The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Oquawka Village Board held it's regularly scheduled work session meeting on November 15.
Scott Ray and Jacqui Smith were absent.
BACKHOE PURCHASE
Mayor Eldridge addressed the board concerning the backhoe purchase. He said they had received several bids and there were two bids that were similar in price. One was a CASE from Titan Machinery in Davenport and the other was a New Holland from Painter Equipment in Monmouth. Eldridge said he thought the New Holland was the better option because it would be easier to get service work done closer to Oquawka. The price of the machine is $84,200. Painter will give $20,000 trade in for the Caterpillar for a final cost of $64,200.
Eldridge went on to say that they needed to discuss the different options to pay for the equipment. He said there was enough money to pay for it outright but he wasn't sure they wanted to deplete their funds that much. He said another option would be to put down $14,200 and finance the remaining $50,000 on a 4 year note at 4% interest. He said they could make $12,500 per year payments and use the infrastructure fund to make that payment. After some discussion about the terms and cost of interest, everyone agreed to financing and also agreed the New Holland was the best option. It will be on the agenda for the December regular meeting.
WATER TOWER
The next topic Eldridge wanted to discuss with the board was the painting of the water tower. The painting contractor billed the Village an extra $2500 for a set up fee because they had to come back in October due to the Village not draining the tower for them when they were here last summer. Eldridge explained there was nothing in the contract about a set up fee and it was never mentioned by anyone before hand that the tower needed to be drained. He said he had spoken with Village Attorney Youngquist and he thought they had a good case to take to court. There was some discussion on if the attorney fees would end up being more than the $2500 bill and it was finally decided that they would have the attorney write a letter to the contractor explaining the Village's position on the matter.
Eldridge noted that the brush truck fire truck had been paid off and the tree at the fire station had been taken down.
OPEN MEETING
PUBLIC BOAT HARBOR
Roger Seitz addressed the board about the boat harbor. He asked if it had been discussed recently and if they had any plans. Trustee Brenda Tee said they were working on a grant but it was a process. Seitz suggested they sell the harbor property and put a ramp in at Tear Drop Park. He said since the opening at the current harbor is on the up river side it would continue to silt in even after dredging. There was discussion on room for parking and if the city could even put a ramp in at the park since it was buy out property. There was also discussion about buying Summer Daze Boat Club and making that a public harbor. There seemed to be some interest in this idea but it would need a ramp installed there as well.
CGB AND ROADS
Marty Lafary spoke to the board as a representative of CGB. The board had recently contacted CGB with concerns about grain trucks deteriorating Schuyler street and the cost of repairs Marty said the old office building was going to be tore down this winter. He said they were going to gravel the area so that the village could use it as extra boat trailer parking. He said he had instructed the Oquawka Branch supervisor to watch for potholes along marina drive and fill them with gravel when necessary. He went on to say that all company drivers must attend daily safety meetings and speeding through Oquawka was discussed adamantly and often. He also stated there were policies in place that kept trucks under the 80,000 pound legal limit. Different truck routes that avoided Schuyler street were also discussed by the board.
POLICE REPORT
Dejaynes said there was a resident on 3rd street that has bags of trash piled up 6 feet tall for the length of the house. He stated the neighbors are having problems with mice and are complaining about the smell. He noted he has issued 2 tickets previously and there is an outstanding ticket with a court date on the 19th. There was some discussion about the court issuing $25 fines for the previous tickets and that the Village's attorney fees were closer to $200 for the court appearances. I asked if the Village had progressive fines in their ordinances so that the latest fine would be higher. The Mayor said they have Progressive fines but ultimately it's up to the judge.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Eldridge asked the board to have any final changes or additions that they wanted for the fire department sale contract turned in as soon as possible so that they could move forward. There was some discussion on the drain field for the building and one of the fire whistle sirens. Trustee Lain asked if Dejaynes called for an illegal burn if the fire district could back charge the Village. Eldridge didn't seem to think so.
There was some discussion about properly maintaining the new backhoe. Lain said they need to implement some policies and procedures to make sure it's properly taken care of. Brenda said there needs to be maintenance records kept. Eldridge said the current employees are doing a good job maintaining equipment. Eldridge then suggested Brenda, Tammy and Shawn come up with a policies and procedures manual and present it to the board. The three of them will get together and work on this.
Eldridge stated employee health insurance will be on the agenda for the next regular meeting.
The Village is considering going to an 80/20 plan with the employees playing 20% of their premium.
There was some discussion on cost of insurance. Brenda asked if it could be purchased outside city limits. Eldridge said it could. Brenda suggested they shop around for a better price. All agreed.
The Christmas Parade will be Saturday, December 1st.
Meeting Adjourned.
Jeff Tee
River Rat News
"Just the facts Ma'am"