by Leesa K. Bartu
The Exeter Village Board met on Wednesday, May 2, with
board member Justin Harre absent. After the minutes and the invoices were
approved, the board opened a hearing on Ordinance 593.
The ordinance deals with the height on accessory buildings
in the community. Chairman Alan Michl explained that Exeter would be joining the other communities
in the county if they raise the height to the proposed 25 foot peak with 17
foot sidewalls.
After the hearing was closed the board approved the
ordinance.
The board approve a bid of $2715 from Stark Data to add a
new camera to the front of the building and replace another camera
downtown. Stark Data also gave a bid to add wifi at the pool and fix the
wifi at the fire hall for $2931. The board accepted the portion of the
bid to fix the firehall wifi for $152.62 and decided to wait on adding it to
the pool.
The board invited Fillmore County Development Corporation
executive director Patt Lentfer to share about loans available in the county.
Lentfer explained that FCDC has a small revolving loan for
small business. She noted that a small business can borrow up to 40% of
the project with 10% down. The interest rate would be half of what the
bank would charge.
“The money can be used for a lot of different options
including job training, operating capitol, a building for a business or
purchasing a business,” Lentfer clarified.
Lentfer also shared that there is a list of local loans
available on their website. She also explained the usefulness of tax
increment financing, “It’s a hot topic in the legislature right now. . .it’s
been very beneficial in our community.”
She suggested the board do a survey to put the village in a
position to accept TIF funds in the future. Lentfer left information with
the board on starting the process.
Michl noted that there was one change order for the downtown
project with a $11,502 price tag. “It was an item that was in the scope
and wasn’t in the bid. They need to inspect the connections downtown and
replace if needed where the water goes into the main. John figured there would
be about 25 inspections.”
The board approved this change order on the construction.
Michl also noted that there will be one more small change
order. The water lines are being installed by directional boring and the
location they dug up to start was contaminated with oil or fuel from long
ago. Van Kirk construction will have to change from pvc pipe which would
deteriorate in the soil with fuel to cast iron pipe. The cost will be
around $1800.
The board did not approve this as the change order has not
be presented, yet.
Michl also noted that he and John Mueller have looked at
redoing the cement in front of the fire hall during construction because the
cost of the cement is discounted with the project. He explained that if
they do decide to do the concrete work it cannot be part of the bond and will
be taken out of the funds the village has already paid in.
The board briefly discussed what to do with the old light
poles that have been removed. They opted to sell them for $50 each and
interested parties will contact Mueller.
Under the maintenance report the board discussed the damage
to the glass front door. The board decided to look into more energy efficient
options.
Board discussed nuisance property letters that were sent out
by the marshal. Clerk Becky Erdkamp
has gotten calls and asked the board for guidance in the process.
Board member Tim Wilbeck responded, “I think we need to give
them a reasonable time limit. Tear it down, fix it up, do something with it.”
The board talked about offering incentive funds for tearing
down nuisance properties. “This would help offset some of those costs
incurred by property owners,” explained Michl. “They can come to the board
meeting and bring a plan.”
The board heard an update on the lifeguard’s certification.
Clerk Erdkamp reported that sales tax for February was
$15,813.36 and Keno for March was $1020.99. She reported that she is working on
the annual insurance audit and swimming lessons will be held from May 30 – June
8.
The board set the next meeting for Tuesday, June 5.
