The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
At Monday nights' village board meeting, Friday, October 31st from 5-7 p.m. was designated as Trick or Treat night in Stronghurst.
Bryan Heap has offered to donate the ground currently used as the village burn site to the Village of Stronghurst.
Heap said he was not sure if the burn site was all located on the ground he owned.
President Eric Chockley accepted, with agreement from the board, saying the village would have the ground surveyed and a legal description sent to the lawyer.
Deanna Huss swore herself in as the new village secretary, replacing Eileen Cargill.
Deanna said she had talked with Eileen and she was willing to help her learn the position.
Bills were passed with the exception of one for painting and repairing the water tower which was $23,000 plus.
The treasurer will check into the amount before it is paid.
Gene Roark updated the board on his recycle business. To date he has hauled 625,500 lbs of steel, cast iron, copper, etc., the majority from Henderson County.
He said using the old Jarvis building, owned by Bob Hamilton, did not work out and he is presently renting space from Bob Cole.
Roark also told the board he would be willing to do the fall city wide clean up at no cost to the village.
However, the board decided to have Waste Management do the clean up and Angela Myers will call them to set a date for the clean up day.
Lawrence Neff brought up the issue of vicious dogs, such as pit bulls in the village.
He questioned if there should be a ban ordinance, such as other cities are adopting.
President Chockley said he would talk to the village attorney regarding the legality of such an ordinance and get back to the board next month.
Juanita Jarvis said she would clean up the flowers in the park, now that there has been a killing frost.
Tony Griepentrog reported he has increased the number of minutes for the employees cell phones to 900 minutes at no additional cost.
He also said the appreciation meal for the park volunteers would be held on Saturday, October 11th, from 5-7 p.m. in the village park.
He showed the plaques he had made for the donated benches in the park and stated he will have them on by Saturday.
The board also purchased a plaque for Eileen Cargill, to show their appreciation for her 22 years of service.
Robert Scott asked if, after oiling, so much loose gravel on the streets was normal.
Bob Carmean said yes, it is due to the oil drying faster, and that much gravel is required so it can be driven on immediately.
Scott also asked if there was a specific month in which the finance committee should discuss employee raises. Since the fiscal year is from May 1 to April 30, it was decided the committee should meet in March and bring their recommendations to the board at the April meeting.
Scott asked if the board should have an agenda for meetings and if so they should set up a format.
However, board members appeared to like the open status for meetings. Said President Chockley, "I tell anyone who calls it is an open meeting and they can come and discuss their concerns."
David Vancil said the zoning committee would like to be able to deposit money collected and have the deposit slip sent to the treasurer.
The board agreed this was no problem.
Lori Russell suggested the board purchase a small tape recorder to help Deanna Huss with the minutes.
President Chockley said it was also needed to comply with the open meeting act. They will purchase a tape recorder.
Tony Anderson reported the time clock was broken and employees write their time down.
He wanted to know if this was alright or if they needed to purchase a new clock.
The board appeared to be in agreement not to replace the time clock.
President Chockley suggested Lori Russell be paid an extra $50 for her work in helping the clerk's position. No vote taken.
After talking with Tom Edmonds, President Chockley reported that Mr. Edmonds has recycle bins behind his building and everyone in the community is welcome to bring their recyclables.
Tony Anderson said the village still has 300 recycle bins and anyone wishing one should contact one of the employees.
The sheriff's department reported one arrest for squealing/screeching tires; one arrest for operating uninsured motor vehicle; one arrest for theft over $300 and 2 arrests for other traffic offenses; criminal damage to property, curfew, burglary, 2 other criminal offenses, 2 cases of theft over $300 are pending investigation and a probation violation was referred to responsible.
Present at the meeting were: Board members, Robert Scott, Lawrence Neff, Juanita Jarvis. Angela Myers, David Vancil and Tony Griepentrog; president Eric Chockley; Clerk Deanna Huss; Treasurer, Lori Russell;
Employees, Bob Carmean and Tony Anderson; Deputy Steve Haynes; Visitors, Gene Roark, Bryan Heap and Jerry Tillman.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25p.m. until Monday, November 3rd at 7:00 p.m.