The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
Legal quorum or not a legal quorum, that is the question?
The Stronghurst Village board held their regular scheduled meeting on Monday evening with only 3 board members present.
Mayor Eric Chockley knew with only two members present (Lawrence Neff and Tony Griepentrog), they could not hold a legal meeting.
At 7:20 p.m., Angela Myers arrived and Mayor Chockley proceeded to call the meeting to order. With three absent, only 50% of the members were present.
In a call to the States Attorney's office the following morning, The Quill was told a quorum means majority, which would require 4 members to be present and the motions they passed were not done during a legal meeting.
So, the question arises are the motions that were passed legal? The States Attorney suggested The Quill contact Village Attorney Mike Neff regarding the meeting, however, Attorney Neff was out of the office and not able to be reached.
The meeting progressed, but it is still in question if any of the actions that occurred during it were legal.
At Monday night's meeting, Eileen Cargill Village Clerk handed in her resignation after 22 years of service.
The position will be advertised and Eileen volunteered to help train a new clerk when one is selected.
Mayor Chockley told D. J. Avery he had talked with the Village Attorney regarding the ordinance on dogs. Attorney Neff said the village's ordinance was pretty much the same as the surrounding communities.
Eric also said there has to be multiple complaints (3 or more) before a ticket will be issued to the dog owner. The board elected not to change the ordinance.
Apparently the village's burn station property has not been deeded to the Village of Stronghurst, because it is included in Bryan Heap's taxes. Bryan is willing to deed the land to the village. Eric Chockley will talk with Mike Neff about this issue.
Barry Dowell, representing the fair board, was present to talk about the ground needed for a water tower.
Since it will be several years before a water tower can be built, the issue was tabled for now.
The Stronghurst Booster Club will present the village with $10,000 for the park restoration.
The Booster Club has raised approximately $15,000 of the $35,000 matching grant fund.
Tony Griepentrog said that they appreciate all the donations so far and would welcome contributions to help finish raising the final $20,000.
It was reported that the park is being used by many who have enjoyed it and are giving donations, and there are already reservations being made for next year, said Griepentrog
City employees were directed to start work on the deep ditches in the village.
The Mayor also directed them to complete installation of a light on the firemen's bell in the park.
Bob Carmean requested permission to have a dead tree on Mary Street removed. The board granted approval with the request to keep the cost down as much as possible.
Tony Griepentrog reported Oak Lane Nursing Home has five septic tanks and asked what the village's policy is on cleaning them.
He was told the village's policy is to clean them once every three years so if they need cleaned more than that the Nursing Home would have to pay for it.
In the Sheriff's report by Deputy Steve Haynes it was disclosed:
The 3 members present voted aye to a Cross Connection Control Ordinance.
However, with only three ayes, the clerk said she is going to check with the absent members for their vote before the ordinance is published.
The board entered closed session for the purpose of employee benefits at 8:21 p.m., returning to open session at 8:27 p.m.
The return to open meeting was not announced to the waiting press but was told by Mayor Chockley, that Scott Ford was now a permanent city employee having served his 90 day probation period.
It was also reported Scott Ford and Tony Anderson were given a 50¢ per hour raise.
Present were: Board members, Lawrence Neff, Angela Myers, Tony Griepentrog; President Eric Chockley;
Clerk Eileen Cargill; Treasurer Lori Russell; City employees Bob Carmean and Tony Anderson; Deputy Steve Haynes; guests, D. J. Avery and Barry Dowell.
Absent were board members, Robert Scott, David Vancil and Juanita Jarvis.
Due to Labor Day, the next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 at 7:00 p.m.