The Village of Mill Shoals met for their monthly meeting on Friday. Following the treasure’s report Village Clerk Heath Tullis reported that the two old water supply wells the used in the 80’s were properly plugged under the oversight of the Egyptian Health Department. Lower’y Fiberglass was hired to dig out the wells, haul off the all removable infrastructure and fill the wells with sand brought in by Carter Trucking. Village Water Superintendant Wayne Carter filled the remaining void with dirt and leveled up the site to a farmable condition.
A light discussion among the 3 Elected Board Members and Village President was held as 3 Board Seats are empty and can be filled by a two year term. Josh West, Leann York and Valerie Edwards were all nominated to fill the seats. The board went into executive session to discuss the appointments of the 3 Elected Trustees and unanimously agreed to appoint West, York and Edwards to the board. York and West were sworn in for a two year term by Village Clerk Heath Tullis. Edwards was absent from the meeting but is expected to be sworn in at next month’s meeting.
Police Officer Justin Titzer was unable to attend the meeting due to enforcement in another municipality. Trustee Josh West suggested that the June meeting be scheduled when Officer Titzer can attend.
Stacy Musgrave and Dale Millenbine were in attendance and told the board that Theft, Illegal Entry of a Vehicle, Attempted Arson, Attempted Home Invasion, Trespassing, Meth Abuse and Distribution, Poaching and Dogs killing chickens are some of the issues they are routinely dealing with on Sycamore Street. When asked if law enforcement had been talked to and Musgrave stated that she had talked with some law enforcement but she felt her claims weren’t taken serious. Most in attendance debated pros and cons of neighborhood watch and determined the Village would benefit from a part time officer.
The board heard updates on grants that they have applied for as well as ones they have received.
The board approved to have Drew Lane Consultants LLC to be the contact for all needs for the Delta Regional Authority Grant to be handled by the Greater Wabash Planning Committee, Drew Lane Consultants LLC agreed to put in a Wal-Mart grant to help offset the cost of a police car. Wal-Mart awards $250-$5,000 a year and requests may be made multiple times a year to meet the grant award totaling $5,000, and Drew Lane Consultants LLC shared information on the PARC grant which recently announced it could be used for park equipment.
Village Treasurer James Murphy provided the treasurer’s report and explained he had filed the annual documentation required for receiving the American Rescue Funds. Murphy also stated he get information from the Village’s insurance provider to see what the costs would be to add a part time officer. Murphy told the board he was completing the Annual Treasurer’s report and would find out if the village is required to do a three year audit.
Village Water Operator Wayne Carter was not present at the meeting, however Tullis told the board the Samron Trucking was finished using water for their projects on I-64. Tullis stated he will get the final meter report and bill Samron accordingly.
Village Clerk Heath Tullis stated that he had not heard anything further from Barnhill Township Road Commissioner Mike Frymire in regards to fixing the culvert and cleaning ditched on CR 2600. The board was asked to check into a road issue on Cherry Street.
The board reported that Town Wide Trash Pick Up was completed on May 1st.
In Old Business President Gray told the board he now has contact information for the property owners who currently have a uncovered water well on their property. He stated he would make contact with the owners to try and get the issue resolved.
In other business, Trustee York volunteered to clean the townhouse to save the village money. The current company is paid through June but otherwise such consideration would be up to the board. York also asked about the policy for renting the Community Center. Gray stated that on one had ever shown interest so the need for a policy review was never an issue. The board then discussed how it could be open for anyone to rent directly from the Village instead of the current sponsor of community-based gatherings/event. Trustee West reminded everyone that something of this nature needed to be put on the agenda, ensuring everyone has time to consider how to move forward.
Lastly, Clerk Tullis stated that only 5 people had purchased stickers for their golf cart or side by side since April 1st. Tullis stated the program profited $100 this year and was no longer worth offering. Tullis and other citizens in attendance stated that there were many more off-road vehicles in town, but why buy a sticker if there are no legal repercussions otherwise.
The Village of Mill Shoals will meet again on June 6th at 7 PM. Officer Titzer assured he will be present.
