The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
At the regular meeting of the Village of Stronghurst board on Thursday, July 7th, David Knutstrom, brought a list of park issues and concerns to the attention of the board.
“I kinda wanta be the voice of the community here and share what the board, a lot of times, never hears at the village hall," Knutstrom said, "So I thought I would bring some things to the surface here that really should be addressed.”
Knutstrom said there would have been more people there except for the date change and COVID. One concern is there are several lights on 24/7, and a solution would be to install a timer. Lights on the basketball court are not needed when the park is closed.
Shane Reed said there are timers at the park but perhaps they are not working or off time. Knutstrom also feels that the signs, with the hours, are not properly placed and they are not being observed/or obeyed. Also there is concern for the growing number of negative comments throughout the community regarding the actions of certain kids acting very inappropriately. This would include cussing, vandalism, bullying, riding bikes and having other gadgets in prohibited area and disrespectful of an adult addressing misconduct.
Board members advised there are cameras in the park and community members need to call the sheriff’s office if they see destruction or misconduct occurring.
This will record the date and time of the mischief and the camera footage can then be looked at for identification. Randy Jarvis and Amanda Van Arsdale are on the park committee.
Virginia Ross asked what had happened regarding The Antiquity since the attorney had gone to court.
Mayor Schaley said the judge had ruled in their favor and they have permission to tear it down but there is a 60 day waiting period, so it is still in the process.
The June police report included: 37.5 hours worked; 167 miles on squad car; 4 service calls; Village ordinance tickets-2 first written warnings and verbal warning on go-cart; 15 business courtesy checks.
Drew Ruholl of Benson & Associates, who is now in charge of the Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) account, was present to request a list of projects the village would like to do this year so they could be turned in for approval from IDOT. The board will not do any oil and chipping this year but are considering culverts, sidewalks, etc. that need to be done.
Ronnie Gittings reported he was approximately half way finished with the lead and copper inspection of homes that needs to be completed by October.
He also stated 15+ new water meters had been installed and they would be doing more this week.
Gittings said the village is using an average of 60,000 gallons of water per day when the spray park in not in use and then it runs between 70 and 75,000 gallons.
He has received the renewal of his sewer license which is good until 2025.
In other business the board:
Present were: Mayor Brendan Schaley; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Janice Smith, Shane Reed, Amanda Van Arsdale, Mike Swisher, Randy Jarvis; Employees: Ronnie Gittings, Arbry Vancil, Hollie Allen, Brittney Smith; and guests: David Knutstrom, Virginia Ross, Drew Ruholl, and Shirley Linder