The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Oquawka Board Discusses Alleys

by Deb Olson, The Quill

The Tuesday November 1st Oquawka board meeting was short and to the point after the majority of the time was spent discussing alleys in town. In the public comment section of the meeting resident Hal Jern requested that the city grade Oquawka's alleys. This opened a discussion as to whether the alleys were to be maintained by the city or not.

Trustee Nancy Bundy statedâ "the board does not take care of the alleys."

Jern replied that the city had previously done such work.

Trustee Scott Ray statedâ"the work was just done in the past, (the grading) whileâ"the property owner paid for gravel and hauling costs." Ray also stated that he felt the maintenance crew did a fine job.

Trustee Fedler agreed with Bundy. He said that during his time on the board the city has not been responsible for the alleys. He stated his opinion that the city should not set precedents by doing this work, but should consider what is best for the city.

Trustee Lafferty noted that there isn't funding for maintaining streets much less for work on alleys.

Engineer Mick Olson informed the board that there are some publicly maintained alleys. They are maintained based on factors, such as resident access and public use.

In the end, it was agreed that the city could do the grading but, the property owner would be responsible for any gravel that might be wanted as well as hauling costs for the gravel.

In other business:

• Discussed improvements to the back room office.
• Discussed new picnic tables
• Set the city wide trash pick-up for May 20, 2017.
• Zoning reports that everything is in motion for Lavadiere to begin street work anytime.
• Streets and Water Department-Jeff Peterson reported 7 water turn offs for winter, 26 pink slips, 7 water locates, 2 new water service, 2 water shut offs due to leaks
• In the Fire Department report, Troy Jern reported that the department dealt with 3 village fires, 8 rural fires, 6 public service lectures, and 1 crime scene assist. He requested 15 lights at $65 each, and 2 hooligan rescue bars at $179 each, and Jern also requested updated batteries
• Police Report by Keith DeJaynes: Police activities for October 2016 were as follows, Criminal: Domestic battery - 3, Theft under $300 - 1, Criminal sexual assault - 1, Aggravated battery - 1, burglary business - 1. There were 5 Ambulance assists and 4 County assists. There were 5 civil disturbances, 6 juvenile calls, 2 tavern calls 1 illegal transportation of alcohol, 1 failure to yield right of way, 8 speeding and 1 stop sign. There were 5 warning tickets issued and 37 other calls. Two warrants were issued. The following fines and fees were collected - Fines paid equaled $700. Golf cart/ATV $120.00, Impoundment fees $250.00, fines paid through village attorney $150, Henderson County Ordinance violation $73. Fines paid totaled $1293.06. Fuel used was 145.8 gallons. Mileage was 1425 miles.

Present at the meeting were Mayor Sandra Fullerton Moody, Clerk Sandy Huff, Trustees Nancy Bundy, Robert Eldridge, Bob Lafferty, Leo Kuberski, Scott Ray and John Fedler and approximately 10 others. Attorney Andy Youngquist was absent.

The next board meeting will be Tuesday, December 6th.