The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
When the new term begins in April Stronghurst village trustees and the mayor will be receiving a $10 raise. A motion by Bob Scott to raise the trustees pay to $50 and the mayor's pay to $60 , seconded by Lawrence Neff, was passed. Following a discussion on if the proposed raise was to be published in the paper it was discovered the mayor is already being paid $55, so the raise for him would have been only $5. Bob Scott asked to rescind the previous motion and made a new motion for the trustees to receive $50 and the mayor $65, since he had intended for both to be raised an equal amount. The motion was once again seconded by Neff and passed.
Sheriff Mark Lumbeck told the board it was time for the village's annual contract renewal with his department. On a motion by Lawrence Neff, seconded by Juanita Jarvis the board entered closed session at 7:14 to discuss the contract. The board returned to open meeting at 7:24, at which time Bob Scott made a motion and Lawrence Neff seconded it to accept the contract for one year with no changes. Motion passed.
Tony Griepentrog reported he has checked on the new sign for the town hall and it will be around $250-$300. He asked what should be placed on the sign but no decision was made.
To reserve the village park, the number to call is still 309-924-1172 and Jennifer Ewing will take care of your reservations, according to Griepentrog.
Stronghurst Grain & Mdse will be billed $10 per month for each truck parked at the village meters. Bill Corzatt also has a truck parked there and will be billed $10 per month.
Neff requested a donation from the village for the MST Fire Department, to help defray their expenses for bunker gear. The department has received a grant and are in the process of having fund raiser to raise $5,000. The board voted to donate $1,000.
Lou Ann Nortrup read her "swearing in statement" and became the official village clerk, as this was Deanna Huss's last meeting.
Lou Ann reported she had bought a chair for the office. She also suggested a paper shredder, cabinet for papers and blinds for the windows. She was given a directive to purchase these items.
Bob Carmean had information on three companies who organize village ordinances into a binder. After looking at all three samples the members decided to have a representative from Sterling come and talk with them next month and give an estimate on the cost.
President Chockley reminded everyone the Caucus will be held next Monday, January 10th.
Deputy Steve Henshaw gave the Sheriff's office report for the month of December with 23 cases. Cases pending investigation include, theft of motor vehicle; theft $300 and under; 2 disorderly conduct; 2 criminal damage to property; other trouble and assault: Information only cases included, domestic violence, unlawful chemical breakdown of illicit drugs, and 2 speeding: Cases cleared by arrest included, 2 domestic battery; 2 aggravated battery/peace officer; resist/obstruct peace officer; criminal damage, criminal damage to property; criminal trespass to residence; assault; disobey stop sign; speeding.
Present were: Board members-Bob Scott, Juanita Jarvis, Lawrence Neff and Tony Griepentrog; President Eric Chockley; Clerk Lou Ann Nortrup, Deanna Huss; Treasurer Lori Russell; City employee Bob Carmean; Deputy Steve Henshaw; Guests, Sheriff Mark Lumbeck, John Lafary and Curt Eisenmayer. Board members David Vancil and Angela Myers were absent.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. until Monday, February 7, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.