The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Oquawka Village Board held their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 12th. The meeting was pushed back one week due to the election and some board members being election judges.
Present were Trustees Don Rice, Brock Miller, Tammy Bundy, Troy Jern; Mayor Pro-Tem Scott Ray; Village Attorney Andy Youngquist; Village Clerk Callie Thacker-Matsko; and Village Water Clerk Carey Thacker.
Trustee Shawn Hurt and Village President Lori Lipes were absent.
Resident Shawn Lain addressed the board about gaming revenues for the Village and what to do with those revenues.
Lain noted that, according to the Illinois Gaming Board website (igb.illinois.gov/video-gaming/video-reports), the Village is on track to make $50,000 this year from video gaming and asked the board to consider earmarking those funds for a special project of their choosing, instead of just having go in to the general fund.
Lain noted a few projects to consider, including the boat harbor and the riverfront campground. It was mentioned the Village averages around $4000-$5000 income per month from the gambling machines. Lain stated if the money was earmarked instead of inserted in to the general fund, the money would be easier to “see where it goes”. It should be noted Lain has suggested this idea several times in the past but no action has been taken.
Youngquist discussed the McGriff property on 4th Street and the Holley Braun property on 5th Street. Youngquist stated letters sent to Braun were returned and went on to say if anybody knows where she is or how to contact her to let him know. It was unclear if further action would be taken on those properties at this time.
It was noted that a tarp to cover the salt pile at the track has been paid for but not received.
A three-sided building for the salt was discussed, along with prices. The subject was tabled to the work session next week.
The State of Illinois, through the Illinois EPA, (IEPA) has mandated a Resource Water Protection Plan and Mission Statement requirement for municipalities.
Thacker has called the State to get a better idea of what the requirement entailed and was told the state didn’t yet have a template for the reports.
Thacker stated Bruner, Cooper, and Zuck has been working with about 22 other municipalities and has come up with their own template. The fee for them to take care of this new mandate is $5000. Thacker explained if the Village is not in compliance, they will no longer be eligible for IEPA grant money. The board voted unanimously to pay Bruner, Cooper, and Zuck $5000 for their services.
Nancy Bundy, representing the Parks and Tourism Committee, addressed the board to ask if they would be willing to purchase a Christmas tree to put on the stage at Museum Park. The idea for placing the tree would be for residents to place ordainments on the tree in memory of loved ones. The board approved $325 for the tree and candy for Santa Clause to hand out. It was noted the Christmas Lighted Parade will be Saturday, December 7th. Line up is at 5:30pm, Parade at 6pm, and Santa will be checking his list after the parade.
Citizen of the Year was discussed. The questions at hand were when to start receiving suggestions, when to make the deadline, and when to announce the winner. No decisions were made.
Wages for Village President and Trustees were discussed. Currently the Village President makes $225/month and Trustees make $35/month. Youngquist stated changes to wages can’t be made within 180 days of the new term, which will be May 1st. Wage increases can’t take effect until the next cycle starts.
The board voted to go in to closed session to discuss appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. Upon returning to open meeting, a motion was made by Bundy to hire Ron Russell as a part time Village police officer at a rate of $25/hour. Second by Miller.
Rice: YES Miller: YES Bundy: YES Jern: YES Ray: YES Motion Carried.
No explanation was given as to why the Village needs another police officer.
Jeff Tee
River Rat News
“Just the facts, Ma’am”