The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
During the regular Village of Stronghurst meeting held, February 5th, Barry Dowell asked the board if the sale of packaged liquor within the village would be included on the ballot for April's election.
President Chockley said that it would not be on the ballot this time, but that it should be included on the next election's ballot.
He stated 70% of those who participated in the Booster Club's survey were in favor of the sale of liquor. He said he had dropped the ball because he couldn't get the required signatures (130) on a petition in time to put it on the ballot.
President Chockley said, "The board can vote it in right now, but I feel that it should be left up to the citizens to vote on." He also said any group could get a petition for the referendum to be placed on the ballot. Chris Cook asked if the fair board could sponsor it and was told yes, any group could.
An ordinance for the National Incident Management System (NIMS) was approved unanimously by all members present.
The verbiage for another ordinance was clarified for the placement of 2 handicapped parking signs on the east side of Broadway Street. One will be placed just South of Fisher Food Center's driveway and another will be placed between The Antiquity and Bygones and Buds flower shop. This ordinance was approved at the January meeting and will be presented for signatures at the March meeting.
A decision on truck parking rates was tabled for the March meeting. Angela Myers has drafted a letter to be sent to those who use the parking area.
A decision on a bathroom facility at the park was also tabled until more information is obtained regarding placement laws of such a facility. Myers will contact the Health Department. It was also questioned if money should be spent on a bathroom facility or if it would be better spent on the purchase of a new vehicle or possibly on water tower maintenance.
Cory Fox presented information on prices for state bids for new vehicles. No decisions were made at this time.
David Vancil asked if there has been any progress on the homeowner's grant the village received for home improvements through working with the Western Illinois Regional Council. President Chockley stated that they are in the approval process for eligible homeowners.
All members present signed a Statement of Economic Interest which will be filed with the Henderson County Clerk's office.
Tony Anderson reported that easements for installation of the new raw water main are being signed by landowners and the next step would be taking bids from contractors. McClure engineering has a list of approved contractors for the job.
Tony also reported that they would be taking the cannon off the pedestal with help from the County Highway Department at the end of the week if weather permits. Two donations have been made to date for this project. Other fund raising ideas were discussed for the needed repairs.
The sheriffâs office report included a warning ticket for speeding and two arrests for domestic battery.
Present: President Eric Chockley; Trustees, Juanita Jarvis, David Vancil, Lawrence Neff, Angela Myers, and Cory Fox; Clerk, Lori Russell; Deputy Steve Henshaw; Employee Tony Anderson; Guests, Chris Cook, and Barry Dowell. Absent were Trustee Tony Griepentrog and Treasurer, Lou Ann Nortrup.
The next regular meeting will be held at the Village Hall on Monday, March 5th, 2007, at 7:00 p.m.