New Member on Teutopolis Village Board

The Teutopolis Village Board welcomed Christina Mette as a new trustee at this week's meeting. Mette succeds Jane Summers, who did not seek re-election, on the board. Daniel Zerrusen and Bernard Hartke were re-elected in April and were sworn in to new terms.

The Board heard from Ryan and Mary Spencer, who would like to develop a restaurant along Route 40, just west of Meyer Oil. The location is not in the village's Tax Increment Financing disrict, so the Spencers were checking whether the Board would help with the cost of running sewer service to the site, or whether grant funds are available. The matter will be revisited.

The Board also heard from Del Althoff, who built a home outside the village limits but within the village's 1-1/2 mile extra territorial zoning jurisdiction. Board members decided to grant Althoff a building permit.

There was more discussion on solar energy. The village has a solar ordinance in place, but the Board is still considered potential changes to the measure such as variances or special use permits for certain types of energy systems. The Board plans further discussion with Village Attorney Tracy Willenborg on various options.

The Board awarded stockpile bids to 3 Sisters Logistics; passed the Appointment Ordinance with the only change being John Mette replacing Paul Weber on the Board of Appeals; released claims on a lot to Angela Hotze; purchased two more solar powered speed detection signs for just under $4,000 each; and awarded a contract to Followell Construction of Marion for a sewer extension along North Plum Street for $68,777 with the possibility of some reimbursement to the Village.

Board members accepted an estimate from Premier Fire and Security for just under $10,000 that will control access to the village hall and buzz into the building; and also voted to take action on a property at 611 West Main Street due to code violations.

The Board also heard that Congressman Mike Bost was in Teutopolis on Tuesday and said he would support village efforts to obtain grant funds to finance replacement of cast iron water pipes.