The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
A short meeting was held by the Stronghurst Village Board on Monday, December 6th due to no old or new business. Mayor Brendan Schaley opened the meeting by leading in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call showing two trustees were absent; the minutes and payment of bills were approved.
Mike Bohenkamp gave the financial statement for November which was $1,672.45 in the hole due to payment of sidewalks and year end renewal annual fees.
David Knutstrom discussed the moving of the Stronghurst Lions Club sign at the north entrance of town and possibly putting a solar light on it. The property it is on belongs to the state so he will need permission from them.
Ronnie Gittings reported to the board he had been contacted by 120 Water (a testing facility) asking the village to participate in a waste water testing for COVID. The service is totally free to the village, but it is not mandatory to participate. However, upon discussion the board saw no benefit in taking part in the project.
Gittings also reported 3 trees had been cut down last month and the stumps will be ground soon. Also, the water level at the plant was 35-36', which is good.
The November Police Report by Chief Arbry Vancil included: 61 hours worked; 342 miles on squad car; 3 service calls; assisted the county on a traffic stop; 20 business checks. Chief Vancil said he had received a complaint of unaccepted trash dumped at the burning area. He had the subject clean up and haul away the trash that had been dumped.
Clerk Hollie Allen highlighted some of the projects the village has been able to accomplish this year which include: a successful fund raiser and ceremony at the Veteran's Memorial; a tough water situation; many trees removed; sidewalk at "The Quill" and "The Feedlot"; and the lighted parade.
She also reported Mayor Schaley and her were working on the Veteran Memorial fundraiser for 2022, which will be held on May 28th and will be an evening affair.
Virginia Ross made the suggestion they contact the Legion and participate in Taps Across America.
The board entered executive session at approximately 8:20 p.m. for the purpose of Employee Christmas Bonus.
Upon entering open session they voted to give a bonus of $1,000 to full time employees, Hollie Allen, Ronnie Gittings, Jeff Nichols, Matt Hicks and $500 to part time Arbry Vancil.
Those present included; Mayor Brendan Schaley; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Janice Smith, Amanda Van Arsdale, Randy Jarvis, (Mike Swisher and Shane Reed, absent); Employees, Clerk Hollie Allen; Ronnie Gittings; Police Chief Arbry Vancil; Guests, David Knutstrom, Virginia Ross, and Shirley Linder.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 at 6 p.m.