South Central Reporter

Village of New Baden Board of Trustees met July 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Regular Meeting of the New Baden Village Board was held on Monday, July 21, 2025. The meeting was held at New Baden Village Hall, 1 E Hanover St, with a physical quorum of the Village Board present. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Oster at 7:00 pm.

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

Citizen to Address the Board

Kim Martinez, 1101 E Cedar St, addressed the Board with concerns about the drainage ditch behind her home. She approached the Board in July 2024 with this same issue. At that time, the Public Works Department cleaned out the concrete swale in that subdivision. Then Village Administrator Mahle sent letters to the property owners making them aware that the ditch was their responsibility to maintain going forward. Ms. Martinez stated that they have continued to maintain their portion, but other homeowners have not, and issues are occurring. This is the retention area for the Eastview Estates Subdivision and runs through the properties to the east; a concrete swale runs the length of the area. Mayor Oster stated that the letter previously sent will be reviewed, and homeowners will be contacted.

Trustee Thoeming Arrived

Trustee Thoeming arrived at 7:02 pm.

Treasurer’s Report

Board members reviewed the June 2025 Treasurer’s Report prepared by Treasurer Weekley.

Community & Economic Development Committee Meeting

The Community & Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes from the July 9 meeting were presented to the Board for review. Trustee Kalmer, committee chair, stated items will be discussed at a future Board meeting regarding the Village’s Sign Regulations and Liquor Code.

Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Schomaker to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of current invoices, and minutes from the June 16, 2025, regular meeting; the July 7, 2025, regular meeting was canceled. The Consent Agenda also included approval of the following: 1) New Baden Chamber of Commerce request to use the Village Park grounds for the 21st Annual Chili/ Soup Cook off from 5pm on Friday, October 24, through 12 noon on Sunday, October 26, 2025; 2) Chamber of Commerce request for closure of Circle Drive at Village Park for 2025 Cook off and placement of “No Parking” signs; 3) Approve Class “E” Liquor License (Civic Organization): Chamber of Commerce Chili/ Soup Cook-off on Saturday, October 25, 2025; 4) Chamber of Commerce Sign Request for placement of signs at Village Park for 2025 Cook-off; 5) Chamber of Commerce request for Waiving of Fees associated with the Police Protection Policy for 2025 Cook-off; 6) Approve Class “E” Liquor License (Civic Organization): New Baden Zion United Church of Christ for a Wine & Beer Tasting in conjunction with the Festival of Trees on Friday, November 21, 2025, at St. George Community Life Center, 317 E Maple St; and 7) Zion UCC Sign Request for placement of signs at Village Park for Festival of Trees on November 20-22.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

Resolution 2025-07-21-A: Authorizing an Employment Agreement with Mike Kuhl as Building Inspector

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Schomaker to approve Resolution 2025-07-21-A: Authorizing an Employment Agreement with Mike Kuhl as Building Inspector. The Village Administrator will continue to be the Chief Building and Zoning Official. Mark Thaler, the former Building Inspector, will continue performing inspections solely for the new Municipal Building.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

Ambulance Personnel

With the addition of new Ambulance Personnel, Trustees Schomaker and Jackson requested clarification from Ambulance Director Gilbert. He explained that standard shift staffing includes one Paramedic and one EMT. The Transport Truck, which operates only Monday through Friday, requires two EMTs. Mr. Gilbert stated the additional hires are just added to the roster of personnel.

Ambulance Service Hire: PRN EMT Basic: Scott Gunnerson

A motion was made by Trustee Schomaker and seconded by Trustee Jackson to approve the hire of Scott Gunnerson as a PRN EMT Basic for the New Baden Ambulance Service.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

Ambulance Service Hire: PRN EMT Basic: Logan Attaway

A motion was made by Trustee Schomaker and seconded by Trustee Jackson to approve the hire of Logan Attaway as a PRN EMT Basic for the New Baden Ambulance Service.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

New Municipal Building Update

Mayor Oster reported that there have been some delays due to rain, but concrete is being poured.

Steeple View Estates Drainage Project

Mayor Oster stated that the Steeple View Estates Drainage Project has been an on-going discussion for about 4-years. It is a budgeted project for Fiscal Year 2026. This project will address sink holes, inlets, and concrete repairs within the subdivision. Some properties do have items in easements that will need to be moved; residents will be contacted closer to the project start date.

Agreement with HMG Engineers for Water Main Replacement (Missouri St/ Franklin St/ Indiana St

A motion was made by Trustee Schomaker and seconded by Trustee Locke to authorize an Agreement with HMG Engineers for Water Main Replacement (Missouri St/ Franklin St/ Indiana St), not to exceed $21,500. The engineering for the project is in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to replace the cast iron water main in these locations.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

Agreement with HMG Engineers For Christopher Lane Reconstruction

A motion was made by Trustee Schomaker and seconded by Trustee Jackson to authorize an Agreement with HMG Engineers For Christopher Lane Reconstruction, not to exceed $58,000. This project is in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to replace the damaged concrete street with asphalt.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

Purchase: Solar Radar Signs for County Line Road

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Locke to authorize the purchase of solar radar signs, not to exceed $3,000. These signs will be placed on North Clinton St/ County Line Road. Mayor Oster stated that historically, stop signs do not control traffic. In an effort to slow motor vehicles traveling this road, these radar signs will be placed and violators will be fined. A Facebook post will be made to make residents aware that this speed limit will be enforced by the New Baden Police Department.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

Purchase: Xpedition Power Chair for Ambulance Service

A motion was made by Trustee Schomaker and seconded by Trustee Jackson to authorize the purchase of Xpedition Power Chair from Stryker Medical for Ambulance Service for $17,729.43. This powered transport chair is designed to assist emergency personnel in safely moving patients with minimal physical strain, especially during transport on inclines or over uneven surfaces. The chair improves operational efficiency, enhances patient safety, and reduces risk of injury to personnel. This purchase was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

Pay Request #2: New Municipal Building: Holland Construction Services Inc

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Locke to authorize Holland Construction Services Inc Pay Request #2 for Holland Construction Services Inc for the New Municipal Building in the amount of $35,213.43.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

Pay Request #2: New Municipal Building: Holland General Construction

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Locke to authorize Holland Construction Services Inc Pay Request #2 for Holland General Construction for the New Municipal Building in the amount of $6,300.00.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

Pay Request #2: New Municipal Building: Millenium Construction LLC

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Locke to authorize Holland Construction Services Inc Pay Request #2 for Millenium Construction LLC for the New Municipal Building in the amount of $9,540.00.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

Pay Request #2: New Municipal Building: Mueth Excavation LLC

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Locke to authorize Holland Construction Services Inc Pay Request #2 for Mueth Excavation LLC for the New Municipal Building in the amount of $115,146.00.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

Dedication of Bench at Village Park: New Baden Lions Club

An application has been received for a Park Bench Donation from the New Baden Lions Club. Lions Club representative Sara Holtgrave was present; she stated that for many years, the Lions Club have collected plastic bottle caps that are turned into benches. The Lions recently acquired a bench, and the “Leaps of Love” organization, has also donated a bench. The benches will have plaques about Childhood Cancer Awareness. Public Works Commissioner Deien will determine the best location for the benches; he will work with the Park Booster Playground Committee as well.

A motion was made by Trustee Jackson and seconded by Trustee Locke to approve the placement of a Park Benches donated by the Lions Club at the New Baden Park.

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Jackson, Thoeming, Kalmer.

Nays: None.

Absent: Pederson.

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

Police Department Updates

Trustee Schomaker inquired on status of the newest Police vehicle; per Chief Mackin, the vehicle has been acquired and is currently being upfitted. Trustee Jackson asked about the status of the Training Building. Chief Mackin stated it is moving along; he thanked the Public Works Department for pouring concrete. Mayor Oster extended thanks to Aviston Lumber for their continued support of the project and acquiring what is needed for the construction.

North Clinton St Sidewalks

Trustee Kalmer reported that the span of road from Deborah Court to Hillside Drive is 500 feet; she is looking into the cost to have sidewalks installed.

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

Ayes: Locke, Schomaker, Thoeming, Kalmer, Pederson.

Nays: None.

Absent: Jackson.

A majority of the Board voting aye, the motion carried; the meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm. Teri Crane, Village Clerk; Approved: August 4, 2025

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