MINUTES
PALESTINE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
May 4, 2006

The Palestine Board of Trustees met in regular session on April 6, 2006, at 6:00 PM. Trustees answering the roll call were Gene Purcell, Greta Dennison, David Branson, Walter Fritchie, Larry Surrells and Larry Miller.

Visitors in attendance were Bob Taylor, and Tom Osborn, reporter for the Robinson Daily News. Also present was Sewer Utility Clerk, Margaret Littlejohn and Jim Clark, Chief of Police.

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

The minutes of the last meeting were read and amended to state that Carl Woosley’s raise was $0.75 per hour. Amendment was approved unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

Mayor Pat Schofield announced that the Revolving Loan for Illiana Cores was closed on April 18, 2006.

Mayor Schofield also announced progress with problem properties in the Village.

1. 300 Block of W Market St. has been sold and buyers have taken occupancy.
2. 413 S. Main St. owners report that they plan some remodeling but that it is also for sale.
3. 601 W. Market has been sold and is to be remodeled.
4. 402 E. Harrison St. is in foreclosure proceedings.

Mayor Schofield reported that Spring Cleanup went well. Those that failed to comply will be sent a notice to clean up their property within 30 days or face a fine.

Police Chief Clark reported that 20 unlicensed vehicles had been hauled off. There are still 2 in non-compliance.

Mayor Schofield reported that the new leaf machine was delivered on April 10, 2006. Representatives from the Rahn Company instructed the DWP workers in its use and care.

NEW BUSINESS

The new leaf machine is heavy on the tongue and must be fitted with a hitch extension that will attach to the center of the bed of the ton truck. Superior Welding can build this tongue extension for $1800. Larry Miller moved to formally approve, seconded by Larry Surrells, to have Superior Welding build the tongue extension for the bid price of $1800. Motion passed unanimously.

Greta Dennison moved to formally approve, seconded by David Branson, that Mayor Schofield be approved to discuss certain common issues of interest with Robinson Mayor Davis. Motion passed unanimously.

DWP employees have attended a mosquito spraying meeting sponsored by MUG-A-BUG on Wednesday, April 26, 2006. They took our ULV-BISON sprayer with them for mechanical inspection. Our sprayer is in very good condition and still serviceable, but it is 13 years old and many parts are difficult or impossible to obtain. We may need a new sprayer in another year or so. DPW employee, Jim Baker, investigated the cost of a new sprayer that we might need. A gas-powered unit would cost $9,150. An electric powered (with battery charged by the truck alternator) would cost $10,350. No further action was taken.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Village Clerk, Floyd Fuller, reported that the books are closed for the past fiscal year and are ready for the Auditor. The Kemper Auditor was notified last week that we are ready for their audit.

The Appropriations Budget has been prepared and will be ready for approval at the next meeting.

Buildings Chairman, Larry Miller, reported that an unusual request for a possible building permit had requested. The ordinance has not included a provision for moving two mobile homes to a single lot and an attachment be built to join them into one home. Further study is needed on this matter.

Streets Chairman, Larry Surrells, reported that two alleys have now been completely repaired and new rock applied. Sidewalk replacement will start next week.

Annexation Chairman, Greta Dennison, reported that she has met with attorney, Frank Weber, regarding annexation of the Oklahoma addition. Papers have been drawn to proceed.

Chief Clark reported that about 20 unlicensed vehicles had been removed from the Village during Spring Cleanup. He is working to get another two or three removed.

Clark is working to rebuild the Police Policy Manual. It is a slow process, which is going very well.

Clark and Meyers are proposing some changes that will reduce gas usage in patrol vehicles. They will answer all emergency calls immediately, reduce the amount of patrolling, do more stationary observation, and issue more speeding tickets. They believe that slowing the vehicle speed within the Village will decrease fuel consumption of the vehicles while traveling our streets.

Bob Taylor, representing the Am Vets announced that a Memorial Day Program would be held on Memorial Day at 1:30 P.M. at the Palestine Cemetery. All are urged to attend.

Greta Dennison moved, seconded by Walt Fritche, to convene into executive session under Section 2©(5) of the Open Meetings Act for the discussion of the purchase or lease of real Property for the use of this public body. Motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 6:27 P.M.

Regular session reconvened at 6:53 P.M.

By consensus it was decided to hold an informational meeting regarding the annexation of the Oklahoma addition at 5:00 P.M. on June 1, 2006, followed by the formal approval of the annexation at 5:00 P.M. on July 7, 2006. Attorney, Frank Weber, will be requested to attend both meetings.

Indiana RR has requested the closing of three crossings within the Village. Mayor Schofield is to approach the State DOT regarding the legality of this matter and report back to the Board.

Larry Surrells moved to adjourn, seconded by Larry Miller

Meeting adjourned at 7:10 P. M.

Patricia Schofield, President
Floyd M. Fuller, Clerk