Poore Resigns as Police Patrolman in Enfield

The Enfield Village Board met Tuesday night in a somewhat spirited meeting for about two hours and 15 minutes.  Scott Mareing was there and has this report…

The main order of business was near the end of the meeting when the board approved the resignation of Nathan Poore as Police Department patrolman, also working part time with the Utilities Department, due to him accepting another job offer.  Poore offered to help out in both departments when possible.  He thanked the board members for their support over the years and they in turned thanked him for his service to the community.

Robert Zirkelback of the Utilities Department was at the meeting and said that now he and Utilities Superintendent Steve Bishop were the only two in the department, and while the work load isn’t a problem, he has a family and needs to make more money, especially since he will have to be on call at various times and might not have any time for outside activities.

After much discussion the board decided to go into an Executive Session to discuss the matter.  After an hour and two minute session, it was decided that Zirkelback would receive a salary increase from $20 to $25 an hour and Bishop would have his salary raised to $30 an hour, with both receiving $150 when on call, effective immediately.  Police Chief Mark Wheeler received permission to look for a part-time certified officer, and anyone qualified that’s interested can contact the village.

Earlier in the meeting, the board gave the village the authority to proceed on the next phase of the water project, approved payment for Phase II, and approved payment of a loan agreement with the Illinois EPA.

They also agreed to lock in gas rates from now until February of 2026 at $4.02 a dekatherm, which is a cheaper rate than they are now paying.

Work on the street lights will resume soon and they are still working on the USDA grant for small businesses.

Taegan Garner of the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission addressed the board concerning the police grant, as the HWGRPC is helping the village obtain a grant for two body cameras at $1,600 each.  One of the cameras will be totally paid for with the grant money and the other must be paid for by the village.  Garner said there may be grant money available in the future to pay for a new police officer and pay their salary for one full year, as well as other grants. The board members said they would keep that in mind for the future.

The board adjourned at 9:15 PM.