St. Jacob Board Approves Motor Fuel Tax Budget

By Stephanie Malench, Reporter

The St. Jacob Village Board approved the 2020 Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance Program budget for at total of $68,000 at its December 4 regular meeting. Projects in the budget include replacement of street signs and fixing a drainage problem at Fern and 5th streets and other projects as they come up.

Police Chief Gary Kukla also reported that about 15 courtesy notices were given out to residents on the new derelict vehicle ordinance passed in November. Kukla said he will work with residents who try to comply with the ordinance but just need a little extra time, several of whom were in the audience.

Several residents showed up for public comment that ordinances were being passed and decisions were being made without informing the residents.  The board reminded residents that the agenda is posted at the entrance to Village Hall 48 hours prior to each meeting and the agendas and minutes are both available online.  Residents can also watch the Village board meetings on Channel 3 if they cannot show up to a meeting in person or read the coverage in the following week’s Times-Tribune newspaper.

Public works has finished vacuuming out most of the leaves that residents out in their ditches for disposal and will now turn its work to jetting out the culverts and fixing the ends as needed.

An amended ordinance was introduced for fencing regulations that will be voted on at the December 18 meeting. Among changes are that the front must be 4 feet high and the sides and back 6 feet high and the Zoning Administrator must approve the plan.

A request was also brought forward by Public Grounds and Building Chair Josh Hancock to expand parking at the Activity Center. The number of spaces added will depend on what the site survey says. Spaces will most likely be added to the east side of the building by the fire station.