The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Oquawka Village Board held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 7th. Present were Trustees Don Rice, Brock Miller, Tammy Bundy, Troy Jern, Scott Ray; Village President Lori Lipes; Village Clerk Callie Thacker; and Village Attorney Andy Youngquist. Trustee Shawn Hurt and Village Water Clerk Carey Thacker were absent.
Resident Barry McClintock addressed the board about permanent campsites. Barry stated camping is not an allowable use for residential property per Village ordinance 702 section Eight. Barry submitted a petition to enforce the current zoning ordinance with nineteen signatures. The petition noted the ordinance along with several reasons he feels permanent campsites should be banned, including diminishing property values in the area of the campers and campers not being connected to proper, state approved septic systems.
Jim Miller addressed the board about people feeding cats at riverside park. The board agreed people should not be feeding the cats. It was noted leaving food containers in the area is considered littering next to a waterway and the culprits could be issued a ticket.
It was noted 60 new water meters have been installed, at the time of this meeting, as part of phase one of the water project.
The proposed campground along the river between Schuyler Street and Pike Street can’t move forward, per state law, without a plan drawn up by an engineer.
Motion by Miller to have Bruner, Cooper, and Zuck Company engineer the campground. Second by Bundy. All member voted yes. Motion carried.
Brenda Tee, representing The Oquawka Parks and Tourism Committee, stated they have been contacted by the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus. The Committee has agreed to sponsor the circus and there are two proposed shows on Monday August 19th. Brenda asked the board for permission to hold the circus at Indian Park on that date. The Committee is also asking for the Village to provide porta potties for the event.
Motion by Jern to allow the Circus at Indian Park and provide porta potties, second by Bundy. It was unanimously approved.
The board is waiting on an estimate from their electrician for the new lights at the baseball field.
Dawn Hartman, representing The Satan’s Brothers Motorcycle Club, addressed the board to ask permission to hold their annual Power wheels Car Show for kids at Indian Park on Saturday, august 17th at Indian Park. There will be food and games for the kids and all proceeds go to the Oquawka Toy Drive.
Motion by Ray to allow the Power Wheels Car show at Indian Park, second by Bundy. It was unanimously approved.
Meeting adjourned.
Jeff Tee
River Rat News
“Just the facts, Ma’am”