The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
At the Village of Stronghurst board meeting on Monday, March 6th, David Knutstom requested permission to make necessary modifications to the tennis court in the village park to establish a pickle ball court.
Knutstrom said he is in the process of forming a committee of 4 or 5 volunteers to help with this project and that the entire project would be at absolutely no cost to the village. The board approved his request.
Knutstrom also reported on the research he has done on replacement of the Curly Q slide. He has discovered there are many government rules that have to be followed in replacing this equipment. To replace the12 foot metal slide with another would be $17,000 for the bare slide, turf and pad $24,000, steps and platform at $8,000 and $1,000 for bordering material to form the perimeter for a total of $50,000, which does not include installation. No decision was made on the matter.
Doug Erickson of Benton and Associates reported a few small things still need to be cleared up on the old water tower, but they are ready to advertise for removal bids.
The financial report given by Mike Bohnenkamp was $12,073.84 in the hole due to payment of insurance last month.
Lori Hamilton, on behalf of the Stronghurst Booster Club, was requesting approval for a section of Broadway Street to be blocked off on Farmer’s Market nights again this year. The board approved the request.
Ronnie Gittings reported the week of March 13th the pump in the deep well would be pulled for repair. He also reported that on March 15th Andrew from Benson & Associates would be here to drive around town to determine what streets need to be oiled and chipped this year. They are looking at possibly doing around 4 miles this year since none was done last year.
The police report for February was as follows: 48.4 hours worked; 2 training hours; 1 traffic stop with a verbal warning; 3 service calls; 22 business courtesy checks. The report also included that the first radio from Supreme Radio was bad and ILEAS has found a replacement radio. He is waiting on a time slot for installation.
Mayor Brendan Schaley reported they have decided on two plaques to be added to the Veterans Memorial, to be placed on each side of the current statue. These plaques will each be 6” thick; 60” tall and will be set in 4’ deep footing at a cost of $6,900. A fundraiser is being planned for June 24th.
Mayor Schaley asked for the board’s approval, (which they gave), to apply for a grant for a storm siren. Thru WIRC and USDA Rural Development they could possibly receive $30,000. Should they receive a grant they would then talk to the firemen to see if they were interested in helping with this project.
Permission was given Mayor Schaley to roll over all the village’s CDs so as to receive a higher rate of interest that is now available.
The board entered executive session at 7:45 p.m. for the purpose of employment. No motions were made during open session which followed.
The next board meeting will be held Monday, April 3rd, at 6:00 p.m.