​          The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for the regular monthly meeting.  The meeting was opened at 7:00p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance by President Arrasmith.  The following trustees were present: Hooker, Harris, Gadeken and Laurent. Trustees Schluter and Bickers were absent as well as Treasurer Reinhart.  Clerk Fish, Attorney Miller and Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant were also present.  
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          There were no public comments.
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the March 7th, Board of Trustees regular and executive sessions.  Trustee Laurent moved that the minutes of the March 7th, Board of Trustees regular and executive sessions be approved. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then began by asking the board to approve the raises for Village employees that they had discussed in the closed session of the last meeting.  President Arrasmith stated that Terry Woodworth would be receiving his $1 per hour raise since completing his 90 day probationary period retroactive to the March 7th meeting.  Village Clerk Maggie Fish would be bumped to $19 per hour; cleaner Margaret Carlson would be bumped to $15 per hour and Treasurer Ashley Reinhart would have $35 added to her salary each week.  Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the raises for the Village employees as stated; Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion.  Trustees Harris, Gadeken and Laurent voted Aye and Trustee Hooker voted Nay.  The motion passed.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board members what date would work best for a special meeting to discuss the appropriations for the next fiscal year.  The consensus was on April 21st, 2022 at 6:30pm.
          President Arrasmith then announced that this year’s Dumpster Day would be held on Saturday April 30th at Witt Park.  He then asked Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant to disclose to the board the difference in costs.  Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant reported that Matchbox was $550 each for a 20 yard dumpster, Bulldog was $550 plus extra tonnage and Captain Hook was $530 per dumpster.  Trustee Harris made a motion to spend up to $5,000 to rent 7 dumpsters from Captain Hook for Dumpster Day.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
           Trustee Gadeken then spoke on behalf of Trustee Bickers stating that he would like the Village to offer assistance picking up items for people with disabilities for Dumpster Day.  It was decided to have residents contact Clerk Fish and she will arrange pick up.
          President Arrasmith then asked for the board to approve the meeting dates for fiscal year 2022-2023.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve the meeting dates as presented for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board to approve the annual contract with SIMEC Energy.  Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the contract with SIMEC.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board to approve our annual contract with Champaign County Animal Control.  He explained to the board that we really have no choice but to pay for their services as the Village has no one to police our animal control ordinances.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve the 2022 Champaign Animal Control Agreement in the amount of $3,132.93.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.     
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller asked the board whether or not they want to participate in hiring a Chicago attorney along with some other small towns to fight Illinois American Water’s rate increases.  The cost would only be $230.  If they would like to pursue this, then they can approve it at the next board meeting.  The board stated that they would like to pursue it.
 
JEFF WYANT’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant reported that the Village has been experiencing a lot of drainage problems with all of the rain that we’ve been having.  He stated that Byron street was a big problem and that he has spent the last two days jetting the drains of leaves and debris.  He also said that the Village would need to have the drains on Byron jetted twice a year on a regular basis to help keep them clear.  He then reported that Duece Construction had poured the sidewalks today at the building at 203 South David that they tore down.  When they come back to take the forms off, he will put down some additional rock and take the fence that we’ve had around the area back to SK Fence.  He also replaced all the burnt out lightbulbs on the scoreboard at Witt Park, put up the net on the batting cage and replaced parts in the chalker as well.   
 
FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Hooker made a motion to pay the bills with the additions of $32.34, $34.13, $71 to Illinois American Water; $299.40 to Caseys; $7 to Orkin; $67.62, $52.50, $15.12 to Don’s Auto Center; and $350 to Miller and Hendren.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
         
           
 STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken stated that IDOT will be replacing the radar sign that they broke on the East side of the Village.  Trustee Gadeken also reported that the Northwest side of the Village will be tarred and chipped this year.  He also stated that the Village could use up to $25,000 of the MFT Fund for sidewalk replacement. 
 
         
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
          Trustee Harris stated that he had just come from talking to the neighbors in Dunlap Woods regarding the sinkhole.  He said the next step is to have the Village expose the drain to assess the damage.  If it is their line, either we cap it or they are responsible for fixing it.  Trustee Harris also stated how important it is to have the drains on Byron jetted regularly and that Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant will get bids for that. 
 
PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers was absent, however, Trustee Gadeken reported that permit #743 was issued for a sunroom at 31 Dunlap Woods.
 
PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent stated that Sidney’s Tball team will be riding in St. Joseph’s parade and was wondering if they could use the Village of Sidney truck for the float.  He also stated that summer ball has now begun.  Trustee Laurent also wanted to remind residents that’s it’s illegal to dump in the dumpsters at Witt Park and the Community building and that there are cameras and the Village will take legal action if necessary. 
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter was absent.    
 
          NEW BUSINESS
         
          President Arrasmith stated that Clerk Fish will take her vacation June 12-June 17th, 2022.  He also stated that we passed our bridge inspection on Main street.
 
         
 
 
 
Trustee Gadeken made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:46pm.
 
 
 
 
 
         
__________________________            __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved        

          The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for the regular monthly meeting.  The meeting was opened at 7:00p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance by President Arrasmith.  The following trustees were present: Bickers, Hooker, Harris, Gadeken and Laurent. Trustee Schluter was absent.  Clerk Fish, Attorney Miller, Treasurer Reinhart and Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant were also present.  
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          President Arrasmith began by stating that people should hold their questions and comments regarding the issue with the trees until they discuss it during the meeting.  Resident Kurt Foster spoke regarding Scott’s Law and reminded everyone to slow down for emergency vehicles in lieu of what happened with the tow truck driver and the student from Unity High School this past weekend.  He then spoke on behalf of the library passing out a new budget sheet for them and asked for an increase in their appropriations allowance.  He then commented that he hopes the Village will hire a disinterested arborist to assess the trees. 
Resident Doug Hamilton then asked about the possibility of a dog park.  Trustee Laurent stated that when he brought up the subject before the only interest he received was from residents who did not want a dog park.  Resident Scott Rhoton then spoke up that it would not be feasible for a village of this size to have and maintain a dog park.  He stated that are many requirements that have to be met, such as, it has to have a 6 foot fence, handicap accessible parking, waste bag dispensers, there has to be a water source on the premises for the dogs and the fact that we have no officer in town to enforce the rules of the dog park.  Trustee Laurent also stated that the Village has nowhere to put a dog park.
          Resident Jim Rector then stated that when he was a board member, they replanted trees every year.  He would like to see the Village hire an arborist and assess the trees.   
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the February 7th, Board of Trustees regular meeting. Trustee Harris moved that the minutes of the February 7th, Board of Trustees regular meeting be approved. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then began by stating that they did hire an independent arborist to assess the trees that are currently marked.  He stated that there are definitely 11 trees that need to be removed.  President Arrasmith then went over the bid prices that the Village received for the removal.  The bid price from JT’s Tree Service was $78,900 for tree removal and $8,500 for stump removal.  We received one other bid from Leaf It To Us for $58,205 for tree removal and $4,490.75 for stump removal.  The consensus from public comment from residents was that the Village hire an arborist to assess all the trees; table this discussion for now, and put out for rebid at the appropriate time.  The board was in agreement. 
          President Arrasmith then reviewed the bids we received for a new firm to perform our annual audits.  The only bid we received was from Feller and Kuester Certified Public Accountants for $16,000 for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to accept Feller and Kuester’s proposal.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.   
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller did not have any comments.
 
JEFF WYANT’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant reported that a snowplow had hit the radar sign on the East side of the Village and damaged it.  The cost to replace the sign is $2,599 plus $200 for shipping.  Either he or Trustee Gadeken will look into having the County pay for the cost or see if insurance will cover the cost to replace it.  He then reported that he took out the benches that were at the American Legion building because they were falling apart.  He then reported that 3 storm drains had been jetted and that there is flooding on South White street across from Victory park due to collapsed culverts.  The owner of the property has been sent a letter to get those fixed as soon as possible.  He also stated that Duece construction has torn down the building at 203 South David; he was able to save the plaque that was on the building and has it in his shop.  He also stated that someone had crashed into the barrier down by the curve on Harrison Street by President Arrasmith’s house and that has been temporarily fixed. 
 
FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Hooker made a motion to pay the bills; there were no additions.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
         
           
 STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken did not have any comments.
 
         
 
 
WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
          Trustee Harris stated that they had jetted the drain in Dunlap Woods and that it had caused a sinkhole at the intersection where the drain hooks into our system.  They are currently illegally hooked into our drainage system.  If the Village decides to allow them to stay hooked into that line, then they have to get a good tap connection on it and maintain it.  Attorney Miller stated that if we decided to allow it, then we would have to survey the drains and put it into the Village Easement; either way, the Homeowner’s Association should be covering any cost. 
 
PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that there were no permits issued.  He then stated that he had spoken to the owners of the trailer parked at 305 South White street.  The owners have stated that they are not living in it, but that they do work out of it.  The owners have asked for six months to remove it, however, Trustee Bickers stated that they have 30 days to get it taken care of or the attorney will become involved.   
 
PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent stated that they signed up enough players to have 1 tball team, however, they are short kids on other teams so they will need to do something or some kids won’t get to play. 
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter was absent.    
 
          NEW BUSINESS
         
          Dumpster Day has been tentatively set for Saturday, April 30th.  Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant will check on pricing and availability. 
 
          Trustee Harris made a motion at 8:18pm to go into Executive Session for the limited purposes of discussing the employment, performance and/or compensation of one or more village employees pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1).  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
 
          Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:47pm.
 
 
 
 
 
         
__________________________            __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved

​          The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for the regular monthly meeting.  The meeting was opened at 7:00p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance by President Arrasmith.  The following trustees were present: Bickers, Hooker, Harris, Schluter and Laurent. Trustee Gadeken was absent.  Clerk Fish, Attorney Miller, Treasurer Reinhart and Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant were also present.  
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          There were more residents in attendance than normal due to the fact that so many trees had been marked for trimming or removal around the Village.  President Arrasmith began the meeting by stating that not all of the trees that have been spray painted with an “X” have been slated for removal; some are just being trimmed.  Resident Jodi Roy asked how residents are supposed to differentiate between which ones are being trimmed and which ones are being torn down?  Resident Kurt Foster also asked if the marks on the trees could be changed so that residents knew which are which?  Resident Cathy Thomas stated that 4 sycamore trees in front of her yard at 403 East Main Street are marked and demanded to know who created the list.  President Arrasmith stated that Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant had created the list in order of how bad each tree was.  Some of the trees that are slated for removal are also tearing up the Village sidewalks and unfortunately there is very little room on Village easements to reroute those sidewalks.  Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant stated that he had gone around with one of the gentlemen that was looking at the trees to give us a bid who also happened to be an arborist and he agreed with the ones Jeff had marked for removal.  Trustee Harris stated that the Village is doing preventative maintenance on the trees just like they do for snow removal.  President Arrasmith stated that the Village is applying for a grant through Trees USA to help replant trees throughout the Village.  The Village has not planted any new trees in the past five years because they were getting a plan in place.  He also stated that the Village has a cost sharing ordinance where they will help residents replace trees that have been removed from Village easements in resident’s yards.  Resident Cory Willard then asked the Board if the Village has ever hired an arborist to come and evaluate any of the trees.  The board replied in the negative.  Mr. Willard said that he was concerned about consistency within the Village.  A resident had a tree fall in front of their property on Victory Street and the Village helped to clean that tree up.  The board stated that was because the tree had fallen into the road.  Mr. Willard’s neighbor, Brad Stierwalt then stated that the Village had told him in the past that he was responsible for the trees on his Village Easement and had to have them removed on his dime. 
          Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant stated that the Village has approximately 3,000 feet of sidewalk that need repairing in the Village and some of that is due to the tree roots pushing it up.  President Arrasmith stated that the Village is trying to mitigate how many trees they have to maintain.  Resident Jim Rector asked if some of the sidewalk repairs could be done with asphalt instead in order to be able to keep some of the trees?  He then asked how much the Village has allotted for planting new trees?  The board did not have a response for that, however, Treasurer Reinhart responded that the Village allotted $20,000 for the trimming and removal of the trees. 
          Trustee Bickers thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and stated that we will be reviewing bids at the next meeting.  He also stated that the Village will see if they can hire an arborist.       
          Resident Cory Willard then asked if the residential land that was purchased by Premier Cooperative has been rezoned yet.  He stated that when he was on the board, they had made the elevator put up a berm between themselves and the residential houses to mitigate the noise from the elevator.  Since they started erecting new grain bins, they have since torn that berm down.  The board let Mr. Willard know that Premier Cooperative has not approached them with any information on what their plans are.  Mr. Willard also stated that he wished the meetings were still live streamed.  The board responded that they are no longer doing that because they want to encourage residents to come to the meetings in person to voice their concerns and have a dialogue.
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the January 3rd, Board of Trustees regular meeting. Trustee Bickers moved that the minutes of the January 3rd, Board of Trustees regular meeting be approved. Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked Mike Friend from Farnsworth Group to speak about why he was there.  Mr. Friend began by stating that they had updated our GATA account for us last year.  They now need to update our GATA portal for this year to include our 2021 audit.  He then asked the board if they would like to apply for an unsewered communities grant.  He said that based on the median for our village that we would qualify for about $25,000.  This money would go toward doing a new study to see about options for converting the Village onto to sewer system.  Mr. Friend stated that they could update our GATA portal and fill out the application for the sewer grant for a total of $730.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve $730 for Farnsworth to update our GATA and also to apply to for the sewer grant.  The motion ended up dying because no one seconded it.  The board did not want to spend any more money right now on looking into a sewer system.  At this point, Clerk Fish spoke up and asked if we could still hire Farnsworth to update our GATA portal but just not do the sewer grant application.  Trustee Harris made a motion to approve up to $350 to update the GATA portal.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then stated that Premier Cooperative is wanting to buy a parcel of property that is the village right of way, but we don’t have a record of it.  Attorney Miller suggested that Premier hire engineers to get a description of the property to vacate; then we can move forward from there. 
          President Arrasmith then stated that State Farm Insurance had made out the check for the demolished building at 203 South David to the property owner and to the Village.  He asked for permission to release the check to the property owners after building is torn down.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to authorize the President to release the insurance demolition funds for 203 South David street after the completion of demolition.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board members to review the proposed nuisance ordinance and asked for a motion to approve it.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to approve Ordinanace #2022-01 “An ordinance creating chapter 255 “Nuisance” of the code of ordinances of the Village of Sidney, Illinois.”  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller reported that Illinois American is trying to purchase the property know as the Tin Cup Subdivision by Casey’s on Main Street; they would like to build a new water tower there.  The property is zoned right now as a subdivision with certain covenants.  Attorney Miller stated that we needed to approve a resolution doing away with the covenants.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve Resolution #2022-01 “A resolution approving an amendment to subdivision covenants, Tin Cup Subdivision, Champaign County, Illinois.”  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
JEFF WYANT’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant reported that snowplowing went well, the roads are choppy because there was ice under the snow.  He will clean up the snow piles in the cul de sacs tomorrow.  He also reported that he had fixed the radar speed sign on the East side of town but it’s not pairing up with his computer.  He also stated that Duece construction is waiting on Ameren for something and then they will tear the building down at 203 South David. 
 
FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Hooker made a motion to pay the bills; there were no additions.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
         
           
 
 
 STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken was absent.
 
          WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
          Trustee Harris did not have any comments.
 
PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that there were no permits issued.  He then stated that there is a trailer parked in the yard at 305 South White Street with power running to it and lights outside.  He’s not sure if someone is living in it or if it’s being used a as man-cave.  It is parked on the grass on blocks but still has it’s wheels.  Attorney Miller advised that you can have a trailer parked in your driveway but not on the grass.  Attorney Miller told Trustee Bickers to send him pictures of the trailer in question and information on who owns the property.  Trustee Bickers stated that he would talk with the owner before getting the attorney involved. 
 
PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent stated that summer ball sign ups are coming up soon and that they are listed online and on the sign outside of the Community Building.
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter had left the meeting early. 
 
          NEW BUSINESS
         
          Resident Doug Hamilton of the Fix It Woodshop stated that he would like to see the Village open a dog park.  Trustee Laurent stated that he only had one person interested when he brought this up last summer.  He advised Mr. Hamilton to get signatures in support of a dog park and to come to the next meeting.
 
          Trustee Laurent made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:35pm.
 
 
         
__________________________            __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved

​          The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for the regular monthly meeting.  The meeting was opened at 7:00p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance by President Arrasmith.  The following trustees were present: Bickers, Hooker, Gadeken and Laurent. Trustee Schluter and Trustee Harris were absent.  Clerk Fish, Attorney Miller, Treasurer Reinhart and Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant were also present.  
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          Resident Kurt Foster praised Village employees Jeff Wyant and Terry Woodworth for their response in getting the tree that had fallen in front of 205 East Victory Street on December 10th cleaned up and going above and beyond to help with the cleanup. 
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the December 6th, 2021 Board of Trustees regular meeting. Trustee Gadeken moved that the minutes of the December 6th, 2021 Board of Trustees regular meeting be approved. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          President Arrasmith then informed the board that the Village will need to look for another accounting firm to perform our annual audit because Martin Hood is scaling back and can no longer do it.  Clerk Fish will send out requests for proposals for new firms.
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller didn’t have any comments.
 
JEFF WYANT’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant reported that he spoke with Keith at Deuce Construction.  Keith stated that they were preparing to tear down the building that had burnt at the corner of David and Byron Streets tomorrow.  Supervisor Wyant then reported that the new lawn mower arrived with the bagger attached.  He then stated that he has received complaints about a car being parked in front of JLS Solutions overnight and that the owner is not able to unload his trailer.  The board suggested purchasing “no overnight parking” signs and placing them in front of his building.   Supervisor Wyant and Maintenance Employee Woodworth have been taking any scrap metal that they have been finding in the shop to Mack’s Recycling and the money for that has been deposited in the Village’s account.  Supervisor Wyant then stated that the new radar sign that was placed on Main Street on the East side of the Village had stopped working.  It turned out that the battery had leaked acid.  The radar sign company is sending us a new battery.  He then asked the board when they would like the Christmas decorations to be taken down; the board stated the next nice day.  Supervisor Wyant then reported that he had made a list of the trees that needed to be trimmed or removed; Clerk Fish will compile the list and place an advertisement in the local newspapers for bids.  Supervisor Wyant then reported that he had compiled a list of 3,280 square feet of sidewalk in town that needs to be repaired.     
 
FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to pay the bills with the following additions: Miller and Hendren for $370, Illini Fire Equipment for $43.75, and Illinois American Water for $33.36, $33.90, and $71.59.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
         
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken reported that 61,542 cars came through the Village last month according to the radar sign by the Sidney Dairy Barn with a top speed of 90mph.
 
          WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
          Trustee Harris was absent.
 
PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that there was one permit issued, #741 for a fence at 409 South Washington Street.  Trustee Bickers stated that he had gone through the City of Urbana’s ordinance booklet and crossed out the items that did not pertain to us.  Attorney Miller will prepare an ordinance that works for our Village regarding abandoned properties.  Trustee Bickers then reported that he had dimmed our parking lot lights and changed the timer so that they would be on all throughout the night for security reasons.
 
PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent did not have any comments.
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter was absent.
 
          Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:22pm.
 
 
         
 
__________________________            __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved                                                

​          The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for the regular monthly meeting.  The meeting was opened at 7:00p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance by President Arrasmith.  The following trustees were present: Harris, Bickers, Hooker, Gadeken and Laurent. Trustee Schluter was absent.  Clerk Fish, Attorney Miller, Treasurer Reinhart and Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant were also present.  
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          Sidney Improvement Group President Mike Roy wanted to thank Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant and Village Maintenance Employee Terry Woodworth for all their help with the Christmas Decorations.
          Trustee Harris stated that the Midstate Blaze travel softball team held a fundraiser and will be donating the money to the Village for the use of the Witt Park ball diamonds.
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the November 1st, 2021 Board of Trustees regular meeting. Trustee Laurent moved that the minutes of the November 1st, 2021 Board of Trustees regular meeting be approved. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          President Arrasmith then began by asking for motion to approve Ordinance #2021-05 “Amending Attachment 1, Table of Principal Uses and Special Uses” of the Village of Sidney Zoning Ordinance to Allow for Water Towers and Water Treatment Facilities by Right on Properties Zoned “C” Community Business”.  He stated that the purpose of this ordinance was to allow for Illinois American Water to erect a water tower on the current Tin Cup property.  A special meeting for public comment regarding this matter was held before the board meeting; there were no public comments.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve Ordinance #2021-05.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          President Arrasmith then asked for a motion to officially hire Terry Woodworth as Village Maintenance Employee.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to hire Terry Woodworth at an hourly wage of $20 with a performance review in 90 days.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller didn’t have any comments.
 
JEFF WYANT’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant reported that they got the Christmas decorations and lights put up, the snow plows have been attached to the Village trucks, and he bought 3 heaters for Witt Park so the pipes won’t freeze.  He then stated that Premier Cooperative had purchased three residential properties South of the elevator and they need to be rezoned to commercial.  Attorney Miller advised that the elevator write us a letter with copies of the deeds requesting to change from residential to commercial and that they come and talk to the board during a meeting. 
          Supervisor Wyant then asked for approval to purchase a rotary broom for snow removal on Village sidewalks.  He had received a quote of $5,850.00 for one from John Deere.  The board members asked him to look into some cheaper alternatives for snow removal but decided to approve the money in case he couldn’t find anything.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to approve up to $6,000 to spend on snow removal equipment.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Harris made a motion to pay the bills with the following additions: Champaign Multimedia Group for $1,119.12.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
         
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken did not have any comments.
 
          WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
          Trustee Harris did not have any comments.
 
PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers did not have any comments.
 
PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent just wanted to thank Midstate Blaze for their donation.
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter was absent.
 
          Trustee Gadeken made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:25pm.
 
 
         
 
__________________________            __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved

​          A special meeting of the Sidney Village Board of Trustees was held on October 4th, 2021 at 6:30pm the Community Building.
 
President Arrasmith, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with the following trustees present: Bickers, Hooker, and Gadeken.  Trustees Laurent, Schluter and Harris were absent.  Clerk Fish was also present.   
 
Village President Arrasmith asked if there were any public comments and there were none.
 
Ted Hartke began by stating that a client of his located at 2097 CR 1000 North, Sidney, would like to subdivide their property.  The property consists of 11.254 acres and the owner is wanting to section off 3.93 acres of their property to a family member.  Since the owner resides within 1 ½ miles of the Village limits, they must first get permission from the Village. The board members stated that they will need to hold a public zoning meeting regarding this and then they can vote on it at the October 4th meeting.
 
Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried on a roll call vote with all ayes.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 pm.
 
 
 
 
 
_______________________________                      __________________
Approved, Village Clerk                                             Date Approved

​          The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for the regular monthly meeting.  The meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance by President Arrasmith.  The following trustees were present: Hooker, Harris, Bickers, Schluter and Laurent. Trustee Gadeken was absent.  Clerk Fish, Attorney Miller, Treasurer Reinhart and Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant were also present.  
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          Resident Kurt Foster reported that one of the posts out at Witt Park that prevents vehicles from driving through the park has been uprooted.  He also reported that there was a dented picnic table underneath the pavilion at Witt Park.
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the September 7th, 2021 open and closed sessions of the Board of Trustees regular meeting. Trustee Harris moved that the minutes of the September 7th, 2021 open and closed sessions of the Board of Trustees regular meeting be approved. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          Rosemary McCarrey with the Sidney Community Library approached the board to ask if someone could check out the sump pump wells in the basement of the library.  Their handyman is retiring and he suggested having one of them filled in.  She also asked if two of the library’s window wells could be filled in as well.  Trustee Harris and Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant said they would go take at look at both issues.   
President Arrasmith then asked the board to approve Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant’s salary increase to cover the cost to be added to his wife’s health insurance.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to increase Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant’s salary by $5 per hour.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
President Arrasmith then asked the board if they had any issues with Ted Hartke’s request for the owners of 2097 CR 1100 N, Sidney to divide their property into 2 parcels.  Trustee Harris made a motion to approve parcel #24-28-09-200-024 being divided into 2 parcels; one at 3.93 acres and one at 8 acres.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
President Arrasmith then asked the board to approve spending up to $250 to have the Sidney Community Library’s septic system inspected per Champaign Urbana Public Health Department’s request.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve up to $250 to have J and S Wastewater Systems come inspect the library’s septic system.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller didn’t have any comments.
 
JEFF WYANT’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant reported that as of September 8th the new lawn mower was in production.  We still haven’t received it, however, it should be delivered with the bagger attached in a few weeks.  He then inquired if all of the new Christmas decorations were going downtown or were some to be displayed elsewhere?  Trustee Bickers stated that the snowman family and the wreath were to be displayed at the Community Building.  He has also rented a lift for the week to take down and trim trees; he took down a tree on Scarborough and one in front of the fire station today.  He will work on taking down the dead one on North Harrison the rest of the week.  He then reported that letters went out on Oct. 1st for abandoned vehicles to be removed; they have until October 15th to move them.  He also reported that he and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey rented a bush mower and spent an entire day cleaning up the overgrown yard at 313 East Byron.
 
FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Bickers made a motion to pay the bills.  Trustee Hooker seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
          Treasurer Reinhart then passed out the audit for the Village for the year 2020.  There was nothing major to report.  
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken was absent.
 
          WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
          Trustee Harris didn’t have any comments.
 
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers reported that we had one permit #738 issued for a fence at 106 East Byron.
Trustee Bickers then stated that he would like to begin the process of getting some of the abandoned houses in the Village taken care of.  He then asked Attorney Miller what we needed to do.  Attorney Miller stated that we would need to begin by sending letters out to the properties following our ordinance guidelines.  Trustee Bickers stated that the house at 111 Eldorado Street is falling down and has animals living in it and needs to be razed.  Trustee Bickers also stated that 313 East Byron and 301 Water Tower Place need to be addressed as well.  President Arrasmith stated that he had been in contact with the owner of 203 South David Street and his intention is to have the building torn down.  He is currently getting estimates to have that done. 
 
PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent stated that he is looking into estimates to get fencing around the t-ball field and a portion of Victory Park. 
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter did not have any comments.
 
          Trustee Harris made a motion at 7:47pm that the board go into executive session for the limited purpose of discussing the employment, performance and/or compensation of one or more Village employees pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2 (c)(1).  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
Trustee Bickers made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:02pm.
 
 
         
 
__________________________            __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved

​          The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for the regular monthly meeting.  The meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance by Trustee Schluter.  President Jason Arrasmith was being quarantined at home with Covid, however he joined the meeting via a Zoom call.  The following trustees were present: Gadeken, Bickers, Schluter and Laurent. Trustee Hooker was absent.  Clerk Fish and Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant were also present. Attorney Miller and Treasurer Reinhart were absent. 
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          Ted Hartke began by stating that a client of his located at 2097 CR 1000 North, Sidney, would like to subdivide their property.  The property consists of 11.254 acres and the owner is wanting to section off 3.93 acres of their property to a family member.  Since the owner resides within 1 ½ miles of the Village limits, they must first get permission from the Village. The board members stated that they will need to hold a public zoning meeting regarding this and then they can vote on it at the October 4th meeting.
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          Trustee Schluter asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the August 2nd, 2021 Board of Trustees regular meeting.  Trustee Harris moved that the minutes of the August 2nd, 2021 Board of Trustees regular meeting be approved. Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          President Arrasmith (via the Zoom call) stated that there is a tree on North Harrison that needs an emergency removal.  He has spoken with Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant and he feels that he can safely remove the tree in-house with renting the appropriate equipment.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve up to $1,500 for renting a boom lift to cut down that tree and trim others in town that need it.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.  President Arrasmith would also like Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant to make a list of the sidewalks around the Village that are being damaged by trees to be repaired this spring.
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller was absent.
 
JEFF WYANT’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant stated that he had painted the bus shelters that were built at the Community Building but is still waiting on stencils to finish decorating them.  He also reported that the oil and chipping and street patching had been completed for the year and that they had completed the border at Victory Park.
 
FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Clerk Fish since Trustee Hooker was absent.  Trustee Harris made a motion to pay the bills with the addition of $1,000 to Dan Moisson for the website. Trustee Bickers seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.   
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken reported that both speeding signs were up and running on either side of Main Street.  47,575 cars came through last month on the West side of town.  Trustee Gadeken did not have a full month’s information for the East side sign.
          Trustee Gadeken then stated that the Village needs to purchase a bagger for one of the new lawn mowers for use at Witt Park and other areas around town.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve up to $2,500 to purchase a bagger for the new lawn mower.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          Trustee Gadeken also reported that Village Maintenance Supervisor Wyant had ordered road pack and has rocked 3 alleyways in town and has 2 more to do.
 
          WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
          Trustee Harris began by saying that all of the baseball equipment at Witt Park needs to be replaced as well as a purchasing a portable pitcher’s mound.  Trustee Harris made a motion to spend up to $7,000 to replace the baseball equipment.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          Trustee Harris then made a point to recommend that the Village start taking their vehicles to Keller Automotive here in town for repairs.    
 
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers stated that he would like to begin the process of getting some of the abandoned houses in the Village taken care of, however, Attorney Miller was not present to advise.
          Trustee Bickers also stated that he would like The Sidney Saloon to put up a “No Parking” sign along their patio fence off of Byron.
 
 
 
PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent did not have any comments.
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter stated that he had Dan Moisson update the website.
 
          Trustee Gadeken made a motion at 7:42pm that the board go into executive session for the limited purpose of discussing the employment, performance and/or compensation of one or more Village employees pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2 (c)(1).  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
Trustee Gadeken made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Trustee Bickers seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:19pm.
 
 
         
 
__________________________            __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved        

​          The Sidney Village Board met on the above date for the regular monthly meeting.  The meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  President Jason Arrasmith called the meeting to order.  The following trustees were present: Harris, Hooker, Gadeken, Laurent, and Schluter. Trustee Bickers, Attorney Miller and Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey were absent.  Clerk Fish and Treasurer Reinhart were also present. 
 
          PUBLIC COMMENTS:
         
          Resident Kurt Foster wanted to thank Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey for the quick clean up of all the debris after the weekend’s storm.  He also wanted to let the Village know that there is some poison ivy on a tree behind 101 North Harrison that needs to be taken care of.
          Resident Laura Curtis spoke next about possibly getting some volunteers together to help make our community look better.  Trustee Laurent suggested that she organize a group (separate from the Village) possibly on Facebook to see if she could get people to help her. 
 
          PRESIDENT ARRASMITH’S COMMENTS
 
          President Arrasmith asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the June 7th, 2021 Board of Trustees regular meeting and the June 28th, 2021 Special Meeting.  Trustee Schluter moved that the minutes of the June 7th, 2021 Board of Trustees regular meeting be approved. Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  Trustee Gadeken moved that the minutes for the special session on June 28th, 2021 be approved.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked the board to approve Clerk Fish’s request to attend the IML Conference in Chicago on Sept. 23rd-Sept. 26th, 2021.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve up to $2,000 for Clerk Fish to attend the IML Conference.  Trustee Schluter seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          Clerk Fish then asked the board for permission for Rick Sloane, since he could not attend the meeting, to take down the handicap rail that runs horizontally in front of his business at 214 South David.  The board members were all in agreement that he could take it down.
          President Arrasmith then asked to board to approve the estimate to install cameras inside the Village Maintenance shed.  Trustee Gadeken made a motion to approve $135 to install cameras inside of the shop.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then asked for a motion to approve the new 10 year franchise agreement with Comcast.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to approve the agreement.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
          President Arrasmith then addressed the board with concerns for the safety of the building at 201 South David that recently had a fire.  The board members discussed different options, such as, placing a high fence around the building until it is repaired or razed.  Trustee Harris made a motion to allow President Arrasmith to spend up to $5,000 to do whatever is necessary to make the building safe for Village residents.  Trustee Gadeken seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          President Arrasmith then asked the board members what donation amount they would like to make to the Sidney Improvement Group to support Fun Daze.  Trustee Laurent made a motion to donate $3,000 to SIG for Fun Daze.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.   
         
ATTORNEY MILLER’S COMMENTS
 
          Attorney Miller was not present.
 
JARIN WILSEY’S COMMENTS
 
          Village Maintenance Employee Wilsey was absent.
 
FINANCE REPORT
 
          The financial reports were read by Trustee Hooker.  Trustee Hooker  moved that the bills be paid with the additions of Orkin for $94.00, Premier Cooperative for $1,052.90, CU-HVAC for $360 and the News Gazette for $1,057,60. Trustee Harris seconded the motion.  The motion carried with all ayes on a roll call vote.  
          Trustee Hooker then approached the board to ask 2 or 3 H frame panels to provide more permanent and adequate power for vendors during Fun Daze.  Trustee Hooker made a motion to approve up to $5,000 to install what was needed for Fun Daze.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          Treasurer Reinhart addressed the board with the issue of the outstanding Frontier bill in the amount of $309.53.  She and Trustee Laurent have contacted Frontier numerous times regarding them wrongfully billing the Village for this.  She stated they would not budge and this is the lowest they would go on this bill.  They wrongfully created a new account number for ESDA because we didn’t port the number over even though we disconnected it.  Treasurer Reinhart stated that we have three options: pay the bill, let it go to collections or try to fight it.  The board members decided that it would probably cost more money to fight it than to just pay it.  Trustee Harris made a motion to have the Mayor call them regarding the bill one last time before paying it to see if that would help; if not, then to go ahead and pay it.  Trustee Hooker seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes except for Trustee Gadeken who voted nay.     
 
            STREETS AND ALLEY
 
          Trustee Gadeken reported on the radar sign that was installed by the Dairy Barn.  54,778 cars came through Sidney last month with 69% of those caught speeding by the radar. 
          Trustee Gadeken then made a motion to approve an increase of $5,000 to the MFT Tar and Chip bid for the roads.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
 
          WATER/SEWER/UTILITY
 
Trustee Harris reported that the catch basin on North Harrison was done.  He also reported that Donna Hooker had spoken with the Longview Bank President and that he had stated that the pond behind their property is not their responsibility.
 
          PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          Trustee Bickers was absent, however, President Arrasmith reported that permit #737 was issued for a fence at 611 Dunlap Woods.
 
PARKS AND RECREATION
 
          Trustee Laurent made a motion to spend up to $6,000 to purchase infield conditioner for the ballfields at Witt Park.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
          Trustee Laurent then stated that they were having an issue with an individual being disruptive at the baseball games at Witt Park.  Trustee Harris said that he had talked with Attorney Miller and that if they continued to have a problem with this individual, they would have to obtain a no trespass order. 
          Trustee Harris also reported that someone was going to be coming to inspect the light poles at Witt Park.
 
          COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
          Trustee Schluter made a motion to issue the Sidney Improvement Group a temporary liquor license for Fun Daze on Friday, July 30th and Saturday July 31st, 2021.  Trustee Harris seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.
 
          Trustee Gadeken made a motion to go into executive session for the limited purposes of discussing the employment, performance and/or compensation of one or more village employees pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1) at 8:09pm.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote. 
 
Trustee Gadeken made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Trustee Laurent seconded the motion; the motion passed with all ayes on a roll call vote.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:24pm.
 
 
         
 
__________________________            __________________________
Maggie Fish, Village Clerk                      Date approved