Rockford Sun

Village of Pecatonica Village Board met Sept. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. Call to Order - President Tom Heister called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Village Hall.

2. Silent moment observed.

3. The Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag was recited

4. Roll call –. Trustees Bill Determan, Kim Gipe, Collin Hardy, Tom Gipe were present, and Gerald Howard joined the meeting at 6:06pm. Trustee Kathy Doty was absent.

Also, present: Clerk Gwenn Shirley, Public Works Director Nick Berry, Police Chief Matt Summers, Treasurer Sherry Bessert and Attorney Joseph Kurlinkus.

5. A quorum was established.

6. Additions/Corrections to the Agenda – None.

7. Approval of Agenda –

A motion was made by Trustee Tom Gipe and seconded by Trustee Kim Gipe approve the agenda as presented. Discussion. A roll call vote was taken. All Trustees voted yes. Motion approved 4-0-2.

8. Call to the Public

Joan Cunningham from the Pecatonica Improvement Association addressed the board to inform them that they have completed the required paper work and received their charitable organization status. They have also received there 501c3 tax information. The PIA has also updated their bylaws and they are now able to support the community in the historical outlook.

Agenda Items

A. Village President

1. Review Changes to the 2023 Zoning Map

Neil Ritter the Zoning Board Chairman reviewed the handout that will be used to update the zoning map. He discussed changes that have been made and approved by the board. Discussion. These changes will need to be written into Ordinance form.

2. Contractors Currently Performing Work for the Village of Pecatonica

President Heister stated work continues at Well House #3 by JETCO and Kelsey Excavating is completing their work on the Creek Project.

3. Discuss Pre-Annexation of Proposed Solar Farm

President Heister gave an update on a proposed solar farm outside of village limits. This area is within 1.5 miles from the village limits. This project has gone before the Winnebago County Board twice and has been voted down twice. This is for information and discussion only. The advantage of Pre-Annexation would be the Village would have more control over the development. The current neighbors to the area do not want the solar farm. Discussion.

Village President also informed the board that the village has switched our IT service to Rockford IT. They are to handle all of the village needs. Any changes that need to be made after they have a chance to review our equipment will come in front of the board for approval.

B. Unfinished Business – None.

C. New Business – None.

D. Legal (Attorney Kurlinkus) –

Attorney Kurlinkus reviewed the email from Doug Henry and discussed the agreement between the Village of Pecatonica and the seller of the property of 1111 Grove Street. This agreement was signed at the time of purchasing the property. This agreement allows the seller of the property to have the say in the approval of any changes to the property. Discussion. This was information that Village President wanted to share with the board and no action was taken at this time.

Attorney Kurlinkus also gave the board an update on the proposed land swap with the Pecatonica Playhouse. They are also still working on the Code Enforcement information. These items are still in progress and he will bring back updates at upcoming meetings. Discussion.

E. Finance (Chairman Determan)

1. Next meeting: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

2. Chairman Report – Trustee Determan stated that Sherry the Village Treasure is working closely with the auditors and the hope is that in October we will be able to present the Audit to the Village Board.

F. Planning Commission/Zoning Board

1. Next meeting: Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

G. Public Works (Chairman Gipe)

1. Next meeting: Monday, October 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

2. Chairman Report – Trustee Gipe invited everyone to attend the upcoming meetings. He gave a quick over view of the items that are to be voted on tonight. He also asked that items 7 and 8 be tabled.

3. Public Work’s Report- Nick Berry reviewed the August report. Discussion

4. Approve JETCO Limited Change Order Proposal for the Water Tower Rehabilitation Project

Nick Berry reviewed the details of the change order. This repair needs to be completed when the tower is empty. This saves the Village money to complete the repairs when the tower is already empty. They also reviewed the two previous change orders that were credits to the village. Discussion

A motion was made by Trustee Tom Gipe and seconded by Trustee Howard to approve the JETCO limited change order proposal for the Water Tower Rehabilitation Project not to exceed $9,910.00. Discussion. A roll call vote was taken. All Trustees voted yes. Motion approved 5-0-1.

5. Approve Bid for 3rd Street Improvement Project

The village board reviewed the bid documents.

A motion was made by Trustee Determan seconded by Trustee Hardy to approve the Helm Bid for the 3rd Street Improvement Project not to exceed $121,249.00. Discussion. A roll call vote was taken. All Trustees voted yes. Motion approved 5-0-1

6. Approve Fehr Graham Proposal for Professional Engineering Services for the 3rd Street Project

A motion was made by Trustee Determan and seconded by trustee Howard to approve Fehr Graham Proposal for Professional Engineering Service for the 3rd Street Project not to exceed $7275.00. Discussion. A roll call vote was taken. All Trustees voted yes. Motion approved 5-0-1.

7. Approve Pecatonica Well House No. 3 Chang Order No. 14- Tabled

8. Approve Fehr Graham Well House No. 3 Change Order for Additional Service- Tabled 9. Engineers Report- The village board reviewed the Engineer’s Report. Discussion

H. Public Safety (Chairman Howard)

1. Next meeting: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

2. Chairman Report – No Report

3. Police Department Report

Police Chief Matt Summers reviewed his two reports. Discussion. He also informed

The board that the training is going well with Officer Suchy and will continue.

I. Economic Development Committee (Chairman Doty) –

1. Next Meeting: Monday, September 11,, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

2. Chairman Report – No Report.

J. Treasurer (Sherry Bessert)

A motion was made by Trustee Howard and seconded by Trustee Determan to approve warrant list #969 in the amount of $ 59,762.30. There was no discussion. A roll call vote was taken. Trustees Tom Gipe, Howard, Determan, Kim Gipe, and Hardy voted yes. Motion approved 5-0-1.

A motion was made by Trustee Determan and seconded by Trustee Howard to approve the payroll ending August 27, 2023 in the amount of $35,471.68. Discussion. A roll call vote was taken. Trustees Hardy, Tom Gipe, Howard, Determan, and Kim Gipe voted yes. Motion approved 5-0-1.

A motion was made by Trustee Howard and seconded by Trustee Kim Gipe to approve the payroll ending August 13, 2023 in the amount of $33,628.01. Discussion. A roll call vote was taken. Trustees Hardy, Tom Gipe, Howard, Determan, and Kim Gipe voted yes. Motion approved 5-0-1.

K. Clerk’s Items (Gwenn Shirley) – No report.

L. Executive Session – None.

1. Action on Items Arising out of Executive Session- None

M. Adjournment –

A motion was made by Trustee Hardy and seconded by Trustee Howard to adjourn. All Trustees voted aye. Motion approved 5-0-1. Meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

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