The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Oquawka Village board held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 2nd.
Present were Trustees Jim Miller, Brock Miller, Brenda Tee, Troy Jern, Nancy Bundy, Shawn Hurt; Village President Scott Ray; Village Attorney Andy Youngquist; Village Clerk Callie Thacker-Matsko; and Village Water Clerk Carey Thacker
A motion was made by Tee to approve the minutes, treasurer’s report, and bills. Seconded by Brock Miller.
Jim: YES Brock: YES Tee: YES Jern: NO Bundy: NO Hurt: YES
Motion Carried. No discussion or reason was given for Jern and Bundy voting NO.
A resident addressed the board to complain about the “McVey Property” located at 210 South 8th Street.
The resident passed out pictures of the property, showing it to be overgrown and in disrepair, to the board members while reminding them that she has been trying to get something done with the property for years.
The resident said she has seen increased numbers of rats and mice on her property and in the neighborhood. She went on to say she has been in contact with Erica from the health department, as well as the Oquawka Police.
She stated she had received a response from the Oquawka Police on May 28th stating it was up to the sheriff’s office to serve papers to the property owner.
Police Chief Tim Edwards stated he had been trying to contact the property owner by phone and in person and when those attempts failed, the owner had been sent letters via certified mail on July 24th, July 29th, and August 8th and those letters had been returned by the post office.
When the resident asked if the sheriff’s office delivers the notice, Jern responded that since it’s a village issue and Oquawka has its own police department, it should be taken care of by the Oquawka Police.
Edwards stated if anybody knows where Mr. McVey is, we’d be happy to serve him papers. The resident answered he’s in town periodically and drives a Volkswagen Beetle.
She said if she can see him going through town without looking for him, others can too. Edwards stated this was the first time he has been told he drives a Beetle.
The resident claimed she had, personally, told Edwards and Erica what car McVey drives. Edwards denied she had given him this information.
The resident then began passing out another set of pictures of a different neighboring property, describing it as having holes where animals come in and out and as many as 30 feral cats.
She stated “you might recognize it Jim, it belongs to you” referring to Trustee Jim Miller. Miller asked if she had pictures of animals going in and out of the holes and went on to say there is no evidence that his property is drawing mice and rats to her property.
It was noted that, several years ago, the Village workers had cleaned up the McVey property at the Village’s expense.
Streets Supervisor Jeff Petersen reminded the board the property was so bad at that time that he and his staff had to be given immunization shots before entering the property, as per the health department.
After listening to Youngquist explain the legalities and options, no resolution was decided upon.
Another resident addressed the board to inform them about some burglaries, including a cut fuel line in a boat along with stolen gas, and other crimes that have been occurring on and near her property along the river.
She said she has never seen a patrol car go through front street by her home. Another resident spoke along with her stating his home has been broken in to and had three handguns stolen.
She stated she had made reports of the crimes but felt they weren’t a concern for the police.
Edwards stated the “assistant Chief” had spoken with someone today about a fuel line that was cut in a boat near TS18. The resident stated no one had spoken to her about it.
The county has shown some interest in purchasing the old fire station across the street from the courthouse in order to tear it down and make it a parking lot.
Youngquist suggested the board adopt a resolution to sell real property so that legality would be out of the way if they decide to sell.
The resolution would not mean they are selling, just that they could sell if they chose to.
Ray asked for a roll call vote to pass the resolution. The motion passed with Hurt and Bundy voting no.
A motion to authorize the establishment and construction of a campground was made by Miller. Seconded by Bundy.
Miller: YES Miller: YES Tee: YES Jern: YES Bundy: YES Hurt: YES
Motion carried.
A motion to hire Bruner, Cooper, and Zuck to design the campground for an estimated cost of $25,500 was made by Tee. Seconded by Brock.
Miller: YES Miller: YES Tee: YES Jern: YES Bundy: YES Hurt: YES
Motion carried.
The board entered in to closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees.
Upon coming back to open meeting, a motion was made by Jern to NOT renew Police Chief Tim Edwards contract. Seconded by Jim Miller.
Miller: YES Miller YES Tee: YES Jern: YES Bundy: YES Hurt: YES
Motion carried.
Edwards’ contract expires at the end of September. He will no longer be an employee of the Village of Oquawka at that time.