The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The trustees of the Village of Stronghurst held a regularly scheduled meeting on December 4th, 2006, at the Village Hall.
Mayor Eric Chockley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Trustees present were Mayor Eric Chockley, Juanita Jarvis, Lawrence Neff, Tony Griepentrog, and Cory Fox. Absent trustees were David Vancil and Angela Myers.
Employees present were Lou Ann Nortrup, Tony Anderson, and Lori Russell. Also present were Deputy Steve Henshaw, Chris Cook, Terry Myers, and Bob Hamilton.
Lawrence Neff moved to approve the November meeting minutes as written with a second from Tony Griepentrog. Motion carried.
Juanita Jarvis made a motion to approve the bills presented for payment, seconded by Tony Griepentrog . Motion carried.
Deputy Steve Henshaw's report included a total of 6 arrests/calls made during the month of November.
Bob Hamilton reported a shooting at his property on North street where a window was shot several times with a .22 caliber gun.
Chris Cook presented a Business Incentive Package developed by the Stronghurst Booster Club for new businesses being established in town.
Terry Myers attended the meeting representing the Henderson County Economic Development Corporation in order to recruit new members. Trustees voted to join this organization with a $250 membership donation by motion from Lawrence Neff, seconded by Tony Griepentrog. Motion passed.
There was a complaint about a semi-truck parking illegally on Broadway street. Deputy Henshaw was instructed to issue a ticket to the owner of the truck.
There was another complaint regarding trains blowing whistles through town. It may be possible to establish a "quiet zone" in town with the railroad although this may involve a lot of time and paperwork to get it established.
Juanita Jarvis made a motion to give all employees a $75 Christmas bonus. Tony Griepentrog seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Tony Anderson reported that the Villages' abandoned well will need to be properly sealed. He also reported that the Dallas Rural Water Association needs a formal written request from the Village in order to receive information on hooking up to their water supply. Tony was instructed to order necessary pipe and couplers, etc. to have on stand by at a cost of approximately $1,000 to go along with the new pump purchased.
Tony Anderson reported that he has submitted a grant proposal to myhometownhelper.com to make necessary repairs to the cannon at the city park. He also mentioned that anyone can visit the website and add a comment in support of the project. He has also written an article for a fund drive requesting donations from any organization or individual wanting to donate to preserve the cannon.
A tax levy ordinance was unanimously approved by all trustees present. It will be published and a copy will be filed at the Henderson County Clerk's office.
The skateboard park idea was abandoned due to the cost of insurance.
The issue with the billing of dumpsters at the fairgrounds was also abandoned due to the lack of information provided to the board.
A committee of three members was formed to judge residential Christmas lights on the evening of Saturday, December 9th. A total of 4 cash prizes will be awarded to those with the best displays of lights in the Village.
The 2007 meeting dates were scheduled and will be published in the Quill and will also be posted in the display case at the Village Hall.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held at the Village Hall on Monday, January 8th, 2007, at 7:00 p.m.
-Lori Russell, Stronghurst Village Clerk