The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
During the regular meeting of the Stronghurst Village Board on Monday, May 2, who pays for the final pouring of cement around the spray pad became a bone of contention.
At the last board meeting it was voted the village would supply the labor if the Booster Club paid the $1400 for the concrete to be poured around the spray pad, on which the benches were to be bolted.
Jade Parker of the Spray Pad Committee said they had already spent $139,000 on this project and this was not in their budget and requested the village pay half of the amount. She stated they had to borrow money to finish the project.
Mayor Gary Root asked, "Half of what?" Parker replied, "The concrete."
Root, "What about labor?"
Parker, "The labor, it's you guys spray park, so I don't know."
Diana Taylor said in the community meetings held for many months that under the park and recreation planning the #1 priority was the park and the board all voted on it. It would be pointless if all those meetings and the plan they came up meant nothing.
Brenda Schaley said, "The board is running into park fatigue. Last month it was the building for the water hose. Every month it has been something for the park. I was the only one who voted no for the concrete last month and I don't want to pay half of it this time!"
David Vancil said it was the understanding that the committee would pay for everything to do with the spray park and then turn it over to the village when complete.
Parker said they had worked hard and were only trying to bring something great to the community.
Finally, Mayor Root asked for a motion to settled the issue.
Mike Bohnenkamp made a motion to pay half ($700) for the concrete. The motion died for a lack of a second.
Parker asked the board for $500 for mulch and plants to finish up the flower beds and flowers for the up-town.
On a motion by Bohnenkamp, seconded by Jim Spiker, the motion passed 3-1 with Vancil casting a "no" vote.
Parker also reported to the board the Booster Club had decided not to hold the electronics pick-up again this year due to extra fees.
Jeff Cozadd of WIRC spoke to the board about applying for a grant for housing rehabilitation. After explaining how the process worked and that it would cost the village $1500 to apply plus $1,000 if they did the survey. However, if someone local does the survey it would be a lot less. The board is to get back to him next month if they are interested or not in the project.
Ernie Waterman asked if anything could be done to clean up the Recycle Center since it it no longer in business. He said there are 6 vehicles, that probably do not have up to date licenses. The door is broken and the recycle containers could be moved inside the building. Plus the grass has not been mowed all season. After some discussion it was turned over to the police committee who will prepare and send a letter.
Police report for April included: 157.5 hours worked; 1194 miles on squad care; 5 traffic stops; 2 verbal warning; 3 written warnings; 2 county assists;3 ambulance assists; 9 service calls; 1 arrest; 26 business courtesy checks.
Ronnie Gittings reported: Benches all painted. No word on filter median. Would like to replace a 30' culvert and a 40' culvert which are bad. The board voted to approve this request.
On a motion by Jim Spiker, seconded by Schaley, the board voted 3-1 to have a firework display during the the fair. Vancil cast the no vote. Schaley will talk with the fair board committee and decide which night to hold the display.
In other business:
Present were: Mayor Gary Root; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, David Vancil, Jim Spiker, Brendan Schaley (Amanda Kane and Betty Waterman absent); Employees, Lou Ann Nortrup, Arbry Vancil, Attorney Bill Rasmussen, Ronnie Gittings; Guests, Ernie Waterman, Jeff Cozadd, Lori Taylor, Jade Parker, Diana Taylor, Shirley Linder.
The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m. until June 6, at 7:00 p.m. All meetings are held at Village Hall on the first Monday of the month.