The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Stronghurst Village Deals With Winter Woes

By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor

At the regular meeting of the Village of Stronghurst Board on February 3rd, Ronnie Gittings reported they had dealt with a water main break, which caused the water to be shut off to the entire town. This caused much concern as residents were uncertain if there were frozen pipes at their residence.

The board discussed the "Call-Em-All system" program they have that would alert residents on their phone should a water main break occur, boil order in effect or canceled, etc. This service is $10 per year, for up to 5 phones and would be the quickest way for village employees to get the word out to all the community, according to board members.

The village employees have also had their share of blading snow, as well as hauling the big piles of snow down to the fair ground. Gittings said he hopes everyone understands they are not trying to inconvenience anyone but sometimes when they are loading the snow it causes delays in traffic.

Gittings also said they try to get to Broadway Street around 4:30 a.m. for snow removal while there are fewer cars parked on it. However, there are usually some cars along the street that belong to the residents of the apartments, making it impossible to clean the street completely.

Diana Doran of Doran Insurance Company and Sally Waddell of Country Companies were both allowed a slot of time to present their proposal for the town's insurance. After hearing both proposals and discussion following, David Vancil made a motion and Mike Bohnenkamp seconded to continue with Country Companies. Roll call: David Vancil-yes; Tony Anderson-no; Betty Waterman-yes; Deb Hale-yes; Mike Bohnenkamp-yes; Brendan Schaley-absent.

There was no monthly police report due to the absence of Arbry Vancil, who was ill.

In other business the board:

• Passed an amended Liquor ordinance to different wording.
• Approved an estimated 2014 motor fuel tax expenditure of $22,500.
• Mike Bohnenkamp mentioned the bathroom at city hall is not ADA compliance. He will do some checking to see if municipalities are exempt.
• Diana Doran had questioned why the nursing home has to pay for having their septic tanks cleaned out. Following a lengthy discussion the board agreed to pay the cost of septic tank cleaning, but no more than once a year.

Present: Trustees: David Vancil, Mike Bohnenkamp, Tony Anderson, Betty Waterman, Deb Hale, (Brendan Schaley absent); President Gary Root; Employees: Lou Ann Nortrup, Ronnie Gittings, Mike Nelson; Guests: Diana Doran, Sally Waddell, and Shirley Linder

The next regular board meeting will be held on Monday, March 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.