The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Board Decides To Collect Electrical Waste

By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor

At the regular meeting of the Stronghurst village board on Monday, February 4th, it was decided to let Stronghurst residents drop off small electrical appliances and electronics at the village truck shed during the month of February. The recyclable items will be taken to Warren Achievement in Monmouth. People were asked to put their drop offs in a pile which is already started.

Ronnie Gittings reported the new well is up and running. The two lines, which fed into one, created enough turbulence to mess up the gallon per minute meter creating the need to reposition it into the well house. The cost for material to do this will be around $600-$700 and will need someone with specialized equipment to do the job.

Gittings had also received a bid on a new truck which would be identical to their current truck. The truck would cost $32,000 plus would be equipped like the one they now have with a dump bed, snow plow, and hydraulic for an added cost of $31,000.

However, this does include a spreader at a cost of $3,400 that Gittings does not feel is necessary since they already have one that would fit on either truck. Therefore, that amount could be subtracted from the total amount of $63,000.

Mike Bohnenkamp inquired if new tires would need to be put on right away but Gittings said "no, they would probably last for 2 to 2 1/2½ years."

Since all trustees were not present, it was decided to table a decision until everyone was present in March to voice their opinion.

The January police report included: hours worked-144; squad car patrol mileage-737; total traffic stops-4; verbal warnings-3; uniform traffic tickets-3; service calls-5; agency assists-1; arrests-1; and business courtesy checks-18.

In other business:

• Attorney Rasmussen told the board his office represents Dallas Rural Water so should they wish to talk with them it would be a conflict of interest for him to represent the board.
• Estimates for motor fuel tax for the coming year was set at $26,000
• Garbage rate change-2nd year on contract the cost now goes to $5,732.51 from $5,551.70. Since the income collected is close to that amount, it was decided a rate increase at this time would not be in the best interest of the public.
• The property at 311 N Division has been sold for delinquent taxes. Since the village has a lien against it for clean up, Attorney Rasmussen will look into the situation.
• Mike Bohnenkamp said a resident had questioned why, when they requested their water be shut off on December 6th for the winter, the bill was for a full month. Gittings said, “There is no pro rating provisions in the ordinance, and residents are also charged for having it turned back on.
• Heard the Hummer is covered with liability and property damage, but the Hummer itself is not covered for damage.
• The trustees approved the purchase of another Taser at a cost of $700-$800, which would give each officer their own.
• Sara Nimrick and Linda Clifton presented the trustees with a framed, hand painted picture, of the village park. This was given in appreciation for all the board's help with the 125th celebration.

Present: Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, David Vancil, Brendan Schaley, Amanda Kane; Employees, Lou Ann Nortrup, Arbry Vancil, Ronnie Gittings, Mike Nelson, Attorney Bill Rasmussen; Guests, Sara Nimrick, Linda Clifton, Fern Fude, Betty Waterman, Shirley Linder. Mayor Eric Chockley arrived at 7:35 p.m. and Trustees Deb Hale and Tony Anderson were absent.

Board adjourned at 7:45 p.m. until the next regular meeting to be held on Monday, March 4, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.