Village of Steeleville asks public for feedback on parade escorts
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Village of Steeleville met this past Monday where the topic of parade escorts became the main topic of the night.
Back in June, the Steeleville Ledger reported that the Village had tabled the discussion on whether to continue the courtesy parades for winning teams for liability reasons. Checking with the Village's insurance policy, the coverage for any non-village employee would only be a total sum of $3,000. This, most likely, would not cover one child's damages if something was to go wrong. The concerns from the board is that the possibilities are probable of the Village being liable for any injuries or damages during a police escort parade.
"We have kicked dirt on this topic, now it's almost school season and we need to adopt a policy before teams start playing," said Mayor Mike Armstrong.
The board took nearly 10 minutes discussing possibilities. The biggest concern is taking this "tradition" away from the teams that deserve recognition. The fire truck was not a good idea to use during a parade, and this was agreed upon by all members. The real concern was the squad car escorts.
Police Chief Lynn Thies added, "We have a city policy on the use of sirens and emergency lights for an emergency vehicle."
The board was undecided and asked that the public call the Village Hall at 965-3134 to give feedback on this topic. The board asks that you see both sides of the topic and that you voice any alternatives to this solution. Trustee Imogene Fiene will also meet with school officials to have an alternative means for winning team recognition. The topic has been tabled for a later meeting.
The village opened the floor to Linda Sparks. Sparks has complained about the underage drinking and foul language and wants it to stop. Mayor Armstrong expressed to Sparks that she is to handle this through the police committee meeting.
Approval was made on Ordinance 08-05 and 08-06 citing properties located at 902 W. Broadway and 105 E. Jenkins that are abandoned and unsafe. Code Enforcement Officer Carl Martin has recommended that these two properties be taken back by the city and demolished for the safety of the Village. " Carl Martin has done a great job for the Village," stated Chief Thies.
Resolution 2008-05 was approved by the Village Board to adopt a staggered term for the Village Clerk and have it added to the ballot for the public to vote on for this November's election.
Mayor Armstrong added, "The mayor and clerk position come up for re-election at the same time. I think if we stagger the clerk's term to a 2 year term, then 4 years and back to 2 years, this will help to have someone who has been with the old administration if the board was to change. I think that this will benefit the Village on having someone who understands the topic or policies discussed in the last administration."
Ordinance 08-605 for the establishing of self-insured medical and dental advisory board was approved. It also included setting up a reimbursement fund for the Village of Steeleville. Currently, the Village is self-insured. This would allow an advisory board, consisting of varies members from the board and one from the public, to oversee the investment and expenditures. This is solely to provide security for all employees on the plan.
Beth Kriete asked that the TIF proposal on Mary's River Manor be tabled for a recessed date. Currently, both parties do not have all aspects worked out in the agreement, but will soon.
Mayor Armstrong notified the board that he or Clerk Darlene Jaskowiak will contact members for the NIMS (National Incident Management System) compliance courses. NIMS was developed so responders from different jurisdictions and disciplines can work together better to respond to natural disasters and emergencies, including acts of terrorism. NIMS benefits include a unified approach to incident management; standard command and management structures; and emphasis on preparedness, mutual aid and resource management. The Village must complete these courses in order to be in compliance with State and Federal laws in order to receive State and Federal Emergency funding and grants.
Chief Thies also notified the board that David Knop of the Steeleville Jaycees has put in his request to Randolph County to close Sparta Street for the Oktoberfest celebration set for October 10-11, 2008.
The Village Board was notified by Mayor Armstrong that Ty Mullins' position of Project Manager has had many bids and will start conducting interviews soon.