PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CYBER SECURITY … Council listened as Village Administrator Keith Torbet talked about needing computer updates for security and storage space issues.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Metamora Village Council met for its regular session on Monday, March 2, 2026. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the previous meeting’s minutes.
During reports, officials reviewed a drainage issue tied to a brick cistern and older clay tile, which had contributed to settlement beneath a sidewalk section. The issue was documented so it can be addressed more effectively when future work is completed in that area.
Street maintenance planning was also discussed, including crack sealing and surface preservation.
Officials talked through where heavier truck traffic may justify using concrete in select stretches for longer service life, while using asphalt in other areas to manage costs.
Budget figures for street maintenance were referenced, with the understanding that final decisions will depend on available funding and project timing.
The council also heard discussion on infrastructure tracking and recordkeeping, including a proposal for a GIS-based program to digitize and manage village assets and service requests.
The estimated cost discussed was $2,500 per year, with the benefit being centralized documentation of issues, work orders, and locations for staff reference.
Utilities and regional coordination items followed, including updates on reservoir inspection planning and participation in the Northeast Water Consortium.
Council heard that there would be no water rate change for 2026 through the consortium, though a potential change was anticipated for 2027 due to planned improvements.
Information technology and cybersecurity needs took up a significant portion of the meeting. Officials discussed replacing two computers and moving away from personal email use for village business.
The figures presented included $1,915 for two computers with setup, plus ongoing annual costs that included Microsoft business licensing, cybersecurity protection, and firewall-related services.
The overall package was described as totaling roughly $3,500 when combining the equipment and first-year items.
Council also discussed community communication efforts after a review found many households were not enrolled in electronic alerts or village communications.
A plan was outlined for a targeted physical mailing to encourage sign-ups for CivicReady and the village email list, with a total mailing count described as 177 households out of approximately 212 in the village.
An ongoing discussion between the Village of Metamora and the Evergreen Youth Association regarding the use of the village park ballfields was addressed during the meeting.
Officials reported that representatives of EYA have expressed frustration over recent changes involving ball field operations.
According to the discussion during the meeting, the organization has raised concerns about being responsible for field preparation costs while no longer having control of the concession stand, which previously served as a fundraising source to help cover those expenses.
It was also noted that EYA leadership was considering shifting some games to other locations.
Village officials explained that the decision to take back operation of the concession stand was made because of reliability and oversight concerns.
Council members said it had become difficult to ensure that volunteers were consistently present during games, and that the village wanted someone responsible for the concession stand whenever activities were taking place at the park.
Mayor Cathy Mossing emphasized that the park exists primarily to serve local youth and that they would like to continue seeing ball games played there, including evening games under the lights.
She also noted that youth games bring families and visitors into town, which also benefits local businesses.
Communication between the village and the youth organization was also discussed.
It was explained that contact had been attempted with previous and newly elected officers of the association, but questions remain about who has the authority to enter into agreements with the village regarding field use and responsibilities.
During the discussion, council members referenced past field maintenance costs and possible ways to address them moving forward.
One idea mentioned was working with community organizations or fundraising efforts to help offset diamond preparation expenses.
Another longer-term possibility discussed was converting field lighting to LED fixtures, which could improve efficiency and reduce operating costs, though that would require an energy audit and additional planning.
Council members indicated they would like to meet directly with EYA representatives to clarify expectations and determine a workable arrangement that keeps youth baseball and softball games in Metamora while ensuring the park is properly maintained and supervised.
In other business, officials referenced upcoming training opportunities, insurance renewal work ahead of April 1, and ongoing efforts tied to village equipment and facility maintenance.
The meeting also included a discussion about filling a council vacancy, with a deadline of March 9 for letters of interest and the intent to invite applicants to the council meeting on March 16.
With nothing further, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.