The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Deb Olson, The Quill
At the December 6, 2016 Oquawka Village Board meeting, Jenna Link a certified water operator gave board members a copy of an Illinois environmental protection agency report which contained an evaluation of Oquawka's water supply.
She reported that Oquawka's water is fine. Ms. Link again suggested to the trustees that there should be a backup generator for the city well and that a phone alert system should be set up.
After a closed session, the board elected to offer Police Chief Keith DeJaynes an employment contract "pursuant to employment as corrected, including a pay raise to $18.00 per hour.
"In addition DeJaynes will pay 20% of his insurance and 50% of IMRF. The board approved this by a 3-2 vote. (Voting yea Bundy, Ray, and Fedler. Voting nay Eldridge and Kuberski.)
In other business in December, the board:
The December meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
At the January meeting on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 all members were present except Trustee Scott Ray.
No one spoke during the public comments section of the meeting.
In regards to a bid from Henshaw Contracting there were questions about compliance with ADA standards in the remodel of the bathroom in the current building. Since the village would be spending $5000.00 board members want to be sure whether the remodel needs to be concerned with ADA compliance. Therefore the board approved spending $5000 for the renovation pending discovery of answers to ADA issues.
Attorney Andy Youngquist reported that Lavadiere has been paid, but he is still waiting for payment from MSA as well as an invoice from Cooper, Bernard and Zuck.
It was recommended that a representative from CGB be invited to attend a January 19th work session to discuss upkeep and maintenance of the new concrete road.
Water/Streets Superintendant Peterson's report noted 3 water line locates, 34 pink slips, 3 water shut offs.
One fallen tree was cut up on Front and Putnam and another tree fell on Fifth Street.
As Peterson will need assistance in dealing with the tree on Fifth Street, he was asked to get estimates on what removal will cost.
In the December Police activities report Chief DeJayne's stated that under criminal activities there were
2 Domestic batteries,
2 thefts under $300,
7 criminal damage to property and
1 violation of an order of protection.
There were
7 ambulance assists and
5 county assists,
3 civil disturbances,
1 juvenile call and
2 tavern calls.
The following citations were issued:
1 DUI,
1 revoked driver's license,
1 suspended driver's license,
1 improper lane change
2 warning tickets
29 other calls, and a warrant was served.
The following income was recorded:
$800-fines,
$70-Henderson Co. fines,
$500-Impoundment fees
$100 donation for a
total of $1,470.
Fuel consumption was
144.6 gallons and mileage
was 1,524 miles.
In the fire department report from Oquawka Fire Chief Troy Jern, he stated that the fire district petition had been filed with Judge Cavanaugh.
He said, "If the referendum passes it will probably take about a year, between passage and implementation.
Jern also reported that the Fire Department had a total of 130 calls last year.
The January meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
Five people attended the meeting in addition to trustees and city employees.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 7th.