Peoria Standard

Village of Swansea Board of Trustees met Jan. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Attendees: Board President Michael Leopold, Treasurer John Walter, Village Clerk Tyler Thompson, Village Administrator Ben Schloesser, Trustee Jeff Parker, Trustee Richard “Rocky” McDonald, Trustee Brian Thouvenot, Trustee Cary Lewis, Police Department Chief Matt Blomberg, and Fire Department Chief Doug Little

Absent: Trustee Marilyn Neumeyer, Trustee Matt Lanter, and Director of Public Works Rick Tucker

I) Call to Order

II) Pledge Allegiance to The Flag

III) Roll Call

IV) Approval of Minutes

1. Board Minutes- January 7, 2025

2. Committee Minutes- January 7, 2025

3. Executive Session- Personnel Minutes- January 7, 2025

4. Executive Session- Community and Economic Development Minutes- January 7, 2025

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee McDonald

Trustee Votes: All ayes

V) Acceptance Of Minutes Of Advisory Boards/Place On File

None

VI) Mayor’s Announcements/Correspondence

Letters from MEPRD approving projects.

VII) Village Attorney/Village Administrator-Announcements/Comment

1. Department Head Reports

a. Public Works/Sewer

Not present.

b. Police Department Stats

Police Chief Blomberg said the total was 270 warrants last year. Investigations has been doing good. He has proactive patrol officers who will get awards.

c. Fire Department Monthly Stats

Fire Chief Little said 2024 had 695 total requests for service and it gets busier every year. He said they appreciate the Board’s support. They had their awards banquet Saturday evening. Eric Jacobson was firefighter of the year. Dave Schaefer was officer of the year. Jack Korves got the most calls. Most trainings was Ben Sullins.

2. Village Administrator

The Village Administrator said he told the Building and Zoning Director to stay home because he has been taking a beating with all the snow events. Board President Leopold said he has done good. The Village Administrator said planning and zoning made a positive recommendation for annexation of triple lakes. The Village Administrator will give a timeline when he gets it. He waiting for the Jennings Station plat of annexation to bring to the Board. He said Trustee Thouvenot asked about property on Lotus. He contacted a dumpster company and they will pick it up tomorrow. Trustee McDonald asked to see the pre annexation agreement. The Village Administrator said he hopes to iron it out this week then he can send it or send it to him now. Trustee McDonald said yes.

VIII) Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer gave his report.

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee Parker, seconded by Trustee Lewis

Trustee Votes: All ayes

IX) Park Board Chairman Report

They had a meeting and it was a very successful Santa House which was compact compared to last year. $2500 profit that they will reinvest in new cameras and printers because they are wearing out. He would like to recommend to the Board about what to do about disc golf reconfiguration.

X) Public Comment

None

XI) Report of Committees

A) Personnel Committee – Comments

1. Executive Session: “The Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, Or Dismissal Of Specific Employees Of The Public Body Or Legal Counsel For The Public Body, Including Hearing Testimony On A Complaint Lodged Against An Employee Of The Public Body Or Against Legal Counsel For The Public Body To Determine Its Validity.” 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).

Done during committee.

2. Resignation of Officer Darrell Dunn Effective 02/03/2025

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee Parker, seconded by Trustee Thouvenot

Trustee Votes: All ayes

3. Travel/Conference Request- The Village Administrator Schloesser- ILCMA- February 5-7, 2025

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee Parker, seconded by Trustee Lewis

Trustee Votes: All ayes

4. Request to Hire Building and Zoning Director

It is Dan Thomas at $92,500 plus benefits.

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee Parker, seconded by Trustee McDonald

Trustee Votes: All ayes

5. Request to Hire Deputy Fire Chief

It is George May at $80,000 plus benefits

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee Parker, seconded by Trustee McDonald

Trustee Votes: All ayes

B) Finance Committee Report – Comments

1. General Fund Analysis

2. Approval of Bills

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee McDonald

Trustee Votes: All ayes

C) Judiciary Committee – Nothing Requested

D) Community & Economic Development – Nothing Requested

E) Public Safety Committee – Comments

1. Executive Session: “Collective Negotiating Matters Between The Public Body And Its Employees Or Their Representatives, Or Deliberations Concerning Salary Schedules For One Or More Classes Of Employees.” 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). Done during committee.

2. Res. No. 1-2657 A Resolution Authorizing The Village Of Swansea, IL To Enter Into An Intergovernmental Agreement With St. Clair County For Drug Tactical Unit (DTU) Defense And Indemnification Requirements

Motion to Read: Made by Trustee Parker, seconded by Trustee McDonald

Trustee Votes: All ayes

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee Parker, seconded by Trustee Lewis

Trustee Votes: All ayes

F) Public Works Committee – Comments

1. Res. No. 1-2658 A Resolution Supporting An Application For A Metro East Parks And Recreation District (MEPRD) Grant For The Purchase Of Playground Equipment At Mel Price Park

Motion to Read: Made by Trustee McDonald, seconded by Trustee Lewis

Trustee Votes: All ayes

Motion to Approve: Made by Trustee McDonald, seconded by Trustee Lewis

Trustee Votes: All ayes

G) Cultural Committee – Nothing Requested

H) Swansea Report Committee – Nothing Requested

XII) Old Business

The Village Administrator said code enforcement inspector Eric Henizel has done a great job in Greg’s absence. Board President Leopold said to tell him he has done a great job. The Village Administrator said 203 Anna was struck by lighting last year and they haven’t done any cleanup and it has a five day deadline for demo.

XIII) New Business

None

XIV) Announcements

The Village Administrator said economic interest statement submittals are coming up and asked department heads to turn them in. The Village Administrator said his are required for Feb 1st.

XV) Adjournment

Motion to Adjourn: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

https://www.swanseail.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01212025-91