The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
At the regular meeting of the Village of Stronghurst board city employee, Ronnie Gittings reported on problems the dry weather is having on the town's water supply. Wells four and five are not maintaining their water levels. He reported that from June 1-13 an average of 105,000 gallons of water per day was being used, with the highest being 123,000 gallons. From June 14-30th an average of 87,000 gallon was being used, with the high of 99,000. Starting in July there has been an average of 80,000 gallon per day.
He stated the high usage stems from people filling their swimming pools and watering their gardens, along with the spray park usage and FS spraying of crops.
He had contacted a company regarding having the wells rejuvenated. They gave an $1100 bid just to come look at how much water flow there is and if the pumps are good. Then they would know how to proceed from there with rejuvenation. The board held a lengthy discussion and decided other companies should be asked to bid on the project before any decision is made.
Also discussed in great length was the spray park, which Gittings says cannot be run eight hours a day due to using 20,000 gallons of water in that time frame. At the time of the board meeting they were still waiting for parts to fix the spray park. It was decided the spray park would be in operation from noon until two and from five to seven.
David Vancil made a motion to close the spray park for the rest of the season and Bruce Caldwell seconded it. However, the vote was 5-1 not to close the spray park.
Regis Murphy of J & S Electronics from Burlington, IA was present to discuss the village purchasing a new copier. The contract on the current copier ends on July 21st. Morgan Lewis said if they purchased a new one the old one could be used in the police department. However, Amanda Kane, said the police department did not need one that big and if they need one it would come from the police fund account.
A three year maintenance contract was purchased with the current machine and the company are willing to continue that contract on a yearly basis at $385. After much discussion the board decided that due to finances with the water tower, they would go with a year's maintenance contract and hope the copier continues to work properly.
The board discussed with Attorney Bill Rasmussen the liquor ordinance for selling liquor in a restaurant. Since Chase Gibb is no longer buying the Broadway Cafe, it was decided they now had time to go slowly in setting up an ordinance and making sure it is done according to what they want. It should include location, how many licenses would be given, hours for serving, etc.
Police Report for June included: 134 hours worked; four hours of training; 648 squad car miles; 2 traffic stops; 2 verbal warnings; 1 assist; 9 service calls; and 25 business checks.
In other business:
The board entered Executive session at 8:32 p.m. for the purpose of employee communication.
Those attending included: Mayor Brendan Schaley; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Amanda Kane, David Vancil, Bruce Caldwell, Shane Reed entered at 7:30 p.m.; Employees, Morgan Lewis, Arbry Vancil, Attorney Bill Rasmussen, Ronnie Gittings; Guests, Lori Taylor, Bob Manning, Regis Murphy of J & S Electronics, Shirley Linder.
The next meeting will be on August 7th at 7:00 p.m.