The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
A public hearing was held on January 14, 2008, at 6:45 p.m. with WIRC to resubmit the construction grant application.
Kevin Wiehardt discussed the proposed resubmittal of an application to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for Community Development Assistance Program funding.
The proposed grant application is to construct a second well and blending station. The application must be submitted by February 20, 2008.
Motion made by Manes to accept the December minutes as read. Second by Hetrick. Motion carried.
Kevin Wiehardt, from WIRC, explained the point system on the water grant and what the village needs to do to obtain the most points for the grant.
A motion by Hetrick, seconded by Hopkins, to accept the resolution for $800 for the resubmission of the water grant was approved.
A motion by Bielser to accept the resolution of support in regards to applying for a Community Development Assistance Program grant for the water was approved.
A motion to accept the resolution committing local funds for the construction application was approved.
Jim Hetrick reported that all delinquent water bill customers will be disconnected with a $35 reconnection fee. A vote will be taken in February on raising the water rates .25 per thousand gallons.
McKinney reported on a complaint he had pertaining to equipment on the adjacent property of the playground at the ball park which could pose a possible danger.
Railroad official, Craig Rasmussen will be contacted by McKinney to see if he is available for the February meeting. A special meeting could be called if he was not available on that date.
McKinney requested that Junior Bielser sign his (McKinney's) signature in his absence.
A discussion on mowing was tabled.
A motion made by Bielser and seconded by Hetrick to change the time of the board meetings to 6:00 p.m. Motion carried.
Clerk Hetrick will contact village attorney Neff on preparing an ordinance to change the time.
Some discussion on the tractor was tabled until March meeting.
Two filing cabinets are needed for the treasurer and clerk. Hetrick was authorized to purchase those.
Clerk Hetrick received a letter from Rural Development informing the board of a program allowing eligible low income homeowners to make repairs at a 1% interest loan. A grant may be available to those 62 years of age and over.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. to adjourn, second by Manes. Motion carried.
Bank Of Stronghurst Annual Stockholders Meeting, January 22
Approximately 70 stockholders and guests attended the noon luncheon buffet and annual Bank of Stronghurst Stockholders meeting Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at Country Fun Restaurant, near Biggsville.
President and C.E.O. Charles E. Vaughn, led the stockholders and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. Invocation was given by Director, Kenneth Nimrick.
Director George Hennenfent, chaired the meeting which opened at 1:40 p.m.
Executive Vice President and Cashier, Rodney Brake gave the bank's financial report. He reported another profitable year for the Bank of Stronghurst with total assets at year end of $65,139,140.57, an increase of 1.8% over 2007.
Total deposits were $53,331,333.87, which also showed an increase of $452,551.36.
These amounts represented record year-end highs for the Bank of Stronghurst.
Mr. Brake also commented on the differing opinions of economists as they debate the direction of the economy. He closed by telling shareholders that with the bank's strong capital position, conservative banking philosophy and loyal customers and shareholders, the Bank of Stronghurst is looking forward to another year of profitability and growth.
Senior Vice President and Farm Loan Officer Jerry Keimig reported that total loans at year-end were approximately $18.25 million.
Commercial loans totaled $5.8 million and real estate loans totaled $12.5 million and said the present loan to deposit ratio was 34% and loan to asset ratio was 28%.
Mr. Keimig told stockholders and guests that he and the other loan officers, who together have a combined total of over 50 years lending experience, will continue to be competitive and hope to improve the bank's loan growth in 2008. He stated, "We will continue to work hard for our present customers as well as any potential new customers."
Judges for the meeting were Mitchell Cortelyou, and Robert Dillon while Marlene Knutstrom was secretary of the meeting.
Judges reported there were 2,611 shares of stock represented in person and 2205 shares represented by proxy, making a total of 4,816 shares represented.
Chairman George Hennenfent declared a quorum present for the transaction of business and the following were elected Directors of Bank of Stronghrust for the coming year:
Charles Neff
Sidney Dowell
George Hennenfent
Kenneth Nimrick
Charles E. Vaughn
W. William Waddill
Rodney Brake
Marlene Knutstrom conducted the drawing for door prizes and fresh floral arrangements. The winners were as follows:
Carlyn Anders and Gene Hobby were winners of stadium blankets.
Don Anguish and Bob Dillon were winners of fresh floral arrangements.
Curt Eisenmayer and Carol Myers were winners of 2007 Proof Coin Sets.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:11 p.m.
2008 Bank of Stronghurst Organizational Meeting
Following the Annual Stockholders Meeting, Tuesday, January 22, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Bank of Stronghurst met at the bank for the organizational meeting.
Officers were appointed for 2008 as follows:
George Hennenfent, Chairman of the Board
Charles E. Vaughn,President and C.E.O.
Jerry Keimig, Senior Vice President and Farm Loan Officer
Rodney Brake, Executive Vice President and Cashier
Shawn McKoon, Vice President
Jane Malcolm, Assistant Vice President
Stacie Newberry, Assistant Vice President
Josh DeSotel, Loan Officer
Marlene D. Knutstrom, Executive Secretary