PROCLAMATION … Fayette Mayor Borer holds up a proclamation marking February 1st through the 29th, 2024, as Career and Technical Education Month.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Fayette Village Council held their meeting on Wednesday, January 24th. The meeting began at 6:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Council members Suzette Boesger and Kimberlee Priestap were absent.
Council first moved to approve the agenda as well as the following meeting minutes. Council meeting minutes from January 11th as corrected, Public Works Committee meeting minutes from January 17th, and Finance Committee meeting minutes from January 17th. Mayor Borer then gave his report, with the following items being discussed.
The Bean Creek Valley History Center is still selling barn calendars for a fundraiser. A County Rock Concert was held on January 27th at the Opera House. The Normal Memorial Library held their book club on January 25th.
Recycling once again took place by the old barn by the creek on January 28th. The Fayette Class of 2026 is holding an alumni basketball game on February 3rd at 6:00 p.m. Fayette Mini Cheer night will be held on February 9th and the school is also going to be hosting an archery tournament. The Fayette CDC will also be holding their next meeting on February 12th at 6:00 p.m. at The Stable.
Mayor David Borer then stated that he and Village Administrator Bryan Stambaugh had recently attended a meeting with representatives from other localities.
The mayor went on to explain that the Oak Harbor mayor brought up “a good point” about property tax and mileage renewals.
Levies that are pre-2013 are being paid at 13% by the state. If these are replaced, 13% is lost. The best course of action would be to renew it or renew it with a raise.
The mayor then read a proclamation to make February 1st through the February 29th Career and Technical Education Month in the Village of Fayette.
Next, Mayor Borer stated that he had been hearing complaints regarding an increase in property taxes. He went on further to state he had spoken with Auditor Brett Kolb about this and was told it has to do with the ratio of residential and agricultural property.
Council then heard from Administrator Stambaugh as he presented his report. Phase 1 of the water project is continuing as scheduled, with Bryan Excavating continuing even through the rain.
Some service lines have even been installed to residents’ homes. No new information was available for the broken traffic light other than parts are on order.
As for income surveys that were recently being conducted, it was stated the village was able to collect enough to be eligible for a grant.
Stambaugh then stated he had received a call on January 19th at 9:15 p.m. regarding a resident who had no water.
Crews were able to get to work and have service back up and running. Mr. Stambaugh stated that the DPW crew were “truly an asset to our community”.
Mayor Borer spoke next and stated that he had heard from some residents who had their service lines changed and that they had reported cloudy water.
The mayor stated he himself noticed this but that it appeared to have just been bubbles caused by air in the lines. He went on further to say that the water had been tested more than once and that all was good.
The VFO’s report followed next with a new bill report being presented. A brief description was then given regarding upcoming items for council to vote on.
Council then moved to pay bills in the amount of $54,588.24 before moving on to approve the following actions.
The first reading of Resolution 2024-01 expressing the intent of the council to conduct an internet auction for the sale of unneeded, obsolete, or unfit personal property owned by the village.
A motion to hire Joseph Sauber as a full-time police officer at $22.50 per hour, effective after passing a psych evaluation and pre-employment physical. Officer Sauber will be granted 40 hours of vacation time immediately and an additional 40 hours on July 1st, 2024.
A motion to hire Scott Wagner and Jared Wagner as Co-Park Directors at a total combined annual salary of $4,000.00. A motion to adopt the 2024 comprehensive plan was tabled.
With no other business to attend to, council moved to enter into executive session at 6:31 p.m. Following executive session, the meeting was adjourned.