MINUTES
PALESTINE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
April 3, 2008

The Palestine Board of Trustees met in regular session on April 3, 2008, at 6:00 PM. Trustees answering the roll call were Gene Purcell, Greta Dennison, David Branson, and Larry Surrells. J.D. Kimberlin and Walter Fritchie were absent. There being a quorum, the meeting proceeded.

Margaret Littlejohn, Sewer Utility Clerk, and Chief Jim Clark were also present. .
Visitors present were Robinson Daily News Reporter, Tom Osborn, John Mattox, Bob Taylor, and David Matteson.

The meeting began with all in attendance reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved as amended, after replacing the last paragraph on page one with the new one recorded in the Amended Minutes of 3/6/08 on page one..

OLD BUSINESS
1.  Mayor Schofield reported that the work on the East LaMotte St. lift station has been completed by the DPW workers and electricians. Work on the West Harrison St. lift station was to have been completed today. However, all personnel needed could not arrange their schedules and plan to complete the project next Thursday, April 10.

2.  Condemnation Ordinances have been prepared and await signatures.
David Matteson, titled owner of properties at 205 North Rush and 415 South Main was present to formally complain that he had not been notified of these condemnation proceedings. These properties have been sold by Matteson on contract to the current residents of record. Mayor Schofield assured him that he would get proper notification if there was an error in this matter.
Larry Surrells commented that new windows have been ordered and a contractor hired for 415 S. Main and that he understood that materials had been ordered for work on 205 N. Rush.
Mayor Schofield said that condemnation proceedings will remain in effect until the named properties are brought into compliance with the Village buildings code.
The Ordinance 2008-0-01 condemning 307 West Market St. was approved by Gene Purcell, Greta Dennison, David Branson, and Larry Surrells. Walt Fritchie and J.D. Kimberlin were absent.
The Ordinance 2008-0-02 condemning 205 N Rush St. was approved by Gene Purcell, Greta Dennison, David Branson, and Larry Surrells. Walt Fritchie and J.D. Kimberlin were absent.
The Ordinance 2008-0-03 condemning 415 S. Main St. was approved by Gene Purcell, Greta Dennison, David Branson, and Larry Surrells. Walt Fritchie and J.D. Kimberlin were absent.

3.  The Ordinance 2008-0-04 amending Chapter 7, Sewer Service, Section 7.18, Utility Deposits —
Renters/Residential - $35 was approved by Gene Purcell, Greta Dennison, David Branson, and Larry Surrells. Walt Fritchie and J.D. Kimberlin were absent.

4.  Spring Clean-Up Reminder — to be held on the regular trash pickup day on Wednesday, Apiil 30, 2008.

NEW BUSINESS
Officials of the Betsy Reed Festival, to be held on June 6th and 7`h, 2008, asked permission to permit wine tasting in the Fife House and outside under the awning with open glass privilege. Larry Surrells moved, seconded by Greta Dennison to approve the Request. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Schofield has requested permission from the State of Illinois for this event.

An informal request for permitting places serving beer and alcohol to construct an open air pavilion for smoking to be placed within 15' from their doors was placed on the table for discussion. Gene Purcell moved, seconded by Greta Dennison, that Open Air Pavilions not be permitted near establishments serving beer and alcohol. Motion passed unanimously.

The Pioneer Brain Bowl was discussed. By consensus it was decided not to sponsor or enter a team in this event.

The 2008-09 Village Budget was presented for approval by the Budget Committee. It was approved by consensus.

Larry Surrells, chairman of Streets, Sidewalks, and Alleys, reported that Indiana RR has requested permission to close the RR crossing at Lincoln St. for the purpose of laying new track and improving the crossing. The street will be closed two weeks for this project. Permission has been granted.

Greta Dennison moved, seconded by Gene Purcell to go to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing salaries for Village Officials elected in the next election in 2009. Motion passed unanimously.

The regular session adjourned to Executive Session at 6:42 P.M.

The regular session reconvened at 7:10 P.M.

Larry Surrells moved that the salaries for Village Officials elected in the 2009 election be set as follows — Mayor, $10,500 annually, plus medicare supplement; Clerk, $20,000 annually plus medicare supplement, and Trustees $1,200 annually. Seconded by Greta Dennison. The motion passed unanimously.

Larry Surrells moved, seconded by Gene Purcell to adjourn.

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 P.M.

Patricia Schofield, President
Floyd M. Fuller, Clerk