VILLAGE OF NEPONSET
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
August 19, 2026, 7:00 PM
209 W COMMERCIAL
NEPONSET COMMUNITY BUILDING
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The regular meeting of the Village of Neponset Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Present were Trustees Samantha Long, Steve Blades, Jill Cinnamon, Julius Maes, Sid Dev, and Mayor Dave Muellar. Markus Chapman was also present.
CONSENT AGENDA: July 2026 Board Minutes, July 2026 Treasurer’s Report, and August 2026 Invoices payable under consent agenda. There were no questions regarding the minutes or bills. Motion to approve Steve Blades, 2nd Sam Long, roll call vote, all ayes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
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Water and Sewer – Sid Dev/Markus Chapman – Markus presented to the board. He noticed scuffing or damage on the northwest leg of the water tower that may require sanding and painting. The water department control panel was noted as outdated, and a backup battery is needed to help prevent costly reprogramming in the event of a power failure and generator failure. Markus will check on pricing and share with the Board. Willet Hoffman will need to inspect the water tower which can be done next year. The reservoir also needs inspection. Grinder pump lids are rusting making holes in the lids. The Board discussed replacing the lids with stainless steel lids with hinges and lockable knobs. Dave will talk to Martin Engineering about materials and pricing. Markus and Everett will work on getting the South Street pump work completed. The Board noted that groundwater should not be directed into the sewer system.
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Community Events and Building Permits – Sam Long – A solar permit was received, but the company did not attend the meeting. No action was taken.
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Ordinances and Police – Dave Mueller – No police/ordinance update was provided. A resident contacted the Village regarding starting water service.
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Garbage and Emergency Plan – Jill Cinnamon – There was no garbage updates. It was noted that the garbage truck failed inspection due to a muffler issue. Everett was able to fix the garbage truck on his own. It passed inspection.
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Streets – Steve Blades - Steve reported that potholes had been filled, including a large pothole on 4th Street behind the Oasis. Oil and chipping were discussed, including expected timing in mid-to-late August. The pothole in front of the post office will be reviewed after oil and chipping is completed.
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Village and Equipment – Julius Maes – Nothing to report.
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Finance & Insurance – Dave Mueller – Nothing to report.
OLD BUSINESS
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Shelter in the Park/Veteran’s Memorial/IDNR Park & Recreation Grant – The Village had to pay half of the grant and will be reimbursed. There is an anticipated second bill of $209, 701. Additional work may remain. A request was made to transfer the $35,000 from CDs to the Village when available. A short-term loan is also being considered. Dave will contact Luke about the loan.
NEW BUSINESS: ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
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Solicitation and Peddling Ordinance - The Board discussed whether the Village has an existing solicitation or peddling ordinance. An old one could not be located. Older ordinances may still need to be reviewed. The Board discussed whether to update or create an ordinance using nearby communities as examples. The matter was tabled.
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Pavilion Rental and Picnic Tables - The Board discussed whether the park pavilion should be rented or reserved. The use will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tables have not been decided on.
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Elected Official Compensation - The Board reviewed information regarding compensation for elected officials prior to April 6, 2027, municipal election. The Board discussed whether compensation should be changed. No action was taken.
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North Side Drainage / Lift Station Tile Project - The Board discussed a proposed phased drainage project near the north side of town and the lift station. Phase One would include installing 15-inch dual-wall perforated tile from the railroad tracks to the first road, along with pits and pumping capability to move water under the railroad tracks. The estimated cost for Phase One was approximately $8,800, with discussion that the project could use cleanup funds. A motion was made to approve spending $8,800 on Phase One of the tile project. The work will be done by Chapman Tiling. Motion to approve Sid Dev, 2nd Julius Maes. Roll call vote, all ayes.
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Fall Citywide Cleanup - October 13 was suggested as the preferred date because it falls on the Tuesday before trash day. The Board agreed to that date.
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Additional Water Department Items - Hydrant flushing was discussed for the end of September.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn at 7:50 pm made by Sam Long, 2nd Steve Blades, motion carried.
