DIETERICH – We’ve come a long way from the days of door-to-door salesmen.
They were friendly, persuasive and trying to get their foot in the door. But their customers could simply say, “No, thank you” and close the door. Hopefully, the salesman didn’t get a smashed toe.
Nowadays, they’re called solicitors and some use complex strategies to get a sale and a signed contract for services. Dieterich Village Trustees recently learned one resident said a person claimed to represent the village to sell an electric energy contract – even though Dieterich has an electric aggregation agreement already in place. Village Clerk Brittny Gibson said if true it amounted to fraud and she has been working the phone to cancel that energy contract for the resident.
Dieterich requires all solicitors to report to village hall to register and pay a fee before going to neighborhoods. They are issued a card confirming they are registered with the village. Failure to do so is a violation of a village ordinance.
“Some people think we’re being nasty about this, but what happened here is a good example of why we do this,” Gibson said.
Dieterich residents should ask for proof a solicitor has the registration card before hearing the sales pitch.
Trustees learned an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program grant application for improving the Liberty Park playground will be turned down by state officials because the project would benefit Dieterich school district. Students use the park playground on school days and that nullifies OSPLAD money for being used for purchasing new playground equipment, adding concrete benches and adding new walkways to the park, Gipson said.
Dieterich would have asked for $360,000 for the playground work. So, that puts the effort on hold unless other funding sources are available
That led to a discussion for asking the Dieterich school district apply for grant money available to schools for playground projects. Another idea was asking if the school district would purchase the playground section of the park. The board agreed have Gipson approach school officials on those ideas.
In other business from the Sept. 8 meeting, Trustees agreed to move ahead on the next step for Hartke Subdivision Phase 2, which would be located on the southwest corner of the village. That subdivision would be included in the fourth Tax Increment Financing District for Dieterich.
Village engineer Lee Beckman reviewed plans on sanitary sewer improvements and a storm sewer project. Village maintenance supervisor Mike Campell reviewed needs for basic changes to the maintenance building and cemetery updates.
Mayor Brad Hardiek asked that the village is updating its maps on manholes and other underground structures.
Campbell also discussed the street sweeper situation with the village paying for periodic use of a vehicle each year. He said purchasing a new sweeper would be costly.
Ghouls, goblins, witches, monsters, princesses, superheroes and cartoon characters will stalk the streets of Dieterich from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 31, the official night for trick-or-treat as set by the Trustees.
A temporary liquor license was approved for the Boos and Brews event on Oct. 31 at Liberty Park.
The village will pay a $250 sponsorship for advertising with the Dieterich Sportsbackers.
And an issue under the title “Don’t be surprised by what kids enjoy these days,” Campbell discussed a problem with preschoolers at a care facility collecting rocks by a right of way. He offered some simple solutions to the problem produced by the pint-sized rock hounds.