MINUTES
PALESTINE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
February 2 5, 2023

Palestine Board of Trustees met on February 2, 2023. Trustees answering roll call were J.R. Dunlap, Tim McDaniel, Mary Michael, Gene Purcell, Brian Nethery and Twilla Davis.

Staff Members present: Stacey Myers, Rita Carmouche, Luke McNair and Chief Besing. 

Visitors present were Resa Shaner and Kim Weck.

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 2023 were accepted as presented. 

OLD BUSINESS:
1) No Old Business. The next phase should begin on the Main Street Building soon, still waiting on contractor.

2) Discussion and approval for new Chicken Ordinance. Discussion among the trustees included that the fee for the permit to have chickens within the Village limits was too high. Chief Besing recommend leaving the Ordinance as written as this has been successful in Hutsonville. Tim McDaniel made a motion for approving the Chicken Ordinance. Mary Michael seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously with J.R. Dunlap being the only Nay.

New Business:
1) Discussion and approval on updating the Sewer Deposit.  Stacey Myers, Village Clerk addressed the trustees about raising the sewer deposit from, $50.00 to $100.00. She explained that this would help recover revenue when accounts are abandoned without Village Hall staff knowledge. Twilla Davis made a motion to approve the increase of sewer deposit to $100.00. Gene Purcell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

2) Discussion and approval on proposed Recycle Event from B&H Recycling. Stacey related to the board that she had been contacted about hosting a Recycle Event for Palestine for removal of unwanted items not allowed in traditional clean up days and regular trash pickup containers. This would be no cost to the Village but would have a cost per item brought by a resident for disposal. B&H are insured and only ask that the Village of Palestine advertise and supply an easy access for the event. Twilla Davis made a motion for approving the B&H Recycle Event. Gene Purcell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 

DPW REPORT:  Luke McNair stated that the DPW had been busy with cleaning and reorganizing the DPW Barn.  Also, he stated that Vandevanter would be here February 8, 2023 to start on Harrison Lift Station repairs. The 5410 DPW tractor will be needing replacement rims in the near future. Mayor Rob will be checking on pricing. Lastly, the new DPW truck should be ready within the next week for pick up. Discussion was to purchase a new control box for the new truck instead of using the old hand made control box currently being used.

POLICE REPORT:  Chief Besing reported that Officer McGinness has completed his three year probationary contractual agreement on January 3, 2023. The squad car grant process is moving forward, Stacey and the Mayor signed additional application paperwork and sent it to GWRPC representatives last week. There has been concern about the conditions of several houses and properties in our Village. Officer McGinness and chief Besing will be conducting “sweeps” of the village in March to identify these properties.
PIONEER ROOM/COMMUNITY FACILITY –February 2023 – Brian Nethery 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Budget and Finance Committee:  Stacey Myers, Chairman. Financials were handed out. Stacey will be having a Work-Comp Audit on February 8, 2023. 

Bldg Regulations, Permits, Maintenance: Harry Gene Purcell, Chairman

Employee Relations Committee: Mary Michael, Chairman. 

FOIA/OMA Officers:  Stacey Myers, Chairman. 

Ordinance/Grant Committee: Stacey Myers. Chief Besing and Stacey will be preparing for the Mary Heath Grants that will be due in May 2023.

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

Sewer/Lagoon Committee: Brian Nethery, Chairman. 

With no further business to discuss, Tim McDaniel made a motion to adjourn. J.R. Dunlap seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:46pm. 

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  	   PRESIDENT					VILLAGE CLERK