The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Oquawka Village Board held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 5th. Present were Trustees Don Rice, Shawn Lain, Tammy Bundy, Brenda Tee; Village President Lori Lipes; Village Attorney Andy Youngquist; and Village Clerk Callie Thacker. Trustees Brian Collier and Scott Ray were absent.
I asked about the BAAD (Boat Access Area Development) Grant, noting it hasn't been discussed in the last 3 or 4 meetings. Tee said they need to put in on the next work session agenda to discuss what exactly they want to move forward with. Tee went on to say it needs to be on the agenda every month so they can discuss it if necessary.
John Newton asked if they had gotten anywhere with getting some lights for the horse shoe pits. Rice said he would talk with Bigger Electric to get cost estimates.
Lipes read a letter that she received from 8-year-old Patrick Brennen, a third grader from St Charles, Illinois. Patrick explained in his letter that his cousin is a police officer and he would like to follow in his footsteps. Patrick went on to say he is starting a collection of patches, like his cousin has. Patrick asked for a donation of one or two police patches for his and his cousins' collection. Lipes noted there may be some patches in the office. They will send some patches if they find them.
When asked about the tree case, Youngquist explained they were still trying to set a trial date. He noted the defendant is currently seeking new council.
Tee noted the Palace ll has been demolished but there is still some clean up to do.
Trick or Treat will be October 31st from 5pm-8pm. The annual Oquawka Wiener Roast will be at Museum Park on October 31st from 3pm-5pm before Trick or Treat begins. Hot Dogs, Chips and Apple Cider will be provided by The Village of Oquawka and The Oquawka Fire Protection District will host the event.
Discuss–Approve Ordinances to Appropriate ARPA Funds/Amounts For Distribution
ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) is a government program in which Municipalities receive money from the Government to be distributed to businesses that have been affected by Covid 19.
Lipes stated she would like to have an agreement on an amount to be distributed. Bundy said they didn't know how many businesses would be eligible for the program and therefore couldn't decide on an amount at this time. Youngquist said the board needs to have a very good understanding of the program before they move forward with any disbursements. Youngquist went on to say that the board needs to pass an ordinance to authorize the process. It was noted that the board had until December 2024 to distribute the money. Thacker noted she has attended two ARPA webinars. She stated the program is extremely in-depth. She stated there are print outs that explain and break down what the money can and cannot be used for. The print outs are 75 pages long. Thacker will provide board members with copies of the print outs.
Motion by Bundy to start the ARPA process. Motion passed unanimously.
Police Hire and Terms
Lain made a motion to hire Timothy Edwards as Oquawka Police Chief with the following terms:
$20/hr
Probationary period of 90 days
7 days paid vacation/year which will be ‘use them or lose them'
7 sicks days/year that will be eligible for roll over to following year
45 hours per week with overtime paid above 40 hours
Motion seconded by Tee.
Rice: YES Lain: YES Bundy: YES Tee: YES
Motion Carried.
Appointment of Village Attorney
Younquist explained that his partner is retiring and therefore the firm that he works for is gong out of business. Because of this, the board needs to make a motion to retain Youngquist as Village Attorney.
Motion by Tee to retain Youngquist for Village Attorney at a rate of $250/hr effective November 1st, 2021. Second by Bundy.
YES: Rice, Lain, Bundy, Tee. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned.
Jeff Tee
River Rat News
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