Shannon on Board for High Speed Internet, Raises Water/Sewer Rates

By JOHN HUGGINS | For The Prairie Advocate News

SHANNON – On December 4, 2012, the Shannon Village Board held their monthly meeting with all present, except for Trustees Mark Curtis and Troy Lessman. Dan Payette, Blackhawk Hills Regional Council’s Outreach Coordinator, presented options for the Village to take advantage of the high-speed broadband connection offered through the iFiber project.

Payette explained that it would cost the Village $100 per month to be connected to the network. Internet service could be added for an additional $25 per month. Village President Bonnie Foust stated, “I want us to be on the leading edge of things. It shows that we are a progressive community.”

The installation of the wiring and the connection is free, if they connect now. If they chose not to connect at this time, there would be costs to connect to the network in the future. Those costs could be $5,000 or more.

Village Hall receives free internet at this time, so it was discussed whether or not they needed the internet service from iFiber. One of the representatives from Fehr-Graham Engineering noted that if the Village used the iFiber internet, the maintenance department could use the free service.

The trustees voted to proceed with the connection and internet service.

Cherry Grove-Shannon Township

Brian Koch, Cherry Grove-Shannon Township Road Commissioner, inquired about truck parking on the street that the township building is on. There is one truck in particular that can inhibit snow plows and other truck traffic. It was decided that the owner of the truck would be approached to ask if he could park in another location.

Village Trustee Wayne Gaul asked if the room in the township building was available for the public to rent. Koch verified that it was available to rent. The fee is $100 if the township cleans it, or $75 if the renter cleans it.

Updating of Village Maps

Fehr-Graham delivered draft copies of the new village maps for water, sanitary sewer, plat, and zoning. Jason DeMichele will review the water and sewer maps for any needed correction.

Some research will be required to update the zoning map. Village Attorney Kipp Meyers has kept electronic records of zoning changes since 1997. However, the maps have not been updated since 1985. That means that a manual search through all ordinances, from approximately 1983 through 1997, would need to be done.

Water and Sewer Services

Water and sewer services were discussed at length. Installing water meters was mentioned. Adam Holder of Fehr-Graham said there may be grants available for installing meters. Trustee Gaul volunteered to be the first residential property to have a meter. And he would pay for the meter himself.

Some businesses have filled trucks via the fire hydrants. If meters were installed, they would be bypassing them and not paying for what they actually use. It was agreed that no business should be using the hydrants for water for business purposes.

Rate increases were also debated. Currently, residential rates for water is $20, Sewer is $12, and garbage is $14.

Village Treasurer Denise Borman reported that the water and sewer budgets have been ending “in the black,” but just barely. There is no reserve in case of an emergency, or some of the future planned projects.

The figure of $4 per month increase for all users, residential and business, was agreed upon by the trustees. The amount would be split evenly at $2 for water and $2 for sewer. The rates for the businesses vary by category of business they fall under. They range from $25.50 to $102 per month. The water and sewer committee will take a look at those rates and see where adjustments need to be made.

Other Business

A new, more secure door was installed on the back entrance to Village Hall.

President Foust passed along a compliment to Jason DeMichele and Dale Haring of the public works department that she received for the help and support they provide for people.

Full time employees will receive $100 bonuses and part time police officers will receive gift baskets from Blarney Stone Popcorn, valued at $25 each.

Passed the annual tax levy ordinance in the amount of $91,300.

January meeting changed from Tuesday, January 1 to Thursday, January 3.