The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Oquawka Board selects James Insurance Agency

Oquawka Board selects James Insurance Agency to provide liability and general insurance.

By Sally Day for the Quill

Donna Dunn, representing Stanton Insurance and Ron James, representing James Insurance Agency were both on hand at the October 7, 2013, meeting of the Oquawka Village Board. Both had worked diligently for a number of months preparing proposals for their respective companies. Dunn explained that her company had good liability policies and they were offering the local law enforcement to partake in free schooling for their vocation. Dunn said, "This company works for you, as I do."

James told board members that liability is very, very important and that his company has specialized in municipality work for many years. He offered a zero deductible in general liability. Both companies were very close in monetary charges.

In what seemed like an excruciatingly long time, board members voted to accept James Insurance Agency's proposal in an unanimous decision.

MSA Engineer Jared Fluhr was present to discuss the Schuyler Street Project. He told board members that Lavediere Construction had resolved the water problem, which had occurred just as the project was getting off to a start. Fluhr also mentioned that all the storm sewers are in up to 7th Street and paving should begin in two weeks. The board agreed to a change order in the amount of $4,800, reflecting a savings in changing from copper to plastic pipe and an additional cost for easy out valves to alleviate the water problems.

The board also agreed to pay Lavediere a payment application in the amount of $285,374.12 and agreed to a contract amendment with MSA to pay for extra hours they needed to assess the problems to this point with the project. The contract agreement was in the amount of $5060.

Oquawka Police Chief Keith DeJaynes gave an extensive police report. He explained to board members that during the month of September there were numerous calls for service, which included: Criminal - criminal damage to property (two), deceptive practice, and battery; Agency Assists - Henderson County Sheriff (two), ambulance (four), and fire department; Domestic (four); Civil Disturbance; Tavern - consumption in public (two); Ordinance - trucks parked on levee (written warnings - three), move vehicle parked in alley; Golf Cart Inspections; and Other - lost dog (returned home), motorist assist (towed), illegal parking (two), juvenile dispute, return key, juvenile breaking glass, welfare check, and suspicious vehicle. Chief DeJaynes also listed Traffic Stops - verbal (six), ordinance citations (ten), state citations (two). He further stated that the Police Department collected $961 in fines.

During the report from the fire department, board member Troy Jern mentioned that the department's repeater was down. He also noted that the annual wiener roast hosted by the fire department would be held on October 27, beginning at 5 p.m., at the track.

In other business, the board:

• heard from Street and Water Superintendent, Jeff Peterson, that all the storm drains are in on the Schuyler Street Project. He told the board that there are some fire hydrants which are leaking and need to be repaired before it gets too cold.
• agreed to have three signatures on all financial CD's.
• heard from Jeanne Dunn, who asked the board for permission to begin preparing for the Christmas Parade, scheduled to be held the first Saturday in December beginning at 5:30 p.m. She asked that people not throw candy out to children from the parade, as it will be dark, the street may be slippery. Handing candy to children will be allowed.
• chose May 17, 2014, as the date for the Oquawka Clean Up and will hire Jackson Disposal to help with this.
• reiterated that Trick or Treat night would be October 31 from 5-7 p.m.
• learned there were no building permits issued in September.
• paid September bills, accepted September board minutes, and accepted the August treasurer's report.
• heard roll call answered as follows: John Fedler, Scott Ray, Jason Howard, Mayor Sandra Moody,Troy Jern and Nancy Bundy. Robert Eldridge was absent.