The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder, Executive Editor
At the Village of Stronghurst board meeting on Monday, April 1st, several were present to bring the board’s attention to unauthorized vehicles being run on village streets.
Nick Fittante informed the board several had observed the shenanigans going on in town with a motorized jeep go cart, off road vehicles, and little scooters, mainly driven by under-aged children. Sunday, March 30, he had seen them flying through intersections at full throttle.
Pam Stevenson, who also had observed them, stated she had talked to them and they had quit until 9:30 p.m. that evening. She stated some of the drivers were 8 years old and under.
Brian Rodeffer said they ran every day, all day, and as he works night shift, it makes it hard to sleep with the noise they make.
Debbie Boyle said she was at the meeting for the same thing and sometimes the vehicles were still going at 11 o’clock at night.
Police Chief Arbry Vancil said he had talked with when they were getting gas and made them push the vehicles home.
David Knutstrom said anything with wheels were running uncontrolled, with excessive speed and noise all times of the day. These are vehicles ran by underage drivers, with no registration, or insurance. They have no regard for stop signs either.
He went on to say the village is getting out of control, having to put up with unruly behavior in the park; unsightly houses and properties; sidewalks blocked with automobiles, trailers, and other junk; dogs and cats wandering at large raiding garbage cans that are over filled. The goal was to have a police department to enforce the rules and ordinances and residents should know they will be take care of.
Mayor Schaley said they would take care of it.
Fittante also suggested putting a three way stop at the school at Elizabeth and South Street as traffic does not slow down when children are going to and from the school.
Ronnie Gittings reported they were having trouble with septic tanks. They are finding the pipes from the house to the septic tank have not been properly installed and are sinking lower than the tank, therefore causing it to plug up.
Police report for March: 35 hours worked; 98 miles on squad car; 1 traffic stop with verbal warning; 1 service call; 11 business checks Police Chief Arbry Vancil reported Bryan Kane has begun picking up stuff, but still has more to do.
Mike Bohnenkamp asked the trustees what amount should be rewarded to the artists for designing new street signs. Nathan Harden and Mike Swisher said they did not understand this was to be a contest. After discussion Bohnenkamp said he is not going to be in charge of it any more. Mayor Schaley it would be put on the agenda for next month to decide how they would like to proceed.
In other business the board:
The board entered executive session at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of employee compensation.
Following executive session the board voted to give a 5% raise to Ronnie Gittings; Jeff Nichols; Matt Hicks; and Brittany Smith.
The next board meeting will be held on Monday, May 6, at 6 p.m.
Those present were: Mayor Brendan Schaley; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Janice Smith, Amanda Van Arsdale, Mike Swisher, Nathan Harden, (Paige Torrance absent); Employees, Ronnie Gittings, Brittany Smith, Arbry Vancil;
Guests, Debbie Boyle, Nick Fittante, Pam Stevenson, Brian Rodeffer, Drew Ruhall, Dave Knutstrom, and Shirley Linder.