The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
Bob Hamilton, Ed Bruce, Bill Roberts and Janice Neff, who arrived at 7:55 p.m., brought their concerns about the $50 water hook-up to the village board on September 7th.
They felt the recent raise from $10 to $50 for water hook up was out of line and put an unfair burden on property owners.
Ed Bruce asked, "Did we do it (raise the rate) because Biggsville did?" President Chockley responded "no". Chockley went on to explain the reason was because of the EPA high water rate taxes and that the hook up fee had not been raised for 30 years.
Hamilton said it was hard to get renters and the high hook-up fee would be a hardship on renters.
The landlords felt it would be a better solution to raise water rates and not the hook up fee. President Chockley replied they would rather not, if possible, because of the many residents who live on fixed incomes.
Hamilton explained to the board it was very expensive to have a renter move out in the middle of the month and the water shut off. Then the owners had to pay $50 to have the water turned back on, plus a minimum water bill so they could clean up the property.
President Chockley said they had not meant to make this a hardship on anyone and he would have the committee look into the matter and bring a recommendation back to the board. Lawrence Neff and Juanita Jarvis are on the committee and they will meet with Bob Carmean to discuss the issue.
Curt Eisenmayer was present to say thanks to the village employees and all who helped get the water back on as quickly as possible, when lightning struck at the pump house. Scott Ford said G.E. was a tremendous help to them when parts could not be found and certainly went the extra mile to help. President Chockley said he would see that a thank you was sent to G.E.
David Vancil reported the railroad crossing on Broadway Street has not been fixed and someone was going to be injured.
Lawrence Neff inquired if the village had agreed to pay for the material to have the three new signs put up. It was agreed all the village had agreed to was helping the Booster Club erect the signs, so all bills will be directed to the Booster Club.
Lawrence also expressed his concern, again, that there is no sign or patrol at the school around 8:00 a.m. on school mornings. He is afraid some child is going to run across the road and be hit. Robert Scott said he would talk with Principal Dale Buss and if necessary go to the school board. Deputy Steve Haynes also said he would talk with Sheriff Mark Lumbeck about the problem.
Tony Griepentrog said it was time for the renewal of health insurance for the village employees. He said there has been a raise in rates and he will meet with Tony and Scott and discuss which plan they would like to have.
The board will run an ad in the Quill seeking a village clerk, as Deanna Huss will be resigning at the end of the year.
Deputy Steve Haynes reported the following for the month of August: operating of uninsured motor vehicle arrest; squealing/screeching tires arrest; arrests in 5 battery cases; pending investigation is cable television service, 2 counts criminal damage to property; stolen property, buy receive; domestic battery; information only cases included: accidental-non traffic, speeding, driver and passenger safety, and operate uninsured motor vehicle; one case of suspended, revoked drivers referred to States Attorney.
Present were: Board members, Bob Scott, Juanita Jarvis, Lawrence Neff, Tony Griepentrog, David Vancil; President Eric Chockley; Treasurer Lori Russell, Village employees, Bob Carmean and Scott Ford; Deputy Steve Haynes; Guests, Curt Eisenmayer, Bob Hamilton, Ed Bruce, Bill Roberts and Janice Neff. Board member Angela Myers and Clerk Deanna Huss were absent.
The next board meeting will be held on Monday, October 4, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Hall.