The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Jeff Tee-River Rat News for The Quill
The Oquawka Village Board under PARK & RECREATION, Trustee Ray stated the new building at Norma Jean Park is a restroom. He noted it was an eagle scout project and was done at no cost to the Village except for the concrete. He went on to say that it would be locked for the winter but would be open come spring.
The board also heard President Bundy state they were having a fundraiser supper on November 16th at 5pm at the Township Hall Building to help raise money for various activities.
Flags at Memorial Park have become tattered and need replaced. Trustee Tammy Bundy said it would be around $300. Audience member Andy Gaddis stated he had donated the flags last time and would do so again.
The regular scheduled meeting was held on Tuesday November 5th. Present were Trustees Shawn Lain, Tammy Bundy, Brian Collier, Scott Ray, Village President Nancy Bundy, and Village attorney Andy Youngquist. Village Clerk Jacqui Smith was absent and Trustee Brenda Tee arrived late.
STREET & WATER REPORT
Streets Supervisor Jeff Petersen handed a picture to the board showing what appeared to be a tree half of which is on village property and the other half on Ron and Sue Bigger's property. He stated Ron told him he wanted the tree taken down.
Jeff noted Ron said one way or another it would be cut down whether the Village did it or he did it himself. Trustee Shawn Lain said the Village would give Bigger permission to cut it down.
Mick Olson addressed the board letting them know the concrete work on Schuyler Street was on the top of Frame Kon's list and as soon as the weather cooperated, they would begin work.
POLICE REPORT
Trustee Scott Ray asked Police Chief Clifford Adam what has become of the investigation into the vandalism at Norma Jean Park and specifically if they were going to be reimbursed for the damage. Adam responded by saying it would probably be up to the Judge to decide.
STREET & WATER
Ray said he had been approached by someone interested in the gravel spreader if the Village still wanted to sell it. Ray stated the person has offered $500. After a short discussion, a motion was made by Ray to sell it for $500. Seconded by Tammy Bundy. Motion passed with all Trustees voting yes.
OPEN MEETING
Resident Penny Moore asked the board why the new rules for the semi parking lot hadn't yet been implemented. Mayor Bundy stated they were in the process, and had ordered a new sign with the rules on it to be placed at the parking lot.
OLD BUSINESS
Motion by Tammy Bundy to accept the new ordinance for street numbering. Seconded by Lain. Motion passed with all voting yes.
When questioned by Mick Olson who to ask to get a correct house number, President Bundy said she had made up 800 letters to send out with the information and would be getting them in the mail soon.
President Bundy stated the next item on the agenda, discuss the sale of Oquawka Volunteer Fire Dept, will be done in closed session.
DISCUSS & VOTE ON RESOLUTION FOR TAKING THE VILLAGE CLERK OFF BALLOT
Youngquist explained this resolution would go into effect after the current Village Clerk's term is up and instead of having the position filled by a vote, it would be filled by an appointment by the Village President.
He went on to say that the appointed clerk would then stay in office until that clerk voluntarily leaves or is terminated at which point the Village President would appoint a new clerk.
Ray, speaking to the audience, stated the reason they are doing this is so they don't have to retrain somebody every four years and that they want to be able to hire somebody that will stay and learn the position and will be a full-time employee.
Motion by Tammy Bundy to adopt the resolution. Seconded by Lain. Motion passed with all voting yes.
NEW BUSINESS
New police officer Mike McGinity was sworn in by Chief Adam.
President Bundy stated the swearing in of the new trustee will be tabled until next month.
Discuss and vote on tree/stump removal will be tabled until the next work session.
The Lighted Christmas Parade will be December 7th at 5pm.
CLOSED SESSION
President Bundy asked for a motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel issues, pending litigations, and business negotiations.
I asked if the public would be informed of the decisions made in closed session about the fire department and if so, when? I was told by Youngquist that no decisions are made in closed session.
OPEN MEETING
Upon returning to open meeting, President Bundy asked if she had a motion to direct Village Attorney Youngquist to reply to Oquawka Fire Protection District attorney John Brady's letter, dated October 14th, 2019, specifically on real estate issues, our board will not change it's stated position and all Bergman Trust documents have been provided?
Motion by Lain. Second by Collier. Lain: YES Bundy: YES Collier: YES Ray: YES Tee: YES Motion carried.
President Bundy then addressed OFPD President Donna Dunn, who was sitting in the audience, saying they would be getting a letter from Youngquist.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Jeff Tee - River Rat News