The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Board Discusses Live Cams For City Park

By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor

At the regular meeting of the Stronghurst Village Board on Monday, June 2nd members continued to discuss the possibility of putting live cams in the city park to cut down on vandalism. Tony Anderson said one bid has been received and they are waiting on the second bid. He was also checking into the possibility of placing the equipment themselves. The matter was tabled until the second bid was received and also until they checked into the possibility of the cost being included in the grant that is being applied for.

Yvonne Knapp was present to continue work on a resolution for the village in hopes of receiving a grant for park improvements. Items being discussed are a soft sidewalk around the park and possibly a new curly slide. The board voted to commit no more than $60,000 to the project. On a motion by Deb Hale, seconded by Tony Anderson a motion carried giving President Gary Root authority to sign papers for the grants.

Police report for the month of May included: 151 hours worked; 907 miles on patrol car; 2 traffic stops; 2 uniform traffic tickets; 1 notice to appear; 8 service calls; 6 agency assists; 1 juvenile arrest; 32 business courtesy checks.

Other business included:

• Heard from Ronnie Gittings that 4 meter pits on South Mary Street had been cleaned out and the culvert at the ambulance building had been taken care of. He told the board of the process of replacing the filter at the water plant and will get an estimate for doing the work to bring to the board.
• Heard from Betty Waterman she is half finished with the surveys needed for the well grant and will finish them up in the next couple of weeks.
• Heard a web page has been set up for the Village of Stronghurst by Angela Garson and she would like input from board members as to what they would like on it. www.villageofstronghurst.com
• Heard the fire department would be willing to flush culverts, but would need the ditches dug out first.
• Heard from Clerk Lou Ann Nortrup she had talked to Betty Waterman about working for her one day a week. However, Waterman cannot do this because it would be a conflict of interest since she is an elected trustee. Upon discussion it was decided to advertise in "The Quill" for part time help so during vacation, illness, etc. someone would be able to take over for Nortrup.
• Discussed the tree ordinance as Tony Anderson said he felt a lot of trees had been removed lately. It was decided each case needs to be handled individually if it needs to come down, be trimmed, maintained, etc.
• Anderson also asked for clarification on police department policy for assists. It was discussed how the Stronghurst Police can be called upon to assist the Sheriff's Department, etc. if needed. However, once the department in charge arrives they should return to their duties in Stronghurst unless invited to stay.
• Heard the employees will take care of the disabled parking sign that was taken off the building at Broadway Cafˇ when when the new siding was applied. It will be put up on a post.
• Deb Hale reported the Stronghurst American Legion Auxiliary would like to replace the flag in the park. However, Gittings said the flag was replaced just before Memorial Day but they were welcome to do it again if they would like. They also requested a box be placed at the city hall for people to put their old flags in. The members agreed to this and a box will be placed outside.

Present: President Gary Root, Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Deb Hale, Betty Waterman, Tony Anderson, David Vancil (Brendan Schaley absent); Employees Clerk Lou Ann Nortrup, Ronnie Gittings, Mike Nelson, Attorney Bill Rasmussen; Guests Jade Parker, Diana Taylor, Yvonne Knapp, and Shirley Linder.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. until the next regular meeting to be held on July 7 at 7:00 p.m.