The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Liquor Ordinance Needs A Couple Of Tweaks

By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor

On Monday, April 2nd the Village of Stronghurst board met and heard there needs to be a few minor changes in the liquor ordinance wording.

One concern was the wording "It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of nineteen (19) years unless accompanied by a parent or other authorized legal guardian to be in or on any premises that has a Class "B" license." The board agreed to strike this out since it sounds as if no one under 19 can go in and eat unless accompanied by an adult.

Another was "There shall be no consumption of alcoholic liquors on any portion of the licensed premises after sixty (60) minutes from the time of closing as herein above stated." The word consumption should be changed to sale.

Sara Evans questioned one section to make sure she understood it correctly that she could hire waitresses, bus boy, etc. under the age of 21. She can hire persons under the age of 21 but they cannot serve liquor. Someone over 21 or older would be responsible for bringing the drinks to the table if ordered.

City Attorney Bill Rasmussen will go over the changes and bring an amended ordinance to the May meeting.

Evans said she had turned in her application for a license at a pro-rated cost of $375. She clarified she would need to re-apply the 1st of June for a year's license.

Evans stated she is not applying for a license to sell liquor on Sundays, at this time.

The March police report included: 97 hours worked; 767 miles on squad car; 1 traffic stop; 3 uniform traffic tickets; 1 assist; 5 service calls; 2 arrests; 28 business courtesy checks.

Ronnie Gittings reported to the board while doing ditch work at the corner of Elizabeth and Main they discovered the sidewalk had collapsed and was blocking the flow of water. The cost of repair would be $287. While they were at it they would like to replace 50 feet of bad sidewalk at a cost of $315. He also reported at the Corzatt building there is a lot of water run off and it washes out the ditch. While getting concrete they would also like to repair that. These projects would total $692. The board approved the projects.

In other business the board:

• tabled a request from Lori Taylor to donate money for flowers for the pots in the park and up town
• heard Gittings had gotten no more bids for the water drain at the new water tower
• approved an equipment maintenance contract for water testing equipment in the amount of $316/year
• heard Gittings will get estimates on wood chips and pea gravel for around the playground equipment in the village park and bring it to the next board meeting
• reviewed bids for tree removal on Commercial Street. Approved J & J Tree Service at $2,150
• heard Matt Hicks, city employee, will wait until fall to take the tests for water license
• heard the new water tower will be painted in June or July
• directed Jerry Nortrup and Bruce Caldwell to go around town and send letters to those needing clean up done on their property
• discussed at length the trash on the property of Mike Schramm and how or if it could be cleaned up since he is in jail. President Schaley will talk with State's Attorney Colby Hathaway for advice on this matter.
• discussed the purchase of a new computer for the water plant. Decision postponed until next month
• David Vancil, once again, brought up the pot holes that are needing filled
• Mike Bohnenkamp gave Gittings the plaque that is to be placed on one of the park benches in memory of Bryan Bohnenkamp

The board entered executive session a 8 p.m. for the purpose of personnel. No decisions were made following in open session.

Those present were: President Brendan Schaley; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Shane Reed, David Vancil, Jerry Nortrup, Bruce Caldwell, (Amanda Kane, absent); Employees Hollie Allen, Ronnie Gittings, Arbry Vancil, Attorney Bill Rasmussen; Guests, Chris Cooper, Lori Taylor, Sara Evans, Jim Brown, Virginia Ross, Shirley Linder.

The next board meeting will be held on Monday, May 7th at 7:00 p.m.