The Sumner Press

Lawrenceville Woos Bridgeport As Water Customer

   The regular monthly meeting of the Bridgeport City Council, Tuesday evening, had an unexpected but welcome guest, Lawrenceville Brian Straub. The guest reported that encouraging progress has been made in reducing nitrogen levels of water produced from its new field----reduced to three parts per 1000 cubic feet which is well within state guidelines for healthy drinking water. He stressed the awareness of his Council that cost of producing/marketing water must be reduced "for the interests of everyone.' (Bridgeport had been paying $l.42/1000 gallons. Less than a year ago Lawrenceville advised that it must raise rate to $2.7l/1000. Mayor Max Schauf led the rebellion to such increase, urging that Bridgeport produce its own water, considerable start up costs notwithstanding.) Mayor Straub believed that for the next 54 months his City could sell water to Bridgeport at $2.07/1000. Thereafter, rates would be negotiated.
   Mayor Straub and the Bridgeport City Council agreed to consider the matter further, without commitment.
   Five of the aldermen were present; Darlene Arnold was absent due to the unexpected death of her husband, James Arnold, Friday. Also absent was Treasurer Sarah Sechrest. Bridgeport has been without a Clerk for more than three months, due to the resignation of Pam Warren. Mayor Schauf acted as Secretary for the meeting, which was opened by the Pledge of Allegiance.
   Motion was unanimously passed to pay the city's bills.
   Mr. Gil Brough from Friendly Fire appeared before the Council and informed the members that his popular paint gun business attracted more than 100 enthusiasts each Saturday night for exercises/demonstrations in Olive Street, between Washington and Main. He asked that the street be closed to vehicular traffic each Saturday night his games were being staged. Council agreed that this should be done in the interest of public safety. Details of closure to be worked out with Chief of Police Scott Murray and Supt. Steve Boatman.
   Supt. Boatman announced leaf pickup would alternate daily between N-S & E-W streets. It was noted that only estimate received for needed salt & sand spreader was $9800. Council agreed to seek lower price.
   Mayor Schauf announced that petitions for Mayor, City Clerk and City Treasurer, to be on the February ballot can be picked up at City Hall. Deadline for filing with the Clerk is third Monday in January.
   Alderpersons Pam Hager and George Zellars pushed November 29 cleanup/xmas decoration date for Lanterman Park. All agreed that Santa should have a mail box, and that two canned goods for the food pantry be the recommended contribution to drive through and inspect the lighted Xmas decorations. Cash contributions while not solicited will be welcome..
   Alderman Otis Hammel stressed the future value of the 10 acres under option to purchase for planned water wells, even if used only for agricultural purposes.
   On 3-2 vote Council accepted $101 bid by Rev. Del Munsell for an S-10 pickup truck, confiscated while Bob Nestleroad was Chief of Police. City had advertised for sealed bids.
   It was decided that City funds would remain in the Bridgeport Branch of the Fairfield State Bank.
   Adjourned on motion.

Local citizen receives ticket For cleaning up town

  The Sumner City Council met Monday night, a day early, due to Veterans Day falling on their regular meeting night.
   The minutes of the October meeting were approved as presented and all bills ordered paid.
   Mark Tennis was present at the meeting to ask why he received a ticket for cleaning up property around town. Tennis has bought older homes and demolished them. It was just his method of getting rid of one of them that caused the ticket � he burned it down. He demolished two other old houses and hauled the debris off. To be fair, Tennis was given some false information about the burning ordinance. He was told he could burn lumber, but was warned four times that burning cannot be done after 6:00 p.m. Tennis asked the council, �why am I in violation with the city ordinance when I am cleaning up the lots?�
   The city�s burning ordinance allows the burning of yard waste and leaves, but not after 6 p.m.
   Council member Brent Perrott said he had received several complaints about the burning.
   Despite receiving a ticket, Tennis thanked city employees and the police department saying they do an h--- of a job.
   City Treasurer Max Lawrence was not present and no treasurer�s report given. It was reported the State of Illinois has not paid on the prison�s water bill and it now totals between $46,000 and $48,000.
   The city has a CD coming due on Nov. 19th. The mayor and city clerk are planning to cash the $23,490.91 CD. The money will be spent paying insurance premiums for a year and paying other bills.
   Frank Brown, who lives across the street from the City Hall, was present. He suggested the city do away with the police department. He said, �They are taking your money to other towns, because they don�t live here. They are not doing their job.� Mr. Brown was informed the grass and trash problems have been taken care of beside his property.
   City Superintendent Dan Fiscus reported the sewer was fixed at the corner of Christy and East North Avenue. He was also given permission to purchase a �dead end� sign, two signs signifying the Red Hill Jr. High girls� softball team finished second in the state this year, and a new lighted speed limit sign to be placed by the school.
   The mayor reported on the Christmas Lighted Parade on December 13th, 5:00 p.m., which will bring Santa Claus to town. The organization planning the parade will also hold a soup supper on December 20th, at the school�s cafeteria.
   The city paid KNR Groceries for their new sign in front of their business from the city�s Beautification Fund.
   Council member Dennis Bowser called for an executive session to discuss a possible new business coming to Sumner. The news media thought the executive session was not legal as it did not pertain to employees or litigation.
   The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Benefit � Model For Melissa

  Some very caring Red Hill High School students will be holding a benefit for Melissa Fiscus. The students will conduct a formal dress auction on Wednesday, November 19th, at 5:00 p.m., at the High School.
   Melissa, a freshman student at RHHS, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor a year and a half ago. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Fiscus family to help ease the strain of expensive medical bills.
   The Red Hill students are asking for donations of used formal dresses, such as homecoming, prom, bridesmaid, etc, to auction off at the fundraiser. They are asking people to donate their unused dresses hanging in their closets collecting dust and taking up needed room. The dresses will go for a good cause and help raise money for Melissa.
   For those not having dresses to donate, any amount of money will be gladly accepted.
   Anyone with dresses to donate can take them to Red Hill High School and they will be passed on to Shelby McKinney or Kim Selby.
   If there are any questions, please contact Shelby McKinney at 618-838-6065.