HAMPTON - Residents of the Safe Harbor housing development asked the village board on Monday to clarify liability when other residents use their property to gain access to the river.
They said outside residents use boat slips in the private development for ice-fishing.They were concerned about their liability if the ice breaks or someone falls on the rocks along the river in the privately owned area.
Residents told trustees people would have to go through the river channel to get to the area because there is no "walking public access" to the area. However, because the channel isn't frozen, they assume the fishermen are trespassing on their property to get there.
The homeowners said their biggest concern is littering and unleashed dogs, as well as "serious safety concerns" for the people on the ice and rocks.
Mayor Kevin Irby advised the homeowners to consult their legal team about the property lines, and post signs alerting to trespassing.
Until then, police can't make any arrests, he said, adding "Surveying that magic line" will be the first step in stopping trespassers. Police Chief Robert Fuller agreed.
In other action, the board:
- Approved a $2,300 contract with Jenkins Tree Service to trim trees in the right-of-way on 3rd Avenue and 6th Street, and 4th Avenue and 2nd Street, and to remove two trees across from the fire station. Trustee Tony Earl said he's afraid the trees or limbs will fall and be an expensive liability for the village.
- Approved setting the date for Hampton's 175th Birthday Celebration on May 25, with a rain date of May 26. The event will be held at the Heritage Center, and include a car show, fishing derby, live music and family activities. The board also approved a $500 contract with 3D Sound for the event.
- Learned fire chief Tim Saul has been interviewed for "Fire Chief Magazine," a national publication. Trustee Jim Garrison said the article will focus on Hampton's collaborative efforts with neighboring fire departments.
Today is Sunday, May 19, the 139th day of 2013. There are 226 days left in the year. 1863 -- 150 years ago: The Rt. Rev. Harry I. Witherspoon, D.D. Bishop of Illinois, willpreach in Trinity (Episcopal) Church, in this city this evening. 1888 -- 125 years ago: At 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon the Mississippi River flooded itsbanks at Rock Island, destroying the warehouse of the Rock Island Lumber companyand damaging the Lumber Company and arsenal power plant. Total loss isestimated at $100.000. 1913 -- 100 years ago: Residents of South Rock Island township are circulating a petitionfavoring the annexation of that area to the city of Rock Island. 1938 -- 75 years ago: Mrs. Thomas Ackles, of Rock Island, has been elected president ofthe Playcrafters for the next season. She succeeds Warren Leonard. 1963 -- 50 years ago: Some 8,000 people filed through the gates of Rock Island Arsenal on Saturday to view a display of a part of the nation's armed strength. The occasion was theannual observance of Armed Forces Day. 1988 -- 25 years ago: Willis Kuschmann, of Moline, who already has won his laurels as oneof the most artistic men in the Quad-Cities area, has a new hobby. He is deeply involvedin miniature railroading. At the age of 88, when many other seniors are dozing in theirchairs or sitting before the television, Mr. Kuschmann is planning and working on hiscollection.