12-04-23_board_minutes

1 THE VILLAGE OF GAYS MILLS The public hearing started at 6:00 p.m. for the Proposed Budgets and Levy. Budgets and Levy packet information was available. Craig Anderson suggested items to be added to future budgets such as electricity at the Crossroads Park and having the Congregational Church bell displayed somewhere. At 6:18 p.m. Murray made a motion to close the public hearing. Seconded by Eitsert. Motion carried. Minutes of the regular meeting of the Village Board of Gays Mills held Monday, December 4, 2023, which began at 6:18 p.m. in the Community Commerce Board Room. Village President Harry Heisz called the meeting to order at 6:18 p.m. Roll call was taken with the following present: Ethan Eitsert, Harry Heisz, Larry McCarn, and Kevin Murray. Aaron Fortney, Lee Ruegg, and Emily Swiggum were absent. The board received verification that the agenda was posted in accordance with the open meeting law. Under citizens and delegations Ethan Eitsert announced that the Fire Department will be Christmas Caroling on December 16th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please leave your porch light on or contact the Fire Department by Facebook to be added onto the list of stops. Charley Preusser announced the newspaper will be holding an event during the Holiday Bazaar on December 16th at the Mercantile from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Heisz gave the public works report that the Christmas lights are up and repairs are being made. Murray made a motion to approve the Spectrum Lease Agreement for the auto read water meters. Seconded by McCarn. Motion carried. There was not a Wastewater Treatment Project update. There was not a Kitchen update. Murray made a motion to approve the board meeting minutes of November 6, 2023. Seconded by Eitsert. Motion carried. McCarn made a motion to approve payments of the bills as listed in the monthly expense report. Seconded by Murray. Motion carried. McCarn made a motion to approve additional funds towards the village’s covid projects (American Rescue Act Plan) of $1,500 for computer software updates, $4,125 for 25 additional auto readers, and $10,000 for culvert repairs on Rebecca Street and Railroad Street. Seconded by Murray. Motion carried. 2 Murray made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-03 approving the 2024 General Budget at $904,848, the Water Budget at $123,366, the Sewer Budget at $172,616, the levy to be taxed at $209,718.15 with a gross mill rate of .0217953168. Seconded by Eitsert. Motion carried. Murray made a motion to renew services with Smrcina Inspections LLC for the village building inspector from January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2026. Seconded by McCarn. Motion carried. McCarn made a motion to appoint Election Inspectors with the term of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025: Craig Anderson, Beth Jensen, Kile Martz, Don Lampert, Dolores Arnold, Phyllis Bell, Julia Flitch, Kathi Smith, and Roseanna Gunderson. Seconded by Eitsert. Motion carried. The board reviewed the new form Vehicle/Equipment Log Sheet that was approved last month to track all daily usage activity. The forms will be due at the end of each month and reviewed at the board meetings. The board members received Tricor – EMC Insurance property and liability renewal rates at $53,630. The agent did request another quote from a different company but has not received it back yet. Murray made a motion to approve the renewal with Tricor/EMC at $53,630 unless the other company comes in at a lower rate with comparable coverages and authorizes Village President Harry Heisz to review and make that decision. Seconded by Eitsert. Motion carried. Board members received their copy of the Johnson Block 2022 Audit. McCarn made a motion to hire Rita Hines as a regular part-time employee for cleaning. Seconded by Murray. Motion carried. Under correspondences the board received a copy of the Notice of Spring Election for April 2, 2024. The next regular board meeting has been scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. Murray made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 p.m. Seconded by McCarn. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted Dawn R. McCann, Clerk APPROVED 01-08-2024