MINUTES OF AVOCA VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – SPECIAL MEETING

DATE:  Wednesday, June 30, 2021

PRESENT:  Harold Ehmke, Chris Lehn, Rich Moses, Marianna Kirchhoff and Clerk, Marilyn Kirchhoff

ABSENT:  John Clark

OTHERS: 

The Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, was brought to order at 6:00 pm by Chairman, Harold Ehmke.  Four Board members and Clerk were present and one absent.   Attendance was noted by Clerk and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Chairman Ehmke reminded everyone of the Open Meetings Act posted on the wall.

The only item on the agenda was the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Non-Entitlement Units of Local Government Application.  The Clerk presented the Board of Trustees with information collected over the past few weeks regarding the funds. Information was received from:

                Webinars attended by the Clerk as well as received emails

                Discussion with Richard Burch, Midwest Assistant Program, Representative

                Discussion with Jerry Stilmock, Attorney for the Village of Avoca

On June 17, a letter was sent out with an application that must be returned by July 2, to either Request allocation of local fiscal recovery funds or Decline funding.

The information that the Clerk receives continues to be updated, almost daily.  This includes exactly what the funds can and cannot be used for.  If the funds are requested and not used completely, the balance can be transferred back.  After a discussion, a Motion was made by Trustee Kirchhoff, to authorize approval for the Chairman Ehmke, to apply for the federal funding.  This motion was seconded by Trustee Moses.  A roll call vote:  Clark – absent; Ehmke – yea; Kirchhoff – yea; Lehn – yea; Moses – yea. 

The Clerk then gave information that it was advised to have the money transferred to an account that was already set up with automatic transfers with the state, such as the General or Street funds.  Other information received was suggested that a separate account be set up to keep the funds all in one location and make it easier for any audit that may be needed.  A motion was made by Trustee Lehn, to set up a separate checking account.  This motion was seconded by Trustee Kirchhoff.  A roll call vote:  Clark – absent; Ehmke – yea; Kirchhoff – yea; Lehn – yea; Moses – yea.

The forms were submitted for signatures.  The Clerk will submit the application and other signature forms on-line, Thursday, July 1 and will submit the signed forms to the bank for setting up a new account.

There was no further discussion regarding the Recovery Funds and a motion was made by Trustee Lehn, to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Trustee Kirchhoff.  A roll call vote:  Clark – absent; Ehmke – yea; Kirchhoff – yea; Lehn – yea; Moses – yea.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 pm. 

The next scheduled regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be Monday, July 12, 2021 at 6:00 pm at the Village Office, 609 House Street.  The minutes of the Special Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees for the Village of Avoca are submitted by Marilyn Kirchhoff, Village Clerk/Treasurer.