The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Oquawka Village Board held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd.
ATTORNEY REPORT
Youngquist said he was getting documents together so that they could close on the sale of the fire station and trucks. He noted that he had a deed drafted for President Bundy to sign after the meeting. He said he was hopeful that it could be done by the end of the year but it would depend on how fast the OFPD could get their money together. He went on to say that if they brought a check tomorrow, they could probably close tomorrow.
Lain asked if there was anything new on the tree that was allegedly cut down illegally several months ago. Youngquist said they were still working on it.
STREET AND WATER REPORT
Lain will meet with Advanced Plumbing in the coming weeks to discuss a new pump for the end of Schuyler Street. The pump would be installed in the storm drain and would use a float switch to kick on as needed saving the village employees from having to monitor it 24 hours a day during a flood.
POLICE REPORT
Police Chief Clifford Adam stated he and Officer Mike McGinity have attended training on the new marijuana laws.
FLOOD COMMITTEE
Tee said she had heard back from Ron Davis from the DNR and only three properties are being considered for the DNR buyout program. The properties will move on to the next step which is the environmental review. When asked by Nancy if she knew which ones, Tee answered The Oquawka Boat Club, The Palace II, and Curtis Rice's old building next to Summer Daze Boat Club.
DISCUSS AND VOTE ON ADOPTION OF TAX LEVEE #898
This was a procedure vote with all members voting yes.
DISCUSS SEMI PARKING AND ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT
Nancy stated a couple board members brought it to her attention that a local business was parking semi-trucks on the sidewalk.
Collier noted truck drivers can't park their semis at their homes in town and asked why Kevin Moore could do it on Schuyler Street.
Scott Ray answered it was because it is commercial property. Collier retorted that the ordinance did not say anything about an exemption for commercial property.
Lain stated he had the rules enforced on him and he has commercial property and went on to say he was threatened to be towed off even though the ordinance said nothing about towing.
Lain said they changed all the rules at the truck parking lot for an individual, a relative of the problem they're talking about now.
Lain said he wants to support the business and make sure his business thrives because that's what they should do as a council but Kevin can't belligerently disobey our ordinances while they are strictly enforced on others at the truck lot.
Lain said they all have to agree to enforce this or it will set a precedent for other truck drivers.
Collier asked Andy if they have any remedies. Andy answered write a ticket.
Tammy Bundy said it sounds like you're doing this because Penny (Kevin's Mother) complained and now let's go after Kevin. Collier strongly disagreed. Audience member Don Rice exclaimed "that's what it sounds like out here" meaning to audience members. Scott Ray agreed saying that's what you're doing. Collier recited the ordinance ":semi-tractors may be parked upon private property within the Village but said semi-tractors are prohibited from parking on Village streets or alley ways". Collier reiterated he can't park where he's parking. Tee suggested they start by talking to him and giving a warning instead of writing him a ticket right off the bat. Nancy directed Chief Adam to talk to Kevin.
SWEAR IN NEW TRUSTEE
Nancy stated she would like to appoint Don Rice to fill the vacant seat that was created when she took over as Village President. She said she would like approval from the board.
Motion by Tee to appoint Don Rice to the board. Second by Lain.
Lain: YES Bundy: ABSTAIN Collier: YES Ray: YES Tee: YES Motion Carried.
Rice was then sworn in by Village Clerk Jacqui Smith and took his seat at the table.
DISCUSS AND VOTE ON AMEREN LIGHTING AT MARINA AND TEAR DROP PARK
Ameren offered two options for lighting at Tear drop park. For option one, Ameren will install a light near the road at the park at no charge. Option number two specifies a light more towards the center of the park at a cost of $1300. After some discussion, Tee made a motion for option one. Second by Lain.
Rice: YES Lain: YES Bundy: YES Collier: YES Ray: YES Tee: YES
Motion carried.
DISCUSS AND VOTE ON TUCK POINTING FOR THE POOL AND WATER BUILDING
Tee stated Kenny Tharp had looked at the building in order to prepare an estimate. Tee explained Tharp called her a few days ago to let her know he had the estimate completed. Tee asked him to drop it off at Village hall but it hasn't been received yet.
Tee said she would like to see Tharp's estimate before they vote. Vote will be tabled until January. Tee will call Tharp about the estimate.
Present were trustees Shawn Lain, Tammy Bundy, Brian Collier, Scott Ray, Brenda Tee, Village President Nancy Bundy, village Clerk Jacqui Smith, and Village Attorney Andy Youngquist.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Jeff Tee - River Rat News