Tamaroa to purchase generator, add transfer switches
In response to the recent sub-zero weather the Tamaroa Village Trustees agreed to purchase a PTO generator and install a transfer switch at the Community Center.
During Winter Storm Ion on Jan. 5, the village lost power. High winds knocked out service at the local substation. The village already owns a diesel generator which can be used to heat the Community Center if power outages occur in bad weather.
Without power in town, the nearest warming center was Pinckneyville High School. The weather made travel inadvisable. The Community Center could be used as a warming center.
Trustee Bill Place said that three of the village's above-ground sewer stations are frozen. The PTO generator, not to exceed $10,000, will be rotated among the sewer stations to keep them in service during extreme weather.
In other business, the board:
• praised village employees for their work during the recent snowstorms. The roads in Tamaroa were the best in Perry County, the board said.
• heard from Trustee Kim Woodside that the Angel Tree was a huge success. In all, 44 children received gifts. The village spent just over $200 on gifts for six children. An anonymous couple provided gifts for 10 children on the tree.
• heard from employee Darrell Wright that progress has been made on the water service to Ray George's property. The next step is to have the water tested. He is waiting for warmer temperatures before moving forward.
• heard from Place that tapping a line in front of the Fire Department to install a hydrant is not feasible. He suggested tapping the line on First North Street. He discussed the matter with the Fire Chief, but has not heard from him. The Fire Board meets Thursday.
• asked attorney Matt Foster to prepare an amendment to the village's water policy to allow every customer a one-time option of paying for water at cost with a proven water leak. The board also will discuss a policy for water services that support multiple dwellings at the next meeting.
• asked Foster to look over a document from a local real estate agent asking the village to vacate unused roads.
• decided to shop around for a new security company after receiving an estimate for $1,100 for a new panel for the Community Center.
• approved the purchase of a commercial copier for approximately $500. The copier should be capable of making double-sided copies. Employee Tiffany Kujawa can select a copier.
• discussed the buying either a permanent or mobile concession stand for use at the annual tractor pull. The board will look at various options and consider the matter at the next meeting.