The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Board Discusses Culvert Replacement

by Shirely Linder, Quill Editor

Stronghurst- At the Stronghurst Village board meeting held on Monday, April 7, the trustees heard from Ronnie Gittings about 900' of culvert which has collapsed and is causing drainage problems. The issue is causing problems with water draining away from Flatt Tire Service, Stronghurst Repair Service and West Central F.S.

Instead of replacing the 900 foot culvert all in one the suggestion was made to run a culvert from Main on Mary Street going down by the county building to the ditch that runs along the railroad track. Then put a drop box between Flatt Tire Repair and Stronghurst Repair Service and take it to the ditch. Also place a drop box at F.S. which would run to the ditch. 400 foot of 10" metal culvert with drop box would run an estimated $3,500 and 300 foot approximately $2,650. David Vancil suggested it should be a 12" culvert which they estimated would run approximately $1,000 more.

Following much discussion Gittings was directed to get actual figures together as to cost and bring them back to the May board meeting.

Once again people are misusing the city burn pile depositing things such as chairs, mattresses, etc. The list of items to be disposed of there is on the gate.

A motion was made to hire last summer's help, Eric Hilligoss and Kyle Mesecher if they were available, since they were familiar with the job and would not require the extra training.

The police report for March included: 120.5 hours worked; 747 miles on squad car; 1 traffic stop; 1 written warning; 1 Uniform traffic ticket; 3 service calls; 1 warrant arrest; 20 business courtesy checks.

In other business the board:

• Heard from Barbara Klossing and Tim and Cora Beiner regarding their garbage not being picked up. They were advised to call Gittings if it happens again and he will get it straightened out.
• Heard there has been some vandalism around town as well as in the city park where graffiti has been written.
• Reminded that City Wide Cleanup Day is May 9th.
• Discussed how to handle a cleanup problem at a property along the highway. A letter will be written them requesting their cooperation with cleanup day coming.
• Ronnie Gittings will meet with Yvonne Knapp to discuss what the village needs are for strategic planning on 3 to 5 year projects.
• Gary Root will write up the specs for partial sidewalk replacement due to tree removal at Chuck Cargill, Roxann Richey, and Curt Eisenmayer residences so bids can be let.
• Lori Taylor of Bob's TV & Appliance was given permission to replace the awning over the sidewalk in front of her business and told to get a zoning permit.
• Brendan Schaley was given directions to look into the cost of live cams to be placed in the city park and to report back to the board.

The board entered executive session at 8:15 p.m. for the purpose of employee raises and re-entered opened session at 8:35 p.m.

At that time a motion was passed to give Clerk Lou Ann Nortrup a dollar an hour raise. All other employees will remain the same.

Those present at the meeting included: President Gary Root; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Brendan Schaley, Betty Waterman, and David Vancil, (Deb Hale and Tony Anderson absent); Employees, Ronnie Gittings, Mike Nelson, Arbry Vancil, Bill Rasmussen (Clerk Lou Ann Nortrup absent); Guests, Yvonne Knapp, Tim and Cora Beiner, Barbara Klossing, Lori Taylor and Shirley Linder.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 5, at 7:00 p.m.