VOLUNTEERING THOSE MUSCLES … Around 20 Evergreen football team members volunteered some time and energy to help get the gardening done at the Metamora Parks. Volunteer Supervisor, Kadie Phaffenberger, was very grateful for all their help in getting so many pallets of flowers planted.
By: Rebecca Miller
Kadie Phaffenberger, who has been avidly working on the parks in Metamora along with Trevor Shindorf, was present at the May 17, 2021 Metamora Council meeting. Kadie said she wanted to thank the Evergreen football players for coming to help with the planting of flowers at the parks.
She shared that some of them spent quite a few hours on Saturday and returned to work on Sunday, gaining “points” for their volunteer time. Around 40 people have showed up overall to help with the landscaping.
There are about 6 ½ flats of perennials that have not been planted. Council recommended planting them near the three Welcome to Metamora signs.
She requested some fertilizer and was informed that the village has some they can use, as well as a 100 foot hose for watering.
Kadie said she has heard lots of good feedback and compliments on the park upgrades. She also shared that Trevor was sworn in as the president of the new EYA for the Ball Leagues.
In regular business, the council approved the Minutes of the last meeting, the payment of the bills, and passed a Motion to authorize the fiscal officer to sign for RITA and get an amount of how much is owed in back taxes to the village, from them.
Council approved allowing the Cub Scouts to use the Shelter House for free again this year.
They heard, in a report from Personnel and Finance, that they have received two applications for Deputy Clerk position and are currently planning to interview one of them. Also Kate Fischer contacted the village about receiving additional funds form the American Rescue Plan Act, but no action is necessary at present.
Uniforms are being purchased for Steve Veina for his position with the village.
In the Buildings and Lands Report, Council was informed that the hose for watering which was requested by Trevor and Kadie, will be donated by the Mayor. Tree trimming for the entire village was broken down into four sections and with a quote of $25,845 for 161 trees, the council decided to get them all trimmed despite the $500 appropriated for this year’s trimming.
They will adjust the budget and come up with a maintenance program for future years on trimming one section at a time.
The question has been asked by a resident if the village is still giving out sewer credits for pools. There was some discussion and it was agreed that it needs to be researched and taken care of in the next meeting’s agenda.
Upon the recommendation of the Lands and Buildings committee, Council voted to approve a motion to increase Tiffany Venia’s hours from two days to three days a week (with no more than 24 hours) due to increased mowing and the landscaping of the sewer work.
Some conversation took place about charcoal for the cookout at this summer’s festival. Last year they sold out 700 halves very quickly, but this year there are a lot more festivals being held.
They agreed that they need to consider raising the price of the chicken dinners and decided to have two BBQ’s this year instead of three.
In Old Business it was agreed that the Volleyball League can move forward. The village will prepare the courts before the first game and Chris Ruetz will provide the volleyballs and will collect the fees for a donation to the village.
Ruetz is also preparing her own waivers to be signed by the players. Bathrooms will need to be opened, and Chris will be providing a schedule and time of the League.
Byron Hansel will be opening the Concession Stand for specific nights (May 17&24, June 7,9,14,& 21). All items will be pre-packaged, so no vendors license is needed.
The Health Department has cleared it, as well as the new drinking fountain which can be used now, due to the restrictions being lifted on June 2.
In the Fiscal report, council learned that Tall grass complaints have been followed up, with those who were notified, complying. The owner of a piece of property will be sent a letter from the village lawyer regarding the condition of the property.
Mayor Richard Sauerlender reported that the Sheriff’s department spent a total of forty hours patrolling Metamora over the past month. The officers handled five complaints during that time.
Mayor also shared that he got a call about carts riding on the easement on meadow lane. He had spoken with all involved and told them he would bring it to council. Driver was invited to council, but did not attend. He was also given the noise ordinance.
If there are more complaints, the next step would be to for the sheriff to run a piece of equipment to see what the noise level is and if he is in violation. it is a four wheeler and a go cart. Sheriff Miller has made his deputies aware they need to stop them from running on the roads.
The complainant has crossed the line by posting on FB and giving the village’s phone number making it sound like they are sponsoring four wheelers around town.
Mayor asked if council would want to pass something not allowing these items being driven on the easements? Council member John Pupos said he contacted Roy Miller of the Sheriff’s Office regarding this ongoing issue.
Pupos also advised that “the complainant made a post on Facebook about this issue and put the Village’s phone number on the post making it appear as if the Village is sponsoring 4-wheelers and such in town.”
Following some discussion, it was agreed that a letter should be drafted to the complainant asking her to remove the post from Facebook as this is not approved or endorsed by the village. The Mayor will sign it.
Council expressed understanding of how noisy the vehicles are, but stated their feelings that the FB post was not a good idea.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
