The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.



Christmas Lighting Contest Winners Announced

By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor

The winners of the annual Christmas lighting contest, sponsored by the Village of Stronghurst, was announced Thursday, January 9th, at the monthly board meeting. This meeting was postponed from Monday night due to the weather.

The winners announced were: 1st Julie Myers-$100; 2nd Luke Deverell-$50; 3rd Richard Waterman-$25.

Ronnie Gittings passed around pictures of leaf vacuums, which would cost between $3,500 and $11,000. These vacuums would blow the leaves into the dump truck, which would have a plywood top to keep the leaves from blowing out. Following discussion, the matter was tabled until Gittings could do more checking into the size they would need for the town. The village is looking at banning leaf burning but would need to provide another way to get rid of them.

Gittings reported the 2nd report on the new well showed the well is not susceptible to pollution so the same regime for testing as the old well could be followed.

The EPA approved the new water line in the north part of town and it is now operational.

The members discussed putting insulation in the city truck shed, at an approximate cost of $1,000. After discussing the issue it was decided Gittings would get measurements and then get bids for having the work done.

A lengthy discussion was held on the insurance bids from Doran Insurance and Country Companies with the consensus being there were more questions that needed answers. Therefore the insurance committee will meet with Diana Doran and Sally Waddell one more time before bringing a recommendation to the February board meeting. Tony Anderson, Mike Bohnenkamp and Brendan Schaley serve on the insurance committee.

The police report included: 94.5 hours worked; 2 training hours; 391 miles on squad car; 2 traffic stops; 1 verbal warning; 1 uniform traffic tickets; 4 service calls; 3 agency assists; 18 business courtesy checks.

After discussing the savings, board members agreed to sign a two year contract with an energy company that will provide energy through Ameren at a cheaper rate then they are currently paying.

Those present included: Trustees, Brendan Schaley, Mike Bohnenkamp, Betty Waterman, Tony Anderson ( Deb Hale and David Vancil absent); President Gary Root; Employees, Lou Ann Nortrup, Ronnie Gittings, Mike Nelson, and Guests, Shirley Linder

The next regular scheduled board meeting will be held on Monday, February 3, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.