The board of trustees for the village of Bushnell started the year’s business off with a public hearing at its regular meeting on Jan. 14.

The hearing was held to gather comment on the one- and six-year streets improvement program. Street superintendent Jim Ryschon told council the only item on both plans was maintenance as two projects on the six-year plan had been removed several years ago due to lack of funding. No comments on the plans were offered, nor were any from the board. Chairman Tom Nolting read Resolution 10-101 calling for the adoption of the plans. Trustee Marv Smith made a motion to accept the resolution, with a second coming from trustee Cody Halligan. The resolution received unanimous approval and the hearing was closed.

In new business, resident Jennifer Ivy brought a request for a building permit. Wanting to replace the roof of her kennel enclosure, Ivy asked the trustees if she needed a permit to have the work done. She told the trustees the size was different from a prior request and would be about 12 feet x 24 feet. She added she anticipates the work would be done in March. Halligan suggested a new drawing be submitted before work commences. Completed her time before the board, Ivy advised she would not be doing any boarding on the kennels until the roof work was complete and her breeding business was operating smoothly.

Several items of old business were discussed by the trustees, beginning with letters being sent out regarding nuisances and inoperable/unlicensed vehicles. After discussing the responses received and considering weather problems, Halligan suggested further discussion be held at the board’s February meeting. Nolting suggested letters be sent to those involved.

The issue of Chris Andres storage building was tabled as Andres was not present.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Floodplain Survey is to be completed and returned by clerk Shirley Johnson.

Johnson is to request additional time to return the wastewater survey from the state. The board will consider requesting the raising of manholes for accessibility and for the Imhoff grate at the lagoon to be cleaned. Another survey, assessing public water needs, was tabled.

In the final item of that section of the agenda, Johnson told the board she checked on the status of TAC Investment Banc’s holding of the property at Lots 7 and 8 on Block 8, Orkney Addition. Johnson said they have not paid 2009 taxes as of yet and it is unclear if other liens exist. After some discussion, trustee Don Luehr volunteered to look into the matter.

Maintenance head Rick Dickinson took the floor next to offer his report to the board. He reported just under 6 million gallons of water were pumped in 2009 and Well No. 1 is still only working part time. After discussion of possible solutions to the problem, it was decided a service call would not be made at this time and Dickinson is to keep the board apprised of the situation.

Dickinson continued talk in that vein, advising the board he is looking for a solution to the water and ice problem being experienced in front of the post office. He said he has tried moving ice with the grader and considered sloping to the east. In addition, a request was made for assistance for the elderly who have to dig out their driveways. Following discussion by the board, Nolting asked Dickinson if a temporary solution to the water and ice problem could be solved by using some kind of ramp. Nolting also asked for signs to be posted during this severe weather period so residents who need help getting to the main roads could call the village office for assistance. In addition, those willing to help those needing assistance are asked to call the village office.

Several items of correspondence were received by the village including the village open burn permit. It is effective through December of 2014. It was determined the village would need additional permission for open fires on any other site.

A letter was received from the state auditor’s office stating the audit waiver request for the village for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 was approved. In addition, a workers compensation liability letter was received and is on file at the village office.

Wrapping up the meeting, Nolting asked for comments on the landfill increase. Both Luehr ad Dickinson said they have been questioned about the increase, but residents understand it is from the operators of the landfill and will help them keep the site available for use.

The next meeting of the Bushnell board of trustees is slated for Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Bushnell Town Hall.