OCT 20, 2025

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF ) ) Minutes Board of Trustees Regular Meeting October 20, 2025 President Eric Schuler called the second regular monthly meeting of the De Soto Village Board of Trustees to order at 7:00 P.M. Village Clerk Paula Parks was present to record the minutes. Present : Brian Gleason Eric Schuler Jennifer Morgan Rachel Alstat Absent: Nichole Galloway Cristy Desormeaux Motion made by Jennifer Morgan, seconded by Rachel Alstat, to dispense with the reading of the minutes and to approve them. Motion carried. Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Jennifer Morgan, to approve the September revenue report. Motion carried. Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Rachel Alstat, to pay the list of bills. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Rachel Alstat - Yes. Motion carried. Harold Sheffer of J. T. Blankinship Inc. reported that the lagoon sludge removal would cost about $150,000.00, and repair and renovation of the Lemna treatment system would cost about $230,000.00. The Sewer Committee will meet Thursday, November 6 at 5 PM to discuss how to proceed with the project and options for funding. Bill Cain was present to get a status on the Phase IV Watermain Replacements Project. Mr. Sheffer explained that the project is ready to bid. However, the Village did not score high enough in the first half to get funds. There is a possibility the funds could come in January 2026. If not then, the Village will reapply or find other means of funding. Roni Croxell was present to revisit updating the east hall. She would like to see the space modernized and the bathrooms painted a neutral color. Mrs. Croxell suggested getting a quote for painting just the east hall and the bathrooms. President Schuler explained that the Village could get a quote, but the cost would have to be budgeted in next fiscal year’s budget. The 2026-2027 budget will be established in April of 2026. Mrs. Croxell also suggested raising the rental rate for the east hall. President Shuler said the Board will take the matter into consideration. Neal and Carol Jacobson of 308 S. Pecan St. were present to discuss the trashy properties on S. Pecan St. and one dilapidated property on E. Jackson St. He said they take pride in their property, and the trashy properties affect their property value and reflect on the Village as a whole. Mrs. Jacobson said the properties are cleaned up temporarily when they get letters and then get back into the same shape. She said the house at 400 E. Jackson St. is falling down and is a fire hazard, and they are concerned about the safety of their property. Police Chief Doan had issued letters to both properties the Jacobson’s were especially concerned about. He will look further into the matter. President Eric Schuler declared a vacancy in a trustee position. A person will be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Board. The person must be a Republican because the person leaving the position had been elected as a Republican. The Park Halloween Party and Hayride will be held Saturday, November 1 beginning at 6:00 PM. Trustee Jennifer Morgan presented Ordinance 2025-6 amending the park ordinance to raise the rental fee of the pavilion with the kitchen to $75.00, effective January 1, 2026. There will no longer be an option of renting the pavilion only. Motion made by Jennifer Morgan, seconded by Rachel Alstat, to pass Ordinance 2025-6 Amendment to Chapter 28 – Parks, Article III, Renting of Pavilion and/or Ball Diamonds, Section 28-3-3. Upon roll call vote: Brian Gleason – Yes; Jennifer Morgan – Yes; Rachel Alstat - Yes. Motion carried. Ordinance incorporated by reference. The next village board meeting will be held Monday, November 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the village hall. Motion made by Brian Gleason, seconded by Jennifer Morgan, to adjourn at 8:06 PM. Respectfully submitted, Paula J. Parks Village Clerk