Coalton board hears concerns on dogs

COALTON — The Coalton Village Board heard safety concerns relating to dogs at large running loose around the village. These concerns were heard during its regular business meeting on Wednesday, Apr. 12.

Residents Keith and Kathy Pierce addressed the board about these issues with dogs running loose. They wish to feel safe, but they do not currently feel safe considering the circumstances. The Pierces have contacted Montgomery County Animal Control. However, when the animal control officers come to the nuisance area, they cannot take any action as the dogs are inside at the time of their checks.

Village President Michael Havera and board members explained to the Pierces the process of contacting the village board’s representative, which is either Tyler Wilson or Rod Eller. Further action will be taken by the representative by speaking directly with the dog owner. Further follow-ups relating to continued nuisance behavior will involve Animal Control.

Coalton departmental reports

Maintenance Supervisor Tom Gonet presented his monthly report, which was approved by the board. Gonet has begun work on road patching, but he has been experiencing some issues. The yellow truck that the village uses to haul rock has a hydraulic leak, which will need to be repaired before proceeding with work. In addition, he is looking into purchasing a new backhoe and has been eyeing a John Deere 410J. Meanwhile, he is trying to get repairs on the current backhoe for a broken cylinder.

The board would also approve the monthly report from Treasurer Sandy Jachino. She reported a thank you from Montgomery County Clerk Sandy Leitheiser for allowing the use of the village hall for the April 4, 2023 consolidated election. She would also report on the upcoming fiscal audit and that all received bills have been paid.

Going along with the line of business relating to the village treasurer, the board would approve Resolution 821. The resolution will set a specific term and salary for the treasurer. The treasurer currently serves the same term as the village president. While it will not officially be in effect until April 1, 2025, the aspects of the resolution dictate that the term of the treasurer will be set at one year. Furthermore, the position will be subject to reappointment by the village president on an annual basis.

Motor fuel tax resolution passes

The board would also pass Resolution 820 for the use of motor fuel tax funds. The fund for 2023 will be $53,000 and must be used by December 31.

Ambulance update

Nokomis-Witt Area Ambulance Service board member and village trustee Mary Speier presented the latest update relating to the ambulance service.

Payments from Medicaid and Medicare are starting to come in. As a result, they are receiving enough funds to pay salaries and bills. The payments are coming in from January 2023 to date. However, previously owed monies are currently not expected at this time.

One of the EMTs will return to full-time duty within the next two weeks, with another returning in roughly a month.

The ambulance service has been grateful for all of the community support since the billing issues began and nearly threatened the end of its service.

Other Coalton village business

In other business, trustee Steve Kimbro will speak with Phil Bailey about equipment that will be best suited to meet the needs of the village. This would also include whether a skidhoe, a backhoe is needed, or some combination of both.

The village board will reconvene on Wednesday, May 10 at the Coalton Village Hall.

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Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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