Exeter Village Board opened their meeting approving the
minutes and invoices before re-elected member Justin Harre and newly elected
member Jim Anderson took the oath of office.
The board closed then meeting and thanked exiting board
member Tim Wilbeck. Chairman Alan Michl gave Wilbeck the key to the
village along with a gift.
With the meeting reopened it was time to elect board
positions. Michl retained the position of Chair and Harre was elected
Vice Chair.
The board reviewed committee appointments with Michl
recognizing the changes on the library board due to board member Lynette
Trauger becoming librarian. The board approved the committee
appointments.
Rescue Captain Hope Strate was first on the agenda speaking
on behalf of the fire department. “In the last ten years our EMT numbers
have dropped to just 10 and we are struggling with (having members respond
during) daytime hours. I have seven department members who are willing to take
the EMT course which is offered online now.”
Strate discussed the cost of the course which is 1200.00
with the book. She noted, “The State has reimbursement available and we
could get 50-60% back.”
Board member Kathy Erdkamp asked, “What do you think the
consequences would be if they don’t pass?”
Strate reassured the board that as a prior EMT course
teacher, “I would meet with them once a week to review. We need youth . . .we
need others to get five or six years under their belt before I can retire.”
The board discussed some of the other course requirements
which include a drug screen, Hepatitis shots and flu shot.
Strate responded, “I think probationary period would be a
great idea for any new EMT’s. I want success and we need people.”
Michl added, “ If they are willing to take the class that is
the first battle. I don’t want to put the pressure on them that they
would have to pay for the class if they don’t pass.”
The board confirmed that they would cover the cost for those
willing to take the course.
Andrew Wilshusen , the street project engineer from JEO
presented several substantial completion certificates and also presented the
change orders for the street and downtown projects.
Wilshusen noted that there were “about $12,000 additions for
all of the streets. On a 1.1 million dollar project that’s not too bad.”
It was noted that the crushing of the concrete will happen
in a few months. This will not be paid for until it is completed.
Wilshusen explained that it was added to the pay order, “We did this so you
could lock in your bond and your interest rates. This way JEO can go on
with the assessment process.. .that is the game plan.”
He also noted that there would be a few homeowners that
asked for some extra work done and the village will be in charge of billing for
that. The board discussed what will happen next in the process for
assessment on the new concrete.
The board also approved the downtown project substantial
completion and the change order. The additional cost on the project was
$15453 due to a larger water valve that was installed and extra reinforcing
metal that had to be inserted when connecting some of the water service for
downtown businesses.
Shawn Gray, an officer with the Friend Police Department,
has been patrolling the village of Exeter. He gave a brief report at the
meeting. He noted that he has contacted several residents who are parking
on the wrong side of the street and also notified a resident for improper
disposal of trash.
Several board members expressed their appreciation for his
presence patrolling the community.
There was a discussion of the number
of hours the board wants to pay for an officer each week.
Village Maintenance Supervisor John Mueller reported that
the swimming pool needs painted. The board approved having the entire
pool painted. He added that the wells have been tested and the pumps were
good.
The board discussed the issue of snow removal and reviewed
some guidelines.
Clerk Becky Erdkamp reported that sales tax was a little
down this month at $6754.25 for September and Keno was for October was
$601.41. She added that the auditors will be in the office on Dec. 12.
Michl added that with the construction projects finished up,
after the first of the year he hopes that the board can focus on some of the
neglected properties in the community.
The board set the Jan meeting for Monday, Jan 7.
