Peoria Standard

Village of Swansea Board of Trustees met Feb. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Attendees: Board President Michael Leopold, 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, Deputy Police Department Chief Keith Howard, Fire Department Chief Doug Little, and Director of Public Works Rick Tucker

Absent: Treasurer John Walter, Trustee Marilyn Neumeyer, and Trustee Matt Lanter

I) Call to Order

II) Pledge Allegiance to The Flag

III) Roll Call

IV) Approval of Minutes

1. Board Minutes- January 21, 2025

2. Committee Minutes- January 21, 2025

3. Personnel Executive Session Minutes- January 21, 2025

4. Community & Economic Development Executive Session Minutes- January 21, 2025

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

V) Acceptance of Minutes

1. Park Board Minutes - January 11, 2025

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

VI) Mayor’s Announcements/Correspondence

Board President Leopold thanked the Rotary Club for donating money for four benches at Clinton Hills. Two are by the pickleball courts and two are on the trails. Last Thursday the Village got a check from them. Board President Leopold said the new ATV from Transit was stolen from the shed. Board President Leopold said the police know who did it. Chief Blomberg said correct.

VII) Village Attorney/Village Administrator-Announcements/Comments

The Village Administrator said they are getting started on backfilling the public works position. He will bring a recommendation in coming weeks. He will be out Wednesday and Friday because of the conference. He had a conversation about the Triple Lakes development with the school and the superintendent is a big advocate for it. The Village Administrator said Dan Thomas started today and he is onboarding quickly. He said he got a heads up from insurance that there is a 15% premium increase next year and it will have an impact on the budget. Board President Leopold said they didn’t anticipate that. Board President Leopold said the Village is in a pool with other municipalities so other municipalities must have some issues. Trustee McDonald asked about the risk management plan. The Village Administrator said the Village is still under that. The Village Administrator said this is a $200,000 increase. Trustee Parker asked how many others are in the pool. The Village Administrator said it is a big pool.

VIII) Public Comment

Natalie Jablonski thanked them for the comments on the Rotary Club and she sent a picture to Stefanie to be in the Swansea Report May Issue. Trustee Parker asked if there are tickets still for the fundraiser. Natalie said 60 but they will probably sell out by the end of the week. Board President Leopold said it is Feb 22nd at the Moose at 5:30. Board President Leopold said the Moose has great fried chicken. Board President Leopold said it is a silent auction and live auction.

IX) Report of Committees

A) Personnel Committee – Comments

1. Travel Request- The Village Administrator Schloesser- IML 2-3-2025

The Village Administrator and Dan will be going

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

2. Request To Hire POC FF – Thomas Voellinger

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

B) Finance Committee Report – Comments

1. Approval of Bills

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

C) Judiciary Committee – Comments

1. Executive Session to Review Previous Executive Minutes

Done during committee.

2. Motion To Declare Previous Executive Minutes As Public/Confidential

Motion to Keep Confidential: Made by Trustee Lewis, seconded by Trustee Parker

Trustee Votes: All ayes

D) Community & Economic Development- Comments

1. Ord. No. 1985 An Ordinance Declaring The Parcel Located At 320 Arbor Drive Owned By The Village Of Swansea As Surplus And Authorizing The Village Administrator To Affix Their Signature To A Contract For The Sale Of Said Property

Trustee McDonald wanted demolition separate from the general fund. The Village Administrator said they don’t have restricted accounts for it so they can request to put it in line item.

Motion for First Reading: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee McDonald

Trustee Votes: All ayes

Motion to Suspend Rules: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee McDonald

Trustee Votes: All ayes

Motion for Second Reading: Made by Trustee Thouvenot, seconded by Trustee Lewis

Trustee Votes: All ayes

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

E) Public Safety Committee – Comments

1. Res. No. 1-2659 A Resolution Authorizing The Purchase Of Three (3) New 2024 Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD Patrol Vehicles Plus Equipment For A Purchase Price Of $62,778.00 Each, At A Total Purchase Price Of $188,334.00 From Morrow Brothers Ford, 1242 Main Street, Greenfield, IL 62044

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

F) Public Works Committee – Nothing Requested

G) Cultural Committee – Nothing Requested

H) Swansea Report Committee – Comments

1. Draft March Swansea Report- articles due to Stefanie by February 20th email: sproffitt@swanseail.org

X) Old Business

The Village Administrator said they will have final documents for Triple Lakes he will send out tomorrow and it will be considered by the Board on Feb 18th. Trustee McDonald said the residential district is not in the tif district. The Village Administrator said it is. A member of the public asked where Triple Lakes is. The Village Administrator said it is the corner of Llewellyn and Frank Scott Parkway. A member of the public asked if they will be notified about hearings. Trustee Thouvenot said they wouldn’t receive a notification besides the sign posted. The Village Administrator said they can sign up on the website for notifications or they can call. Trustee McDonald said it will be discussed next board meeting. Board President Leopold said it will be large with grocery stores and restaurants.

XI) New Business

None

XII) Announcements

Board President Leopold said there is the Rotary Club auction.

XIII) Adjournment

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

Trustee Votes: All ayes

https://www.swanseail.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02032025-92