April 13, 2021 at 8:00 PM - Village of Kenesaw - Board of Trustees Meeting

Discussion:  Also Present: Village Clerk-Cindy Kiefer; Village Maintenance-Jeff Edmondson; Henry Wilson, Jon Denkert, Jon Sundberg-SPPD, Jeff Foster-SPPD, Sheriff Deputy Rick Funrenholtz

Discussion:  Jeff Foster new area manager - for SPPD gave a report for the the last year.  The Report is available for review at the Village Clerks Office.  He also provided information about SPPD
looking at a project in the Upland area for wind generation - Also a solar project- location TBD.  He also provided an information regarding matching grants that may be available to municipalities.  i.e. KVFD /Baseball field etc. to apply for a matching grant  - depending on grant for percent of matching.   Mid to late 2022  they are hoping to have all Kenesaw street lights changed over to LED.

Discussion:  John Denkert addressed the board regarding his concern for the issue of the deterioration of the current building and would like to see the Village take care of the current building and not just leave it sitting empty   John noted that he and his dad Roger Denkert would like to help the community by providing the Village with the property across the street from the current Village office building next to the Kenesaw Senior Center provided that the Board will provide Roger with a letter of acquisition with a minimum property value of $25,000.00.  Question was raised regarding the cost for demolishing the current building.  Guesstimated cost is no less than $100,000 just for demo.   Tim Schirmer provided information regarding possible grants available from the  ACVV.  Suggested that a community committee be put together to look at Kenesaw improvement with regard to grants and such. The board requested Clerk Kiefer to have Attorney Lieske draft the requested acquisition letter for review by both parties.  The board also reviewed the survey report that was provided by Olsson showing the property lines of the property in question.   

Discussion:  Clerk Kiefer presented to the board 5 application for pool life guards which had been recommended by Pool Manager Kroos.   There are three returning applicants and two new applicants.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Edmondson presented to the board that he had two summer maintenance applicants.  He stated that due to the fact that last summer they were not able get many of the things needed to be done due to COVID.   He would like to hire both applicants so for this summer to help get caught up from last year.  

Discussion:  Chairman Kroos presented information regarding current DHM for our county.  She stated that KVFD (Fire Chief Brandon) is needing to know if KVFD can rent out the fire hall again.  Discussion regarding making sure that Liability insurance(COI) is provided to KVFD to be able to use the fire hall at anytime.  Tim Schirmer, KVFD President stated that he will address the COI issue at the next KVFD meeting.

Discussion:  Community Clean Up will be May 14-21, 2021.  School will also be picking up garbage.  Village is willing to help provide garbage bags and gloves if Keep America Beautiful does not supply them.   Dumpsters will be provided through Woodwards.  Board requested Clerk Kiefer to contact Goodwill and see if they could also place a collection trailer on site during the community clean-up.

Discussion:  Clerk Kiefer provided information to the board regarding the American Rescue Plan - the new federal funding that was passed by congress to help America due to COVID issues.  Clerk Kiefer noted to the board that in this plan, municipalities would be receiving funds directly.  This has not happened during the previous Covid Relief Bills.  Clerk Kiefer provided that she had received preliminary information from the League of Municipalities, noting that Kenesaw is scheduled to receive an estimated amount of $160,000.00.  She noted that the requirements for use of the funds has not yet been provided.  She will continue to provide the Board updates on these funds as more information is available.

Discussion:  Tim Schirmer talked with the board regarding Wasenek weekend.   The Wasenek committee would like to be able to hold the event.   He also asked what the Wasenek Committees roll should be.   He suggested that the Village owns the event and insures it, the Village approves it all events.  Can it be put all under one umbrella for insurance carried by the Village?  Can it be made that all other events do not have carry their own insurance?  Should all vendors be required to pay the Village and/or Wasenek Committee to help cover costs of the insurance or other costs associated with the event?  The board discussed  all these questions and different scenarios for hosting Wasenek Days.  The board requested Clerk Kiefer to contact both the Village insurance provider and the Village legal council to find out what the Village option are, and to provide this information to the board via email as soon as received.  Tim noted that he will bring an agenda for Wasenek in next couple months.   

Discussion:  Chairman Kroos discussed that there was some benefits to having just full season passes.  Rates have not been changed for years. Post current DHM at the pool.  Will use pre-Covid policies and procedures. There was continued discussion regarding issuing only full season pass as well as including the baby pool  in normal passes. Thus no longer have free baby pool pass.  The discussion is that there has been issues of keeping the 'baby pool' patrons only in the baby pool.  However, will still look at  children under 5 still being free. The board requested the village clerk to adjust policy according to current DHM.  Discussion on what the definition is on 'family' for family pass.  Board requested village clerk to contact other places and find out what they define as a 'family' pass. Opening will be May 22nd. 

Discussion:  Clerk Kiefer presented that the outstanding balance has been paid by an anonyms donor.  Jeff provided that there has been a lot of clean up already done on the out side. But the inside still has to be cleaned up.   Will bring a 60 day report back at the next board meeting.

Discussion:  The board requested Clerk Kiefer to run the employment ad for the position of Clerk/Treasurer for another week, posting the job as a full time position.