The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
December Meeting
The Village of Stronghurst Board met at its regularly scheduled meeting on December 3, 2012.
Steve Haring of the MSA Professional Service, told the trustees about the 2013 Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Grant Opportunities and distributed some information about the grants.
It is also possible to go on their web page and get more information. Haring said that Governor Quinn is starting a Clean Water Initiative for Illinois. It is low interest loan (2%) to help meet the IEPA standards of clean water. The money for this came from the federal level.
He said it can be used for getting a new water tower and if the village were interested, he would help with the pre application. Steve also stated the MSA would do the needed paper work for the grant from Senator Sullivan to help receive reimbursement from the expense of the new well project.
This would cost $1,000.00 for which a motion was made by Deb Hale to accept the offer of MSA to assist with the grant writing. Tony Anderson 2nd the motion ant it passed unanimously.
Haring said he will get a hold of Lou Ann and Ronnie for the information that he will need. He will get the paper work in right away, because Mike Bohnenkamp was told by the office of Senator Sullivan that it it needs done ASAP.
Ronnie Gittings stated that the Well Operation Permit still has not been received. More information and applications needs to be faxed again, due to them not receiving it the first time.
Gittings also had information about purchasing a new truck. After discussion, it was decided to wait until the new state bids come out.
Men from the EPA came and looked at the water plant and had concerns there was no back up generator and the village needs 3 days worth of back up water supply to have time to fix it if something goes wrong.
Three trees will be taken down, one by Painters, one by Nelson’s and one at Shane Reeds.
Gittings reported the Assisted Living’s septic tanks were pumped and since this is an even year, it will be paid 100% by the village.
Mike Bohnenkamp gave the November police report: 150 hours worked, 32 training hours, 797 squad car patrol mileage, 3 traffic stops, 3 verbal warnings, 5 service calls, 4 agency assists and 20 business courtesy checks.
He also reported the squad car will have the censor replaced and heads on, which is covered by the warranty.
David Vancil made a motion to give the employees $100 as a Christmas bonus which Deb Hale seconded. The vote was unanimously a “no” vote.
Brendan Schaley then made a motion to give $200 to the full time employees and $100 to the part time employees after the taxes are taken out. Amanda 2nd the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Attorney Rasmussen said he would be coming through town on December 5th and would pick up the liquor petitions and take them to the courthouse. Hale said that being involved with the liquor petition has been a learning experience. It was mentioned that some explanations on the wording that will be on the ballot should be put in the paper as to be less confusing as to the outcome that the voter wants. Basically if you want packaged liquor sold in town, you need to vote no, and vice versa.
Brendan read a letter concerning Officer Vancil that had gone above and beyond the call of duty to an ambulance call in which he was very beneficial with the outcome of the patient. Tony Anderson thanked Arbry for his professionalism when his mother was missing.
Brendan Schaley asked about the alley west of Seth Bundy’s home and Gittings said he had bladed the rock in the alley twice and then Seth get more rock put down. Gittings will go back and blade the alleyway again and a letter will be sent to Bundy to stop putting rock in the alleyway.
A discussion was also held about the new building Bundy has built which will be in violation if it is used as a business.
Attorney Rasmussen told the trustees he will be unable to attend the January meeting and will not charge for the meeting since this will be the 2nd meeting he has missed.
The board adjourned at 8:10 p.m. until the January 7, 2013 meeting which be held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Present were: Mayor Eric Chockley; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Brendan Schaley, Amanda Kane, David Vancil, Deb Hale and Tony Anderson; Employees, Ronnie Gittings, Mike Nelson, Lou Ann Nortrup, Arbry Vancil and Lawyer Mr. Rasmussen; Guests, Steve Haring from MSA Professional Services, Fern Fude, and Betty Waterman.