Raymond board closes 2017 session discussing computer replacement, billing and financial matters

RAYMOND (Heartland Newsfeed) — The Raymond Village Board discussed computer replacement, water and animal control billing and some financial matters in their final session of 2018 on Monday, Dec. 18. The board sought clarification on the water billing policy for residents who have left the village for the winter. Upon discussion, the board confirmed that under the policy, a $50 fee is charged if a request is submitted for shut-off and reconnection and if a resident who is leaving the area for the winter is not seeking a shut-off, then they are advised to shut off the water connections inside the home. For those who choose to keep their water connections on during the winter, but will not be in the area, will still be automatically billed. Village President Dennis Held cited minutes from a recent Montgomery County Board meeting, which the board proposed a new municipal billing contract for animal control services. The proposed contract would eliminate the per-call charge and charge a $1 per capita fee on municipal residents. Held had inquired Village Clerk Susan Greenwalt on whether any charges had been assessed for animal control in 2017. Greenwalt responded that no charges were assessed. A brief discussion was held and the board motioned that they are against the county’s new animal control assessment proposal, citing concern that this could cost the village more money in the long run and will await receipt of the contract for further review. Greenwalt mentioned that they needed to replace the oldest computer in the office. They were able to get one for $869, which includes installation, data transfer and technical support. After a brief discussion, no objections to the purchase were made. Among other items of business:

• Trustee Bruce Poggenpohl thanked Wayne Angle for his work on the braces which held up the village’s Christmas tree well during the periods of strong wind gusts in the preceding weeks.
• Trustee Greg Bernhardt noted that renewals of two of the three certificates of deposits were completed with one to be completed on December 27.
• Some concerns were addressed regarding burning leaves in the street. The village board would like to remind residents that burning should stay off the oil and chip on the road to prevent damage.
• Norfolk Southern Railroad will return to the area in the spring to finish the crossings and to smooth them out.
• The meeting minutes from the December 4 meeting and the December financial report were approved.

The meeting dismissed at 7:45 p.m. Present at the meeting were village president Dennis Held, village clerk Susan Greenwalt, village treasurer Sally Broaddus, water superintendent Rick Broaddus, Officer Anthony “Tony” Telford and trustees Greg Bernhardt, Kathy Summers, Bruce Poggenpohl and Robert Pennock.