The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
The Village of Stronghurst board opened their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. with all board members present except Jerry Nortrup and Shane Reed.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, approval of the minutes, approval of the payment of bills and approval of the financial statement the board adjourned at 6:04 p.m.
Clerk Hollie Allen then swore in Brendan Schaley as village president.
Allen then swore in trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Amanda Van Arsdale, and Janice Smith.
The meeting was once again called to order.
Ronnie Gittings, gave an update on the Annual Leak Detection survey from Westrum Leak Detection Inc. The company would come once a year and check all hydrants and valves for leaks that are too small for the village to detect. The board passed a motion to sign a contract with them for 3 years.
Gittings also reported they have installed 5 of the new water meters and once they are all installed they should save the village money by being able to detect leaks at residences more quickly.
Also once installed the meters can be read on the computer at village hall, thereby eliminating employees having to drive around to read them.
April police report: 78.5 hours worked, 4 training hours; 639 miles on squad car; 3 traffic stops with 3 verbal warnings; 1 assist; 7 service calls; and 37 business checks.
In the zoning report Chairman Mike Swisher expressed appreciation to Ron Schaley for his service on the committee. As yet they have gotten no one to replace Schaley.
Attorney Mariah Wallace is still working on the Ameren Franchise agreement and the bulk water rates for the deep well, so those items were tabled until next month.
A discussion was held on an Automatic Systems Invoice and the board agreed not to pay the $4,000 repair bill at this time since the meter has never worked from the beginning. Mayor Schaley will contact the company regarding this matter.
In other business the board:
Entered closed session at 6:45 p.m. for the purpose of employee compensation.
Following closed session the board voted to give Ronnie Gittings a 75¢ an hour raise; Matt Hicks and Jeff Nichols a 50¢t an hour raise; and Arbry Vancil a 25¢ per hour raise.
Those present were: Mayor Brendan Schaley; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Janice Smith, Amanda Van Arsdale, Mike Swisher, Randy Jarvis; Employees, Ronnie Gittings, Hollie Allen, Arbry Vancil; Guests, Sara Brown, David Knutstrom, and Shirley Linder.
Mayor Brendan Schaley takes oath of office as village mayor.
Mike Bohnenkamp, Janice Smith, and Amanda Van Arsdale are sworn in as Stronghurst village trustees.