The Monticello Village Board held their regular meeting on January 4, 2017, with all trustees in attendance. The meeting room was filled with residents, however since no one had asked to be put on the agenda none of them were able to speak to the board.

The board approved hiring Dwaine Thoman for the part time Public Works Assistant position.

Trustee Greg Bettin made a motion to hire Andrew Rose as the Interim Police Chief. The Interim Police Chief would work an estimated 20 hours per week and provide administrative services, including attending meetings, putting together schedules, payroll, as well as other duties. The Interim Chief would also assist the Village Board with interviews and background checks on the applicants for Police Chief. Rose had assisted with the background checks for the Police Chief position when it had been posted internally. The Interim Chief would receive no benefits from the village and the position could be terminated at any time by the employee or the village by giving written notice. Trustees estimated that it could take two to three months to hire a new Police Chief.

Before a vote on Bettin’s motion was taken, Trustee Tere Dunlap said that she, as well as other board members, had received an email from the current retiring Chief of Police, Tom Erb. Dunlap reported that Erb was offering his services as Interim Chief. The motion by Bettin failed due to the lack of a second. Following a brief discussion, the board approved a motion to hire Erb as Interim Police Chief, with Bettin dissenting.

The board also discussed the property at 215 E. Lake Avenue. They reviewed a letter prepared by Village Attorney Alicia Augsberger in regards to the property.

On December 22, 2016, an inspection was conducted at the property after the Village received a court ordered Inspection Warrant. There was considerable damage both inside and out to the property, with repair estimates in excess of $40,000. The board discussed options if the property owner does not comply with repairs. Options included fines for the property owner or the village could go in and perform the repairs and the costs for the repairs would be assessed against the property. The board decided to look at the options, including the amount of the fines that could be charged.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.