I am here at Ogden Village Board. Also in attendance is Girl Scout Troop 2069.
The troop is earning their democracy in action badge so they are speaking during public comment.
Board members are now discussing rezoning property that belongs to Rick’s Tractor Service. Rick asked if there’s a way to abate the increased taxes he would pay. Board will look into it.
They will annex the property at 1583 CR 2700 E and rezone it to commercial.
The rezoning and annexing has been approved. Mayor Jim Acklin says he feels if zoning recommends something they need to approve it.
Now discussing Martin Hood’s audit quote of $15,800. Approved. Apparently, there are very few companies that do municipal audits who are accepting clients and those that are are behind schedule.
Discussing a lead service line inventory grant. This is to see if the village has lead pipes. The US EPA mandated that all communities look at their system to see if there are lead pipes in their systems, said Don Wauthier. Wauthier is a project manager/vice president at Berns Clancy and Associates. (He’s my favorite engineer. He always has so much information.)
The US EPA is trying to mandate that any lead piping in a house be changed, with no choice, Wauthier said. They give residents a certain amount of time and then threaten to make the residence not fit for occupancy if they don’t comply.
Wauthier said there is litigation asking if the federal government can mandate that.
“I think it will be money well spent,” Acklin said.
Kelly Cooper brought this to the board’s attention.
Discussing a bid from Venture Mechanical Contractors for a valve replacement at the water plant. It will cost $7347.00
Sewer and water rate discussions. Ogden’s rates are lower than all but 6 municipalities in the area.
They had to transfer $10,000 into the sewer account to cover expenses this month.
Acklin- “We may need to look at something in the ordinance so it going up gradually and isn’t a big shock to village residents.”
For decades Ogden has had some of the lowest rates in Central Illinois.
“Which is fine if it is covering expenses, but obviously it’s not,” Acklin said.
They are going to have members of the water and sewer committees meet to discuss what a rate increase structure would look like so it’s gradual but covers expenses in the sewer fund.
Ogden Youth League is here. Insurance kicks in April 1. The first games will be first week of May-ish. Finished by Fourth of July. Have two more teams this year.
Acklin signed an engagement letter with an attorney to represent the village in litigation with nuisance properties.
August 24, 2024 is the festival date for this year.
Mayors report: Got a notice from the library that the clerk at the library has resigned.
Got a letter from the lawyer that their rates are going up. Rates are increasing $20 per hour.
Meeting adjourned.
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