January 2021 Meeting Minutes

​LYONS TOWNSHIP REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2021
 
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Supervisor Charles Babcock with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  Board members present were:  J. Heckman, R. Scheurer, J. Thelen, A. Hengesbach.  Absent: None.  Also Present: one citizen.
Please Note:  Due to regulations concerning Covid-19, no Board meeting was held in December.
Minutes of the November 2, 2020 meeting were presented for review.  It was moved by Scheurer, supported by Hengesbach to approve minutes as presented.  Motion carried.
 
Public Comment:  None
 
Correspondence:   Clerk Heckman read a letter received from the Village of Muir requesting information on the process of budgeting for income and expenses of the fire department.  Clerk Heckman was directed to contact the Village for clarification of what information that is being requested and respond accordingly.
 
CEMETERY: No report has been received on recent sale of lots or burials.  Scheurer will contact Josh Wickham on status of monument repair.
 
TREASURER’S REPORT:  It was moved by Scheurer, supported by Hengesbach to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented.  Motion carried.
 
Bills for the month of December in the amount of $14,038.02 to the General Fund and $2,298.30 to the Building Fund and for the month of January in the amount of $39,480.19 to the General Fund and $2,133.53 to the Building Fund  were presented for payment.  A motion to pay the expenses was made by Scheurer, supported by Hengesbach.  Motion carried.
 
TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:  It was moved by Scheurer, seconded by Treasurer Thelen to accept the Property Tax Poverty Exemption Guidelines as presented by Clerk Heckman.  Roll call vote:  Supervisor Babcock: Yes, Clerk Heckman: Yes, Treasurer Thelen: Yes, Trustee Scheurer: Yes, Trustee Hengesbach: Yes.  Motion carried.
 
Supervisor Babcock informed the Board of receiving the letter of resignation effective February 1, 2021 from Deputy Clerk, Connie Scheurer.  He thanked her for her service.  Clerk Heckman will fill the position as soon as a qualified candidate is found.
 
It was moved by Scheurer, supported by Heckman to approve the Board of Review members as presented by Supervisor Babcock:  Julie Spitzley, Al Coggan, Elwood Palmer and Alternate: James Stump.  Motion carried. 
 
Supervisor Babcock informed the Board he had talked to Cathy Hoppough from Coldwell Banker Real Estate on the possible sale of the Township Hall.  He also stated a party has expressed interest in purchasing the building.   Board members and two local builders toured the Sparrow medical building in Lyons that is available as a replacement for the Township hall. Sale price is $74,900.  Discussion followed on necessary remodel of the office to suit the needs of the Township. The builders unofficial estimate as well as the Board’s was +or- $60,000.00 to remodel.  It was moved by A. Hengesbach, supported by R. Scheurer to offer $55,000.00 with earnest money if required, provided receiving a clear inspection of property. Roll call vote: Supervisor Babcock: Yes, Clerk Heckman: Yes, Treasurer Thelen: Yes, Trustee Hengesbach: Yes, Trustee Scheurer: Yes.  Motion carried.  Board agreed to place hold on research of other possible property acquisitions at this time.
 
Supervisor Babcock proposed a 2% salary increase for Board members to be presented at the annual meeting.  Motion was made by Scheurer, supported by Hengesbach to approve the proposal. Roll call vote:  Supervisor Babcock: Yes, Clerk Heckman: Yes, Treasurer Thelen: Yes, Trustee Hengesbach: Yes, Trustee Scheurer: Yes. Motion carried.
 
OTHER TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:  It was moved by Clerk Heckman, supported by Treasurer Thelen to approve Mary Peckins representation on the Lyons Township Library Board.  Motion carried.
 
BUILDING FUND: Supervisor Babcock informed the Board all apartments are current on rent.  Post office is now one year delinquent on their share of garbage payment.  Clerk and Supervisor continue to pursue payment.
 
ADJOURMENT:  There being no further business, it was moved by Scheurer, supported by Treasurer Thelen to adjourn at 8:40 pm.  Motion carried.
 
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Connie Scheurer, Deputy Clerk