The Enfield Village Board gathered for its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, addressing a range of community matters from staffing decisions to infrastructure projects and upcoming events.
Mike Smythe was unanimously approved and sworn in as a new village trustee. Shortly after, the board discussed challenges with completing the remaining installation of street lighting. Due to limited assistance from Ameren, the village will likely handle the work themselves, with the final cost depending on how much concrete must be removed to replace old lights.
In fundraising efforts, the board is encouraging residents to purchase Christmas ornaments in memory of loved ones, and plans to hold a slow-pitch softball tournament this October.
Staffing changes were also on the agenda. James Steele was unanimously hired as the new Animal Control Officer with a monthly salary of $200. Meanwhile, Debbie Brown, who oversees the Community Center and had already been performing some janitorial tasks, was approved to officially take on those duties for an additional $200 per month.
Brandon Smythe, son of new trustee Mike Smythe, was unanimously approved to join the police department as a part-time officer, pending his acceptance. Trustee Mike Smythe abstained from the vote. The village continues to accept applications for a full- or part-time officer position.
The board also directed letters to be prepared for four property owners requesting clean-up of their properties.
Additional updates included:
The new village truck, currently in St. Louis, is expected to arrive within about a week.
The board is still gathering estimates for Community Center repairs.
A lengthy discussion took place over whether to accept the only bid of $60,000 for 20 acres behind the park, with debate centering on whether to keep mineral rights. Village Attorney Jonathan Turpin recommended advertising for and accepting sealed bids at the next meeting, but the matter was tabled for further consideration.
Work continues on the Park Grant to fund repairs and improvements.
The board accepted the lowest of two bids—$12,000 from Rutherford Fence—for fencing and gates at Northside Park.
Papers for the IEPA Unsewered Communities Planning Grant have been signed by Mayor Black, with surveying set to begin soon.
Preparations are complete for the Red Neck Wrestling event at Booth Elementary School this Saturday at 7 PM.
The board noted the Fourth of July festivities were a success.
The new utilities department employee is reported to be working out well.
In other business, the board discussed the issue of stray cats and is considering amending the animal ordinance to specify that feeding stray cats constitutes ownership. They plan to consult the Village Attorney and possibly add the item to next month’s agenda.
The board received an application to place a double-wide trailer at 409 East North Street, but will wait until next month’s meeting for a final decision pending details on the trailer’s year and photos.
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