The Norris City Village Board met in its regular monthly session Monday night for an hour and a half. Scott Mareing was there and has this report…
Rob Wielt (Wilt), Senior Energy Management Consultant with Affordable Gas and Electric spoke to the board members about their electricity contract with Homefield Energy, which is a 24 month deal that will expire this November. He noted that electricity rates are soaring, as the price per kilowatt hour has doubled in just a short time. Since it’s predicted that the price will continue to rapidly rise with no end in sight, Wielt recommended the village agree to a 48 month contract which will lock in the rate at .096580 cents per kilowatt hour. He also recommended the same four year deal for the price per kilowatt hour for the village’s street lights, which will be .076790 cents. After a discussion, knowing they really had no other choice, the board members unanimously approved both measures.
One of the water well pumps, which has been in use for 22 years has deteriorated and has to be replaced. The estimated cost could be about $50,000.
The board authorized Mayor “Skip” Land to sign the paperwork for pay-out number six on Phase Three of the water project.
The MFT 2022 contract for oiling and chipping of streets was approved.
The board decided to turn down John Schofield’s request to pave the old bank parking lot his trailer is on as the village will maintain ownership of the property, but let him continue to live in the trailer as long as he keeps it clean and doesn’t keep any vehicles or equipment on it.
Concerning some lots in town, there is a parcel on Conger Street where the house on it is for sale and the attorneys will handle the negotiations. A parcel at 506 North Division Street was recently purchased by a company out of Florida called Cheap Lands, which buys properties around the country for tax purposes. The village has had difficulty contacting them, as the house on the property is falling apart and needs to be demolished. Also another property on North Division Street is owned by the village and is for sale. The Mayor was given permission to negotiate the sale, and the starting price is $2,200.
Novacom had the lowest bid for cameras to be installed around town, which will be in two phases, at a total cost of $19,999. First, a total of 18 cameras will be placed at the Huelett and Beatty ball fields and five at the water plant.
A committee will meet with the Norris City Athletic Association to go over the contract the NCAA has with Norris City, as there has been a dispute over maintenance of the ball fields.
The Illinois EPA water report will be published in the Dollar Saver.
The Norris City Library has decided to disband their deal with the Wakeford property as the building on it is falling apart, mostly due to leaks. They will do clean up and return the property to the village.
The board agreed to allow Shorty’s BBQ to play live music evenings as long as they stop at a reasonable time.
In the police report for May, there were 12 reports written, three arrests made, and 11 citations issued. One accident report was filed of a car hitting a deer and there was a city ordinance violation warning for private sewage disposal. There were also four 9-1-1 calls. The new squad car is here and will go to Novacom to be equipped with cameras on June 13th.
The board adjourned at 8:29 PM. The next village board meeting will be on Tuesday, July 5th at 7 PM.
