South Central Reporter

Village of New Baden Board of Trustees met Nov. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Regular Meeting of the New Baden Village Board was held on Monday, November 18, 2024. The meeting was held at New Baden Village Hall, 1 E Hanover St, with a physical quorum of the New Baden Village Board present. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Zurliene at 7:00 pm.

Present and answering to roll call: Mayor Taylor Zurliene; Trustees Chris Locke, Rebecca Schomaker, and Larry Thoeming. Board Members Absent: Trustees Bob Oster, Cindi Meredith-Wheelan, and Christine Jackson. Staff Members Present: Village Clerk Teri Crane; Village Administrator/ Chief Building & Zoning Official Galen Mahle; Attorney Luke Behme of Bruckert, Behme & Long, P.C.; Public Works Commissioner Tim Deien; and Treasurer Casey Weekley. Staff Members Absent: Chief of Police Chuck Mackin; and Ambulance Director Allen Gilbert.

Treasurer’s Report

Board members reviewed the October 2024 Treasurer’s Report prepared by Treasurer Weekley.

Arrival: Trustee Jackson

Trustee Christine Jackson arrived at 7:03 pm.

Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Trustee Schomaker and seconded by Trustee Jackson to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of current invoices and minutes from the November 4, 2024, regular meeting.

Ayes: Trustees Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.

Nays: None.

Absent: Trustees Oster, Meredith-Wheelan.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried.

Ordinance 2024-11-18-A: Amending the Village Zoning Code Regarding the Community Business District

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Schomaker to approve Ordinance 2024-11-18-A: Amending the Village Zoning Code Regarding the Community Business District. This zoning change is a recommendation from the Community and Economic Development Committee that met on October 22, 2024; and was further discussed at the November 4 Regular meeting of the Village Board. The change pertains to design standards and building materials.

Ayes: Trustees Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.

Nays: None.

Absent: Trustees Oster, Meredith-Wheelan.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried.

Ordinance 2024-11-18-B: Amending the Village Zoning Code Regarding the Highway Business District

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Thoeming to approve Ordinance 2024-11-18-B: Amending the Village Zoning Code Regarding the Highway Business District. This zoning change is a recommendation from the Community and Economic Development Committee that met on October 22, 2024; and was further discussed at the November 4 Regular meeting of the Village Board. The change pertains to design standards and building materials.

Ayes: Trustees Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.

Nays: None.

Absent: Trustees Oster, Meredith-Wheelan.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried.

Ordinance 2024-11-18-C: Amending the Village Zoning Code Regarding the Light Industrial District

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Thoeming to approve Ordinance 2024-11-18-C: Amending the Village Zoning Code Regarding the Light Industrial District. This zoning change is a recommendation from the Community and Economic Development Committee that met on October 22, 2024; and was further discussed at the November 4 Regular meeting of the Village Board. The change pertains to design standards and building materials.

Ayes: Trustees Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.

Nays: None.

Absent: Trustees Oster, Meredith-Wheelan.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried.

2025 Tax Levy Estimates

Village Board members reviewed the 2025 Tax Levy Estimates that are required, by State Law, to be approved by the majority of the corporate authorities. The overall tax levy amount is estimated at $1,043,517.84, which is an increase of 4.99% over the prior year’s extension. Village Administrator Mahle presented four (4) options for Board members to review for the 2025 Tax Levy: 1) his recommended proposal, 2.903%; 2) minimal change, covering costs, .543%; 3) 4.99%; and 4) maximum rates, 11.68% (which would require a Truth in Taxation Public Hearing). The proposed tax levy does include the Ambulance Special Service Area (soon to become the Lookingglass Emergency Services District, as approved by referendum on November 5, 2024). Discussion on options between the 2.903% and 4.99%; Mr. Mahle will have those numbers prepared for the December 2 Board meeting for review.

A motion was made by Trustee Schomaker and seconded by Trustee Locke to authorize the 2025 Tax Levy Estimates as presented by Village Administrator Mahle.

Ayes: Trustees Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.

Nays: None.

Absent: Trustees Oster, Meredith-Wheelan.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried.

2025 Tax Levy Approach

Village Administrator Mahle presented the Tax Levy approach for the 2025 Tax Levy. Tax Levy details: 1) December 2, 2024: Final review of 2025 Tax Levy options; 2) December 16, 2024: 2025 Tax Levy Public Hearing at 6:30pm (if necessary); and 3) December 16, 2024: 2025 Tax Levy Ordinance approval.

2024 Legion Memorial Pool Season Review

Village Administrator Mahle received correspondence from the Gateway Region YMCA - Clinton County Branch regarding the 2024 Legion Memorial Pool Season. Board members were provided the final financial report in the agenda packet. The Financial Report indicates that the pool brought in revenue of $35,150 and had expenses of $35,371. Per the agreement for the management of the Pool, the Village will owe the Clinton County YMCA $13,721 (typo on the posted agenda), which is the $13,500 Management Fee plus the difference in revenue and expenses of $221.

2024 Legion Memorial Pool Season Management Fee

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Schomaker to authorize the Management Fee payment for the 2024 Legion Memorial Pool Season to the Gateway Region YMCA for $13,721 (typo on the posted agenda).

Ayes: Trustees Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.

Nays: None.

Absent: Trustees Oster, Meredith-Wheelan.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried.

Liability Insurance Proposal for 2024-2025: Property/ Casualty

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Locke to authorize the proposal from Counties of Illinois Risk Management Agency (CIRMA) for Property/ Casualty Insurance, not to exceed $105,564. This policy is effective from December 1, 2024 to December 1, 2025.

Ayes: Trustees Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.

Nays: None.

Absent: Trustees Oster, Meredith-Wheelan.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried.

Workers’ Compensation Renewal Proposal 2024- 2025

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Locke to authorize the proposal received from Illinois Public Risk Fund (IPRF) for Workers’ Compensation, $91,728. This policy is effective from January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026.

Ayes: Trustees Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.

Nays: None.

Absent: Trustees Oster, Meredith-Wheelan.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried.

Cyber Insurance Proposal 2024-2025

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Locke to authorize the Cowbell Cyber Insurance Program proposal received from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., for $1,548. This policy is effective from December 1, 2024 to December 1, 2025.

Ayes: Trustees Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.

Nays: None.

Absent: Trustees Oster, Meredith-Wheelan.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried.

C.J. Schlosser & Company, LLC, Engagement Letter for Fiscal Years 2025, 2026 & 2027 Audits

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Schomaker to authorize C.J. Schlosser and Company, LLC, to conduct the Village’s Audit for Fiscal Years 2025, 2026 and 2027 at a cost of $15,875, $16, 510, and $17,170, respectively. If required to provide an in-relation-to opinion on the CYFER (Consolidated Year End Financial Report) as part of GATA (Grant Accountability and Transparency Act), an additional amount of $375 will be required each year.

Ayes: Trustees Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.

Nays: None.

Absent: Trustees Oster, Meredith-Wheelan.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried.

Citizen’s to Address Board

Resident Denny Brinkman, 308 N 9th St, addressed the Board about issues with the ditch behind his home. He stated he attended a Board meeting several years ago (August 2022 per past minute review) to bring his concerns to the Village Board. After that meeting, the Public Works Department installed rip rap, but it is washing out and needs to be addressed again. Public Works Commissioner Deien stated he would check it out.

Executive Session

A motion was made by Trustee Schomaker and seconded by Trustee Locke to recess the regular meeting to Closed Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, of the public body, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).

Ayes: Trustees Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.

Nays: None.

Absent: Trustees Oster, Meredith-Wheelan.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried and the meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 7:32 pm.

Meeting reconvened at 7:53 pm.

Present and answering to roll call: Mayor Taylor Zurliene; Trustees Chris Locke,

Rebecca Schomaker, Christine Jackson, and Larry Thoeming. Board Members Absent:

Trustees Bob Oster and Cindi Meredith-Wheelan.

There being no further business to be brought before the Village Board, a motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Schomaker to adjourn the meeting.

Ayes: Trustees Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming.

Nays: None.

Absent: Trustees Oster, Meredith-Wheelan.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried; the meeting adjourned at 7:53 pm.

https://newbadenil.com/agendas-minutes/