Public comment Boy Scout Eagle Scout project. Asking the board if they have an interest in a bat box at the park that would reduce bugs or some sort of game at another park.
They told him they would prefer the bat box. #Ilovebats
Approved the consent agenda to pay bills, approved the treasurers report, canceled the Dec. 23 meeting because no one wants to be here on Christmas Eve Eve and some other stuff.
They approved a bid for Duce Construction to install a sewer tap at 202 W. Evergreen.
They are now discussing a TIF redevelopment agreement with Trinity Acres Townhomes. This is the development that has been talked about for years across from the middle school. The owner is Corey Swanson. It’s a 50 percent split so 50 percent goes into the TIF fund. Then the other taxing bodies get theirs and then the village and Swanson split the remainder. It was approved.
Insurance discussion. The village used to have Health Alliance. They are looking at BCBS.
With Health Alliance announcing the end of its operations, the Village—along with numerous
other employers throughout the region—must transition to a new health insurance provider. In
recent years, plan percentage changes have remained relatively moderate; however, this change
will result in a substantial increase in overall plan costs for the upcoming renewal period.
While co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses will remain generally consistent with prior
plans, employees will experience an overall increase in co-pay costs under the new coverage.
The Village’s Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) will continue to limit eligible employee
out-of-pocket expenses to $500.00 annually. Dependents are not eligible for HRA
reimbursements.
Employees covered under Medicare are billed separately, with a projected monthly cost of
$37.00 for supplemental coverage and $185.00 for regular Medicare. These rates may increase
after January 1, and annual projections are based on current enrollment figures. Filling vacant
positions will increase total plan costs and percentage changes, as the current budget includes
three additional positions. Non-employee coverage, including dependents and spouses, is paid
entirely by the employee. The Village does not contribute toward these costs.
They approved it.
Now discussing the waste water plant projects. The cost that have been incurred will cause a significant rate adjustment requirement. “Are we upside down.”
They owe $19 million, the assets are worth $24 but they could get $22 million for the sale probably.
If they sold it they would be debt free and still have about $3 million.
“If you hold on to it. I looked at a very, very positive high growth rate and it would still not be competitive for you to hold on to it,” engineer said.
When payments are due for the debt the average bill would be $103 to $148 per average resident. Before they started the project the average bill was $30.
Engineer also saying they don’t have the trained staff to run the waste water plant if the trained staff calls in sick. A larger company would have that staff.
Talking about the responsibility of owning a waste water plant. Engineer saying there’s not much worth in owning a waste water plant.
He looked at bidders for the project. There are nine potential bidders for the system.
You can read the report here. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13smx_axMipt414qI6AS_WOZsxQwV-sp-
saying with some bidders residents would get a lower monthly rate than they have now.
To get the same rates if St. Joseph keeps the waste water plant they would have to build 80 homes per year. Which obviously cannot be done.
Art asking for more details. You would sell the physical system but could take out some of the stuff that they want for public works. Like the pick ups and the vacuum truck.
They would pay franchise fees, property taxes and utility taxes. Potentially. So the village could have some money coming in that the residents technically don’t pay for.
Selling wastewater could take a while. It could take almost a year.
Page seems like he wants to make this happen.
It’s a multi step process. Bidding can take 45 days. The ICC would have to approve a sale and it can apparently take 7 to 9 months.
Engineer saying holiday season will slow it down and is recommending a 45 day bid cycle.
They will have a special meeting next week on the 18th at 7 p.m.
I will go through the report and break it all down tomorrow. You know I love a sewer rate story.
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