The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Oquawka Board Discuss Grant Possibilities

By Sally Day for the Quill

Steve Haring of MSA, Professional Services was on hand at the September 17, 2014 meeting of the Oquawka Village Board. The meeting had been rescheduled from September 8. Haring alerted the board to great funding which was coming available. One of the things which the village would have to do before applying for the grants would be to take a survey pertaining to low to moderate families. They would have to have 51 percent of the people fall into that category. Haring told the group his company would charge $2,000 to prepare this survey, with volunteer help from residents to implement it. He thought Oquawka could receive as much as $600,000 in grant monies.

Later, during the meeting, the board agreed to: approve the 2014 MFT Maintenance Program, approve MSA's contract to complete the 2014 MFT Engineering, and approved the MFT resolution to appropriate $23,000 of the MFT funds for 2014.

The board also discussed raising the water rates, as this has not been done for many years. They talked about recommending a flat fee of $15 for the first 1,000 gallons of water. After that, it would be $2.50 per 1,000 gallons. This will be tabled until next month to offer the public's opinion into the matter.

Police Chief Keith DeJaynes was present and offered his monthly report. In it he noted the following: Criminal: D.U.I., 1; Domestic Battery, 2; Agency Assists - County Assists, 4; Ambulance Assists, 5; Domestic - Domestic Calls, 5; Civil Disturbances, 2; Tavern Calls, 2; Junk Violations, 3; Golf Cart Inspections, 2; Traffic - Speeding Citations, 7; Stop Sign Citations, 3; No Valid Registration Citation, 1; Operating Without Insurance Citation, 1; Leaving the Scene of an Accident Citation, 1; Failure to Report an Accident to Police Authority Citation, 1; Riding Golf Carts After Hours Citation, 4; Other Calls, 51; Warrants, 1. Fuel 14.9 gallons, Mileage 1,638 miles. Fines $1,359.80. DUI Donation Equipment $500.

Board member Troy Jern, who is also Fire Chief gave his report to the board. He thanked the board for repairing lights at the department. Chief Jern discussed the need for six new radios. He had received bids from Galesburg Communications at $1950 and Electric Applications at $2139. The board agreed to the bid of $1950 for the radios and $660 from Alexis Fire Equipment for 15 pair of gloves. Jern abstained from the vote, with all others voting yes. Chief Jern mentioned that next year the Fire Department would be in need of new fire hose. He also thanked the board for their purchase and thanked Chris Peterson for her help with the Rural Association dues. A deposit of $9920 was to be entered into the department's fund for these dues.

In other business, the board:

• heard from Street and Water Superintendent Jeff Peterson, who gave a report from the same. He denoted the work he and his crew had done for the month. Peterson had received three bids for tree removal. The board chose not to act on those until next Spring. The department's temporary Summer help will be released at the end of this month.
• heard from Tammy Bundy, Ambulance Committee representative, who asked the board to consider a possible site for a future ambulance building. It is in the planning stages and she asked for two to three lots on Warren Street.
• passed the Audit for 2013, agreeing to pay Cavanaugh and Davies $10,250.
• heard from board member Nancy Bundy about work she and others were doing to improve on Oquawka living. She noted she was working with several organizations, including Helping Hands and Lisa Ray. She asked from support only from the board, at this time.
• was reminded by Mayor Sandra Moody of the Qquawkiek event to be held September 27. She asked for residents to keep working on their properties, noting the improvement so far. She also mentioned that citizens had inquired about a dumping area. Board members discussed this briefly and took no action on it.
• noted that the Mississippi River north of the elevator would be dredged in the Spring.
• agreed to purchase fireworks from J&M Fireworks and to host them on July 5, 2015.
• had no objection to a horse shoe tournament being held on October 4. This would be in regards to what Jared Guyton is doing with the proposed playground.
• \heard from Attorney Andy Doyle, who mentioned the closing of Schuyler Street from Front to Sixth, from 7 a.m. until midnight on September 27 for the Oquawkiek event. This was passed. Attorney Doyle also mentioned that the Junk and Debris tickets currently being worked on was going well and the next group would begin soon. The amendment extending the hours for the golf carts to be utilized on the streets was also discussed. The hours were extended to from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• approved the minutes and bills for August and the treasurer's report for July.
• heard roll call as follows - John Fedler, present; Scott Ray, present; Jason Howard, present; Troy Jern, present; Robert Eldridge, present; Nancy Bundy, present; and Village President/Mayor Sandra Moody, present. Also at the board table were Village Clerk Sandy Huff and Attorney Andy Doyle.