The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
A lengthy discussion was held at the village board meeting on Monday, June 6th, regarding the $50 hook up fee for water service.
Lawrence Neff asked if that ordinance applied to those moving from one house to another who has paid water bills for years.
It was pointed out that all other utilities charge a fee for changing service and in all fairness there should not be exceptions made.
President Eric Chockley said the board either lives with the existing ordinance or changes it, but not make exceptions to it. In the final analysis it was agreed to abide by the ordinance as is.
An amendment was made to the ordinance charging $25 for bad checks when paying a water bill.
Lari Jo Smith and Julie Brooks, representing the Southern Athletic Boosters, asked the village if they would provide utilities for a concession stand and rest rooms they would like to build at the Southern softball/baseball diamond. The board agreed to furnish the utilities and help with land moving.
A five year contract was signed with Carl Sandburg College to place 6 antennas on the Stronghurst water tower which will provide wireless internet to the school. The village will be provided with free internet service since they will receive no money for rent of the tower.
Once again, a discussion was held regarding building a restroom in the village park. The original plan was to build it by the shelter house, but state law says it must be 100 feet away from where food is served.
In checking prices, it was determined fixtures would come to approximately $5,400 before concrete, etc. was added on.
Since the estimate for the entire project was $10,000 the board decided to keep renting the portables.
Curt Eisenmayer reported on the Stronghurst Fire hyrdrants. He discussed the water flow rate, the year of each, and the kind of each fire hydrant in the village.
Following the discussion a motion was made to replace 3 hydrants at this time and later discuss a budget and schedule for yearly replacement.
It was clarified that for tree removal on the outside of the sidewalks, 3 bids must be received and the village must be asked in advance before they will pay half of the removal cost.
The Stronghurst Booster Club requested permission to erect a sign near the newly placed village signs along the highway, advertising the businesses in town. The board denied the request.
President Chockley said residents may now send comments or questions via email to villageofstronghurst@frontiernet.net.
The board entered closed session at 9:35 p.m. to discuss employee wages.
Upon returning to open session at 10:05 p.m. Angela Myers motioned and Lawrence Neff seconded to give Tony Anderson and Scott Ford a $1 per hour raise.
Motion passed.
Public Meeting July 11th
The board will hold a meeting on Monday, July 11th at 6:30 p.m. for public comment on vacating Logan Street, which is contained in South Gate Sub Division #2.
The regular Stronghurst Village Board meeting will follow at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are held at the Village Hall across from Riverland FS on Main Street.