The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder -Quill Editor
At the regular meeting of the Stronghurst village board on Monday, June 2, David Vancil was appointed as Zoning Officer. There will be a four member zoning board that will report to Vancil before issuing any permits. This board consists of Larry Hensley, Lee Klossing, Tom Ford and Matt Hicks. Any concerns regarding a permit will be brought to the village board for final approval. A permit is required for all building or cement poured on properties.
Juanita Jarvis was sworn into office to fill the vacancy of the late Frank Avery.
Alan Ferguson brought a report, as requested by the board, on the 300 block of Broadway Street. The street has been under discussion for a solution to eliminate the deep slant parking in front of businesses. Alan said to lower the middle of the street and repair it would run approximately $70,000 not including sidewalks. Alan stated,
There is no easy fix.\'d3 The board decided after hearing the information they would spend the money on angle parking at the park and oiling the North-South Streets this year.
Bob Hamilton inquired if the village pays an attorney to write letters for clean up of properties. He was told yes the Village Attorney sent the letters. Hamilton said he is offended and feels it is demeaning, when he receives a letter. His solution is a member of the committee call the property owner first and then, if it is not taken care of in a few days send a letter. Robert Scott said by calling people they would have no proof of contact with the property owner.
Angela Myers said Waste Management is an on going problem, as they miss entire streets at a time on pick up days. It was suggested she document the date and the streets missed so when the contract comes due again they would have the information. She agreed}
Robert Carmean requested the board's permission to have one bill sent for late water charges and shut off notice as opposed to the two a month which is now being sent. The board agreed this would be acceptable.
The 345 rider mower is not running and is going to be expensive to fix. President Chockley said not to tear it up and he would talk to his friend, who repaired it last time, before deciding what to do.
Carmean said he was concerned about the fact that he told Scott Ford, when he interviewed him, that he would be insured immediately, not knowing there was a 90 day waiting period. Scott said Gene Ray covered his insurance for one month and he personally has paid for 2 months of insurance. The board agreed to reimburse him for the two months he paid personally due to the misunderstanding.
Juanita Jarvis will serve on the same committees that Frank Avery had served on. This includes the park committee and she agreed to talk with Tony Griepentrog about planting flowers in the circles of the sidewalk
Juanita asked how the flowers are watered and was told a fire truck is used to water them when it doesn\'d5t rain.
President Chockley asked if the village was interested in bidding on the Minneman property which is coming up for auction in June. He said the village had tried to purchase the land before but the price was too high. He said it could be used for a bike trail as well as a place for a new water tower in the future.
He said he knows the fair board is interested in purchasing the east tract.
After some discussion it was decided to see if they could buy an acre or two for a new tower should the fair board be successful in the purchase.
The Sheriff Department\'d5s report for the month of May included: Cleared by arrest-barking dogs; speeding; disorderly conduct; 2 retail thefts; reckless driving; 2 suspended/revoked drivers; other traffic offense.
Pending investigation-burglary; criminal damage to property; theft $300 and under; reckless driving; criminal damage to property. Information only-child abduction. \par }
Present: Board members-David Vancil, Lawrence Neff, Angela Myers, Robert Scott, Tony Griepentrog, Juanita Jarvis; President Eric Chockley; Clerk Eileen Cargill; Treasurer Lori Russell; Employees, Bob Carmean and Scott Ford; Deputy Steve Haynes; Zoning board members, Larry Hensley, Tom Ford and Lee Klossing; visitors, Alan Ferguson and Bob Hamilton
The next board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2003.