The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Village Board Wants To "Call- Em- All"

By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor

Stronghurst- At the regular meeting of the Stronghurst Village Board on Monday, March 3rd, the topic of "Call-Em-All" was once again addressed. At the February meeting it was discussed a program called "Call-Em-All" was established by the board a year or so ago to alert residents by phone if an emergency such as a water main break, boil order, boil order cancellation, etc were to occur. Residents signed up for this service at a cost of $10 per year with only a small majority taking part.

Clerk Lou Ann Nortrup checked into the cost of the service and informed the board it is now costing them $8.14 for one call but there was a plan available where they could pay $7.50 per month for unlimited calls.

After further discussion the trustees voted to accept the $7.50 per month plan and pay for it, therefore offering the service to the residents free. They will be allowing each household to sign up to receive messages on their home phone and two cell phone numbers.

A form is printed in this week's "Quill" which residents are encouraged to fill out and return so they may be kept informed.

Todd Lange addressed the board, as a part-time Seesmart LED Lighting Products Salesman, giving them information regarding the company he works for and offering his services regarding any street lights or other lighting needs they might want to pursue.

Police report for February included: 113 hours worked; 405 miles on squad car; 4 traffic stops; 2 verbal warnings; 3 uniform traffic tickets; 4 service calls; 2 agency assists; and 12 business courtesy checks.

In other business the board:

• Had no water superintendent report due to Ronnie Gittings being in the hospital
• Heard Erin Anderson, as county health inspector would like to be informed when the water is being shut off. This problem will be taken care of with the "Call-Em-All" service
• Heard WIRC survey had received a 156 of the surveys distributed in town and was needing 100 more to be returned. This will be taken care of after they send the list of who returned the surveys.
•  Heard the grant from the state in the amount of $35,000 for the new well has been approved.
• Donated $100 to West Central play
• Mike Bohnenkamp reported they are looking to purchase 3 new walkie talkies and will bring the cost back to the board next month.
• Passed last month's minutes, as well as paying of the bills
• Deb Hale has talked with Jim Blender regarding the flower beds and that will be decided when the weather clears up
• Voted to put a raised stool, as well a grab bar, in the restroom at city hall
• Heard a report from President Gary Root that Kim Gullberg and Kevin Box were considering putting up a grain bid where part of the old Alexander Lumber was and were wondering about the road by there. That land belongs to the railroad company so they would need to deal with them.

The board entered executive session at 8:10 p.m. for purpose of employee business. Exited Executive at 8:15 p.m. with no decisions being made.

President Gary Root: Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Deb Hale, Betty Waterman, David Vancil; Brendan Schaley and Tony Anderson absent; Employees, Lou Ann Nortrup, Arbry Vancil, Mike Nelson, Bill Rasmussen; Guests, Todd Lange, Shirley Linder

The next board meeting will be held on Monday, April 7, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.