The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
The Stronghurst board approved Christmas employee bonuses after an executive session Monday, December 5th, which gives full time employees $1,000 and part time employees $500.
The Village of Stronghurst’s board meeting was held at the Stronghurst Village Hall and was opened by Clerk Hollie Allen in the absence of Mayor Brendan Schaley.
After leading in the Pledge of Allegiance and taking roll call, Clerk Allen informed the board that Mike Bohnenkamp would be acting as Mayor Pro Tem.
The December Report from Water Superintendent Ronnie Gittings included:
Jim Blender informing Gittings that the post office is complaining that their sidewalk and ramp in front of the building is in need of repair.
A discussion followed as to how this can be done, considering the post office will have to be closed for a period of time, when the work is being done.
Clerk Allen suggested that since the work cannot be done before spring anyway, that the matter be tabled until the financial committee meets and prepares their appropriation budget, so the cost of a new walk can be allotted for in the budget.
Gittings also informed the board that they had installed 25 more of the new water meters and still have 25 on hand that they hope to get installed soon. He told the board that the new meters are saving 8,000 gallon of water a day. This is due to the fact he can look at the computer each morning and see if there is a leak at a residence and it can be taken care of quickly as opposed to waiting for a monthly reading to discover the excess usage.
In regards to pulling the water pump up for repair or replacement, Gittings said he had a business firm come and look at the deep well (well is located at the fire station). He said the firm will do the job for $461 per hour for a 3-man crew plus truck. The job usually only takes a day but should it take longer the 2nd day would be $200 per day per diem.
Clerk Allen said Doug Erikson of Benson & Associates was wanting to meet with the water committee on December 8th, so Bohnenkamp said they would table this matter until after that meeting and then call the trustees to see if they should proceed or not.
Police Chief Arbry Vancil's police report included: 65.5 hours worked; 478 miles on squad car; 1 traffic stop with a verbal warning; 1 assist; 4 service calls; 1 warrant arrest and 20 business courtesy checks.
The board approved a residential Christmas lighting contest again this year. Clerk Allen said she had not contacted any one yet about judging or what date the judging would be on. It will be posted on Face Book.
There will be a 1st, ($100), 2nd ($50), and 3rd ($25) place winner.
In other business the board approved:
The board entered executive session at approximately 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of employee Christmas bonuses.
Present were: Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Janice Smith, Amanda Van Arsdale, Paige Torrance, Mike Swisher; Employees, Ronnie Gittings, Hollie Allen, Arbry Vancil;
Guests: David Knutstrom, Virginia Ross, and Shirley Linder. Absent: Mayor Brendan Schaley, and Trustee Shane Reed.
The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 3rd at 6:00 p.m.