Peoria Standard

Village of Swansea Village Committees met Jan. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Held 5:15 to 6:22

Chair: Trustee Parker; Vice-Chair: Trustee Parker

Members: Trustees Lanter, Lewis V, McDonald, Thouvenot

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).

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

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

Board President Leopold congratulated Deputy Police Chief Howard for graduating from the FBI academy. He said the Department has two now and they are probably the only in southern Illinois that can say that and are the most highly educated department in southern Illinois. He congratulated him for going through the 11 weeks of tough physical and educational training. He won awards as well. He gave Deputy Police Chief Howard a bottle of whiskey with his name and session number on it. Deputy Police Chief Howard thanked them for letting him attend and said it is well worth it. Police Chief Blomberg said this is the official letter of resignation

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

4. Request to Hire Building and Zoning Director

It is Dan Thomas from Troy. The Village Administrator said he is a really strong candidate and he works in Glen Carbon. He interviewed very well and he is excited to have him on board. The Village Administrator said Greg would be glad to help him.

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

5. Request to Hire Deputy Fire Chief

It is George May III from Troy. Doug Little said he exemplified professionalism during the process and he is the best candidate. Motion to Forward: Made by Trustee Parker, seconded by Trustee Thouvenot

Trustee Votes: All ayes

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

FINANCE COMMITTEE: Held 6:22 to 6:28

Chair: Trustee Lanter; Vice-Chair: Trustee Thouvenot

Members: Trustees Lewis V, McDonald, Neumeyer, Parker

1. General Fund Analysis

Trustee Thouvenot said he can sub and he would like to know in the future. He said they have caught up in certain areas and sewer debt has been added to see where they stand. The Bank of Springfield loan matures in 2028. Another loan matures in 2032 but it is a small amount and interest rate. The Finance Manager said the Village received the last property tax distribution and it’s usually in December or January. She said there is nothing of else to note. Trustee McDonald asked about the sewer operating maintenance fund and if they pay out of that. The Finance Manager said it comes out of the sewer plant operating fund. Trustee McDonald wanted to break that out to see the debt servicing. He asked if they can transfer revenue for paying it and show it being paid off. The Village Administrator said he didn’t see an issue with it. The Finance Manager said she thinks she understands. Trustee Thouvenot said they can see the monthly payment amounts. Trustee McDonald said the debt servicing fee shouldn’t be in the operating fund. The Treasurer said it makes sense for tracking purposes. Trustee Thouvenot said they are in the home stretch for paying it off. Trustee McDonald said Rolly doesn’t see any major expenses for the sewer plant but lift stations instead. Trustee McDonald said they are over on the expense for police pension. The Finance Manager said yes because property taxes were received and it will hold steady for the rest of the fiscal year.

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Meeting Not Held

Chair: Trustee Lewis V.; Vice-Chair: Trustee McDonald

Members: Trustees Lanter, Neumeyer, Parker, Thouvenot Meeting Not Held

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

Chair: Trustee Thouvenot; Vice-Chair: Trustee Lanter

Members: Trustees Lewis V, McDonald, Neumeyer, Parker

Meeting Not Held

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: Held 6:28 to 6:29

Chair: Trustee Parker; Vice-Chair: Trustee Lewis V.

Members: Trustees Lanter, McDonald, Neumeyer, Thouvenot

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).

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

2. Res. No. _____ 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

Police Chief Blomberg said the lawsuit filled against the officer was when he was in the DTU and this will help with his defense. He said it is a frivolous lawsuit and the DTU’s attorney will cover him.

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: Held 6:30 to 6:33

Chair: Trustee McDonald; Vice-Chair: Trustee Parker

Members: Trustees Lanter, Lewis V. Neumeyer, Thouvenot

1. Res. No. _____ 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

The Village Administrator said they received a grant reimbursement for outstanding PRD grands which is $470,000. Board President Leopold asked if grants are shared. The Village Administrator said 60/40. The Village Administrator said with that cleared they are looking to make an application again and would use ARPA funds for the Village’s part. Trustee Lewis said great job dealing with the state and their lateness. The Village Administrator said they should be good to receive the funds.

The Village Administrator said he attended the park board meeting and they were in full support. Board President Leopold asked if it was the equipment at the exit. The Village Administrator said yes. A member of the public said it will be named after Mike Koeneman. Board President Leopold liked the idea and said Mike has given a lot of free work to the Village. The Village Administrator said he spoke to Republic Services. They will change the billing cycle so he wants to put it in the Swansea Report. Board President Leopold wanted to put something about Deputy Police Chief Howard.

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

CULTURAL COMMITTEE: Meeting Not Held

Chair: Trustee Lewis V.; Vice-Chair: Trustee McDonald

Members: Trustees Lanter, Neumeyer, Parker, Thouvenot Meeting Not Held

SWANSEA REPORT COMMITTEE:

Chair: Trustee Neumeyer; Vice-Chair: Trustee Lanter

Members: Trustees Lewis V, McDonald, Parker, Thouvenot

Meeting Not Held

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