OKAWVILLE VILLAGE DEPARTMENTS

Police Personnel

Chief of Police: J. Berry

Officer: G. O’Neal

Officer: A. Storie

Police Dept Application

Mission Statement

Our mission is to be the model of excellence in policing by working in partnership with

the community to protect and serve the citizens and visitors of Okawville.  We are here to

fight crime and enforce the laws of Illinois and ordinances of the Village of Okawville.

We will do that while protecting the constitutional rights of all people. As a department,

we will recruit, train, lead, and strive for our officers to have the highest degree of ethical

behavior and professional conduct at all times. We want to make an exceptional team of

law enforcement professionals for our citizens and visitors and support Okawville’s goal

of having a great place to SHOP.EAT. PLAY.WORK. LEARN. GATHER. LOVE

WHERE YOU LIVE.

Village Hall ∙ 304 N Front St ∙ PO Box 237 ∙ Okawville, Illinois 62271

(618) 243-6121 Option 4

Pay Online

Pay utilities here

General Info

Water/sewer/trash services are provided/managed by the village. For any questions regarding these services or for billing questions, please use the contact us form or visit Village Hall.

John Elliott is the Utilities Superintendent. Messages can be left for him at Village Hall.

Trash collection is included in the Village utility bills. Please put your trash out on Monday night for pick-up on Tuesday. Trash must be placed in cans provided by Waste Management.

Recycling

Please recycle paper and magazines in the yellow and green recycle bins in the south school parking lot. Curbside recycling is part of the trash service. Please put cardboard, glass, metals, and plastics out every other Tuesday evening for pick up on Wednesday. Recyclables go in the cans with yellow lids.

Consumer Confidence Report

The annual water quality report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report, can be found here: http://www.ilrwa.org/ccr/okawville.pdf

Legal Info

ALL PAYMENTS ARE DUE BY 4:00 PM ON THE DUE DATE. Payments left in the outside drop box after 4:00 PM are processed the next day.

Chapter 38, Article II, Section 38-2-1 Paragraph (H) reads as follows regarding utility billing:All regular monthly bills for utility services shall be rendered monthly on the 10th day of the month and shall be delinquent if payment is not received by 4:00 PM on the 20th day of the month.  Should the 20th day of the month fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, payment must be received on the following business day to avoid delinquency. In the event a bill becomes delinquent, an additional charge of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the bill shall be added to the bill.  If the bill plus the penalty are not paid by 4:00 PM on the 25th day of the month, an additional penalty of Twenty Dollars ($20.00) shall be added to the bill and a termination notice shall be sent to the customer. If payment of all amounts due is not received by 4:00 PM on the 1st day of the next month, then the utility service shall be stopped. An additional Fifty Dollars ($50.00) reconnection fee must be paid in addition to the bill plus all penalties before service will be reconnected.

For example:10th of current month:  bill sent for $50. On the 21st of current month:  payment not received by the 20th: 10% added (amt due is now $55.00). On the 26th of current month:  payment not received by the 25th: $20 fee added (amt due is now $75.00) and disconnection notice sent. On the 2nd of following month:  payment not received by the 1st. Services are turned off and amount due is now $125.00 before services will be turned on.

Ordinances

While this is not a comprehensive list of the Ordinances governing the Village of Okawville, the following are some of the more commonly violated ordinances. Please contact Village Hall if you any questions about the Village Code.

Occupancy: Each residence has a maximum occupancy which is determined by the fire code. No more than that number of persons should be occupying the residence. Only those persons listed on the Occupancy Permit are allowed to to occupy the residence. If another person moves in, notify Village Hall immediately to avoid fines.

Leaf Burning: No burning is allowed along curbs or on village streets. No burning is allowed after sunset. Yard waste must be dry when burned. Fires MUST BE attended by a responsible party at all times.

Dogs/Cats: No more than a total of three dogs and cats is allowed at any residence. All dogs must be on a leash unless fenced or inside the residence.

Permits: A permit is required for any new construction or modifications. This includes fences, homes, outbuildings, decks, patios, pools, temporary sheds, etc.

Curfew: A minor is any person who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. Minors are not allowed to be in a public space between the hours of 11:00pm on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday until 6:00am the following day and 12:01am until 6:00am Saturday and Sunday. Exceptions are if the minor is with a parent/guardian, travelling to/from a school activity or employment without any detour or stop.

Grass/weeds: Grass and/or weeds must be maintained not in excess of eight (8) inches high. Grass is also to be mowed in such a way that the clippings DO NOT get into the street/curbs.

Derelict vehicles: Unlicensed and/or inoperable vehicles are prohibited outside on the premises of any residence.

Meeting Minutes

VILLAGE HALL                    

June 30, 2025

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Village Vice-President Brett Heberer.  At roll call, Trustees Scott Cragen, Nathan Dick, Brett Heberer, Kevin Kink, and Chad Parker were present.  A quorum was present.

Todd Marver from the Washington County News was present.  Village residents Katheen Shubert, Wayne Keiser, Amanda Smith, John Tague (TJ), Wil Donaldson, Shelby Ratermann, and Marilyn Grafton were also present.  Officer Aaron Storie and his wife were present.

A motion was made by Trustee Cragen and seconded by Trustee Kink to dispense with the reading of last month's minutes and to accept them as presented.

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes. 

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

The floor was open to Village residents.  Kathleen Shubert, Amanda Smith, and Wayne Keiser all spoke about their concerns regarding allowing CBI to add fuel stations.  Marilyn Grafton spoke about previously not wanting Gabriel Lane to be accepted by the Village, but expressed that her views have changed and she is okay with it.  Wil Donaldson asked why inspections are required for homeowners; he understands why they are required for rental properties, but not owners.  Basically, because the code was adopted that way.  Shelby Ratermann spoke about her special needs children and that her current residence is not safe for them.  She requested special consideration to be allowed to move into a different mobile home.  She understands that the mobile home park owners have not been maintaining the properties, but argued that they are still receiving rent for all parcels, so withholding inspections is not detrimental.  She was told that the Village Board will discuss and that no decision could be made tonight because it was not an action item on the agenda.  There were no more comments from the public.

A motion was made by Trustee Dick and seconded by Trustee Kink to accept Gabriel Lane as a village street.

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes. 

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

A motion was made by Trustee Dick and seconded by Trustee Cragen to approve allowing to Mill Street for the purposes of fuel trucks and increased road traffic at CBI.

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted no. 

Results:  Yes:  0    No:  5   MOTION DENIED

A motion was made by Trustee Dick and seconded by Trustee Parker to hire Moe Ripperda for regular street sweeping at a cost of $110 per hour plus $125 transportation fee.

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes. 

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 Aaron Storie was sworn in as a full-time police officer.

  At this time, Officer and Mrs. Storie, Kathleen Shubert, Wayne Keiser, Amanda Smith, and Marilyn Grafton left.

 A motion was made by Trustee Cragen and seconded by Trustee Parker to accept the resignation of Heather Todd as Village Trustee.

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes. 

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 A motion was made by Trustee Cragen and seconded by Trustee Kink to adopt Ordinance No 612 establishing a return-to-work program.

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes. 

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 A motion was made by Trustee Cragen and seconded by Trustee Kink to enter into a Law Enforcement Agreement with Washington County.

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes. 

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

A motion was made by Trustee Cragen and seconded by Trustee Kink to purchase a new computer for the police department at a cost between $1,500 and $2,000.

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes. 

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 A motion was made by Trustee Dick and seconded by Trustee Cragen to pass Ordinance No 613 regarding hotel/motel taxes.

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes.

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 A motion was made by Trustee Dick and seconded by Trustee Parker to discontinue our relationship with the Law Office of Van-Lear P Eckert.

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes.

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 A motion was made by Trustee Dick and seconded by Trustee Parker to hire Alvin Paulson as the Village Attorney,

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes.

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

A motion was made by Trustee Dick and seconded by Trustee Cragen to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. 

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes. 

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 Copies of the bills were presented to the Board by the clerk (bills follow). 

 A motion was made by Trustee Dick and seconded by Trustee Kink to dispense with reading the bills and approve them with vouchers to be drawn on their proper accounts.

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes. 

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 A motion was made by Trustee Cragen and seconded by Trustee Dick to adjourn.

At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes. 

Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 The meeting was adjourned at 7:55p.m.

                                                                              Respectfully,

 Dawn Moyer

Village Clerk

Meeting Minutes July 28, 2025

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Village President David Jasper.  At roll call, Trustees Scott Cragen, Nathan Dick, Brett Heberer, Kevin Kink, and Chad Parker were present.  A quorum was present.

 Todd Marver from the Washington County News was present.  Also present were police chief Joe Berry, village attorney Alvin Paulson, Sarah Deterding, and Donna Davis.

 A motion was made by Trustee Heberer and seconded by Trustee Cragen to dispense with the reading of last month’s minutes and to accept them as presented. At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes.  Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 A motion was made by Trustee Heberer and seconded by Trustee Dick to adopt Wheat Festival Resolutions 25-07-01 (parade) and 25-07-02 (kiddie parade) to close streets for the parades. At roll call Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes.  Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 A motion was made by Trustee Parker and seconded by Trustee Cragen to approve the appointment of Donna Davis to fill the position of Village Trustee for a term ending April 30, 2027. At roll call Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes.  Results:  Yes:  5   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 The Village Board was advised that current inspector Scott Meinhardt will be terminating his employment effective September 30, 2025 and discussed updates to the Zoning Code.  The board will continue to educate themselves on same.  Scott Meinhardt and Jerry Green will still be available to advise regarding code updates.

 A motion was made by Trustee Dick and seconded by Trustee Parker to close portions of Hanover St, Executive Dr, Immanuel Dr, and Railroad Dr for the Wheat Streak on Saturday, September 13, 2025. At roll call Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes.  Results:  Yes:  6   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 Chief Berry advised the board that three part time officers have been hired.  He also advised that the printers for e-citations have been installed in all three squads.

 Trustee Dick advised the board that the sewer repairs across Front St at Illinois St and Top Ag have been completed except for the pouring of concrete once the rock settles.  Also, the aerators at the lagoon have been rearranged for more effectiveness.

 A motion was made by Trustee Heberer and seconded by Trustee Dick to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented.  At roll call Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes.  Results:  Yes:  6   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 Copies of the bills were presented to the Board by the clerk (bills follow). 

 A motion was made by Trustee Dick and seconded by Trustee Heberer to dispense with reading the bills and approve them with vouchers to be drawn on their proper accounts. At roll call Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes.  Results:  Yes:  6   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 A motion was made by Trustee Cragen and seconded by Trustee Dick to enter executive session to discuss potential litigation – Section 2 ( c ) (11) at 7:23 PM. At roll call Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes. Results:  Yes:  6   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 Sarah Deterding and Todd Marver left at this time.

A motion was made by Trustee Dick and seconded by Trustee Cragen to reopen the meeting at 8:24 PM. At roll call Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes. Results:  Yes:  6   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 A motion was made by Trustee Dick and seconded by Trustee Kink to adjourn. At roll call Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, And Parker voted yes.  Results:  Yes:  6   No:  0  MOTION CARRIED

 The meeting was adjourned at  8:25 p.m.

  Respectfully,

 Dawn Moyer

Village Clerk

MONDAY, August 25, 2025

 Agenda, Village Board meeting

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

MOTION TO DISPENSE WITH READING LAST MONTH’S MINUTES

PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS

Maddie Buettner from Liberty National to address board regarding employee benefits

VILLAGE PRESIDENT

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

FINANCE & CONTRACTS

Discussion/action on raising our exposure limits for ACH transactions to $40,000 per file

STREETS & SIDEWALKS

Discussion/action on street closures for Chili Cook-Off October 11, 2025.

• E Walnut St from N Nashville St to N Hanover St from noon-midnight

• N Hanover St from E High St to E Belleville St from 7 AM - midnight

PERSONNEL & PROPERTY

Discussion/action on Ordinance No 614 regarding probationary periods for all new hires.

Discusssion/action on personnel issues

POLICE & LIQUOR

Discussion/action on Ordinance No 572A regarding retail sales of cannabis or THC infused products.

WATER & SEWER

Discussion/action on sewer back-up claim at 203 S Abby Rd

TOURISM

INSPECTIONS and PERMITS

TIF PROJECTS

INSURANCE

CLAIMS

ATTORNEY

ACCEPT TREASURER’S REPORT

APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

Alleged OMA violations

ADJOURN

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Personnel – Section 2 (c)(1)

Purchase or Lease of Real Estate – Section 2 (c) (6)

Litigation – Section 2 (c)(11)

Committee Meeting of the Whole

September 15, 2025 @ 6:00 PM

Board room @ village hall

 Items of discussion:

o   Zoning – Hotel

o   Zoning – MHP

o   Zoning code and fee updates

o   New inspector

o   OMA compliance

o   FOIA requests

o   Firehouse phone bill

o   WSOM – Dept of Labor

o   Finance – First Federal 6 month CD renewal

o   Police – personnel discuss

o   Personnel - benefits

o   Air BnB

o   Any other general items to come before the board

Okawville Village Board

Village board meetings are held in the conference room at the rear of Village Hall, 304 N Front St at 7:00 PM on the last Monday of each month. Entrance is from the rear; park in the senior center parking lot (305 N Nashville St) and enter through the double doors at the back of Village Hall.
You can leave a message for any of them through the contact us form.

Village Board

President David Jasper

Clerk Dawn Moyer

Trustees

Scott Cragen

Nathan Dick

Brett Heberer

Kevin Kink

Chad Parker

Okawville Zoning Board

The Zoning Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm at Village Hall unless there is a hearing.
Hearings are held in the conference room of the Senior Center (305 N Nashville St) at the same date and time.

Limited New Construction Offer

Waive hookup fees and inspection fees up to $3,000 for first five new constructions (residential or commercial) with new water/sewer service!

Zoning Board of Appeals

Chairman Bruce Barkau

Members

Kathy Cook

Tom Heck

Tom Schuette

Russel Shubert

Albert Moeller

Scott Cragen

Minutes of the Zoning Board of Appeals

May 13, 2025

 The Zoning Board of Appeals met to discuss potential upcoming hearings. Chairman Bruce Barkau, Scott Cragen, Tom Heck, Albert Moeller, Tom Schuette, and Russel Shubert were present. Member Cathy Cook was absent.  A quorum was present. 

 New permits issued since the October meeting were discussed.  The meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM.

July 8, 2025

The Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order at 7:36 PM by chairman Bruce Barkau.   Chairman Bruce Barkau, Tom Heck, and Russel Shubert were present. Members Scott Cragen, Cathy Cook, Albert Moeller, and Tom Schuette were absent.  A quorum was not present. 

 Also present was Kathleen Shubert.

 The minutes from the last meeting were reviewed.  Member Albert Moeller arrived at 7:39 PM making a quorum present.  A motion was made by Mr. Heck and seconded by Mr. Moeller to approve the minutes.  The minutes were approved. 

 New permits issued since the March meeting were reviewed and discussed. 

 Members present discussed a potential hearing in August.  CBI has expressed an interest in adding a fuel station.  The drawing provided by CBI and the section 40-3-8 of the village code were presented to each member.  CBI would need a variance from 20’ to 17’10” to place the fuel canopy as well as a special use because it is within 200’ feet of a public assembly place.  Because it has a meeting room as well as a restaurant and bars, the Original Springs Hotel is a place of public assembly.  The question arose about whether the Little Free Library and Russel and Kathy Shubert’s yard, which they allow for public use, would be considered, and Mrs. Shubert was advised that she can bring them both up at the hearing.

 There was discussion about how fuel trucks would enter and exit CBI, and the plan is to have them use the existing entrance.  A question arose about whether the village could not allow the truck access to E St Louis Street for that purpose, but it is a public street. 

 Mrs. Shubert asked about getting a petition together before the hearing and was advised that a citizen can organize a petition at any time and she would be allowed to present it at the hearing.  It was also explained that the public will be allowed to ask questions and express opinions regarding the applications, but will not have a vote.

 The members were informed that as soon as the actual applications are received, copies will be sent to them.

 The meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM.

Agenda for the Zoning Board of Appeals

VILLAGE OF OKAWVILLE

Zoning Board of Appeals

Conference room at Village Hall

September 9, 2025

7:30 PM

AGENDA

 CALL TO ORDER

 Roll Call

 Reading and approval of minutes from previous meeting

 Discussion of permits issued since last meeting

 New business

 Old business

 ADJOURN