January's Oquawka Village Board Meeting
The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Oquawka - The Village of Oquawka Board President Lori Lipes presented Oquawka resident Rhonda Olson with the 2022 Citizen Of The Year award at the Oquawka January 3rd board meeting last month.
Olson, who is pictured in center with her family, can often be seen around town volunteering her time and her expertise beautifying Oquawka.
She is a member of The Oquawka Parks and Tourism Committee and is the owner of Rhonda’s Greenhouse and Gifts located at RR East Hwy 164, Oquawka. She, along with her husband Paul, also own Frame-Kon and Summer-Daze Boat Club. Both businesses are in Oquawka. If you see her, be sure to say: "Congratulation Rhonda on this well-deserved award."
The Oquawka Village Board held its regularly scheduled meeting at Village Hall, Schuyler Street, on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023.
Present at the meeting were Trustees Don Rice, Shawn Lain, Tammy Bundy, Brian Collier, Scott Ray, Brenda Tee; Village President Lori Lipes; Village Clerk Callie Thacker; and Village Water Clerk Carey Thacker. Village Attorney Andy Youngquist was absent.
Zoning Officer John Newton announced that in the year 2022, a total of nineteen construction permits were issued, generating $2398 in permit fees for $379,816 in total construction.
John noted that in comparison, thirteen permits were issued in 2021, twenty permits were issued in 2020, and twenty-one permits were issued in 2019.
Contractor John Robinson addressed the board to update his work progress on the new Oquawka Museum, located across the street from Village Hall.
John explained a few changes that would need to be made due to lack of materials available, along with logistical reasons in making the bathroom ADA compliant.
John explained that while some changes would actually save money, others would cost more. In the end, it would come out close to being on budget.
After a long discussion, Collier made a motion to promote Village Clerk Callie Thacker and Village Water Clerk Carey Thacker to full time status. Second by Tee.
All members voted yes to approve the motion.
Lipes passed out three applications for the board to consider. The board decided to table the discussion until the work session.
Collier made a motion to spend up to $1200 to purchase new Christmas lights while they are on sale. Second by Tee. All members voted yes to approve the motion.
The meeting was adjourned.
Jeff Tee
RIVER RAT NEWS
“Just the Facts, Ma’am”
Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday & Work Sessions are 3rd Tuesday of each month, starting at 6:30 p.m. The next regular scheduled meeting is set for Tuesday, February 7th at the Oquawka Village Hall on Schuyler Street.
All village meetings are open to the public.