Elkville Officer Honored

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Because of his courage, determination, and lack of regard for his own life during the Elkville fire March 6 that claimed two lives, Elkville Sgt. Clay McDonnough was awarded Elkville's Award of Valor during Thursday's board meeting.

It was the city's first time bestowing the award.

Sgt. McDonnough was given a plague and copy of the resolution passed by the council honoring him.

Elkville has greater fire prevention in its sights after the March fire, approving the construction of a new fire station where the current station now stands. The city was awarded $50,000 from the state and $40,000 from rural development, but still must borrow more to build the station. The council agreed to borrow $80,000 at 4.5% interest.

The city also received a backup fire truck from Buckner last week at no charge to the city.

Also discussed at the meeting:

The board passed an identity theft ordinance.

Approved a ball field agreement with Elverado School District to settle liability issues during ball games.

Discussed Dowell's sewer overage and made the decision to send Dowell an additional bill for the overflow. The limit is set by population equivalent to a population of 500.

The town will be billed $2,600.

Set a city wide speed limit of 25 mph. The limit applies to all streets the city maintains but does not include Rt. 51, Royalton Blacktop, Vergennes Blacktop and the park. The council is currently working on setting the speed limit for the park.

Discussed how to manage a $50 charge from the Humane Shelter when animals are brought in by the police.

The council agreed to pass the $50 charge, and $10 a day charge after that, to the owner if the owner is known. The police chief added that if the owner is known it is likely that an officer will just return the pet to its owner unless it is a repeat offender. It is important for all owners of pets to follow the law and place a collar with identification on their pets.

Passed a fire protection ordinance raising the cost of out-of-town fire calls to $1,800, a median between Du Quoin's $1,850 and Vergennes $1,750. The council is discussing adding a $50 annual fee for out-of-town residents.

The police chief intends to discuss the placement and or removal of stop signs throughout the city at the next meeting.

Village-wide Clean Up Day is set for Friday, May 15.

Coal Belt meeting is set for June 4, the same date as a village meeting and is being considered for rescheduling.

Freedom of Information meeting is set for June 11 at 7 p.m.