The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
The Christmas Lighting contest for Stronghurst residents will be judged the week of December 20th by Chief of Police Gary Smith. Prizes will consist of $100 for 1st; $50 for 2nd; and $25 for third. Previous first place winners cannot win again for 3 years according to the rules set by the Stronghurst village board.
Ronnie Gittings reported that all of the new water meters have been installed and they were able to read them in approximately 35 minutes.
The employees will now be trained on the computer software that goes with the system. The system is working well in detecting water leaks at residences, thus giving the home owner an opportunity to get a leak fixed more quickly.
Chief Smith went over the results of a survey that was handed out to village residents by the boy scouts. Of the 300 surveys approximately 35 were returned due to the surveys not being distributed in all areas of the town.
The biggest concern of those returned were regarding drugs. Children Educational/Safety programs received the highest percentage when asked what service the police department should develop.
A scout pizza party is scheduled for the 15th, with pizza, soda and an ice cream cone provided.
The new squad car will be on display as well as a gun safety video from Project Safe Child. Each scout will receive a "Certificate of Appreciation."
Mayor Eric Chockley and Michael Bohnenkamp met with West Central superintendent Ralph Grimm and middle school principal Jeff Nichols regarding the safety of the children crossing, as well as loading and unloading at the middle school.
A mutual decision was reached that no more stop signs are needed and the signage at the newly painted crosswalks is sufficient at this time.
Two more stop signs are to be erected, as agreed to by the board and stop sign committee previously. These will be at Commercial and Dixon and at Main and South Division.
A motion was made by Lawrence Neff, seconded by Michael Bohnenkamp, that trustees receive a $20 compensation for extra monthly meetings. Motion passed. However, this compensation will not be received until 180 days after the trustee is elected.
Village employees, Mike Nelson, Ronnie Gittings, Lou Ann Nortrup, Gary Smith, Arbry Vancil, Matt Link, and Lynn Hoyt will receive a Christmas bonus of $215.30. (The odd amount is due to social security and taxes being deducted. The actual bonus will amount to $200). Officer Baca will receive $50.
The caucus will be held at the town hall on January 10th with the People party meeting at 7:00 and the Citizens party at 7:30 p.m. This will be to fill 3 four year terms and one 2 year term.
Present were:
Mayor Eric Chockley;
Clerk/Treasurer Lou Ann Nortrup; Trustees, Michael Bohnenkamp, Chris Cook, David Vancil and Lawrence Neff (arriving at 7:32 p.m.),
Absent Angela Myers and Leota Caldwell;
Employees, Ronnie Gittings, Mike Nelson, Gary Smith; Guests, Deb and Doug Hale, David Knutstrom and Shirley Linder.
The next meeting will be January 3, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at city hall.