Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2008
Chairman Starling called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. A roll call was taken and present were: Chairman Mike Starling, Vice Chairman Joseph Burrow, District Secretary Karen Dunn, Trustees Jenny Jaros, Wally Earll, Tammy Davis, and Debbie Wheetley. Absent were Secretary/Treasurer Mike Williamsen; Water Supply Operator Ron Lada, and Trustee Steve Williams.
Visitors in attendance was Mr. Stephen R. Green, Attorney from the Law Office of Armstrong & Green, Marion, Illinois.
The meeting opened with the introduction of Mr. Green by Chairman Starling. Mr. Green opened by informing the Board about himself and his legal experience which included several of municipalities. Further discussion, Mr. Green indicated his firm did not charge retainer fees. Mr. Green continued by expressing his opinion on the situation related to the recent SHWD rate increase. Discussion followed related to the SHWD extra ordinary expenditures during 2007 and relocation of their water line.
A motion was made by Mr. Earll to retain Stephen Green for legal services related to the present conflict with the SHWD. Seconded by Vice Chairman Burrow and with 5 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried. The Board then instructed Mr. Green to pursue the matter with SHWD as was discussed.
The meeting continued by reviewing the minutes of the November 2008 meeting. A motion was made by Mrs. Wheetley to accept the minutes. Seconded by Mrs. Davis and with 5 yes and 0 no votes, the minutes were approved.
There were no further visitor or customer requests that were presented.
Under the order of Communications for December 2008, the item presented was a letter from JULIE relate dot rate increases for JULIE calls in 2009.
Under the order of old business, the first item presented was a Schedule of Regular Board Meeting for 2009. A motion was made by Mrs. Jaros to accept the Meeting Schedule as presented. Seconded by Mr. Earll and with 5 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
The second and third items on the agenda was under the order of old business were the proposed 2009 Budget and recommended rate increase letter. Accompanying the proposed budget was a Secretary/Treasurer Report for December, in the absence of Mike Williamsen, summarizing his recent conversations with representatives of Kemper CPA Group, Scott Hickam CPA and legal council Stephen Green.
After considerable discussion, members of the Board indicated they were uncomfortable with the proposed 2009 Budget and rate increase; it was agreed to table the topic until a special meeting could be arrange prior to the end of the month of December 2008 in which the Secretary/Treasurer could be present to explain his recommendations.
In further discussion related to reducing expenditures, a motion was made by Mr. Earll to eliminate all chair fees beginning Fiscal Year 2009. Seconded by Vice Chairman Burrow and with 5 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
Under the order of new business, the Board addressed Employee Christmas Bonuses. A motion was made by Mr. Earll to extend to each employee a Christmas Bonus of $250.00. Seconded by Vice Chairman Burrow and with 5 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
Under the order of South Highway Water District, discussion related to the recent billing dispute was addressed earlier in the meeting.
The financials for October 2008 were presented for review with no related discussion.
The Secretary/Treasurer report and the Accounts Payable Report were reviewed by members of the board. A motion was made by Mrs. Wheetley to transfer $12,100 from the Debt Service Account to the Operations/Maintenance Account to fund the bond payment to Capmark, to accept the Secretary/Treasurer Report as presented and to pay the bills. Seconded by Vice Chairman Burrow and with 5 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
The Water Supply Operator Report was presented by Ron Lada with no discrepancies.
No additional public comments or questions.
There was no move for an executive session.
There being no further business, a motion was made for adjournment, seconded, and with a voice count of 5 yes and 0 no votes, the meeting was adjourned.