Village of Fairgrove accepts audit, adopts PAR grant resolution and refers Rescue 11 repair costs to townships

The Village of Fairgrove council met on Sept. 9, 2024, and approved the village’s 2023–2024 audit, adopted Resolution 2024-003 to accept a PAR grant award, authorized several vendor payments and administrative account transfers, and voted to refer estimated Rescue 11 repair costs to township partners as an unexpected expense.

Kylie of accounting firm Nietzke & Faupel presented the State of the Village audit and reported a highest rating with routine suggestions. Committee member Harrison moved to accept the 2023–2024 audit; Committee member Spencer seconded and the audit was approved by roll call, Sebert/Harrison/Spencer/K. Young voting yes (4–0).

Chief K. Young reported to the council for the fire department, noting the department received a light tower donated by Steve Anderson (valued at about $3,000) and announced an upcoming siren test and school fire-protection month activities in October. Staff member Maguire summarized outstanding maintenance history for Rescue 11 and said the vehicle needs repairs estimated at about $16,000. Committee member Harrison moved that the expense be forwarded to the participating townships as an unexpected expense; Sebert seconded and the motion passed on a 4–0 roll call vote.

Maguire also said a CSI-related issue damaged a footstep on Rescue 11; CSI will pay for that repair, and the council later approved CSI repair work by motion (Harrison; seconded by Sebert), roll call vote 4–0.

On finance and administrative items, Clerk-Treasurer Smith reported 2024 tax collections to date of $83,414.03. The council approved payments to vendors (Nietzke $3,000; Newton $1,850; A–F Lagoon $3,500) and voted to close certain accounts (listed as ARPA, fire insurance and equipment rental) and transfer remaining balances into the general fund; both measures passed 4–0.

The council authorized purchasing 21 safety barriers needed for bridge-painting operations (motion by Sebert, seconded by Harrison; roll call 4–0) and tabled a downtown tree replacement program until spring after reports the trees may be suffering a fungus.

Committee business included rescinding a previously approved village payment for a volleyball-court shipping cost because volunteers did not complete the project and shipping costs were higher than expected (motion by Harrison, seconded by Spencer; carried 4–0). The council also accepted notices from J. Pustizzi, C. Pustizzi and Stevens declining payment for certain service roles (motion by Harrison; seconded by Spencer; carried 4–0).

On legal counsel, the council voted to retain Plunkett & Cooney as village attorneys (motion by Harrison; seconded by Sebert; roll call 4–0) and to terminate the existing legal counsel (motion by Sebert; seconded by Harrison; roll call 4–0). The council directed K. Young and Clerk-Treasurer Smith to prepare acknowledgement letters to all firms that submitted attorney proposals.

Clerk-Treasurer Smith also requested more information on the Savvy notification system and presented a plan to implement ALLPAID for ACH and credit-card payments; the council voted to proceed with ALLPAID (motion by Sebert; seconded by Harrison; carried 4–0).

Harrison moved to adopt Resolution 2024-003 (PAR grant); Spencer seconded and the resolution was adopted by roll call vote (Sebert/Harrison/Spencer/K. Young yes, 4–0).

Members of the public asked about smoke-detector distribution and village leaf-burning rules; council members said smoke-detector notifications will go out if additional units arrive and reminded the public that open burning of leaves is not allowed within village limits. The meeting adjourned; the council set the next regular meeting for Oct. 7, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

Votes at a glance: acceptance of Matthew Phelps’ resignation (Sebert motion; Harrison second; roll call 4–0); approval of agenda and prior minutes (motions carried 4–0); acceptance of 2023–2024 audit (Harrison motion; Spencer second; roll call 4–0); referral of Rescue 11 repairs to townships (Harrison motion; Sebert second; roll call 4–0); approval of CSI repairs (Harrison motion; Sebert second; roll call 4–0); purchase of 21 barriers (Sebert motion; Harrison second; roll call 4–0); rescind volleyball payment (Harrison motion; Spencer second; carried 4–0); vendor payments and account closures (motions carried 4–0); retain Plunkett & Cooney/terminate prior counsel (motions carried 4–0); implement ALLPAID (Sebert motion; Harrison second; carried 4–0); adoption of Resolution 2024-003 PAR grant (Harrison motion; Spencer second; roll call 4–0).

The council’s actions affect village finances, emergency-service equipment responsibilities and the village’s legal representation; several items require follow-up (township billing for Rescue 11, implementation details for ALLPAID and acknowledgement letters to attorney applicants).