22 Feb February 22nd, 2016 Minutes

THE FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY SEVENTH SESSION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMAN

VILLAGE OF ALAMANCE
February22, 2016 – 7:00 PM

Present: Mayor Tichy, Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe, Alderman Crouse, Alderman Tichy, Alderman Jones, Alderman Isley, Alderman Andrews and Clerk York

Alderman Crouse gave the invocation.

Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe moved to approve the January 25, 2016 meeting minutes. Alderman Dan Tichy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

Report on Cabin Pump Station Project

Mark Reich reported that the Cabin Pump Station project has been hampered by the weather, but they hope to be finished in the next 30 days. They are having to wait on Duke Power to do the connections from the power line to the site. They still need to test one section of the line going from the dosing tank, under the river, and over to the City of Burlington’s main. Equipment is on site and they are ready to finish up the dosing tank. Hopefully, they will get several cycles run through the dosing tank to make sure everything is working. Mr. Reich has coordinated this with Arnold Allred. Hopefully, this will be on line in the next 30 days. Mayor Tichy asked if the 30 day period included the stand-by generator on NC 62. Mr. Reich affirmed this was correct. This is weather-dependent. The long range forecast is for more rain next week. Mayor Tichy thanked Mr. Reich for his report.

Sawyer Exterminating, Work on Town Hall

Mike Davis reported that the work on the Town Hall is about to wrap up. He distributed information for the Board to review. The good report shows that there is now a comfortable moisture reading of 11-12%. Marty Stadler added that this will probably not get any lower. He took photos this morning, which were distributed. He also provided information from NC State University which focused on keeping the wood moisture under 20%. This is key for insect control and for moisture growth. Fungus will not grow under 20% moisture levels. Mr. Davis noted that a final report needed to be included in the file that would show a clean air report. He would like to consider doing the crawl space fog. He has arranged for Mr. Stadler to do the fog. Then, they can replace the insulation. Now that the moisture readings are low, they can consider this, if the Board so desires. Mr. Stadler addressed the timing issues concerning the dehumidifier. The other way that moisture can come into a crawl space is via ambient air. Central North Carolina is hot and humid, especially in the summertime. The air coming into the crawl space can get trapped there. Condensation occurs over a period of time. The fog would be done before the insulation is replaced. Mr. Stadler’s suggestion would be to seal up the vents, to keep the outside air from migrating inside, before the summer. Following this, he recommended placement of a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier has a set point of 55%. It runs when the humidity gets above 55%. He proposed to come out once a year to check the performance of the dehumidifier, and do a maintenance program on the dehumidifier. They would clean the coils, check the pump, etc. to extend its life. The Board received copies of the proposal from Mr. Stadler. Mr. Davis asked if there were questions. Mayor Tichy recalled that the dehumidifier phase wouldn’t be implemented unless the earlier strategies did not work. He asked if something has been seen that changes that plan. Mr. Davis spoke about the changes in humidity in the spring and summer and the need to close the foundation vents. This would eliminate the chance of a reoccurrence with the moisture level problems. Mr. Davis stated they are pleased with the current readings. Everything has dried out appropriately now, and they are satisfied. They could wait until April or May to do the final phase. If the Board decides to go forward with this phase, Mr. Stadler would return in April 2017 to do the $200.00 annual inspection. Mr. Davis recommended doing the items listed in the proposal under “Items to Consider.” This would include the insulation and the fogging. Mr. Davis added that he was doing this as a community service, so his time was not included in the expense. The total cost would be $3065.00. At some point, the final report would need to be done. That cost would be $1690.00. These two projects will work in tandem with each other, but the work needs to be done first. Mayor Tichy asked Clerk York about funding for this project. Clerk York noted that an amendment would be needed for the additional $3100.00. This can be addressed in the Finance Report later. For now, the go ahead was given to Mr. Davis to move forward with the fogging, insulation, and testing. Alderman Jones asked about the HVAC system recommendation. Mr. Davis responded that, if anything comes back on the report that shows something is elevated, the last place they will look will be the HVAC system. At this point, Mr. Davis recommended that funds not be expended to address this; the air quality test will be a 3-part test. Air quality will be tested inside the Town Hall, outside the Town Hall, and in the crawl space. Mayor Tichy thanked Mr. Davis for his report.

ORC Report

Arnold Allred presented the January ORC report. The stations are working very well. They have dodged some significant rain, as is forecasted for this evening. The pump stations are working well. Mr. Allred stated he is looking forward to working with the construction crew to get the other one finished. Regarding the collection system, everything is working there. Everything is also in order with the distribution system. They did the February THM testing on the first of the month. The results will be received by the next Board meeting. Mayor Tichy thanked Mr. Allred.

There was no further Old Business.

NEW BUSINESS

Village Board Vacancy

Mayor Tichy moved this item to the latter part of the agenda because of the Animal Shelter presentation.

New Animal Shelter

Jessica Arias began the presentation about the new Animal Shelter. She called attention to the online video which illustrates the conditions of the old building and why a new shelter is needed. The shelter is more than 50 years old and does not meet minimum standards. There are annual issues with state inspections, related to ventilation and odor control. The systems are not up-to- date, and are inadequate, given what is expected in modern animal shelters. There are also issues with the enclosures meeting minimum standards because of the epoxy paint. On each of the last several inspections from the State Animal Welfare Department, there have been issues in areas where they are not meeting the state requirements. Eventually, if these problems are not remedied, they will start seeing fines, as a result. In trying to remedy the problems, they have repainted, which is pretty expensive because of the specialized painting that must be done each year. It doesn’t stick to the walls anymore, with the age of the building. They are at the juncture now where they are seeking to replace the building. Ms. Arias presented some photos demonstrating some of the problems at the animal shelter. There are issues also with adequate holding space. They are working hard to decrease the number of animals coming into the facility, for example, low cost spay-neuter programs. Since they have been doing this, as of 2010, they have seen a steady decrease in the animal shelter intake. Despite this, they still have problems with adequate space. Ms. Arias referred to charts indicating dog and cat capacity. They are over capacity all year long, with dogs. With cats, they are sometimes over double capacity, in the summer. Ms. Arias also referred to a printed list of issues with the animal shelter. It is not a welcoming, inviting space. They would like to make the new animal shelter a “destination” place for people interested in animal welfare and pets in the community. Some of the problems with ventilation and odor control, along with the negative aspects of the physical facility, impact the animals’ health. There are upper respiratory infections in the cat population because of the inadequate ventilation. It also negatively impacts the staff and visitors. There are many reasons why the animal shelter needs to be replaced. The challenge comes in how it will be funded. Ms. Arias asked if the Board had questions. Alderman Isley asked if plans were to tear down the old building. Ms. Arias addressed the question, pointing out the pet adoption center. She is not talking about this building, but rather the one behind it, the intake center. The intake center building would be torn down. They would not be rebuilding from scratch, but would be adding on to the existing pet adoption center. It is 13 years old and is in good shape. There would be renovations to allow it to connect into a new building. This would bring all of the operations under one roof. Some of the challenges now are maintaining two separate staffs for two separate buildings; two separate sets of business hours. With everything under one roof, they can create more efficiencies, and won’t need to grow the staff in the future. They had looked at different options, from the outset. They had considered vacant manufacturing buildings. This wasn’t the case considered, because of the cost to renovate, and the location of the pet adoption center. This wouldn’t solve the issue of having two separate buildings. They also looked at starting with a clean slate. This would seem silly, because they already have the land and the pet adoption center which is in good shape. They hired an animal shelter architect to do a needs assessment study. They looked at programs, animal statistics, population, and other areas. They concluded that the best solution would be to add on to the existing facility and expand it that way. Alderman Jones asked about intake trends over the last 10-20 years. Ms. Arias answered that the number of enclosures has stayed the same, but the number of animals has gone down. At the peak, 8,000 animals had been admitted in one year. This was before the spay-neuter program in the community. These efforts are now countywide. Alderman Dan Tichy referred to the information about future growth. Ms. Arias noted that the needs assessment also looked at trends in growth and what is expected over the next 20-25 years. They expect the new animal shelter building to last 20—25 years, probably much longer. At this point, Harold Owen addressed the Board. He referred to many changes in animal services. Every animal euthanization is done in someone’s arms; there are no more gas chambers. Space determines many decisions. What is driving this is the state’s regulations. Mr. Owens referred to the criminal charges in Greensboro, at the animal shelter. There are laws affecting every animal that comes in; they have to be kept a minimum of three days. The animals have no license, no nametag, they know no borders. Multiple people pick up animals and bring them to the shelter. There are so many jurisdictions in Alamance County. Where the animal was picked up, is not necessarily where it is from. There are a number of issues there. They are working with a group of individuals called PAWS. They were involved with the building of the Pet Adoption Center in 2002. PAWS has committed $750,000.00 in private funds. Renovation and construction will have to be done while the facility is open. They estimate the cost to be $5.2 million. This new building should last 30-35 years. Animal services, by state statute, is a county function. About 14 years ago, there were a number of issues with animal services, and the decision was made for the City of Burlington to take over operations. Burlington was to work with all of the jurisdictions, including the County. This was to be done on a per capita basis. Based on that philosophy, the financing they put together is based on this. It should be paid for by the people who are using it. Mr. Owen provided what he described as conservative numbers, on a 15 year debt and a 20 year debt. He used 4% at 20 years and 3.75% for 15 years and broke this down on a per capita basis. The County Commissioners have agreed to be the financing agent for this project. The County would borrow the money and there would be a letter of understanding between the cities and the county, based on the terms of payment. The reason they would like to keep one site is to keep the operational part as inexpensive as possible. Multiple buildings in multiple sites would only drive up costs every year. Mr. Owen stated that, with a 20 year loan at 4%, based on the population, the Village of Alamance cost would be $2100.00 per year for 20 years. If the Village chose to pay in its entirety, it would cost $29,356.00. This varies, depending on what the rates would be. This number would change when the loan is taken out and the cost of the facility is finalized. It will take 6-8 months for design work. All of the employees are city employees, except for the Sheriff’s Department who comes in. There are a lot of worker’s compensation issues involved, with wet floors, sick animals, etc. It is a medical facility in many ways. There are doctors working there, and drugs that have to be stored. Mr. Owen summarized that this is an overview. If it goes forward, any agreements would be with the County, in terms of how much the cost would be for each jurisdiction. Burlington is in on this, as is the County. They have talked to Graham, Haw River, Gibsonville, and Elon. They will be going to Mebane. All the jurisdictions have interesting questions. Finances are difficult for everybody. This can be worked out, over time. Mr. Owen offered to answer any questions. Mayor Tichy asked about the population of the Village of Alamance. Clerk York confirmed it was about 1000. Mayor Tichy asked about the timeframe. Mr. Owen replied, that if everybody is on board, construction would begin in the Spring of 2017. The difficulty will be trying to operate while building is going on. Construction should take 12-18 months. Mayor Tichy asked when the bonds would be issued. Mr. Owen replied that the County would be borrowing the money; so the County would decide upon this. The County would be working with each jurisdiction on the MOU. Mayor Tichy asked what would happen if a municipality decided not to participate. Mr. Owen responded that this would be a discussion between the County and the municipality. The process in place now is fairly unique, in terms of the jurisdictions sharing this expense. There may be some different formulas utilized, based on the animals. If this route is taken, the formula will change annually. When there is a puppy mill bust, the animal shelter will have them for 8 months, as part of the court system. Mr. Owen stated that he hopes everyone could work together on this project, with some formula. It is really working now. There is a huge difference from where the situation was at one time, to where it is now. He gave the credit to Jessica Arias and Rachel. They have a lot of the nonprofits and volunteer groups working together. It has made a significant difference. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe recalled that, many years ago, Alamance considered not taking part. They were told that the animals would not be picked up. Mr. Owen asked where the animals would go. Unfortunately, animals create significant issues in a community with neighbors. There are lots of concerns. Alderman Jones noted that this was typically a county function. He asked Mr. Owen why Burlington had taken on this responsibility. Mr. Owen replied that the county was not participating at a level satisfactory to the community. Alderman Jones summarized that Burlington opted to take over the program for the entire county. Mr. Owen pointed out it would be more expensive for the different jurisdictions to try to do this. This is a business. When there’s a call, and something goes wrong, the first to arrive is the local TV station. They camp out at the front door. Mayor Tichy asked why the County was not funding the animal shelter. With the municipalities contributing on a per capita basis, it looks like the County just doesn’t want this on their tax basis. It looks like the County wants to spread this expense among the municipalities. Mr. Owens stated that the County says the municipalities have a higher level of service, than in the rural areas. The Village would need to discuss this with the County. There will be discussions like this taking place. Mayor Tichy observed that these cities and towns would be working on a capital project that the law says is a county function. He has no problem participating on the operational side. Burlington does a great job on that. If the residents of the County will end up paying the taxes anyway, it looks like higher tax increases. Mr. Owen understood this point and stated this should be a conversation with the County. Mayor Tichy commented that he personally agreed with the need and with the operations. He has questions on the financing. Alderman Dan Tichy asked if there was any state funding. Mr. Owen replied negatively, adding that there are some foundations that might contribute. Alderman Dan Tichy observed that it is the state that is making the new rules. Mr. Owen compared this to utilities.

Burlington spent $32 million on a wastewater treatment plant because of the Jordan Lake Rules. There was no help with funding; everyone is paying for that now.

Mayor Tichy asked the Board if there were any questions regarding the Tethering Law, while Harold Owen was present. Alderman Dan Tichy stated that if the Village chose to do this, he wanted to make sure it was done correctly. There are so many differences between each municipality. He referred to the variations in each one. Harold Owen referred to Jessica Arias. Clerk York referred to information distributed to the Board. Jessica Arias noted that some of the variations in the tethering laws are related to the municipality’s ability to enforce their ordinance. She came from Chapel Hill, where there was a 6 hour limit. Officers were going out multiple times a day, to time the animals being tethered. There are 2 officers for Burlington; they don’t have time to check tethering multiple times a day. The law does eliminate those dogs that are perpetually tethered. They want to get dogs off the chain in some of these neighborhoods. Studies have shown that tethering causes dogs to be more aggressive. Typically, they don’t get the same amount of attention from people, or the socialization that they need. Tethering also increases the risk of someone coming up to the dog and getting bitten, especially children. It doesn’t look good; it’s the last thing you want to see in a neighborhood, a bunch of pit bulls that are tied up in the front yard. There are the humane implications for the pet, but also safety for neighborhoods and people, as well. Mr. Owen added that he didn’t think the county is considering a tethering policy for the rural areas. Burlington, Graham, and Gibsonville have adopted policies. It will never be even; this is not unusual, across the state. Jessica Arias noted that exceptions have been made for certain types of activities, for example, hunting dogs. Alderman Dan Tichy believes something should be done. He just wants to make sure it is done right and is enforceable. Right now, when the Village handles nuisances, it is up to Clerk York. He has more to do than drive to people’s houses to enforce a tethering law. Jessica Arias asked if the Village had a leash law. Clerk York stated it wasn’t exactly a leash law, but there is an ordinance stating residents are supposed to control their animals; the animals are not supposed to be off of the owner’s property. Ms. Arias noted this is typically what she refers to as a leash law. Mr. Owen said that if the Village adopts a tethering law, he is not sure that the Sheriff’s Department would come out to enforce it. Alderman Dan Tichy reminded that, whatever they do, they need to be able to enforce it. It shouldn’t just be on paper, it should be enforceable. Ms. Arias offered to answer any questions. Mr. Owen cautioned against volunteers promising to take care of this, who support a tethering law. This is not the way to go; they would be going onto private property. Ms. Arias added that Burlington also addressed minimum sizes of enclosures. They would get complaints based on inhumane conditions. They made sure to thoroughly address the different ramifications the ordinance might have. Mayor Tichy expressed his thanks to Ms. Arias and Harold Owen.

Village Board Vacancy

Mayor Tichy reminded that there is a vacancy on the Board of Aldermen. The vacancy has been advertised for the past two months. There are three applicants interested in the position. Mayor Tichy invited each applicant to introduce themselves to the Board and answer questions. Sara Farlow introduced herself to the Board first. She is a native of Alamance County. She has lived in the Village community for a little over 10 years. She desires to serve on the Board to serve the community and give back. She is excited about the Village and would like to see it progress, going forward, now, as well as in the future. She feels that she can be a team member with the Board. Mayor Tichy asked if the Board had any questions. Alderman Jones asked Ms. Farlow if she had a pet on a leash. Ms. Farlow replied that she did not. Alderman Jones laughed that he was just teasing. Mayor Tichy noted that he has already spoken with Ms. Farlow. Ms. Farlow referred to her letter, received by the Board in the packets. Next, Gayle Andrews addressed the Board. She has lived in the Village for about 11 years. She is proud of the Village as it is, but would also like to help it move forward in a positive way, and to work with her neighbors. She also works with the Board of Elections and has met a lot of people in Alamance, working the Coble precinct. She has met a lot of really nice people and wants to give back to the community in any way that she can. She is retired and has time to do the work of the Board. Alderman Jones asked Ms. Andrews if she worked in the Civitan Building during elections. Ms. Andrews replied affirmatively. She works the books when the voters check in at the door. Lastly, Craven Ford addressed the Board. (Mayor Tichy referred to the email sent out to Board members late today.) Mr. Ford retired at the end of 2015. He first lived in Alamance in 1973 when he finished college, and rented a house from the Lutheran pastor. He now lives in the lower Village. His background is in ministry and in business. He is interested in working with other people. He has a history of working with lots of different people and situations. He is interested in seeing the good work being done over the years to continue. Mayor Tichy thanked the applicants and asked for Board discussion and direction. Alderman Dan Tichy commented that the vacancy has been advertised long enough. Mayor Tichy observed that the discussion must be public, the Board cannot go into executive session. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe nominated Gayle Andrews for the vacancy. Alderman Isley seconded the motion. The nomination passed unanimously. Mayor Tichy welcomed Gayle Andrews to the Board of Aldermen. He introduced Ms. Andrews to the other Board members. Clerk York administered the Oath of Office to Gayle Andrews. The oath was signed and Alderman Andrews took her position with the Board.

Tethering Law

Mayor Tichy asked if there was any further discussion on the Tethering Law. Alderman Dan Tichy suggested this item be tabled for further discussion. There is a lot to this topic. Clerk York will forward emails to those who did not receive the information. This item was tabled.

Private Road Standards

Clerk York called attention to the document handed out at the last meeting. The Village needs to have standards for private roads. Now, in the Subdivision ordinance, if you have a 10 acre tract of land, you fall under the regular zoning ordinance, but not the subdivision rules. The subdivision ordinance does not have standards for private roads. There need to be guidelines. The document refers to the County standards. The Board can recommend an amendment to the zoning ordinance. The Planning Board can look at this and make a recommendation. It could then come back to the Board. There would be a Public Hearing and then a decision could be made. This would mean there could be a final decision in April. Clerk York proposed putting some guidelines together for the Planning Board to review. Mark Reich reminded that the zoning ordinance uses both the words “public” and “private.” The subdivision regulations only refer to “public” roads. The first decision the Board needs to make is whether it wishes to allow private roads in the ETJ where there are lots greater than 10 acres. Anything less than 10 acres has to meet the subdivision regulations. Heritage Glen Phase 5 is going through this process now to get that property subdivided. This would apply to areas where there are lots greater than 10 acres which are exempt from the subdivision regulations. The first question is whether the Board wants private roads or public roads. If the Board decides that roads in those areas should be public, that is a decision that needs to be made. When they passed out the County regulations, Mr. Reich was informing of what Alamance County is currently doing. They have slightly different standards. Some cities still require private roads to be curb and gutter. The Village could require this. If you look at the Hidden Creek subdivision that was done a few years ago, it is close to a NC-DOT standard road. It seems to fit in well with the surrounding area. This may be a viable option for the Board. The Board may wish to require that a road be paved versus a gravel road. From a maintenance standpoint, it would be better for the road to be paved. Alderman Dan Tichy mentioned the needs for emergency vehicles. Mr. Reich added that if the Board allowed private roads, documentation will have to be signed that the Homeowners’ Association is responsible for items such as snow removal and pavement repairs. These are really more functions for the municipality rather than a Homeowners’ Association. Gerald Walters stated that this is how the Hidden Creek is set up. The lots go to the center of the pavement. Two houses are already built, and a third one will be built in the next month. The understanding is that they have to maintain the road. Access affects insurance rates. Some companies’ rates are adjusted if you’re not on a public road. Mr. Reich pointed out this normally comes in with the water system. You could be on a public water system with a 2-inch line. You get the better rate with insurance with the close proximity of fire hydrants. That could be part of the zoning, if the Board wants to require water and sewer. It just depends on how restrictive or non-restrictive the Board wishes to be in regard to these 10 acre lots. Alderman Jones asked if the Village required water and sewer, would the homeowners have to pay for the infrastructure to get it there. Mr. Reich answered they would still have to follow the guidelines in the subdivision regulations. Attorney Koonts confirmed this. Alderman Jones stated, that the way the soil perks here, it would seem good to require water and sewer. He pointed out there was a lot to consider here: private roads, public roads, standards, and water and sewer. Mr. Reich added that he and Attorney Koonts could work together to put together some regulations. However, they need feedback from the Board. Alderman Jones asked if that should be now, or at the Planning and Zoning meeting. Mr. Walters stated that his recommendation would be to use what is in the subdivision ordinance; not necessarily the curb and guttering, but the ribbon paving. It is basically the same standards, it just doesn’t have the curbing. Mayor Tichy asked if there was general consensus as to whether the Planning Board wanted to do the water and sewer requirements, or just roads. Mr. Walters stated this had not been discussed. Mayor Tichy asked if the Board of Alderman wanted to make these decisions, or whether they wanted a recommendation from the Planning Board. The consensus was that the Board would request a recommendation from the Planning Board. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe heard recently that there are areas, not too far away, that if you need an emergency vehicle, you have to go to the end of your road to meet it. Attorney Koonts expressed that a big issue that needs to be considered is the role of Homeowners’ Associations and road maintenance, regardless of what kinds of road they are. This is the private-public issue. There was a big trend from the late 1980’s through the early 2000’s where there were a lot of HOA maintained roads. For the developer, the private roads were cheaper to do. This put the long term burden on the HOA. The problem for all the municipalities was, as soon as the roads started to fall apart, everybody called the town. They wanted to get the roads into the DOT maintenance. Most of the 10 acre developments will only have 6-8 lots. This tends not to be a huge problem, but it is still an issue. When they have a road problem, they will still come back to the town, and they will be voters. It is a problem to deal with. The trend now is more toward setting up standards so that they can be public roads. They don’t necessarily have to have curb and gutter. Hidden Creek subdivision is very well done. The ditches are nice, and the width of the road is good. Turnaround space needs to be controlled. Right now, if you did a 10 acre subdivision, you can put in a gravel road that is one car width. This doesn’t need to be the way the ordinance is set up. Alderman Jones asked if it was okay for Board members to attend the Planning Board meeting, suggesting that as many Board members as possible should attend. Mr. Walters stated the ordinance should include a 50 ft. right-of-way and added that Hidden Creek did not have a 50 ft. right-of-way. Mayor Tichy asked that a Planning Board meeting be scheduled and that Board members be informed of the date. Mr. Reich added that he and Attorney Koonts will also plan to attend. Mayor Tichy asked the Board members to read the related information and be prepared to make a recommendation.

Finance Report

Clerk York presented a budget amendment, adding $3100.00 to Building Repairs and Maintenance. The line has $9000.00 currently. He referred to the General Fund Amendment on the report. He added $3100.00 to that amount. This makes the budget amendment $11,400.00. This is the total amount added, in terms of revenue, taken from the fund balance. Building Repairs and Maintenance will increase from $9000.00 to $12,100.00. Clerk York asked if there were any questions. Alderman Dan Tichy asked about the original amendment. Clerk York stated that the original amendment was adding $8300.00 to the General Fund and $10,000.00 to the Water and Sewer Fund. He explained there are two ways of doing a budget amendment. Either you cut from expenses or you project additional revenue. Clerk York rarely projects additional revenue, to be safe. With the building at Heritage Glen, there are extra funds. He prefers not to use this as his estimate. When the audit is done, and financial statements are prepared, the auditor looks at revenue and expenses at the end of the year. Clerk York explained that he would rather be conservative regarding budget projections. Regarding sewer maintenance, money was added with the issues at Cabin. With those expenditures, the line is down to $2700.00. There was a $6400.00 expenditure in January when the generator was rented, and the pump-around was done. Everything was set and ready to go for the ice storm. Thankfully, the situation was not the same as two years ago. There was still a cost associated with that, which decreased that line to $2400.00. This amount would not cover ORC costs or any other repairs. The additional funds would cover anything else that might happen, though Clerk York does not project that it will all be spent. He has added $8000.00 to Yard Waste. This should have been higher, since now there are two Yard Waste pickups per month in the Spring and Summer. Adding the $3100.00 makes the budget amendment a total of $11,400.00. The Water and Sewer Fund remains the same. Clerk York presented the Finance Report. The balance of the CDs was noted. Over the last 12 months, $9400.00 in interest has been earned. The next CD that matures will be on February 25th. It will be closed out and deposited in the bank account. Clerk York also plans to take the $200,000.00 CD to complete the total amount to transfer to the siphon project fund. The funds will then be in the account to pay for the rest of the siphon project. Alderman Dan Tichy made the motion to approve the budget amendment of $11,400.00 for the General Fund and, as documented, $10,000.00 for the Water and Sewer Fund. Alderman Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

OTHER BUSINESS

Alderman Dan Tichy heard that Burlington is doing water maintenance and that water may be discolored. He wondered if this would impact the Village. Clerk York will check on this. Mr. Reich noted this could have been a break resulting in the water being discolored.

Mark Reich followed up on an earlier discussion regarding GIS. They can do this for the Village for about one fifth of the cost. They have most all of the data. It is just a matter of converting it over to the right type of files and formats. It would allow Clerk York to get this information over to US Infrastructure to help with locating. Clerk York observed this would take the burden off, with having Jerry to come over and do the locating. Clerk York asked about the cost. Mr. Reich replied it would just take a few hours. It should not be over $2000.00. Mayor Tichy asked Clerk York if this was available in the budget. Clerk York responded affirmatively. Alderman Dan Tichy made the motion for Mr. Reich’s team to proceed documenting water and sewer physical locations. Alderman Crouse seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Alderman Jones recalled Haywood King having trouble locating valves years ago. Mr. Reich reported they are all now located. They are operated once a year. Alderman Jones asked if the valves would be in the GIS as well. This was affirmed. Mr. Reich added that the manholes will be included, as well. They did not do a field study, but have pretty good maps, which Arnold Allred is happy with. They will put them onto a GIS database. Mark Reich also reported they have been working with the engineer on the Phase 5-B plans and are close to getting those approved. He has incorporated all of the comments between Arnold and himself. As far as Mr. Reich knows, they will be starting construction relatively soon.

There was no other business.

Public Comment

There was no public comment. Alderman Crouse made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Dan Tichy seconded. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned.