The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Village of Oquawka Board

By: Lisa Ray for The Quill

Schuyler Street Stroll, Antique Tractor Pull, Moment of Silence for 9/11 Heroes', Raises and Trick or Treat Night were all items up for discussion or motions on September 11th at the Oquawka Village Board meeting.

Mayor Robert Eldridge opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Dan Bigger thanked the board, fire department and ambulance for their support in past years during the FFA Tractor Pull. He noted he was no longer part of that group but, is still in charge of the Antique Tractor Pull scheduled for July 20th. He plans to have a parade of entries this year prior to the pull.

Sue Bigger asked for assistance in retrieving stolen property that had been recovered which belongs to her daughter. She had been told the stolen property could be returned only to her daughter.

Mayor Eldridge reminded everyone of the Schuyler Street Stroll happening Saturday, September 29th.

Lots of activities are planned such as a car show, antique tractor and motors, craft and vendors, music, Civil War Reenactment, kids activities, chainsaw carving, boy scout pancake breakfast, firemen pork chops, United Methodist Church homemade chicken noodle dinner and much, much, more.

Police report for the month of August included: 1 aggravated battery; 1 violation of Ordinance of Protection; 1 criminal damage to property; 2 battery; 6 ambulance assists; 4 sheriff's department assists; 44 other calls.

Citations: 4 speeding; 1 violation of classification; 3 disobeyed stop sign; 1 improper lane usage; 1 no valid driver license and 1 suspended driver license. 1895 miles on squad car; $164.80 for gas. Fines: DUI Fund $290.50; Henderson County Clerk, $267.72; impound fees (2) $500; police report $10; Golf Cart $90; for at total of $1158.22.

In other business the board:

• heard treasurer Chris Peterson is in the process of requesting bids for a new copier.
• attempts have been made to contact pool manager Leslie Carnes, regarding closing up the pool for the year, however, no calls have been returned.
• heard a citizen requested a stop sign to be placed. Keith was asked to look into the area and see if a stop sign is needed.
• approved raises to village employees as discussed in a work session. Shawn Lain voted no.
• approved Ordinance #888 "an Ordinance making certain conforming amendments to the code of ordinances of the Village of Oquawka, Illinois."
• discussion of drain at the end of Schuyler Street was tabled until work session.
• bid for tree removal was awarded to J&J Tree Service.
• Zoning Officer John Newton issued 2 permits during the month of August.
• heard seal coating of streets to begin September 12th. Repair to 4th Street intersection to begin end of September and then striping will begin.
• Jenna Link was present to discuss painting the water tower.
• approved updating the chlorination system at a cost of $4,672.79 to Sidener Supplies Satisfied Service.
• Eagle Scout approval of paperwork for Parker Brownlee to move forward with the observation deck on Hancock Street for his Eagle Scout project.
• Fire Chief Troy Jern asked for a moment of silence in honor of the 9-1-1 heroes.
• fire department will serve sandwiches during Schyler Street Stroll on September 29th and a chicken noodle dinner on October 13th at Faith Bible Church.
• Trick or Treat night set for Wednesday, October 31st from 6-8 p.m.
• Oquawka Fire Protection District representative Donna Robbins requested, in writing, the asking price of village fire station and property, and also copies of the deed and current titles for all firetrucks.

Present were: Mayor Robert Eldridge; Trustees Scott Ray, Hal Jern, Jason Howard, Shawn Lain, Tamy Bundy; Village Clerk Jaqueline; Village Attorney Andy Younquist. Trustee Nancy Bundy was absent.