Village trustees adopt Ordinance 24-32 to clarify utility billing; approve annual fuel contract with Agland Fuel

The Village Board of Trustees on Jan. 15 adopted Ordinance 24-32 to clarify municipal code language about how utility service is billed and approved the village's annual fuel contract with Agland Fuel.

Village Administrator introduced the ordinance, saying it is “not an increase in rate. It's just a clarification on the code that aligns with how we bill our customers.” The ordinance amends section 8-15-4 (amount billed for utility service), section 8-2-15 (gas rate schedule) and section 8-5-5 (storm water service charges) so the wording in the code matches current billing practice.

The administrator explained the practical effect: billing has been applied by due date with a 5% late charge; prior code language was written in a way that could be read to invert those amounts. The amendment is intended to make the code and the printed utility bills consistent.

Trustees moved and seconded the ordinance; recorded affirmative responses during the roll call were Menel, Kerrick, Newman, Hilliard and Leach, and the motion carried. No member of the public spoke on the ordinance during the meeting.

Public works staff presented a single procurement item: the annual fuel bin contract. The director of public works said Agland Fuel was the sole bidder and has served the village for multiple years. “They provide excellent service to the village,” the director said, noting the village also fuels District 709 vehicles at its pump. Trustees voted to approve the contract; affirmative roll-call responses recorded were Leach, Newman, Mendel, Hillier and Kerr.

The board also approved the consent agenda — including the minutes of the regular meeting of Jan. 15, 2024, and payment of bills — by motion and voice/roll-call vote (ayes recorded from Hilliard, Pleat, Mendel, Newman and Barrett). With no further business, the trustees moved to adjourn and approved adjournment.

Meeting participants who reported no items included the village clerk, chief of police, corporation counsel and the director of fire and emergency services. The board did not hold a public hearing and there were no public comments at this session.