Village board discusses several topics

PAW PAW – At the Jan. 10 Paw Paw Village Board meeting, it was learned that the storage units on the west side of town (Chicago Road) have been broken into. The actual date of the break-in is undetermined. More than one unit was broken into. There are no leads in this investigation.

The price of copper is going up; the Lee County Police are experiencing a high volume of copper wire thefts from empty homes.

Irv Safranek, representing the Paw Paw Endowment Fund, addressed the Board regarding the renovations to Roger’s Park. He feels that with the money that the Endowment Fund is donating , if the board would match the donation of $15,000, the entire project could be completed in the spring. A motion was made and seconded to match the donation of $15,000. Motion carried.

The Apache Bike Group would like to utilize Lions Park for their annual marathon on Sunday June 3. The board was reminded that this was the group that clogged the bathrooms and left Lions Club filthy. The board discussed if this group should be allowed to use the premises. After some discussion, the board decided that the group would need to provide a $500 deposit, with the Board having the right to either refund or keep the deposit.

There was a water main break in front of the community building that was repaired on Monday, Jan. 8. Jerry Nicholson did a great job keeping up with the water that was coming in to the community building due to the water main break.

RB & Associates pinned and surveyed the three parcels of property that were previously purchased from James Bognar. Plats are available in the Clerk’s office.

The washrooms that are in the downstairs of the community building need to be renovated. The Board will look into cost of this type of reconstruction.

The board agreed that the Village needs to have “No solicitation without a permit” signs located at all entrances of the Village.

The Paw Paw Fire Department is requesting a special use liquor permit for Saturday, May 12. They will be co-hosting trivia night with the PTO organization. Permit was granted.

The board met again on Feb. 14.

A Book Nook has been erected in Rogers Park for anyone to take or leave a nice book for anyone to borrow.

The EPA conducted an inspection of the Village, and noted that there cannot be any vehicle within 200 feet of the village’s well, located behind the Community Building.

Vehicle owners have been advised, and stated they will comply.

2 Paws Pub new owners have stated they intend to open in March.

Residents are encouraged to keep up with Village news on the Village website at www.PawPawIL.org and on Facebook: “Paw Paw, IL” (Government Organization).

The Village has a five-year contract for garbage, and water usage. With this contract, there is no provision for reducing the amount of homes charged due to owners’ absences. They divide this cost by 12 when billing residents. Whether a home is occupied or not, these fees must be paid by the Village, and are therefore billed monthly to all Paw Paw homes.

The next Village board meeting will be held the second Wednesday of the month, March 14.