Grundy Reporter

Village of Diamond Village Board met Jan. 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

.The scheduled meeting of the Diamond Village Board was held at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Teresa “Terry” Kernc presiding. Mayor Kernc and Village Clerk Lori Holmes were present at the Village Hall. Commissioners Adair, Johnson, Kasher and Warner, Village Attorney John Gallo were in attendance remotely via teleconference. Upon roll call Commissioners present remotely were Mark Adair, Dean Johnson, Jeff Kasher and Dave Warner. The Village Hall was open for citizens to enter and attend the meeting. Face masks along with social distancing was required.

Under the new amendment to the Open Meeting Act, Mayor Kernc read the following: “I, as Mayor have determined that pursuant to Public Act 101-640 that it is not practicable or prudent to require all members of the Village Board of Commissioners and Village staff members to attend this meeting physically because of public health concerns.”

Approval of 01-11-2022 Minutes

MOTION was made by Commissioner Warner, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher to approve the 01/11/2022 regular meeting minutes and place on file. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Approval of January 25, 2022, Bill List

Commissioner Johnson questioned the Peerless phone charge. He inquired why the village would still have pot lines. After further discussion regarding the matter, Public Works Supervisor Jim Dunning, Commissioners Johnson, and Warner along with Village Engineer Mike Perry will investigate options for converting lift stations into wireless and/VOIP connections. MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Johnson to accept the bills and place on file. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Public Comment

None

New Business

Quality Based Selection for Engineering Services

Mayor Kernc stated this was a requirement for the Will Road Phase 2 Engineering which the village will be seeking federal funds for the construction. A selection committee evaluated the proposals submitted based on the required Quality Based Selection grading and conducted interviews. Two proposals were submitted which were from Thomas Engineering Group and Chamlin and Associates. Each committee scored the submittals, and the results of the scoring were as follows: Chamlin and Associates was scored as #1 and Thomas Engineering Group was scored #2. Chamlin and Associates will be the firm the village will be moving forward with. MOTION was made by Commissioner Johnson, SECOND by Commissioner Warner to Approve and Award Chamlin and Associates as the Quality Based Selection for Engineering Services. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Grundy County Transportation Plan Contribution Breakdown

Mayor Kernc stated Will County had completed the plan several years ago and Grundy County would like to replicate the process. Will County has been very successful obtaining grants by utilizing the transportation plan study which was completed. Grundy County Economic Development is spearheading this for Grundy County and the Will County Governmental League will be assisting in it. Kernc presented the breakdown of contributions based on population. The funds would pay for Ann Schneider who would oversee the transportation plan for Grundy County. Ann was involved the study for Will County and is the former IDOT deputy director and she was instrumental in the

Will County transportation plan. By conducting and implementing a transportation plan for Grundy County, it could provide a greater opportunity for grant submission and receiving grants. This would assist Grundy County’s infrastructure within county. Commissioner Johnson stated he would approve the Diamond contribution if the other communities contributed their share. Commissioner Warner stated he agreed if there was cooperation for the other communities. MOTION was made by Commissioner Johnson, SECOND by Commissioner Warner to approve Diamond’s contribution for their share in Ann Schneider’s fee if the other communities approve their share, if not, Mayor Kernc will reapproach the board with the village’s new contribution. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Old Business

Grundy and Will County Sheriff’s Monthly Update

Mayor Kernc had no reports however, she did inform the board a themed streetlight was hit and knocked down on Il Route 113 and McGinty St. over the weekend by a driver. She is obtaining a cost from the electric company to reinstall a new light, which we have in inventory. This will be submitted to the insurance carrier.

Legal Counsel

No Report

Engineer Updates

Village Engineer Mike Perry thanked the board and the selection committee on being selected for the Engineering Service for Will Road Phase 2. Perry stated he was recently made aware that Illinois State Water survey has been completed. He will try to get a copy of the results which will help us better understand their theory and analysis of this area regarding water. Perry stated the emails regarding Surf Air and the GIS and informed Public Works Supervisor Jim Dunning that Dave Peters from Chamlin and Associates would be his contact person for GIS assistance. Perry suggested a meeting with Dunning, Peters, and himself to discuss the infrastructure to ensure Surf Air doesn’t impede on it. Dunning and Mayor Kernc will speak with Surf Air tomorrow regarding the location of control box at the village hall.

Public Works Department Updates

Public Works Supervisor Jim Dunning stated there is an issue with the plow control. Commissioner Kasher stated it would be best to repair and/or replace the control. Dunning stated parts for Western plows are more difficult to obtain since Monroe doesn’t carry the parts any longer.

Clerk Updates

No Report

Commissioner Comments

Commissioner Kasher

No Report

Commissioner Johnson

No Report

Commissioner Adair

No Report

Commissioner Warner

No Report

Mayor Kernc

Mayor Kernc presented a copy of the letter she sent to Chairman Balkema requesting a portion of the pandemic money to support Help 4 Hope. Help 4 Hope is very instrumental in the surrounding area for residents needing assistance in numerous ways. Kernc stated the village will be hosting the Will County Transportation meeting at the village hall tomorrow at 10:00am with Mayors from the surrounding communities.

Adjournment

MOTION was made to adjourn at 6:43 p.m. by Commissioner Adair, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

https://www.villageofdiamond.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/01-25-22.pdf