The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder, Executive Editor
At the January 2nd Village of Stronghurst board meeting the winners of the annual residential Christmas lighting contest were announced as, first place-Rick and Larrie Schaley; second place-Joel Fryrear; and third place-Morgan Lewis.
Mike Swisher gave the financial report of $33,449 in the hole due to insurance payment.
Ronnie Gittings informed the board he was working on a nitrogen and magnesium problem they were having at the water plant and will get more information and costs to have the problem fixed.
Gittings also reported they were having minor issues with LRS garbage pickup, as some residents do not have containers yet. Also they were not picking up recycle in the alley behind Broadway Street. He spoke to the drivers and that was not listed on their route sheet, but has now been taken care of. He stated they were also trying to get some smaller cans for the elderly who cannot handle the big ones.
Police Chief Arbry Vancil gave the December police report which included: 48.5 hours worked; 82 miles on squad car; 5 service calls; and 22 business checks.
Janice Smith reported, for the zoning committee, on the ramp request at 310 S. Commercial St. The property is owned by Janice Neff, who is out of town until April, so the request will be tabled until she can come to the board to request a variance. David Knutstrom injected he felt the board should include an exception in the ordinance for handicap ramps for those that need it and living on the property. It should be taken down when no longer needed by the residents.
Legal service options were discussed in length due to the fact the current lawyer’s service was at a minimum at best. It was agreed upon that Mayor Schaley will do some research for finding someone who might be interested in the job.
The board has had requests from two companies to take over the reading of the new water meters since the old company has declared bankruptcy. After some discussion it was agreed Mayor Schaley will call both of these companies and see if he can obtain more details for the next board meeting.
Amanda VanArsdale asked if the board had applied for the American Rescue Plan in the amount of $107,000. Clerk Brittany Smith and Mayor Schaley will look into it.
Present were Mayor Brendan Schaley; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Janice Smith, Amanda VanArsdale, Mike Swisher, Nathan Harden, (absent was Paige Torrance); Employees, Ronnie Gittings, Brittany Smith, Arbry Vancil; Guests, David Knutstrom, Doug Erickson, Shirley Linder
The next board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 5th.