HILLCREST -— Hillcrest trustees have directed the village engineer to prepare a plan to repair the village’s streets and extend the sanitary sewer. 

Last month Carl Fischer with Baxter and Woodman prepared a proposal to deal with issues of nitrates in the water system.

Trustees have also directed Fischer to add to that proposal to replace the water mains as well. 

Fischer informed trustees of the issues surrounding the street conditions and the faulty underlayment; his recommendation is to remove existing pavement along with one foot of the top soil, then apply aggregate and new pavement. He talked about the Illinois EPA loans available that could include up to 75 percent principal loan forgiveness.

The first step is to prepare a plan to repair the streets that would include a cost estimate before any loans could be applied for.

Trustees approved the purchase of 40 water meters and transponders from Core and Main at a cost of $8,386. The village maintenance staff would be doing the installation.

Trustees approved business registration forms in accordance with an existing ordinance. All businesses within the village will need to complete the form and necessary contact information.

Trustees discussed creating a new ordinance officer position, which would involve ensuring residents and businesses are following ordinances. They reviewed a job description list, but no final details were voted on. This would be a part time position.

Tax levy 

introduced

The fiscal year 2019 tax levy was introduced at an increase of less than five percent at a total of about $54,000. Trustees will vote on the tax levy at the December meeting.

The Rochelle City Manager and representatives from Rochelle Municipal Utilities talked to the trustees about the new incentives for customers, including energy saving appliance rebates and the summer saver rate program. RMU also has a new extended payment agreement plan to allow customers with existing balances to pay over six months instead of three.