MINUTES
PALESTINE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
February 6, 2020

Palestine Board of Trustees met on February 6, 2020.  Trustees answering the roll call were J.R. Dunlap, Twilla Davis, Brian Nethery, Gene Purcell, Tim McDaniel and Mary Michael.

Staff Members present: Shirley Adams, Village Clerk, Patricia Schofield, Mayor’s Consultant, Kathy Clark, DPW Superintendent and David Miller, DPW.

Visitors present:  Nancy Jenkins and Chis DeWitt (WTYE).

Meeting called to order by Mayor Byrley.

The meeting began with all present reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes were taken by the Village Clerk.

The Minutes of January 2 and January 27, 2020, were accepted as presented. 

OLD BUSINESS:
1. Update-Bridge repairs/replacement on South Main Street.   We are waiting on Frank to set up a meeting with the Mayor and Pat to decide how to proceed with the delivery of the petition that requires a signature from the property owner.

2. LED Sign update by J.R. Dunlap.  We finally heard back from IDOT with the approval to go ahead to install the sign.  J.R. has a meeting with the bank on February 21st.
	
NEW BUSINESS:  
1.)  Budget Meeting – March 21st or 28th.   The consensus was to schedule the meeting for Saturday, March 21st at 8:30.  If this changes, Shirley will let you know.

DPW REPORT:  Kathy Clark.  
The new safety lighting has been received and they are being installed.

The DPW have been cutting trees and saplings inside the embankment of the lagoon.

POLICE REPORT:  Chief of Police, Jeff Besing. 
The Spillman reports and the January Departmental Statistics report were given to Trustees.

There have been reports of mail being removed from residential mailboxes. There is a suspect but there is not enough evidence at this time to move forward.

Jeff spoke with Jacob over the weekend and he is enjoying the academy. He is starting week #4.

The State of Illinois has decreased the amount of traffic fines and fees that are distributed to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Board which has drastically affected our training budget.

Previously, the State would “direct pay” the training academies for the training cost for a new officer. Now that cost is placed upon each department to pay up front, which is $6,274 for the 14 week academy. That cost has to be paid prior to Jacob’s graduation in April.  Then Jeff will file reimbursement paperwork to the State. However, there is no time line for that reimbursement; it may take up to 9 months.

The Chief and Pat have completed a Mary Heath grant application in the amount of $4,403.76 which, if awarded ,will be used toward the purchase of a bullet proof vest for Officer McGinness, (2) new updated portable radios and (2) active shooter response ballistic vest kits.

PIONEER ROOM/COMMUNITY FACILITY – FEBRUARY – BRIAN NETHERY

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Budget Committee:  Shirley Adams, Chairman.  January financial reports were given out. 

Bldg Regulations, Permits, Maintenance: Harry Gene Purcell, Chairman. One building permit was issued. 
Employee Relations Committee: Harry Gene Purcell, Chairman. 

FOIA Officers:  Shirley Adams, Chairman – The OMA Training is in the process of being updated so it is not available at this time.  Keep checking, and when available, please complete as soon as possible.
The FOIA training is available and can be completed by those required to do that particular training.

Ordinance Committee: Pat Schofield.  

Streets, Sidewalks, Alleys Committee: Tim McDaniel, Chairman.   

Sewer/Lagoon Committee: Brian Nethery, Chairman.  

With no further business to discuss Gene Purcell moved to adjourn. Tim McDaniel seconded motion. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:13 pm.

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  	   PRESIDENT					      CLERK