During their regular meeting held Oct. 6, Mike Edwards from Ameren UE spoke to the Winston Board of Aldermen about the company’s future plans, including their request for a 12.1% rate increase which is the second one in 20 years.
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The previous request was for 17% and the company got 2%. Mr. Edwards said the company is committed to providing reliable service by updating their systems, more aggressive tree trimming, individual pole inspections, the placing of sensitive lines underground, energy conservation, a possible nuclear plant, etc.
John and LaRae Loyd told the board there is conflict over the alley that runs between their property and the Meseberg property. Several trees were planted years ago by the neighbor on the side of the alley abutting the Loyd property, and they have not been trimmed. The Loyds said they want to trim the trees and keep the alley mowed. Darlene Meseberg said that she doesn’t want the trees trimmed because she wants them as a windbreak, and she objects to Mr. Loyd mowing onto her property.
It was concluded by looking at city maps that the trees are on the edge of the alley abutting the Loyd property and it is their responsibility to keep them trimmed and to maintain that half of the alley. Darlene Meseberg is responsible for maintaining the half of the alley that abuts her property. The easement remains in place for the village to use for access purposes.
Both parties agreed to remove the signs they have placed in the alley. Darlene Meseberg said she may have the property surveyed to determine to her satisfaction the exact location of the alley.
The monthly financial report was accepted and bills paid.
The clerk presented a proposed budget amendment and pointed out the adjustments. She mentioned that the insurance budget item is uncertain at this time because the premium on workers compensation insurance is in dispute, so that item may have to be adjusted at a future time. The board approved the budget as amended.
Budget priorities were discussed. The budget was approved. Priorities for 2009 include $2,500 for street maintenance, $2,000 for park and town hall maintenance, repairs and equipment, and $3,500 for ordinance enforcement and animal control. It was noted that the street maintenance priority does not include money for rocking the streets in 2009 because the entire village was done in 2008.
Clerk Lucille Lusk reported that the semi-annual income and expense report will soon be posted around town as required.
During the sewer maintenance report, Joe Salmon reported that pump #2 had to be pulled up and the clogs cleaned out. Station 4 pipes are busted. The backup is working, but a T broke. A crew is changing the pipes from schedule 40 to schedule 80 plastic. The pumps will then be run alternatively as they work more efficiently that way.
During the street maintenance report, Jerry Lusk said that the tube near Ed Smith’s house is ready to be blown out. Bill Michael will pursue that when Hobart Hiley is back in town. Also, the maps the city has of the village show Maple Street where the new signs say Cross Street. Mr. Michael said "Cross" came from the 9-1-1 plat. Jerry Lusk will determine which should be used and inform the census.
Bill Michael put a sensor light up on the shelter in the park and also on the outside of the town hall, and he will pursue getting the water leak at the park fixed. Jerry Lusk removed the old propane heaters from the town hall so that the wall can be repaired, the kitchen painted and the stove installed. Bill Covey has almost completed the installation of the back area carpet.
The emergency siren was tested locally. Midwest Mobile is working on getting the codes set so the siren can be activated by 9-1-1.
Janna Barton, reporting on the community center, said there are about 17 youth ages five to 11 coming in regularly. There have been requests to have the center open more, but that is not possible due to limited funds. Several fund-raising projects are underway, including placing a recycling bin behind the town hall for aluminum cans. The clerk reported that the school does not intend to renew the grant next year. Mrs. Barton is checking on other possible grants, and is considering instituting a small fee for coming into the center. There were no objections to these items. There is still a need for another youth and two adults to be on a committee to guide the center.
A bill regarding the emergency weather warning siren was amended to allow KAW fire chiefs to authorize KAW fire personnel to activate the siren remotely by radio or locally; declare the Winston Emergency Management Director responsible for authorizing local or remote activation of the siren for testing; and related matters.
A bill regarding employees was amended to add other service providers, address appointment of board members to fulfill duties, and related matters.
A bill was passed authorizing fees for administrative services by the village for utilities operations and street services.
A bill regarding schedule of fees, fines, taxes and recurring payments was amended to update authorized fees.
An amendment was approved to authorize the continued employment and compensation of Lucille Lusk as village clerk and Robert Thomas Kober as utilities clerk, and to delete authorization for services and compensation of non-employee service providers from this resolution. Bill Michael moved to pass Bill #2008-06; Cindy Ball seconded. (Jerry Lusk abstained.)
PWSD #1 asked to have two alleys cleared so they could get through with their trucks.
Chairman Arvella Eaton directed the clerk to place sewer fees on the agenda for the next meeting.
The above are the unapproved minutes of the Village of Winston Board of Trustees held Oct. 6. Board members present were Bill Michael, Cindy Ball, Arvella Eaton Jerry Lusk, Virginia Stroup. Staff present: Lucille Lusk, Tom Kober. Others present: Joe Salmon, Mike Edwards (Ameren UE), John and LaRae Loyd and Darlene Meseberg.