK

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-Richard Lockowitz motioned to approve the minutes, Josh Clark seconded. Roll Call Vote: Marc Cinnamon-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, Richard Lockowitz-aye, David Simpson-aye, Josh Clark-aye, Frank Ottengheime-aye. 6-0 Motion carried.

Village Clerk let board know that Village Website visits in 2019 were up 6% over previous year and website had over 4,000 visitors. Top 3 most visited pages include local events (home page), village contacts, and ordinances.

FINANCIALS

A. APPROVAL OF BILLS – Village Clerk said that David Turner Electric invoice was for disconnection and reconnection of blower motors due to discovery of one phase motors. Don Goncher said that this bill will be addressed with EDI. Jamie Deutsch motioned to approve the bills, Marc Cinnamon seconded. Frank asked if Holiday Festival was within budget, Laurie Wilson said that it came in under budget. Roll Call Vote: Marc Cinnamon-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, Frank Ottengheime-aye, David Simpson-aye, Josh Clark-aye, Richard Lockowitz-aye. 6-0 Motion carried.

B. DONATION TO THE JOE PERKINS MEMORIAL FUND – Josh Clark motioned to donate $250 to the Joe Perkins Memorial Fund, Jamie Deutsch seconded. Roll Call Vote: Marc Cinnamon-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, Frank Ottengheime-aye, David Simpson-aye, Josh Clark-aye, Richard Lockowitz-aye. 6-0 Motion carried.

C. TREASURER’S REPORT – Josh Clark motioned to accept the Treasurer’s report, Jamie Deutsch seconded. Roll Call Vote: Marc Cinnamon-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, Frank Ottengheime-aye, David Simpson-aye, Josh Clark-aye, Richard Lockowitz-aye. 6-0 Motion carried.

D. UTILITY BILL ISSUES

1. Account # 1097 talked with Cindy regarding large consumption of water July – Sept, due to dropping the hose and leaving it run while working on his pool. It was asked if anything could be done in regards to bill. Cindy told resident she could waive up to 10,000 of the sewer consumption on the next bill, which was fine with resident. Resident was asked to please pay for the purchased pool water delivered by the fire department for his pool and he said he would. Payment was received 10/31/19 but was due 10/30/19. Resident #1097 is now fighting the late fee of $37.00. He argued that he was only a few hours late, and we owed him money for the sewer credit. The Board questioned if this late fee was a first time. Cindy stated no, it is not unusual. Discussion by the board was that the late fee will remain on resident’s bill.

SECOND METER COMPLIANCE LETTER:

Don Goncher said that the required second water meter is an ongoing struggle with property owners. He asked if board would consider policy to allow property owners to come to the Board for a waiver, bringing two estimates from two licensed plumbers to show how costly it will be to comply with our ordinance. Waiver request would not apply to new construction, remodeling, or reconstruction. Cindy said that currently such properties are paying two bills, splitting water consumption or at least a minimum usage bill. Account #2004, at the time this ordinance went into effect, the property owner declared the garage a garage and not an apartment. Notice was given to the Realtor when property was for sale, and we were assured this information was passed on to the new/current property owner. It came to our attention that they have family member living above the garage, so two bills have been sent to this account. They are currently disputing the second utility bill through their attorney and they are not willing to put in the required meter, water, and sewer lines. Board discussion raised the question if the 2nd unit at this property is legal. The space being used above garage is only accessible through the garage and this is a Life/Safety concern. Frank Ottengheime said that it makes it hard on “us” as the fire department to know where people are sleeping/living. Attorney Keith Foster said that we could have village building inspector do a property inspection. Multiple letters have been sent by the village regarding second water meter requirements and property owners are not responding to the letters. There are approximately 14 properties that are in violation of code. Richard Lockowitz asked if village can require disclosure in closing documents, Attorney Keith Foster will look into this. Keith said village can record a notice of code violation and that would come up in the title work. It was reported that another residence in town which converted from 2 unit to single family home now has a tenant, Cindy will be confirming if this is accurate information. We should send one more letter to property owners and if they don’t comply within six months, village will record a notice of code violation. Board tabled until next meeting, Cindy will make a list of properties in violation. If anyone asks what to do as they cannot afford to add 2nd meter, they will need to come to board meeting and plead their case to the Board.

Jamie Deutsch had a water softener issue at his house and will have an excessively high bill next quarter. Jamie found and fixed issue, Public Works did water meter readings. Jamie requested an averaged bill using his one-time waiver for the upcoming water bill. Frank Ottengheime motioned to approve one-time waiver for Jamie Deutsch, Richard Lockowitz seconded. Roll Call Vote: Richard Lockowitz-aye, Jamie Deutsch-abstain, David Simpson-aye, Josh Clark-aye, Marc Cinnamon-aye, Frank Ottengheime-aye. 5 aye-0 no-1 abstain. Motion carried.

E. LAUTERBACH & AMEN LLP CONTRACT:

Contract is due for auditor services; it will be a three year contract. Josh Clark motioned to approve Village President sign Lauterbach & Amen LLP contract, Marc Cinnamon seconded. Roll Call Vote: Josh Clark-aye, Marc Cinnamon-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, Richard Lockowitz-aye, Frank Ottengheime-aye, David Simpson-aye. 6-0 Motion carried.

F. PURCHASING CARD POLICY:

Josh Clark motioned to approve Purchasing Card Policy, Marc Cinnamon seconded. Roll Call Vote: Josh Clark-aye, Marc Cinnamon-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, Richard Lockowitz-aye, Frank Ottengheime-aye, David Simpson-aye. 6-0 Motion carried.

G. CAPITAL ASSET POLICY:

Josh Clark motioned to approve Capital Asset Policy, Richard Lockowitz seconded. Frank Ottengheime requested more time to read policies before voting. Richard Lockowitz said we can table capital asset policy until next meeting. Board tabled until next meeting.

H. ORDINANCE 2020-01-27(B) 1-7-3 VILLAGE CLERK WARRANTS

Board tabled and need to adjust wording under #4. Some present think there is already something in ordinances. Clerk, Treasurer, and Attorney will research this.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

A. ZONING MAP: The Zoning Board recommended the Zoning Map dated December 16, 2019. Purpose of approving a Zoning Map is to have current Zoning Map on file with DeKalb County and on our website, the last recorded vote approving a zoning map was prior to 2010. Village Clerk will file with DeKalb County Clerk by March and post on Village website. Board discussed that in the future we should indicate institutional designation for fire department, schools, public works, churches, and parks. Village would need to update the zoning ordinance to add institutional and have a public meeting with the Zoning Board of Appeals. Josh Clark motioned to approve Zoning Map dated December 16, 2019, with note that updates for institutional will be made in the future, Marc Cinnamon seconded. Roll Call Vote: Marc Cinnamon-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, Frank Ottengheime-aye, David Simpson-aye, Josh Clark-aye, Richard Lockowitz-aye. 6-0 Motion carried.

B. ORDINANCE 2020-01-27(B) BED & BREAKFASTS: The Zoning Board recommended for 2-7-6 fire safety add carbon monoxide detectors to H, 2-7-3 Off street/onsite parking required, owner required to live on site. Business license to be issued by Village upon initial occupancy approval by building inspector, fee for initial business license $1000, Fee for annual Village business license renewal will be $100 and building inspector does annual inspection on behalf of Village at the property owner’s expense. Need to amend 2-7-7 H adding carbon monoxide detectors. Josh Clark motioned to approve 2020-01-27(B) as amended, Jamie Deutsch seconded. Roll Call Vote: Richard Lockowitz-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, David Simpson-aye, Josh Clark-aye, Marc Cinnamon-aye, Frank Ottengheime-no. 5-1 Motion carried.

C. ORDINANCE 2020-01-27(A) ZONING AMENDMENT FOR ADULT USE CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENTS:

The Zoning Board recommended that the ordinance remain as written with Adult Use Cannabis Establishments in Industrial Zone. Marc Cinnamon motioned to approve Ordinance 2020-01-27(A) with text amendment in Section 5 from but to by authority, Josh Clark seconded. Roll Call Vote: Josh Clark-aye, Marc Cinnamon-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, Richard Lockowitz-no, Frank Ottengheime-no, David Simpson-aye. 4-2 Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

A. INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH DEKALB COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

Don Goncher and Marc Cinnamon met with Assistant to County Engineer and if by February we can come up with projects that we need done, the County will include in their bids. Infrastructure committee needs to discuss, and committee will look at streets within Village. County bids are requested by mid-March with work to begin in June. Village needs to approve contract by first Thursday of February in order to be part of 2020 bids. Frank Ottengheime asked if Attorney Foster is okay with this agreement, Keith said yes he is. IGA allows the Village to use MFT funds for street repairs, as long as IDOT pre-approves projects. Frank Ottengheime motioned to approve IGA with DeKalb County Highway Department, Marc Cinnamon seconded. Roll Call Vote: Josh Clark-aye, Marc Cinnamon-aye, Jamie Deutsch-aye, Richard Lockowitz-aye, Frank Ottengheime-aye, David Simpson- aye. 6-0 Motion carried.

B. PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING ADDITION: Frank talked to a contractor tonight who said that it would be $55-$60 per square foot for just building and concrete, no interior finishes. Potentially have room for up to a 60x40 building addition. Don Goncher requested Infrastructure Committee meet to evaluate building addition and streets.

C. HELP FOR BUSINESSES TO MAKE BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS: Marc Cinnamon has been approached by business owners asking if there are low interest loans or anything else that the village can help them with in order to repair or improve their buildings. Marc said he has been looking into TIF districts in small communities—some are successful and some not. Most have had to hire someone to come in and inspect every business in town first and there are a lot of things business owners have to do for low interest loans or façade help. Marc said that there would need to be a meeting with business owners to let them know how it would work as it is a complicated process even for low interest loans. TIF districts also usually need to hire someone to manage the TIF program. There are banks that may be willing to help out locally with low interest loans. Kirkland has had some success with façade program.

ADJOURNMENT

Richard Lockowitz motioned for adjournment at 9:21pm, David Simpson seconded. All in favor vote aye. Motion carried.

Meeting Minutes of the Village of Shabbona, Illinois submitted by Village Clerk, Jennifer Morrison.

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