Arthur Village Board votes to purchase new water billing software

Board approves Jace Green’s Eagle Scout Project for flag drop-off retirement box

By ARIANA R. CHERRY
Staff Writer

“I’d like to thank the Arthur Park District and commend them for stepping up and opening our pool,” stated Trustee, Matt Bernius. “A lot of towns had shut their pools down, and even though it was a short season, it gave our kids something to do. I think Arthur should be proud that they did that. I really appreciated it,” he added.

Mayor Rod Randall informed the board that he rode along with one of the new officers and said it was a good experience and had plans to do it again. He said others should try it if they ever get the chance.

Eagle Scout, Jace Green of Troop 74 approached the village board with his Eagle Scout project. Jace would like to place a flag retirement drop-off box in town, so that flags could be retired respectively. He had noticed that the community presently did not have such a place for flags. Jace added that he would be taking care of the fundraising to raise money for his project as well. One of the areas that he is looking for placement is in the parking lot by the Arthur United Methodist Church on the west side of the boulevard, although it isn’t definite yet. Final placement of the box would be determined at a later date. The Village Board voted to give Jace approval for his project and Mayor Randall agreed to be his contact since Rod had led Scouts in the past.

An amount of $64,076.46 was reported in bills. Christy Miller informed the board that even though the Cheese Festival had been canceled for this season, the village would be having a “Kick-Off to Fall,” in replace of the festivities this year during the Labor Day weekend. The stores downtown would be offering in-store only specials on Saturday only. There are plans for food vendors (about 5) that will be downtown also, but just on Saturday. Alvie Jess will be hosting a flea market near the rail-road tracks in the grassy area near his business, but it is unknown how many vendors will be there at this time.

Grant Corum reported that the projects from Public Works are progressing and that a committee meeting had been held.

An Ordinance approving the sale of Lot 21 was sold for $26,003. It had been appraised for $29,236. The buyer will be building a house on the lot.

Due to the quarantine and ongoing pandemic, the water department has been having a lot more credit card and online check payments. Over 100 transactions have been reported recently. Through the CARES Act, the village would be able to purchase a new credit card module for the billing software. The new software would make transactions easier and everything wouldn’t have to be inputted for each time. Customers would be able to see and access their information too. Board members voted to purchase the JayHawk water billing software in the amount of $1,500.

It was brought to the board’s attention that several people in town had requested food trucks to come to town on private property. Those who do come into town with plans to conduct business are required to get a permit and also pay sales tax if they are on public property. After some discussion, the board approved to use the gazebo parking lot for outside vendors, but they are required to register first and get a permit with Erica Carter