OKAWVILLE VILLAGE DEPARTMENTS

Police Personnel

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                    

October 27, 2025

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Okawville Board of Trustees was called order at 7 o’clock by mayor David Jasper. Trustees Scott Cragen, Donna Davis, Nathan Dick, Brett Heberer, Kevin Kink, and Chad Parker were present. Village clerk Dawn Moyer; village residents Aiden Parker, Olivia parker, and Mike Frenkel; and reporter Cynthia Haggitt were also present.

After a review of the September minutes, Trustee Dick made a motion seconded by Trustee Cragen to accept the minutes as presented.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Motion carried.

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0

Aiden Parker presented the Village Board with a summary of his Eagle Scout project – placing bat boxes throughout the village. He discussed the benefits of having bat boxes, the requirements for effective placement of bat boxes, identified the locations of the bat boxes, and let the board know that he has bat boxes available if residents would like to have one on their property. He also thanked the board for their support of his project.

At this time, Aiden and Olivia Parker left the meeting.

Mike Frenkel addressed the board and whether or not the Original Springs Hotel would be shut down the next day. He expressed concern regarding upcoming events and reservations he already has. Mr. Frenkel was reminded that he received notification in September and again last week that if he had not met the occupancy inspection requirements as outlined by him, that he would be shut down. Because the requirements were not met, Mr. Frenkel was advised that the business would be shut down the next day – that includes the restaurant, bars, bath house, hotel rooms, and living quarters – and the water would be shut off.

Mr. Frenkel left the meeting at this time.

After some discussion, Trustee Heberer made a motion seconded by Trustee Dick to approve the Washington County Senior Services lease at $2,000 per month beginning January 1, 2026.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Trustee Davis abstained. Motion carried.

Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 1

Trustee Dick reported on regular maintenance of the streets and sidewalks.

The letter of resignation from Police Chief Joe Berry was read. Trustee Cragen made a motion seconded by Trustee Dick to accept the resignation.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Motion carried.

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0

There was discussion regarding administrative duties for the police department while searching for a new police chief. Trustee Cragen made a motion seconded by Trustee Parker to appoint Trustee Kink as the interim Administrative Clerk for the police department to manage administrative duties, with an hourly stipend.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, and Parker voted yes. Trustee Kink abstained. Motion carried.

Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 1

One of the air conditioning units at the Washington County Senior Services building has failed and needs to be replaced at a cost of $15,173.00. Per the lease agreement, this is the responsibility of the village.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Trustee Davis abstained. Motion carried.

Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 1

There was discussion regarding awarding a stipend to the streets/sidewalks and water/sewer department employees for PPE not supplied by the village. A motion was made by Trustee Cragen and seconded by Trustee Parker to give each employee in those departments a $500 annual stipend (calendar year.)

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Motion carried.

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0

Following discussion regarding the part-time standard for IMRF positions, Trustee Cragen made a motion, seconded by Trustee Heberer to pass Resolution 25-10-01 to change the hourly standard from 600 hours to 1000 hours.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Motion carried.

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0

The regulations for updating the zoning code as well as the new inspector were discussed. No action was taken at this time.

Annual and semi-annual liquor license renewals were presented. Trustee Cragen made a motion, seconded by Trustee Parker to approve an annual liquor license for Sluggers, Inc and semi-annual liquor license for Americal Legion Post #233. The annual liquor license for The Original Springs Hotel was not renewed at this time.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Motion carried.

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0

The board discussed AEDs and the needs of the community. There is currently one old model AED. Trustee Kink made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cragen, to purchase two new AED units that are compatible with county emergency services AEDs at a cost not to exceed $2,500 each.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, and Parker voted yes. Trustee Kink abstained. Motion carried.

Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 1

The board discussed the Toughbook (computer in the police vehicles.) The discussion was about how, with the new technology required for police, an additional – and completely compatible – Toughbook was advisable as a back-up or for times when two officers are on duty. Trustee Kink made a motion, seconded by Trustee Davis, to purchase a refurbished Toughbook at a cost not to exceed $1,000.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, and Parker voted yes. Trustee Kink abstained. Motion carried.

Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 1

There was discussion regarding hiring a full-time police officer with the resignation of Chief Berry. Trustee Kink made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cragen, to give the police and personnel committees permission to advertise for and review applications for one or two full-time police officers.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, and Parker voted yes. Trustee Kink abstained. Motion carried.

Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 1

There was discussion regarding two potential waterline replacement projects. Trustee Dick made a motion, seconded by Trustee Heberer to allow Curry and Associates to engineer both projects.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Motion carried.

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0

The annual Visitor’s Guide advertising is due. Trustee Cragen made a motion, seconded by Trustee Davis to place a half-page advertisement in the annual Visitor’s Guide. The Original Springs Hotel will be removed from the advertising and the photos will be updated.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Motion carried.

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0

Potential TIF projects were discussed and tabled until the November 2025 meeting.

A request from the West Washington County Unit District #10 in the amount of $25,000. The donation cannot be paid from TIF funds. Trustee Cragen made a motion, seconded by Trustee Parker to make the donation from the General Fund.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Motion carried.

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0

Trustee Dick made a motion seconded by Trustee Heberer to accept the treasurers report as presented.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Motion carried.

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0

Trustee Heberer made a motion seconded by Trustee Davis to approve the payment of bills.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Motion carried.

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0

There being no further business to come before the board, Trustee Kink made a motion seconded by Trustee Heberer to adjourn at 8:18 PM

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes. Motion carried.

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0

Respectfully,

Dawn Moyer

Village Clerk

Meeting Minutes September 29, 2025

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Okawville Board of Trustees was called order at 7 o’clock by mayor, David Jasper. Trustee Scott Cragen, Donna Davis, Nathan Dick, Brett Heberer, Kevin Kink, and Chad Parker were present. Village clerk Dawn Moyer and Todd Marver were also present.

After a review of the August minutes, Trustee Cragen made a motion seconded by Trustee Dick to accept the minutes as presented.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes.  Motion carried. 

Yes:  6          No:  0           Abstain:  0

After some discussion, Trustee, Dick made a motion seconded by Trustee Davis to set trick-or-treating for Friday, October 31 from 6 to 8 PM for children ages 12 and under.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes.  Motion carried. 

Yes:  6          No:  0           Abstain:  0

There was some discussion regarding the new lease for the senior center, but it was tabled until the October 2025 meeting.

There was a request from the Okawville community club for a donation to help erect a new stage and pavilion for public use. Trustee Cragen made a motion seconded by Trustee Dick to donate $10,000 out of the TIF fund.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes.  Motion carried. 

Yes:  6          No:  0           Abstain:  0

There had been a request from former Sergeant Brittingham to purchase his Police vest. However, that request has been rescinded so no action was taken.

Following discussion about the maintenance of the sewer lagoon, Trustee Dick made a motion seconded by Trustee Kink to purchase two new motors for lagoon aeration.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes.  Motion carried. 

Yes:  6          No:  0           Abstain:  0

Occupancy inspection at the original Springs Hotel was discussed. It has been 18 months since the new owners took over with no passed inspections. It was agreed that all five areas in Phase One of the agreed-upon plan must pass occupancy inspection by October 22, 2025 or the Original Springs Hotel will be shut down with the liquor license revoked and the water shut off on October 28, 2025. It was confirmed with the water superintendent that the fire suppression system is on a different waterline. The Village clerk will send a letter to the Original Springs.

The regulations for updating the zoning code as well as the new inspector were discussed. No action was taken at this time.

Potential TIF projects were discussed, with all receipts being due by October 1, 2025. New TIF contracts will be available at the October 2025 committee meeting for review and board meeting for approval.

At 8:33 Trustee Kink made a motion seconded by Trustee Cragen to go into executive session for the purposes of discussing personnel.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes.  Motion carried. 

Yes:  6          No:  0           Abstain:  0

At 9:10 PM Trustee Cragen made a motion seconded by Trustee Dick to reopen the meeting.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes.  Motion carried. 

Yes:  6          No:  0           Abstain:  0

Trustee Davis made a motion seconded by Trustee Heberer to accept the treasurers report as presented.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes.  Motion carried. 

Yes:  6          No:  0           Abstain:  0

Trustee Davis made a motion seconded by Trustee Kink to approve the payment of bills.

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes.  Motion carried. 

Yes:  6          No:  0           Abstain:  0

There being no further business to come before the board, Trustee Kink made a motion seconded by Trustee Davis to adjourn at 9:17 PM

At roll call, Trustees Cragen, Davis, Dick, Heberer, Kink, and Parker voted yes.  Motion carried. 

Yes:  6          No:  0           Abstain:  0

                                                                                   Respectfully,

                                                                                   Dawn Moyer

Village Clerk

MONDAY, October 27, 2025

 Agenda, Village Board meeting

 CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

MOTION TO DISPENSE WITH READING LAST MONTH’S MINUTES

PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS

Aiden Parker to address the board regarding his Eagle Scout project.

VILLAGE PRESIDENT

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

FINANCE & CONTRACTS

Discuss/action on Senior Center lease.

STREETS & SIDEWALKS

PERSONNEL & PROPERTY

Accept resignation of Joe Berry as Police Chief.

Discuss/action to appoint a police clerk to manage administrative duties of the chief.

Discuss/action on new air conditioning unit at Senior Center

Discuss/action on stipend for PPE

Discuss/action on resolution change part-time hour standard from 600 hours to 1000 hours.

POLICE & LIQUOR

Discuss/action on annual liquor license for Sluggers, Inc and Semi-Annual Liquor licenses for American Legion Post #233

Discuss/action on purchasing two new AED units at a cost not to exceed $2,500 each

Discuss/action on purchasing a refurbished Toughbook at a cost not to exceed $1,000

Discuss/action to hire a full-time police officer

WATER & SEWER

Discuss/action on a waterline replacement project.

TOURISM

Discuss/action on advertisement in the annual Visitors Guide

INSPECTIONS and PERMITS

TIF PROJECTS

Discuss/action on new TIF contracts

Discuss/action on request from school district for TIF funds.

INSURANCE

Jeff Rabenort to address board regarding claim for sewer back-up

CLAIMS

ATTORNEY

ACCEPT TREASURER’S REPORT

APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

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

December 15, 2025 @ 6:00 PM

Board room @ village hall

 Items of discussion:

 ·       Road Use agreement for Aholt solar project

·       Okawville Community Club liquor license

·       Waterline projects

·       Right of Way construction ordinance

·       Spare pumps

·       Police personnel

·       Police vehicles

·       Zoning code updates

·       TIF applications

·       Anything else to come before the board

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Personnel – Section 2 (c)(1)

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

Litigation – Section 2 (c)(11)

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

Donna Davis

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

November 11, 2025

 The Zoning Board of Appeals did not meet due to the Vetran’s Day holiday.

October 14, 2025

The Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order at 7:30 PM by zoning administrator Dawn Moyer.   Members Albert Moeller and Tom Schuette were present. Chairman Bruce Barkau and members Cathy Cook, Scott Cragen, Tom Heck, and Russel Shubert were absent.  A quorum was not present. 

New permits were noted, but no discussion or action could be taken.

The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.

Agenda for the Zoning Board of Appeals

VILLAGE OF OKAWVILLE

Zoning Board of Appeals

Conference room at Village Hall

November 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