The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Deb Olson, The Quill - Oquawka- Oct. 4th
The Oquawka Village Board met at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2016. Attorney Andrew Youngquist announced that the board approved a $36,300 settlement with Lavadiere regarding the Schuyler Street project. In addition the board approved an $26,000 MFT expenditure for the engineering service agreement.
Thank you's were addressed to Nancy Bundy, the board and the Schuyler Street Stroll committee as the event was a great success.
The mayor reported that she has noticed a sign on the north end of Keithsburg which advertises local businesses. The mayor thought it would be a good idea for Oquawka to do the same, and sell advertising space on the sign.
Treasurer Chris Peterson gave the board information on the use of debit and/or credit cards as payment. It is simply an option to consider for the future and needs to be looked at in a future work session. It is suggested the treasurer look around for different electronic options.
Attorney Youngquist has worked on the draft of a potential lease for the ambulance service.
Jeff Peterson reported for Water and Streets Department that there were 2 water shut offs, 3 water turn ons, 7 water locates, and replaced 4 meters. Robert Eldridge asked whether the large pump had been repaired. Peterson replied that it was indeed fixed and was stored in the shed.
Under zoning, Kenny reported that there were 5 permits for the month and that they were all OK.
Nancy Bundy asked about the impounded car and was told it will soon be taken away. Trustee Bundy then gave the Parks and Recreation report. She noted that picnic tables are in bad shape and need to be replaced or repaired. It was suggested that perhaps the parole office could supervise building new ones.
Lafferty asked where the new tables would be used? Bundy responded that the tables are needed for Riverside Park, the pool and the horseshoe court.
She would like to re-examine the idea of a camping area especially since Keithsburg's campground has brought in revenue.
The fire department requested that the village purchase 25 gallons of apple cider for the Wiener Roast that is scheduled for October 30th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The board approved the purchase.
Under old business the trustees discussed changing the liquor license fee. First there was a discussion of the 4 classes of license. Class A is $1200 and provides liquor by the drink and off premise sales. Class B is $700 per year and covers restaurants serving alcoholic drinks. Class C at $600 is a license for clubs. Class D is $600 and provides for off premise sales at groceries or gas stations. The mayor is the liquor commissioner.
The board voted to amend Liquor Ordinance 732 by eliminating classes B and C and raising cost of the each license from $1200 to $1500.
Under New Business Jane and Jean addressed the council regarding the Christmas parade scheduled for Saturday, December 3rd. They requested to use city liability insurance to cover the parade. The women stated that because of liability candy is not to be thrown from within the parade route.
It was announced that the village plans to have a float.
The board discussed the request for a yield or stop sign to be placed at 4th and Fulton Streets because there have been several accidents there. After discussion the board decided that the city doesn't need any more signs.
Present were Trustees, Nancy Bundy, Robert Eldridge, Bob Lafferty, Leo Kuberski, Mayor Sandra Fullerton Moody, Clerk Sandy Huff and Attorney Andrew Youngquist. Trustees Scott Ray and John Fedler were absent. Meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m. The next board meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1st.