The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Shirley Linder-Quill Editor
Angela Myers was sworn in as a Stronghurst Village Board member on Monday, December 2nd during the regular monthly meeting.
Angela will complete the unexpired term of her husband, Terry Myers, who was recently elected to the Henderson County Board.
Terry cannot serve on both the village board and the county board at the same time.
Terry reported he was chairman of the solid waste committee for the Henderson County Board. He also reported Waste Management has not been reporting the poundage of recyclable materials picked up in Stronghurst.
Their explanation was that they also pick up another village.
Terry told the board Stronghurst Grain & Mdse is willing to weigh the truck before pick up in Stronghurst and again when they are ready to leave town so the poundage may be recorded.
President Eric Chockley thanked Terry for his work on the board and said Tony Griepentrog would replace Terry as Mayor pro tem.
The board voted to give each village employee $75 as a Christmas gift.
Robert Scott said a finance committee meeting would be held soon to discuss raises for village employees and a recommendation would be brought to the next board meeting.
Tony Griepentrog said the village park work has been completed until next spring.
He also stressed that all the volunteer help was greatly appreciated.
Eric Chockley reported he had mailed in an application to Towers of America for consideration of installing a communication tower on the village water tower.
He will also talk with city Attorney Mike Neff regarding the easement of property for David Vancil, which the board agreed would pertain to any owner of the land.
Eric reported Bob Carmean, Tony Anderson and Kory Nichols have been supplied with cell phones.
A two year contract was signed at a cost of $70/month for the 3 phones. This includes 600 minutes/month and unlimited night and weekend minutes.
A discussion was held concerning if enough police protection is being provided the village for the amount of money ($2700/month) that is being spent.
Most of the members feel protection is lacking, while also being aware the Sheriff's Department is under staffed. Discussion was held on cost of hiring a marshal or the possibility of two part time marshals. The law enforcement committee which consists of Lawrence Neff and Frank Avery were asked to check into some possibilities and costs for the village to consider.
Deputy Chris Barber reported there was a lead on the vandalism to the pop machines at Fishers Jack & Jill and Riverland FS but no arrests have been made.
He also reported for the month of November, two cases of other trouble; one case of stolen property; one case of theft over $300 and one case of theft $300 and under.
Present were: Terry Myers, Tony Griepentrog, Bob Scott, Frank Avery, David Vancil, Lawrence Neff, Eric Chockley, Eileen Cargill, Lori Russell, Bob Carmean, Deputy Chris Barber and Angela Myers.
The next board meeting will be held on Monday, January 6, 2003 at 7 p.m.