The Winston Board of Aldermen accepted a donation from AmerenUE for installation costs to install a utility pole for the weather siren at a value of $1,305 during their regular meeting held Monday, Feb. 4.
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The board also authorized payment of $571.74 for a 55’ class 2 pole upon obtaining the siren.
Contacts for additional donations are being made which may cover all but $2,000-$2,500 of the cost for the siren.
The board agreed that it must assure that the city’s insurance policy will cover the siren, and that residents will not be charged a fee to run the siren.
Procedures for activating the siren was discussed. Activation is to be by 9-1-1 radio activation or by local activation. For 9-1-1, up to two people are to be authorized to call in an activation (possibly county sheriff and Winston fire chief). For local activation, possibly one or more board members who are often in town could be named.
After considerable discussion of possible budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, the board moved to adopt priority projects for the general and street funds.
Street Maintenance & Street Projects funds were proposed at $5,000 maintenance/$10,000 projects. Bill Michael will work with Colfax Township, the road grader operators, and the Fire Department to evaluate, recommend and guide these projects. Project priorities include:
1. Ripping & grading to eliminate potholes is to be done throughout the village each year; 2. Rock is to be added throughout the village every other year, and will be done this year; 3. Culverts are to be evaluated this year to determine which village-owned culverts are damaged and need replaced and which simply need to be cleaned out. The Fire Department will be asked to clean out those that are clogged; 4. Other needs such as watersheds, banks and ditches that need repair are to be identified and repaired within budget.
Other projects cited by the board as priorities were: Town hall and park maintenance and repairs – $5,000; Ordinance enforcement and animal control – $3,500 as needed; Equip town hall as an office and community center – $750.
The amounts listed for all projects are on an annualized basis and will be adjusted to fit the planned three-quarters budget which will adjust the fiscal year to coincide with the calendar year.
The monthly financial reports were reviewed and checks were signed. The board moved to approve the reports and pay the bills.
Bill Michael said he will talk with John Loyd tomorrow to assess the need and feasibility of bringing in any rock in the next few days.
The board authorized $100 to Dee Turner toward the Winston Easter Event. The board authorized $100 to Marvin Eaton toward funeral expenses in the loss of their son.
The city clerk presented a proposed budget amendment in order to maintain a balanced budget as required by law. The board moved to adopt the proposed amendments with the following changes: Increase utilities to $2,250, and move the Christmas Lighting Contest into the general fund budget.
Joe Salmon reported that a like-new pump rebuild is now available for $1,100-1,200 so there is no need for the insurance claim on the pump since the city has a $1,000 deductible. He also reported a problem with the wiring of one of the pumps that is to be corrected and time delays put in.
The clerk reported that the city’s insurance liability coverage for Jesse James Days is for spectators only, not participants.
Verbal reports were received regarding utilities, sewer, street maintenance, town hall maintenance, and clerk’s duties.
The above are the unapproved minutes of the Winston Board of Aldermen meeting held Feb. 4. Board members present: Bill Michael, Virginia Stroup, Cindy Ball, Jerry Lusk. Arvella Eaton was excused. Staff present: Tom Kober, Lucille Lusk. Others present: Joe Salmon, Shawna Barnes, Hobart Hiley.