The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Shirley Linder – Quill Editor
At the Village of Stronghurst board meeting on Monday, February 6th, Doug Erickson, of Benson and Associate told the board he will bring plans and costs to the March meeting for the board’s approval in the removal of the old water tower. Then bids can be let and it should be possible to have the old tower removed this summer.
David Knutstrom reported that he did not have the information on a curly Q slide yet for the park. He also wondered if it would be more feasible to make the old tennis court into a pickle ball court instead of replacing the slide. It has been drawing a lot of interest and can be used by all ages. The slide will cost between $12,000 and $18,000. He will bring a proposal to the March board meeting for both projects.
Ronnie Gittings reported the deep well pump is to be repaired, but has not received an exact time yet for it to be done. He had talked with the neighbors and received permission to go in the back way to set the frame up and pull it out. He is hoping it can be done before FS needs the water this spring.
Police Chief Arbry Vancil gave the police report for January as follows: 60 hours worked; 2 training hours; 199 miles on squad car; 3 assist; 4 service calls; 3 arrest with assist of county; 10 business checks. Vancil also reported the broken strut on the squad car had been fixed. He is waiting to hear back regarding the camera in the car and that the new body cam is up and going.
Mayor Brendan Schaley reported he had reached out to Attorney Mariah Wallace by phone several times but she was not in and never returned his calls. She was also not in the office on Monday, (the 6th), when he stopped by, so he left a message with her secretary, she was needed at the board meeting that night.
Attorney Wallace called Mayor Schaley saying she could not make the meeting and best case scenario was next month. Mayor Schaley said, “So I don’t know if you guys want to keep kicking that can down the road or look for something else.”
At this point Janice Smith said she thought they needed to start looking for someone else. After discussing the issue it was decided Mayor Schaley would convey to Attorney Wallace that they wanted her to finish up the projects she had started for the village and then they would go from there.
The board discussed having board packets sent to the members before arriving at the meeting. Clerk Hollie Allen said they could send the board minutes and agenda but not the financial statements, as they were not always done until the day of the meeting. She stated it was also impossible to send the vouchers, as there was way too many. It was decided the minutes and agenda would be sent along with any other papers that pertained to an item that would be discussed.
As a point of information to the board, Diana Doran said they are working on building a 10 bed memory unit at the Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab and Oak Wood Estates facility. The proposal is in the hands of the state right now. This would create 15 new jobs and they are hoping to be able to break ground in June or July.
In other business the board:
The board adjourned at 6:45 p.m. with the following present: Mayor Brendan Schaley; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Janice Smith, Paige Torrance, Mike Swisher, (Amanda Van Arsdale absent); Employees, Ronnie Smith, Hollie Allen, Brittany Smith, Arbry Vancil;
Guests, Doug Erickson of Benson & Associates, Virginia Ross, David Knutstrom, and Shirley Linder
The next meeting will be Monday, March 6, at 6:00 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.