The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
The Stronghurst Police Department has received permission from David Vancil for use of his property north of the sewer treatment plant to use as the department's weapons firing range. Ronnie Gittings believes that he has enough material to make a berm as a backstop for the range.
Chief Smith will build the target frames and purchase the paper targets. This will allow the department to conduct its own weapons training and weapons qualifications. With Chief Smith as instructor it will save having to go to Macomb for training.
In the absence of Chief Gary Smith, who was in Annapolis, Maryland, attending the Rural Law Enforcement Technology Institute, the police report was given by Michael Bohnenkamp at the board meeting on Monday, May 2nd.
The police committee approved the purchase of a new computer tower using the money from the Wal Mart grant. It was decided to purchase a computer from Wal Mart since they graciously donated for the department. A 2 year warranty was also purchased for the computer. Expected delivery is from 5/9-5/13. Total cost to the department is $398.00.
The department has received a notice for its next two rifles. A money order has been sent for $102.10 for shipping. Chief Smith will complete an application for 1 more rifle giving a rifle to each officer of the department.
Concerned about the lack of a second well in the Village of Stronghurst a representative from MSA Engineering was invited to give a proposal for digging a new well. Should anything happen to the present well residents would be without water for an extended period of time. . "We are down to one well and I'm not comfortable with that", said Mayor Eric Chockley.
The representative presented the board with facts on what their engineering firm would do to guide them on this project, such as setting up preliminary drawings, cost estimates, whether to begin drilling a well or just a test well to be sure of the water supply and quality of water. He hopes to have the preliminary paper work finished to present at the June board meeting.
On a motion by Deb Hale, seconded by Amanda Kane the members approved paying MSA Engineering $5800 for the preliminary step in the project.
Sara Nimrick and Linda Clifton representing the Quasquicentennial celebration committee were present to talk with the board regarding some of the current plans.
A kick off for the celebration will be held on June 11, 2011 at the village park. The actual 125th celebration will be held June 29, 30, and July 1, 2012.
For June 11th they requested permission to block off the street on the north side of the park for vendors. They also asked permission and for help to pass out fliers around town on June 1st at 4:30 p.m. Both requests were granted.
Ronnie Gittings volunteered to see about getting two large hayracks for the Banjo Players from the Peoria area, which will be the entertainment for the evening.
Clifton suggested the board talk with Postmaster Rita Ferguson regarding a cancellation stamp for the celebration. Also suggested was to request a 125 year sign from the State of Illinois for the out skirts of town.
Amanda Kane volunteered to be chairman of the parade for 125th celebration which will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2012.
Alicia Pence, representing Family Outreach Community Center, was present to talk to the board regarding a community garden they would like to establish.
These spots would be either behind the Country Companies/Farm Bureau building or at Bobbie Tapscott's property. She was interested in water for the project. Ronnie Gittings said a separate meter could be provided at either place so the water would not be charged to property owner.
Later in the meeting the board discussed the situation again and decided that there would be no charge for the water that is used for legitimate use at the garden.
Ronnie Gittings said he is going to set up an area at the burn site for grass clippings and place a sign to that effect.
He also stated, as usual, they are still having trouble with illegal dumping at the site, which is a shame because the town people appreciate having the site and it gets a lot of use. With the heavy use they have to push it up two or three times a week.
Gittings and Mike Nelson made new tops and painted the trash barrels uptown and put handles on them. The barrels were donated by Valley Distribution.
Mayor Eric Chockley assigned new board members to the following committees:
Tony Anderson: chairman of water and sewer, streets, financial, park, chairman of building
Debbie Hale: parks and trees, public relations, chairman of garbage, employee relations, cable
Amanda Kane: finance, chairman of animal control, garbage
Brendan Schaley: law enforcement, streets and alley, animal control, finances, also serve with David Vancil, Ron Schaley and Jerry Nortrup on zoning committee.
Mike Bohnenkamp, Brendan Schaley, and Debbie Hale were appointed as Law Enforcement committee. After 6 months the new members will be paid $20 per meeting for this committee.
Amanda Kane requested the no parking sign at her house be removed to make backing out of her drive way safer as she is afraid she is going to clip it. After some discussion the board decided not to remove it but agreed to move it back a little.
In other business:
Present: Mayor Eric Chockley; Trustees, Michael Bohnenkamp, Chris Cook (outgoing member), David Vancil, Debbie Hale, Amanda Kane, Brendan Schaley, Tony Anderson, (absent, Leota Caldwell, Angela Myers, and Lawrence Neff); Clerk Lou Ann Nortrup; Employees, Ronnie Gittings, Mike Nelson, and Chief Deputy Arbry Vancil; Guests, Linda Clifton, Sara Nimrick, Alicia Pence, David Knutstrom, Doug Hale, Gary Hicks, and Shirley Linder.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, June 6, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall.