Repairs, repairs, repairs: an ongoing theme in Coalton’s March 14 village board meeting

COALTON (Heartland Newsfeed) — The theme of the Coalton Village Board’s meeting on Wednesday, Mar. 14 seemed to surround itself around one word in particular during its 38 minute session: repairs, repairs, repairs.

Water superintendent Tom Gonet mentioned during his report that there are still ongoing issues with the sewer system, as well as the need to repair several manholes in the near future. Gonet added that he was in the process of purchasing parts for the lawnmower in case of needed repairs.

Following with the theme, the board addressed that there are repairs that need to be done with sidewalks, ditches, culverts, bridges and the village park’s basketball court. These were among items of concern they would like to address in documentation they will be submitting to the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, citing other needs as a generator for the village hall, equipment to help complete the needed repairs and replacement of missing street signs.

Additional items of business includes the following:

• Four delinquent water accounts in particular were discussed, citing no attempts at payment have been received. Village Treasurer Sandy Jachino noted that arrangements will need to made with her as soon as possible or face imminent shutoff of their water service until the delinquent bills are paid.
• Abandoned houses and trailers in the village were discussed and discussion took place as to solutions. Village president Rick Cearlock will contact Bill Kenny, police chief of the Nokomis Police Department, regarding making contact with the owners to make arrangements for demolition or face a citation for an ordinance violation.
• The board voted to donate $50 to the Nokomis After Prom.
• All of the village’s files which were stored in the former village hall have been successfully transferred to the current village hall.
• Ordinances for the village park, including Aerio Lucchi Ballpark, were discussed, with trustee Rod Eller mentioning that the new signs are in the process of being made and will be installed in the park soon, reflecting that the hours for the village park (and while not mentioned, the ballpark as well) as being open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and that unattended vehicles left at the park will be towed at owner expense. The ordinances will be enforced by the village board and the Nokomis Police Department following sign installation.
• The February meeting minutes, submitted reports and financial reports were approved.
• The board noted that the 2017-18 village fiscal year ends March 31. Jachino will begin preparation of the fiscal end-of-year documentation for submission to Patton & Associates in Hillsboro shortly after April 15.
• A tentative budget meeting will take place following their scheduled meeting on April 11.

With no other business items for discussion, the board adjourned at 7:38 p.m.