Minutes of January 13, 2004
Chairman Daniel Cook called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. A roll call was taken and present were: Chairman Daniel Cook, Vice Chairman Joseph Burrow, Secretary/Treasurer Karen Dunn, Trustees Mike Starling, Debbie Wheetley, and Greg Dunn, and Water Supply Operator Ron Lada.
Visitors in attendance were Mr. Sean Henry of Asaturian Eaton and Associates and the Honorable BC Ross, Mayor of Makanda and President of the Village Board.
The meeting opened with Mayor Ross explaining the Village’s need for a water meter and hydrant to be installed near the railroad tracks and park in downtown Makanda for use by vendors during village events and festivals. Installation of the meter was discussed and costs estimated based on comparable meter installations. Upon an agreement, a motion was made by Mrs. Wheetley to install said meter for village at the cost of “time and material” totaling $337.42 with the understanding that the Village would supply backhoe and operator under the supervision of the District Water Supply Operator. Seconded by Mr. Starling, and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the motion was approved.
In response to questions from the previous month’s meeting, Sean Henry explained that due to moisture factors related to dew point, he recommends the tower be painted in September as opposed to October. He suggests the District solicit bids by mid-June or early July.
Mr. Henry also indicated there was no new information on the grant appliation.
Next addressed on the agenda was the review of the minutes of the December 2003 meeting. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Burrow to accept the minutes. Seconded by Mr. Starling and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the minutes were approved.
A cut off agreement for Meter #70300, Beth Paige, was presented and signed by the Chairman.
Financials for November 2003 were reviewed by members of the board with no related discussion.
The Annual Contract for monthly accounting services in 2004 by the Kemper CPA Group was presented and discussed. A $5.00 per month increase over last year’s rate was noted. After brief discussion, a motion was made by Mrs. Wheetley to retain Kemper’s services for 2004; seconded by Vice Chairman Burrow and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
Next presented was the annual service contract for weed control with McCloud Weed Control for renewal in 2004 at the rate of $367.00. It was noted that the annual rate increased $17.00 from the previous year. A motion was made by Mr. Dunn to retain McCloud’s services for 2004. Seconded by Vice Chairman Burrow and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the motion was approved.
Correspondence received from the Illinois Rural Water Association related to their annual Scholarship Program and 22nd Annual Meeting was reviewed for the Board’s information.
Karen Dunn presented options and facts acquired from other local water as to their Accountant needs and experiences related to Annual Audits. Several District mutually agreed the Mr. Scott Hickam, CPA, of the Beussink and Hickam firm in Anna, was both thorough and knowledgeable. A bid and contract submitted by Mr. Hickam was reviewed by the Board for 2003 Annual Audit services in the amount of $1,850.00. A motion was made by Mr. Keller to accept Mr. Hickam’s bid; seconded by Mrs. Wheetley; and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the contract was accepted and signed.
Statements of Economic Interest were distributed and completed by all Trustees for annual filing with the Jackson County Clerk’s Office.
There was no South Highway Water District related business to discuss.
The Secretary/Treasurer Report was presented by Karen Dunn along with the Accounts Payable Report detailing the bills for payment in January 2004. It was noted that a $7,000 CD was up for renewal with Edward Jones Investment. After discussion, it was agreed that the maturing CD be reinvested in the District’s financial plan for a 6-year period. A motion was made by Mrs. Wheetley to reinvest the $7,000 CD as discussed. Seconded by Mr. Starling and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried. A further motion was made by Vice Chairman Burrow to pay the bills as presented. Seconded by Mr. Keller and with 4 yes and 0 no votes the motion carried.
The Water Supply Operator Report was presented by Ron Lada with no major discrepancies or problems.
No additional comments or questions were presented at this time.
There being no further business, a motion was made for adjournment. A voice count was taken and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the meeting adjourned.