City of Virginia

October 10th , 2022

Regular Meeting Minutes

Meeting Called to Order: 7pm

Roll Call:  Martin, Bowman, Wulf, Knous, and Cox all answered present.  Pratt not present

Agenda Approval: Alderman Cox made a motion to approve the agenda and Alderman Bowman seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

Minutes Approval:  Alderman Knous made a motion to approve the minutes and Alderwoman Martin seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

Approval of Monthly Bills:  Alderwoman Martin made a motion to approve the monthly bills and Alderman Knous seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Barrett stated that the income is up higher than budget expectations due to increased tax money.  He also stated that the water and sewer sales are above the budgeted amount.  Expenses are under budget except for commodities.  Treasurer Barrett also added that Kayla got insurance check for the roof and there is supposed to be more coming.  The total will be around 25k.  Tax levy is ready for next month, that will be the first reading for that.

Sales Tax $17467.07

Gaming $5944.87

 

Guests:

Reg Ankrom, Susan McDevitt, Steve Clark, Terry Ayres, Pat Noltensmeier

Public Comment

Reg Ankrom:

Mr. Ankrom stated that he is the President of company that does the electric aggregate.  He stated last March, we recommended the residents to go back to Ameren.  Mr. Ankrom stated that our job is to find prices lower than Ameren and we have been able to do that since 2012.  We have been looking for a new contract to replace the one that ended in March but the ones that we were getting from other companies were more than what Ameren was charging.  We have been looking for 18 months for better pricing for residents.  Prices are starting to fall but they are not less than what Ameren is charging.  Our recommendation was that the residents go back to Ameren.   Unfortunately, we are looking for higher prices for a while as we look into the future. The ordinance that was passed before allowed the Mayor to approve the contract without board approval.  Alderwoman Martin asked Mr. Ankrom if he was a consultant, but that does not require the people to use your company?  Ankrom states yes.  Alderwoman Martin asks is there a time limit? Ankrom states depends on the contract, typically our contracts have been 3 years but it can be 12 months, 24 months, 36 months, or 48 months.  Ankrom states that we monitor the rates for you.  The city has the responsibility to keep the contract, but the residents can opt out at any time.  Alderman Cox asks if we pass this then we don’t have to do anything? Ankrom replied that is correct.  Alderwoman Martin asks if you are already on Ameren then you don’t have to do anything? Ankrom states that it is our job to communicate to the residents the logistics of it all.  Ankrom states they he works for Virginia, not the supplier.  Ankrom states the supplier pays our service fee.  Virginia is in a group of 16, everyone pays the same rate.

 

Terry Ayres:

Mr. Ayres told the council he was appreciative of them hearing his concerns before and that they were taken care of. Mayor McClure states that he got an email from A-Team and they are going to propose putting recycling containers.  Ayres also wanted to know about police chief.  Mayor states we will give report on that pretty soon.

Monthly Reports

Ordinance Officer Ordinance Officer Large stated that there were 25 notices sent out to properties.  Everyone is getting 15-30 days. She stated that the30 day notices are for residents that have a lot of stuff going on, those state that they have 30 days to start the process.  She added that she has gotten calls from people for clarification on what the notice was about.  Then she added that If you don’t call, she cant explain.  Alderman Cox asks about the Velten buildings.  Ordinance Officer Large states she sent notices.  Alderwoman Martin states those buildings just sold too.  Attorney Veith requests when we talk about specific peoples properties in open session that it doesn’t get printed in the newspaper as he doesn’t think that would be fair to the residents.  Attorney Veith also added that he understands that the council has specific concerns about properties but if we could refrain from singling out people in the newspaper. The council will receive a copy of the properties that have been addressed.

Police Chief no report

Fire Chief Responded to: traffic control on 19th car vs semi, mutual aid w Chandlerville on 20th, false alarm on Hardin St, and mutual aid with Ashland with field fire/combine fire.  The fire department will be participating in the Trunk or Treat on Friday October 28th.

Zoning Officer no report

Park Board Alderman Cox stated that they are working on lights around the walking path and the city crew cutting down dead trees.  There will soon be getting a pickle ball court set up and there are some residents that are donating the funds to complete this project.  Log cabin days were Saturday.  Spooktacular October 22nd will be happening at the park.  Next meeting October 19th 7pm

Library Board no report

Economic Development Alderwoman Martin stated that Christmas in Virginia is coming up and we will print up some flyers that will promote events.  If anyone has an event coming up, let us know so we can let people know.

Cemetery no report

TIF Treasurer Barrett mentioned there is one application at this time, will get a meeting set up soon for that applicant.

 

Attorneys Report

Attorney Veith states there is an ordinance approving recommendation of the zoning board of appeals to amend the zoning for Caraway Pub under new business.

Aldermanic Reports

Cox thanked the city crew as they got most of the alleys paved.  He also wanted to remind people of city wide pick up.  Alderwoman Martin asks how much before they get charged? Mayor McClure states one dump truck and after that there will be a fee.  Alderwoman Martin asks about street signs and Alderman Cox states its in the works.

Knous stated they met last Tuesday with someone that we are looking to hire, Eric Shumate, as Chief of Police.  He accepted the offer that we have given him to be our new Chief.  He was hired and now we are trying to help him find a place to live in town.  If anyone has any suggestions, please let us know.

Wulf wanted to know if anything had been done about the tree on Springfield St? Mayor states Ratliff will check it out.

Bowman stated he is getting bids for insurance for employees.  He is also speaking with a lady from Chicago about stipends.  When we receive quotes back, we will hold a meeting to review

Pratt.  not in attendance

Martin nothing to report

City Clerks Report

Council packets are available at city hall for those who are wanting to run for Alderman.

Mayors Report

Mayor states there have been a few people who have resigned from zoning board.  Recommending Mike Finn to be re-appointed to the zoning board.

Unfinished Business

  1. Discuss and/or purchase computer program for Code Enforcing Officer

Mayor states that we need to purchase a program.  Large states $2000 for the year plus an install fee.  Treasurer Barrett states he met with City Treasurer of Havana and he doesn’t like his software.  We are still looking for a financial program for our office.  Knous asks what does this come out of? Barrett states the General Fund.  Large states it will speed things up.  With nothing further to discuss, Alderman Cox made a motion to purchase the computer program for the Code Enforcing Officer and Alderman Bowman seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

New Business

  1. AN Ordinance Approving the Recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals to Amend 101-103 S Front St and 107 S Front Street from B1 to B2, with waiver of first reading.

With nothing further to discuss Alderman Cox made a motion to approve the ordinance approving the recommendation of the zoning board of appeals to amend 101-103 S Front and 107 S Front Street from B1 to B2 with waiver of first reading and Alderman Knous seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

  1. Virginia’s Electric Aggregation Program (Give Mayor permission to accept bids)

With nothing further to discuss Alderwoman Martin made a motion to give the Mayor permission to accept bids for the electric aggregation program and Alderman Cox seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

At 750pm, Alderman Cox made a motion to adjourn to go into Executive Session and Alderwoman Martin seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

At 817pm, the council returned from Executive Session.

Pat Noltensmeier asks for clarification on the second recycling bin.  Mayor states it still needs to get welded.  A-Team is going to provide a bin for recycling for free.

Zoning Officer Merriman stated that he is going to contact someone about the rumble strips on 125.  They would have to probably do a safety study.  The other issue with the sign, will get you a number for the permit office at the state.  It is on state property.  Alderwoman Martin asks is it took close to the highway? Merriman states yes, they have already started and cut the state curb.

With nothing further to discuss at 823pm, Alderwoman made a motion to adjourn the council meeting and Alderman Cox seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

________________________________                                                ________________________________

Randy McClure, Mayor                                                                               Ashley Cox, City Clerk