The Norris City Village Board met Tuesday night due to the Labor Day holiday. Scott Mareing was there and has this report
The major topic of discussion actually came near the end of the meeting, as Mayor Skip Land and the board members discussed hiring another full-time police officer. This officer would work with the School Resource Officer at the Norris City schools. They would mostly be situated outside the schools off and on during the day, especially at the beginning of the day, during lunchtime, and at the end of the day. The village would pay half the salary with the other half coming from the schools. Mayor Land noted that there has been a lot of interest in this from residents. The board members unanimously approved starting the process of hiring a new officer.
The Mayor also said new radios are in all the police vehicles and they are looking to buy a new computer for dispatch, four new alcohol sensors, three backseat squad car cages, and a shotgun, which he was given approval to purchase.
A draft resolution was approved concerning the ball fields, to let the park committee handle all ball field operations, including the scheduling of games, insurance, and other matters. The committee would work with the various organizations to put together a master schedule. Schedules will have to be in by February 1st of 2023. This will hopefully avoid confusion for the various groups that want to use the fields.
A repayment schedule for the Phase III Water Main Project was approved for the last payment to Wiggs Excavating for $35,375.63 and payment to Brown and Roberts Engineering for $15,035.65.
The insurance company accepted the claim on the damage to the Water Well.
The board agreed to table until next month’s meeting to appoint a new TIF Committee member so it can be put into a formal resolution. Board members Kevin Pettijohn and Judy Daubs will oversee the process.
There is an offer on the Wakeford property pending upcoming inspections and the village is looking to vacate the lot they own on Level and Conger Streets.
The Illinois Department of Transportation, has approved the street closures for Dairy Days September 23rd and 24th.
It was agreed to allow Bond Lumber to extend the south entrance on Division Street and make a wider turn area for semis.
The board agreed to put a STOP sign at North East Street and Orchard Street.
Trick or Treat hours will be on Saturday, October 29th from 4 to 7 PM. Please leave your porch light on if you will accept trick-or-treaters. A portion of Second Street will be blocked off for Trunk or Treat activities on Sunday, October 30th.
The employee Christmas Party will be held on December 10th at 5 PM at The 20’s Hideout in Marion.
In the Police report for August, there were 12 reports written, five accident reports, six arrests made, nine citations issued, and 15 traffic stops verbal or written warnings, as well as six 9-1-1 calls. Also, the new squad car, picked up from NovaCom on August 26th is up and running. And new officer Kody Jones is now patrolling on his own.
The board adjourned at 8:22 PM.
The next village board meeting is Monday, October 3rd at 7 PM.
