The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
At the Village of Stronghurst board meeting on November 2nd Troy Shelton of Utility Equipment based in the Quad Cities explained the new Ultra Sonic water meters the village is interested in installing. The present meters are over 8 years old and according to Shelton are not registering all the water used by the residents. He stated when the new meter is installed residents will see an approximate 15% raise in their water bill due to the accuracy of the meters. The ultra sound meters can be read by the village clerk on the computer and will eliminate the employees having to read the meters. At present if a homeowner has a leak the cost is forgiven, by the village, except for $10, but with the new meters leaks will be caught quicker and will not be forgiven by the village. The life expectancy of the new meters is 20 years. The board will look at the appropriation money set aside for the year and make a decision at the December meeting how many meters they will be able to purchase at $370 per meter.
Ronnie Gittings reported 14 stumps had been ground out this past month. He also reported the permit needed to replace the water lines on Division and Logan Streets will not arrive in time for the work to be done before winter. He recommended to the board they purchase the materials for the job and store them over the winter. The cost of material for both jobs would be $6,338.18.
The police report for October included 87.5 hours worked; 4 training hours; 468 squad car patrol miles; 1 traffic stop with verbal warning; 1 assist; 1 arrest; 20 business courtesy checks.
Mike Swisher, zoning committee chair, reported two permits had been given, both for concrete for driveways. The new zoning ordinances was tabled, as well as discussion on the old Antiquity building, due to Attorney Mariah Wallace being absence.
A discussion was held on repairing the tile on South Harmony Street that has been dug up by Brian Kane. The tile is on village property and was laid by individuals in the 50s when building new houses. The board agreed it needed to be fixed and directed the village employees to lay new tile and the bill will be sent to Kane.
In other business the board:
Board adjourned at 6:50 until December 7