Teutopolis Village Board Discusses Speeding on Local Streets

Teutopolis village board members heard from two local residents on speeding issues.

Allen Gillespie is concerned about speeding on Water Street. Gillespie said the problem seems to occur between 5pm and 8pm. He'd like stop signs at each intersection with flashing lights on them.

Terry Shannon has concerns about speeding on Green Street, and suggested placing radar signs, as well as a bump in the road on Green Street. Shannon would like a stop sign at the intersection of Walnut Street and Green Street. The Board discussed moving radar signs to the area to see if that would help.

Shannon also asked the Board to discuss purchasing body cameras and in-car camera for village police officers, something the Board has already been discussing. Shannon also asked that the Village construct a small amphitheater by the village park that would allow small concerts for the public to attend. Village officials said that issue is something that Shannon would need to discuss with the Park Board. 

Mitch Hardiek and Adam Kremer from Milano and Grunloh Engineers were present to discuss preliminary engineering on a grant project, acquiring easements, and grants. The Village has about $200,000 available that could be used to repair entrances at Plum Street and Race Street. The Board received the unsewered planning study, and heard that M&G is currently coordinating with the railroad on obtaining easements on Oak Street.

The Board spoke favorably about Garage Band Nights; discussed obtaining aerial photographs of the properties at 611 and 613 West Main Street; heard that Village President Dave Repking will speak with the owner of property at 802 West Main about semi-trailers and abandoned cars parked on the property. 

There was also discussion that several village customers who said they did not receive their utility bills in July and, so, were charged a late fee. After discussion, the Board said it is the responsibility of the customers to make sure their bills are paid on time.

The Board renewed health insurance for village employees through Life360; and raised the Building Official's salary to $7,000 per year. Also discussed was employee overtime. The village will check with other communities to see how many employees they have. Repking is going to check with the village engineers to get recommendations on electronic reads to be placed at the water and sewer plants to see whether that would reduce overtime.

The Teutopolis board also agreed to participate in the Trunk or Treat event set for October 27.