Chambana Sun

Village of Mahomet Board of Trustees met Aug. 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Bruce Colravy, Andy Harpst, David Johnson, Donald Lynn, Bill Oliger and Brian Metzger

OTHERS PRESENT: Village President Sean Widener, Village Administrator Patrick Brown, Village Clerk Cheryl Sproul, Chief of Police Mike Metzler, Dan Waldinger Parks and Recreation Director, Interim Transportation Superintendent Jim Barden, Village Engineer Ellen Hedrick, Village Attorney Joe Chamley, Penny Weaver Editor of the Mahomet Citizen, Dani Tietz Editor of the Mahomet Daily, Rich Eardley, and Greg Crowe with MSA.

CALL TO ORDER:

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/ROLL CALL:

Widener called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. After the pledge, Clerk Sproul called the roll, a quorum was present. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Rich Eardley, 113 Karadan Drive, spoke to the Board and asked about the tax rebates for the forced annexations properties that had been discussed previously. He stated Widener stopped talking to him since there may be a law suit. He mentioned he was referred to Village Attorney Chamley. He said Chamley asked him how it should be handled. He said the Village caused this not the residents and the Village should have had this figured out before the annexation took place.

Eardley stated the residents want something in writing from the Board because they do not trust them. He stated they believed this was not too much to ask. He stated the property owners wanted this settled so they knew where they stand.

Eardley addressed several other issues he had with the Board. He stated as a new resident he was shocked at the amount of raises that were given to the employees. He stated he expected the Board to be better stewards of this money. He added that the price that was paid for the adjacent properties was exorbitant. He questions why the Village did not purchase Sangamon School. He stated they would have had enough space to house all their offices, and a playground. He questioned if anyone looked into this.

Chamley stated he had asked Eardley for his input and that he did have ideas as to have this would be structured. He has an internal draft but was not ready to discuss it with the Board. He assured Eardley that he and the residents were not being ignored. Chamley added that he expected to discuss it with the Board in September or October.

Harpst asked what the status was on the possible legal action by the property owners. Eardley stated it was still being discussed but they were wanting the document in writing concerning the tax rebates before they make a decision. Eardley stated there were some that were still seeking legal action, but they wanted to know who could be affected by their legal action. Eardley stated it had been 4 months and that this should have all been taken care of at the time the Ordinances to annex was approved.

Brown stated did staff did look at the purchase of Sangamon School, but there was a lot of cost associated with improving the property in order to use it.

ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS (TO BE ACTED UPON)

RESOLUTION 19-08-01, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE OPEN SPACE LAND ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT (OSLAD) GRANT APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT IN BARBER PARK:

Waldinger introduced Greg Crowe from MSA and stated he had assisted the Village when Barber park was being improved.

Waldinger reviewed the part of Barber Park that was being considered for improvement and stated staff was aware of the flooding there and anticipated fields being raised above the flood plain, which would allow for expanded use of the park by being able to host more games and with the additional of lighting this would expand the use as well.

Waldinger discussed Barber Park being the major park in the Village as it is centrally located and connected to the Bike Path. Waldinger reviewed the planned improvements such as a water feature playground, a nature themed playground, enhancing the pavilion and making it more accessible for band performances and more desired crowd activities. He stated there would be more open area for food trucks, bounce houses, etc.

Waldinger discussed the OSLAD grant process and the history of the OSLAD program. He stated it was administered by the IDNR, that it was bi-partisan and had been very successful in Illinois. He stated Bridleash Park was built with an OSLAD grant. He noted that if successful in obtaining a grant the program would match funds up to $400,00. He noted the application is due August 19th thus the reason for the Special meeting. He expected the grants to be awarded in March or April, but they could be awarded by the end of the year. He noted there would be an announcement from the Governor’s office.

Waldinger stated, if awarded, the Village would have 2 years to start the project and another year or so to pay their share of the project. Crowe stated the Village would have 2 years to complete the project once the award was given.

Waldinger stated the Village did have the funding for its portion of the match. He also stated the program had changed and it used to be the Village would have to fund the entire project and then be reimbursed. He stated now the OSLAD funds are given up front.

Crowe estimated the project at $800,000 and would get 400,000, but if the project came in at $750,000 then the Village would receive 50% of the $750,00 or would review half or $375,000.

Metzger asked if this would come back to the Board for approval or would staff have control. Waldinger stated every step would have to be brought to the Board for approval. He stated there were some “Big ticket items” and details would come later.

Crowe stated there were some renderings presented in the plan, but the Village was not tied to the plan if the Board desired something else or in addition to what was included in the presentation.

Harpst asked again for more fully accessible items in this park for those with disabilities. Crowe stated this phase would be the best for the application and the easiest. He stated adding new amenities are very attractive for this type of grant. Crowe stated the Village would have a strong application and chance of award after his discussions with IDNR.

Widener stated there was not a lot of politics involved in this grant and that it is state wide. He stated sometimes you just have to wait your turn. Crowe stated all indications were looking like this would become an annual opportunity, so if not awarded this round the Village would apply next time.

There being no comments or questions, Metzger moved, Johnson seconded, “TO APPROVED RESOLUTION 19-08-01, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE OPEN SPACE LAND ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT (OSLAD) GRANT APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT IN BARBER PARK.” ROLL CALL: ALL YES. Motion carried.

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Widener stated the regular Study Session will commence immediately following the conclusion of the Special Board meeting and that there will be public comment available at that meeting as well.

Widener stated the next Study Session, would be August 20th at 6:00 p.m. and Board meeting August 27th at 6:00 p.m.

Widener stated the Joint meeting with School Board had been rescheduled for September 4th at 6:00 p.m. He stated the location had yet to be determined.

NEW BUSINESS:

There was no new business.

ADJOURN:

There being no further business Harpst moved, Lynn seconded, “TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 6:25 P.M.” ROLL CALL: ALL YES. Motion carried.

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