The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Board Signs Franchise With MTC

By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor

At the February 3rd meeting of the Village of Stronghurst board trustees voted unanimously to sign a franchise with MTC, making it possible for customers to sign up for television service with the firm. The franchise mirrors the one the village has with Mediacom. The village will receive $4,300 revenue annually from the franchise.

The meeting was opened by Mayor Brendan Schaley leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

The monthly financial statement given by Mike Bohnenkamp showed $15,875 to the good for the month, which was due to receiving the WIRC grants.

Police report for January included: 83 hours worked, 319 miles on squad car, 1 traffic stop, 2 verbal warnings, 8 service calls, and 18 business courtesy checks.

A discussion was held regarding putting a lien on a property due to the usage of water for approximately 32 months without the village's knowledge.

Clerk Hollie Allen explained an estimated 65,000 gallon of water had been used over the period of time which would amount to approximately $2,000.

However, the computer system would not allow her to bill for sewer overage and only allow her to bill for one month of garbage fees, so the bill as of this month is for $423.23.

On a motion by Mike Swisher, seconded by Mike Bohnenkamp the board voted to have the customer pay the minimum each month plus extra until the $400 plus bill is paid and to put a lien on the property (homeowner not customer) until the bill is satisfied.

Ronnie Gittings told the board he had talked with a salesman that would like to make a presentation to the board for a new water meter system.

Gittings said this new generation system would be able to report daily usage of water by the customer, thus they would be able to discover leaks sooner.

The present meters only shows a report once a month.

The present meters still have a 10 year life span and guarantee. The cost for a new system would be $150 per meter and it was estimated the software would run around $30,000. The board members had no interest in hearing a presentation.

In other business the board:

• Heard from Pastor David Vidler regarding an article he had read about having an Easter Egg hunt at night using flashlights.
• Passed an ordinance vacating an alley for Shane Gipe.
• Approved getting estimates to replace the garage door at city hall.
• Lee's Tree Service had been in town to look at 4 more trees for cutting.
• Reviewed and approved RFQ guidelines request for qualifications (school safety project)
• Mayor Schaley thanked the guys for all the work they had done sprucing up city hall. As soon as tile is laid out front and water doesn't come in door the new floor will be laid.

Present were: Mayor Brendan Schaley, Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Jerry Nortrup, Randy Jarvis, Shane Reed, Mike Swisher, David Vancil; Employees, Hollie Allen, Ronnie Gittings, Arbry Vancil; Guests, Lori Taylor, David Knutstrom, Pastor David Vidler, Virginia Ross, Shirley Linder.