Joe Salmon gave the sewer maintenance report during the regular meeting of the Winston Board of Trustees held Dec. 1. Mr. Salmon stated that it may be necessary to pull one pump; it works on manual immediately after reset, but then has to be reset again the next time. It may be partially plugged up.
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Mr. Salmon told the board that he is retiring on Feb. 1, 2009. He is working on getting someone certified and ready to do the job. The trustees extended the contract for sewer maintenance with Joe Salmon until Feb. 1, 2009.
Bill Michael indicated during the street maintenance report that Windstream is responsible to restore the streets to their original condition after their digging, so Jerry Lusk will contact Mr. Breeden about fixing the culvert that is plugged.
Jerry Lusk reported that he has been in touch with 9-1-1 and they indicated that the village is responsible for naming the streets within the village limits. Bill Michael said he has asked the scouts to provide the letters for the Maple Street signs. Jerry Lusk will fix the Croft Street signs.
The clerk reported that the dispute of the workers comp insurance audit has finally been resolved, and Winston does not owe any additional premium.
An ordinance to update and increase authorized fees received a first and second reading. The board then voted to pass the bill increasing the monthly sewer and trash fees as proposed. The motion passed with Michael, Lusk and Eaton voting Yea. Ball and Stroup were absent.
The Community Center Director’s report indicated that there has been no response to the t-shirt design contest or the recycling project. The school has declined to renew the current grant, and no other grants have been located to help keep the Community Center open. Candy sales pay for items such as office supplies and toiletries but are inadequate to cover all the costs of the center. Student attendance has remained steady, but without financial support, regular hours at the Community Center cannot be sustained. Other activities would require funds to be raised during the event as there is no money in the grant itself to cover the accompanying expenses.
The board discussed how the Community Center could still be used to benefit our community. The youth who came to the center wanted to have movie nights, game nights, etc. The center has been fixed up nearly ready for such events, as well as for family reunions, parties and dinners. The minimal rental cost covers utilities.
The board carried a motion discontinuing regular Community Center hours, and to inquire if the remaining funds in the grant could be shifted to complete some facility needs such as replacing the ceiling tiles, possibly to equip the center with a TV suitable for movies, and other start-up support for activities.
Following considerable discussion of budget priorities and realities, the following motions were made: proposed cost reductions in 2009 Priority Projects; proposed amendments to the 2008 budget; to adopt the proposed 2009 budget.
Ordinance Enforcement: The clerk indicated that the animal control officer has not shown up on numerous occasions when she has said she would come. Since Winston has no other place to hold animals, our dog control program is in limbo. The board agreed to approach the county commission and ask them to consider a regional animal holding facility of some kind, perhaps at the jail; Jerry Lusk seconded. The clerk will inquire if other towns might be interested in such a facility also.
The monthly financial reports were accepted and bills paid.
Board members present: Bill Michael, Arvella Eaton, Jerry Lusk. Cindy Ball was excused. Virginia Stroup was absent. Staff and others present: Lucille Lusk, Tom Kober, Joe Salmon, Hobart Hiley.