By: Rebecca Miller
Metamora Village council began the December 21, 2020 meeting with a Finance Report from Sue Clendenin, approved by council, stating approximate balance of $100,000. They also approved a motion to make a $75,000 payment on the USBA Loan, which will put $25,000 on the principal.
Land and Buildings Committee Report was given by Chair John Pupos. Following his report on what has been done lately in the village, he made a motion to send Gift Certificates to local businesses, to the two new businesses in town. Council voted to approve the motion.
A short discussion was held concerning plowing the snow on sidewalks in front of businesses in the village, as it has not been standard to do so, even though they did it for a few years. They spoke about whether they will do it this year or let all the residents know they are on their own.
It was mentioned that the village did buy a backpack blower to use for snow on sidewalks. They agreed to check and see what other villages are doing and to check on liability if the village charges for plowing.
A reminder to citizens that Steve Venia will be picking up Christmas trees that are left on the curb after Christmas.They are still picking up leaves but not branches now. Venia will go ahead and pick up what is out right now but will not be doing it all winter long as the truck has the Salt Box on it now.
Council voted to approve the payment of Bills for November. In “Old business”, the dump truck has been repaired and they are looking into rebuilding the park fence in 2021, about which they informed the residents who brought the damaged fence to their attention. Clendenin said there is money ($3000) in the budget for it. In “New business”, a meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 28 to pass appropriations for 2021. They approved the Council Meeting Calendar and the Holiday Calendar for dates the office is closed, for the coming year.
Clendenin said she spoke with the Village Solicitor and Village Prosecutor and they are willing to continue at the same rate of pay ($70 an hour) in the coming year. Council voted to suspend rules and approved Resolution 1041 to appoint Village Soliciter and Prosecutor and establishing compensation for 2021.
A motion was also passed to approve transfers from Part Time wages to maintenance wages and Part Time Benefits to Maintenance Benefits.
Mayor Richard Sauerlender shared with council the Sheriff’s report for October and that Jeff Pawlaczyk is currently representing the village as a member of the Regional Planning Commission. Regional Planning was asking if he would continue representing the village in 2021 and Council agreed that he should
Personnel and Finance Committee recommended Steve Venia, village crew leader, salary stay as is and 25 cents per hour increase for Sue Clendenin. Clendenin said she will make that into an ordinance for passage at the December 28 meeting.
All present wished each other a Merry Christmas and the meeting adjourned.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com