The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Oquawka Village Board held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 3rd. Present were Village President Nancy Bundy, Trustees Don Rice, Shawn Lain, Tammy Bundy, Brian Collier, Scott Ray, and Village Attorney Andy Youngquist. Trustee Brenda Tee and Village Clerk Jacqui Smith were absent.
MAYOR AND STAFF REPORT
Nancy brought up for discussion the Governor's mandate for closing businesses. She explained she had been in contact with Erica from the Henderson county Health Department and since Erica couldn't attend the meeting in person, they had decided that the board could have a conference call with Erica so that she could answer any questions they might have.
Erica explained that the Governor has mandated no indoor dining or seating and since it was a state issue, she has to follow through with it. She went on to say the mandate would probably only last a couple weeks.
When asked by Tammy if she would enforce the mandate, Erica explained that she must enforce the mandate, and there was no way around it.
Lain said he felt this is where people get their income from and asked Erica to put herself in the shoes of a waitress who was about to have her wages cut by 2/3. Erica explained she had been a waitress in the past and understood the hardships and stated it broke her heart that people were struggling. She mentioned DC's was a bar that didn't serve food, and noted that the other establishments had the option to serve carry out. Lain said he felt that was detrimental to the restaurants, giving an example that he doesn't eat out because he wants to get the food and take it home. He said he eats out for the atmosphere and to be around people and to communicate with people. Erica said she understood he wanted to be out and about with people but right now that was not ideal. She said public safety is her 100% prerogative. She then said she is trying to look out for our community, noting that our numbers have jumped so high just in the last month and we have to get it under control and this is the only way we can do it. Shawn said he understands that but these same people all congregate at the gas stations and other establishments. Erica responded the business owners of those establishments should be enforcing the wearing of masks and sanitizing and doing their part to protect each other. She went on to say that only about 20% of the people in Henderson County wear masks.
Tammy asked about punishment and what that would look like. Erica said if an establishment refused to partially close, then she would visit and educate that establishment. If they choose to continue to not follow through with the guidelines then a letter stating that the establishment is not in compliance would be sent to the States Attorney and the health board.
When asked by Rice, Erica stated there are 144 cases in the county and the numbers started rising about two weeks ago. When pressed by Rice, Erica stated the 144 number was total cases since March and she wasn't sure how many active cases there were right now. Rice asked shouldn't we have these hard numbers before we go shutting down bars and restaurants? After doing some checking, Erica stated we were presently at about 56 active cases.
After the conference call there was discussion on what the Village should do to show support for businesses.
When asked by Collier if the Governor would force Nancy to revoke liquor licenses, Youngquist responded that if the Governor wanted to revoke licenses, he could do it himself at the state level. He went on to say the Village has really no role in any of this.
Lain stated he wanted to put something in writing showing support for businesses and stating the Village would not be enforcing the mandate. Tammy said she thought putting that in writing could jeopardize future grant, gambling, and tax money awarded to the Village. She said she felt the Village should do nothing, meaning not write a letter and not enforce the mandate. Collier agreed saying the Village should just stay out of it. Youngquist stated the board could direct Clifford to not issue any citations for this. Youngquist said the Illinois State Police has made it clear that they are going to enforce the mandate
Nancy addressed Clifford saying the Village does not want to get involved in the businesses, and they were going to let them run as those businesses see fit. She stated the Village would not issue any violation or any ticket.. She said if the state police want to come in and do it, or if the Governor wants to come in and do it, so be it. But the Village of Oquawka is not going to do anything. Lain added he didn't think Clifford should assist those agencies either. Ray agreed, saying if they are going to do that, they don't need the Villages assistance. Clifford agreed.
ATTORNEY REPORT
Youngquist gave an update on the abandoned property on North 6th street. The property has become home to feral cats and skunks and the neighbors attended the previous board meeting to address the issue. He noted the property owner lives in Keokuk, Iowa. Youngquist said they had tried to serve summons papers to the owners by mail but were unsuccessful so they were going to try to get the Lee County police to serve the summons.
OLD BUSINESS
Tammy made a motion to place the Village owned corner lot at 3rd and Fulton up for bid with no minimum and right to refuse. Second by Collier. All members vote yes. Motion carried.
Tammy stated they are still getting pricing on a new police car in which a grant has been awarded. She said it would be ready for a vote next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Adopt tax levy ordinance #910. This is a procedural vote with all members voting yes.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Jeff Tee
River Rat News