Trustees hear update on unkempt properties; meter notices, possible court action

Clerk Melody Hall updated trustees on the village’s enforcement of property-maintenance letters. She said most addresses that received notices had cleared weeds and mowing, noting one exception at West and the highway where the property had not complied. A certified letter to an address at 201 Newcomer was returned with a forwarding address that did not map to a valid post; Hall said she contacted the Alexis postmaster and received a potential Galesburg address to try next.

Hall reported a lawyer was handling a matter involving an owner of a burned property; the owner had 30 days to contact the attorney and, because the attorney had received no response as of the meeting, Hall said she expected the matter to go before the court. Visitor Justine Johnston asked whether a court date was set; Hall said the lawyer had not provided one.

On meters, Hall said she sent certified notices; Rebecca Gregg signed for a notice on June 30 and has until July 30 to contact Treasurer Gary Whitcomb. Hall described contact from Rebekah Morales after they received a notice: Morales asked that a licensed plumber perform the meter replacement because they were told by the former mayor that the village would not cover damage caused by an unlicensed installer. Hall said the village’s stance is to repair any damage resulting from the meter replacement at village expense, but if residents hire a licensed plumber that cost would be their responsibility. Trustee Tim Stage said the Morales family expressed concern about insurance coverage and had suggested consulting an attorney.

The board did not adopt new enforcement language at the meeting; the clerk will continue to pursue valid addresses and counsel follow-up where appropriate.