MINUTES
PALESTINE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
March 2, 2023

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

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

Visitors present were Resa Shaner, Dan Leggitt, Ladonna Syder, Jim Syder and Ryan Segar.

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 February 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.

New Business:
1) Ryan Seger (Alliance Tractor) Discussion and Approval for leasing a tractor. Ryan presented the Trustees with the information on leasing equipment from Alliance for the DPW. This would save the Village cost of repairs to get our old equipment up and running. Those repairs total to an estimate of $15,000.00. The Village would sign a one year contract for a brand new John Deere Gator, mower and bush hog wing pull behind and a three year lease on a new John Deere tractor. The lease would include any maintenance to the equipment and repairs. Discussion among the trustees was to sell the existing DPW equipment to create funding for the leasing of the new equipment. Gene Purcell made a motion to approve the leasing of equipment from Alliance. Tim McDaniel seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously with Twilla Davis being the only Nay.

2) Dan Leggitt for location of storage sheds.  Dan addressed the Trustees with his concern that his neighbor Warren Mitchell had placed a storage shed 6-8” over onto Dan’s property. Dan stated that he had spoken to his neighbor about moving the storage shed and getting a survey done on the property to ensure where the property lines are. Warren is not willing to pay for the survey. Dan is asking that the Ordinance be enforced and his neighbor Warren move the storage shed over off Dan’s property. Gene Purcell will speak to Warren to resolve the issue and have him move the storage shed. Dan was happy with this decision. 

3) Eric Erickson for Proposal for possible gaming room, and liquor license. Mr. Erickson did not show up to the meeting.

4) Discussion and Approval for buying a power washer. J.R. presented some pictures and options for the purchase of a power washer for the use of the DPW and maintenance of equipment and Village needs. It was general concusses that this be tabled until next meeting.

5) Approval of PDA request to hold the annual Wabash Valley Wine and Arts Festival October 7-8th 2023. Tim McDaniel made a motion to approve the PDA request for the 2023 Wine Festival. J.R. Dunlap seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

DPW REPORT:  Luke McNair stated that the DPW had been busy with maintenance and cleaning getting ready for spring. They have been cleaning out culverts and doing tree maintenance at the lagoon.

POLICE REPORT:  Chief Besing reported that the state has mandated more training for the police department. 

PIONEER ROOM/COMMUNITY FACILITY –March 2023 – Brian Nethery 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Budget and Finance Committee:  Stacey Myers, Chairman. Financials were handed out. 

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 are still 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 6:11pm. 

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  	   PRESIDENT					VILLAGE CLERK