The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
Questions were asked and answers sought regarding a zoning permit on Monday night at the Stronghurst Village board meeting.
Kenny Morris of Stronghurst is seeking a building permit to erect a handicapped, all ground level apartment building on his property in the Morris sub-division in the northwest part of time.
Neighbors are concerned this will alter the waterway causing water to run into their basements.
Four of the five member zoning committee attended Monday nights meeting to see if they or if the village board members are to decide if the permit is given. [Zoning committee: Tom Ford, Larry Hensley, Ron Schaley, Matt Hicks, with Lee Klossing absent.]
President Eric Chockley said it is up to the zoning board to make the final decision on the permit.
The village board discussed the possibility of changing their policy so there would be no zoning committee, only two or more zoning officers.
The officers would check out permit requests, but the board would have the final decision on issuing or rejecting the permit. No discussion or decision was made on what they are going to do.
Much discussion was held on the village burn center where people are dumping waste and garbage illegally.
A new gate has been installed and a new sign will be erected stating what can be dropped there and also that there is a fine of $100-$500 for illegal dumping.
Dave Knutstrom brought concerns to the board regarding dogs barking, speeding vehicles, and profanity in the park.
He was advised to call the sheriff's department when these things occur.
President Chockley said he will talk with Sheriff Mark Lumbeck on cracking down hard on speeding as it is a real problem in the village.
Dolores Ewing stated after being gone for 6 months she can see no improvement in the clean up of the alley behind her house.
President Chockley said the Clean Up committee did not do anything during the winter, but would be meeting the second Tuesday of every month and citations for those who need to clean up their property would be issued again in the near future.
Wynona Anderson and Gloria Short, representing the Henderson County Health Department, told of a grant that could be applied for through Western Illinois Regional Council that would help low income residents with repairs to their homes.
It would cost the village money to apply for the grant, but it would not be a matching grant so there would be no further costs.
The board will invite Kevin Wiehardt of WIRC to come speak and give more particulars on the grant.
Richard Knutstrom expressed his concerns, that semis are still parking on the streets and not in the designated area; that he would like a key to the burn area (the board says no keys will be given out); that some of the terraces are ravines and cannot be mowed to keep the weeds down and the town looking nice.
Tony Anderson agreed that something needed to be done about some of deep ditches so homeowners can mow.
Mayor Chockley was pleased to announce that Illinois Power will install the electricity, free of charge, in the village park on Saturday.
The trash pick up contract is out at the end of May, but no bids have been received as yet.
Tony Anderson said he has held a part time job since taking the job with the village and now has a chance at a better part time job, but would need some flexibility in scheduling of village work.
He stated the village job is his priority in emergencies, snow plowing, etc. President Chockley said they would discuss it in executive session.
The Sheriff's report for April included: one arrest for failure to yield at intersection; 2 arrests for illegal consumption by minor; one arrest for transportation of alcoholic liquor; 2 arrests for possession of drug equipment.
The board voted to go into closed session at 9:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing employment, wages and insurance.
The next board meeting will be held on June 3, 2002 at 7 p.m. at the fire station.
Twenty-four were present including Quill Editor and board members: Robert Scott, David Vancil, Tony Griepen-trog, Frank Avery, Lawrence Neff, Terry Myers; also present were President Chockley, Clerk Eileen Cargill, Treasurer Lori Russell, Bob Carmean, Tony Anderson, Wynona Anderson, Gloria Short, Richard Knutstrom, Kenny Morris, Dave Knutstrom, Dolores Ewing, Irma Wilson, Tom Ford, Ron Schaley, Larry Hensley, Matt Hicks, Deputy Steve Haynes.