The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Another Shelter House For The City Park

By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor

At the Village of Stronghurst meeting on Monday, October 2nd, it was decided, on the recommendation of the mayor, to begin removing the tennis court at the village park and next spring erect a second 24' x 30' shelter house. The rest of the site will be planted in grass.

The members discussed saving the chain link fence surrounding the tennis court for possible future use. Mayor Brendan Schaley said he had offered the fence to Mike Hines for the ball field but as yet it had not been accepted.

Chris Cooper of MSA talked about the procedure of connecting the water main to the new tower. The procedure that was bid would cause the entire village to be without water for the better part of a day and then on a boil order afterward. Ronnie Gittings suggested they change the order to a wet tap installation, which would not shut the water off or cause a boil order. However, for the change in plans there would be an additional $2,230 cost. Following discussions David Vancil made a motion to pay the extra cost, Bruce Caldwell seconded and the motion passed.

The September police report include: 152.5 hours worked; 750 squad car miles; 8 traffic stops-4 verbal warnings and 4 written warnings; 2 uniform traffic ticket; 5 service calls-3 assist calls-with county and state police; 1 arrest; 22 business courtesy checks.

Robert Root and Gary Root presented the board with a drawing of the proposed bar and grill they would like to build. It will be extended from the south side of Kone Korner. Kone Korner will remain with its own entrance. The building will be a 40 x 60 with it's own kitchen and two bathrooms. Roots have not decided on the menu or what meals will be served yet.

Ronnie Gittings reported on the water main break under the highway and thanked those to helped. He inquired if there was any way they could get the state to pay for moving the pipe so it was not under the highway. The water main which is under 8" of concrete and several layers of asphalt was there before the highway was. The lawyer advised them the best way would be through the politicians and suggested contacting them.

It was voted to pay $200 each to Scott Ford, Larry Fox, and Brian Bohnenkamp, who all helped in a huge way during the water main repair.

Gittings also reported the wiring is bad in well #4 and if they are going to rejuvenate it that the wiring be replaced also. The cost for the wiring was not included in the bid by Mike Stoddard, Bartonville, in the amount of $13,668. The board agreed this needed done and will pay the extra.

It was reported Chase Gibb would like to build a bar and grill at the corner of Stronghurst and Carman road and was requesting to be annexed into the village. Schaley had talked with the attorney and found the village cannot annex property in unless the land owners request it. There are 3 properties that would need to request annexation into the village before Gibb could be annexed in. Those three are not interested.

In other business the board:

• Due to miscommunication all the village CDs due were cashed, which was not necessary. Therefore that money will be replaced in CDs, half at the Bank of Stronghurst and half at Security Savings Bank.
• heard from Lori Taylor the Stronghurst Festival was a big success. Next year the Booster Club is looking at a car show, all vendors coming back, and perhaps a quilt show at the Christian Church.
• Attorney Bill Rasmussen said he would not raise his fees for the coming year if the board would agree to pay him in January for the entire year, instead of having to turn in a bill every month. The board agreed.
• Mayor Brendan Schaley said the liquor committee would meet this month and hammer out the particulars of the liquor ordinance to have ready for the lawyer next month. The lawyer suggested, without violating the open meeting act, they make sure the entire board is agreeable to the proposal before it is drawn up.
• Set Halloween Trick or Treat night for Tuesday, October 31 from 5:30-7:30.
• City wide clean up Friday, October 6.
• heard 4 new trees have been planted in the city park and a big one is on order.
• approved the colors for the water tower to be red, white, and dark navy blue.
• before approval of the bills, two questions were discussed. 1. Continuing to bond Lou Ann Nortrup, who will only be working occasionally and, 2. Why was there was a second notice on a bill. Mike Bohnenkamp said there should never be a second bill, or final notice when bills are paid every month. The board will continue to bond Lou Ann and Morgan Lewis explained the mix-up in the second notice.

Present: Mayor Brendan Schaley; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Shane Reed, Amanda Kane, Jerry Nortrup, David Vancil, Bruce Caldwell; Employees, Ronnie Gittings, Morgan Lewis, Arbry Vancil, Attorney Bill Rasmussen; Guests, Chris Cooper, MSA, Robert Root, Gary Root, Lori Taylor, and Shirley Linder.

The next meeting will be Monday, November 6, at 7 p.m