Coalton board addresses a variety of business in short session

COALTON — Most of the discussion items in the November 10 general meeting of the Coalton village board came during the reports and information segment from village president Mike Havera.

Coalton board to take action before 2025 election on treasurer pay

One of the first issues being discussed was the compensation of the village treasurer. As the term of treasurer coincides with the election of the village president, the board cannot currently take any immediate action on the matter. Roughly 180 days before the end of the treasurer’s term, which will be in 2025, the village board will need to pass a salary ordinance, which will specifically set the salary and term period.

Speier to remain on NWAAS board

The board voted to keep Mary Speier on the Nokomis-Witt Area Ambulance Service (NWAAS) board of directors for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Coalton receives proceeds check from farm ground

Havera presented a check in the amount of $6,648.40 from Ken Suslee, who farms some of the land currently owned by the village. Suslee reported to Havera that it was his best year on the ground, with roughly 230 bushels. Of the 26 acres that the village owns, Suslee farms 20 of those acres.

Ameren street light project complete

Havera presented an update on the streetlight project. He reports the completion of proposed streetlight installations by Ameren Illinois as of the meeting.

Board to consider action on former village hall site

The board considered what action to take regarding the property which holds the former village hall. While a bid was received from Phil Bailey for demolition of the former hall, another development arose since the last meeting.

According to Havera, someone had an interest in purchasing the property, the building included. This action would require an appraisal. If sold, there would need to be a deed restriction that should the building be demolished, the cornerstone with all of the village information on it would need to be returned to the village. The matter will be looked into further.

Coalton to put items in the bicentennial time capsule

Havera then brought up the bicentennial time capsule. While most communities had turned in their items, the deadline had apparently been extended to mid-November. He said he would need any items relating to Coalton no later than November 19.

No-go on a generator with COVID funds, will seek FEMA grant

A prior item of business relating to a generator for the purpose of allowing the village hall to be used as an emergency shelter was brought up. Havera mentioned that the generator will not be covered by the COVID-19 funds available from the county or the Federal government. However, there may be a consideration to apply for a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to purchase the generator.

Discussion continues on street sign issues

Maintenance superintendent Tom Gonet relayed in his report that the prices for street signs are consistently rising due to the aluminum shortage. The signs are roughly $40 each, and the total cost would be $5,000, which would include new hardware. The board approved a budget not to exceed $6,000 for the project.

Trustee Steve Lee presented updates relating to communications with Schram City village president Albert Oberle. The discussion was about how they were able to acquire their signs. He will continue to communicate with Oberle regarding the funding for those signs. He will relay the information back to the board at a later meeting.

Other business

There was no action in parks, recreation, and equipment relating to a computer and new park equipment due to the absence of trustee Byron McLean.

In matters from the NWAAS board, Speier informed the board that Chairman Jim Miller is leaving the board. The board will be seeking a replacement in the upcoming months.

Havera mentioned that village attorney Trent West was still in the process of drafting the alternative housing ordinance.

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