The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Jeff Tee, River Rat News, Special For The Quill
The Oquawka Village Board September 1st discussed Zoning issues with Zoning Officer John Newton who stated, he was unsure how to handle small portable buildings that people are living in. He also mentioned camping trailers. Nancy said she had been getting a lot of questions on those. It was mentioned that village ordinance states campers can be occupied for a certain amount of time and then must be moved for at least 24 hours. When asked about the ordinance that signifies a minimum square footage of a residence, Newton noted that the ordinance pertained to a permanent structure, not a portable building. Newton also noted the building in question does not have sewer or water. Ray answered saying if it doesn't have sewer or water, it's not a legal residence. Ray added all residences have to have sewer, water, kitchen, and one bedroom at a minimum. Lain, referring to people living in campers, said he finds it hard to enforce one ordinance when not enforcing the other. Ray asked Youngquist for his input. Youngquist answered you have ordinances, enforce them. Collier mentioned one of those campers has been there for thirty years. Youngquist stated make sure they are in violation of the ordinance before you write a citation. Collier said he thought the violators should be talked to before a citation is written. Ray agreed saying give them a chance to move them. Lain asked if the ordinance was an outdated one and should it be revisited? Lain then asked that the matter be added to the next work session agenda.
The Village also heard and discussed the following:
STREETS AND WATER
Nancy had previously asked Streets and Water Supervisor Jeff Petersen to make a list of hydrants that need replaced the next time they were flushed. Jeff gave a list of three to start with. Jeff has obtained two bids for replacement hydrants. Motion by Lain to buy four hydrants at a cost of $2200 each. Second by Tee. All members voted yes. Motion Passed.
Mick Olson noted the Schuyler Street repair at the 6th street intersection would begin on Tuesday, September 8th. The intersection will be closed for approximately two weeks and grain truck/CGB traffic will be diverted down Pike Street.
PARKS AND RECREATION/POOL REPORT
Nancy stated the Antique Tractor pull would be held Saturday, September 5th at Indian Park. Collier will get an estimate for getting the antique fire truck running.
DISCUSS DNR BUYOUT/APPRAISALS
The Illinois DNR has a buyout program for properties in the flood plain
After considering several properties in the village, DNR has decided only two properties qualify for the program.
The next step in the process, which began many months ago, is getting the two properties appraised.
Tee stated she could only get one appraisal, from Dick Goff, because everyone else backed out. She went on to say that he could only do the "Palace II" property because the other building is commercial and he doesn't appraise commercial property.
Tee said she had talked with the DNR and was told they could recommend someone out of Peoria if she doesn't find someone local.
Tee said she would like to go ahead and get the Palace appraisal done while continuing to try to find an appraiser for the commercial property.
Tammy made a motion to accept Dick Goff's bid for $400 to do the appraisal for the Palace II property. Second by Tee. All member voted yes. Motion passed.
DISCUSS AND VOTE ON 2020 BUDGET
The Finance Committee, which consist of Tammy Bundy, Brain Collier, and Brenda Tee, has been working on the 2020 budget for several months.
The finalized version was ready for approval. Motion by Ray to accept the 2020 budget. Second by Tammy. All members voted yes. Motion passed.
DISCUSS AND APPROVE APPLYING FOR DNR GRANT FOR BOAT HARBOR
An Illinois DNR grant for boat harbors called Boat Access Area Development (BAAD) recently opened up after being closed last year.
The grant application is due on October 1st. Nancy stated they wouldn't have time to apply this year but it had been decided at the previous work session that they would go ahead and get started on the application so that it would be ready for next year. She stated the board needed to approve Mick Olson and his firm to start the process. Motion was made by Lain. Second by Ray.
All members voted yes. Motion Passed.
DISCUSS AND APPROVE PLACING VILLAGE OWNED PROPERTY ON GREENE STREET FOR SALE
The property is one lot on the corner of Greene Street and 3rd Street. It used to have a village water well on it. The well has been capped but after a lengthy discussion it was decided to verify that no other infrastructure is buried on the property before it is put up for sale. The discussion was tabled until the next regular meeting.
DISCUSS AND VOTE ON SECURITY SYSTEM
Nancy stated she had obtained two bids for security cameras to be installed at village hall. The bids are for 4 cameras but after some discussion on camera placement, it was decided they wanted an extra camera. A motion was made by Lain to hire Remick Technologies for a sum of up to $2000 to install security cameras covering all entrances at village hall. Second by Tee All members voted yes. Motion passed.
DISCUSS MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL NATIONAL HAZARDS PLAN FOR HENDERSON COUNTY
This is a procedural vote to be in compliance with FEMA. All members voted yes.
MOTION TO ENTER INTO CLOSED SESSION
Discuss Personnel.
Oquawka Village Board members who were present:
President Nancy Bundy; Trustees Don Rice, Shawn Lain, Tammy Bundy, Brian Collier, Scott Ray, Brenda Tee; Clerk Jacqui Smith; and Attorney Andy Youngquist.