The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
The Village of Stronghurst board decided at its November meeting to have a Christmas light contest for residents with judging on December 9th. Members of the board will be judges and award prizes of $100, $75, $50 and $25.
George Russell, Chief Engineer with McClure Engineering reported that the engineering phase of replacing the raw water main is now completed. He gave a brief history of when the wells in Stronghurst were dug.
Well #3 and #4 were both drilled in the "50's and now the pump on well #3 is inoperable and cannot be salvaged.
Well #4 produces 130-150 gallon per minute which is satisfactory for the village's usage. Russell recommended buying a new pump for the well and having the old one rebuilt as a stand by.
The board voted to purchase a new pump at a cost not to exceed $5,000.
Angela Myers had met with West Central school board regarding a skate board park. The school will not be responsible for building a park, maintaining it or paying insurance for it. Angela will check on the costs of insurance and will bring it to the board at the next meeting.
The village hall will be open during the Holiday Open House to be held on November 17th. They will be serving refreshments.
There have been no bills turned in by the fair board regarding dumpster billing and if not done so soon the matter will be dropped.
Lawrence Neff presented a bill for sidewalk replacement at the Stronghurst Methodist parsonage. The bid was for $1,825, but the total bill presented was in the amount of $2,413. The board voted to pay half of the original bid.
Tony Anderson reported the burn site has been closed again due to mattress, etc. being dumped.
Tony Anderson, on behalf of the Stronghurst Booster Club, requested a donation for Christmas expenses. Lawrence Neff made a motion, seconded by Juanita Jarvis to donate $500. Motion passed. Tony also reported the booster club had spent $400 for artificial trees with lights that would be place at each business to replace the live trees used the past years.
IRS claims the village owes federal taxes from 2002 and 2005. Lou Ann Nortrup is working with the accountants on this issue.
A discussion was held on the issue of raising water bills. No action was taken but the board members will be monitoring income and expenses to see if this is necessary.
The report from the sheriff's office included: a warning ticket for speeding; and arrest for speeding; two information only items-improper operation of A.T.V. on road and missing person/juvenile; three pending investigations items-2 thefts over $300 and a criminal damage to property.
Present: President Eric Chockley; Board Members, Juanita Jarvis, Lawrence Neff, Angela Myers, Tony Griepentrog, Cory Fox and David Vancil; Clerk Lori Russell; Treasurer Lou Ann Nortrup; Employee Tony Anderson; Deputy Steve Henshaw and George Russell.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, December 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the village hall.