Bourbon Town Council member, P.J. Hanley, announced his resignation during the October 13th Town Council Meeting. His resignation was effective at the end of the meeting.
Hanley was appointed in March, 2011 to fill the vacancy of Gary Collins who passed away unexpectedly. His first meeting was April of the year. Collin’s term would have been up at the end of 2011. Hanley ran for re-election and has served on the Council since that time.
He will not be fulfilling the first year of a current four- year term.
In announcing his resignation, Hanley said, “2020 is a year I don’t think anyone is going to forget. It has given me a lot of time to re-evaluate my priorities. This is not an easy decision for me.” He went on to say that he was called back to work in a different position and indicated that the position would require additional time.
Referring to Council members Ward Byers and Les McFarland, Hanley said, “I feel comfortable leaving with these two guys on the Council and who the Republican party puts in.” Byers said, “You are walking out with a lot of history.” Hanley received numerous comments in appreciation for his work for the town.
Byers read a proclamation naming October as Fire Prevention Month. Byers thanked those representing the Fire Department at the meeting for their dedication and service saying, “Thank you greatly.”
The winners of the town’s scarecrow contest were announced by clerk/treasurer Kim Berger. First place went to Brenda Anderson at 207 Park St; second, Bourbon Library at 307 N. Main St. ; third, Athena Stenstrom, 301 S. Bourbon St. ; and fourth to Bourbon Siding at 209 N. Main St. . According to Berger, 34 residents participated in the contest.
Halloween Trick or Treating will be October 31st from 5-7 P.M.
The annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for November 28th.
Police Chief Bill Martin announced the resignation of officer Matthew Haskins. In other matters, Martin asked the Council about vacation days for some in his department that will be difficult to schedule. The council voted unanimously to pay for the days rather than try to carry them over for 2021.
Steve Stacy, Water/Wastewater Superintendent said 26 Itron utility readers that were replaced in the town are still useable. The Council approved selling them to Argos Municipality who uses that equipment.
Byers said the town has a new website that includes online forms for many of the town’s services.
In other matters, JPR will begin preliminary conceptual designs for altering one basketball court and adding a second court. The proposed design would also include pickle ball courts. According to Byers, once the conceptual design is completed, it will be shared with the community for their feedback and input.
The council voted 3-0 to pay a fee of $2,500 for the design work.
Courtesy of Carol Anders
