South West Illinois News

Pinckneyville City Council met Oct. 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

ROLL CALL

Mayor Robert L. Spencer called the public hearing to order of the Pinckneyville City Council at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, for the review of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project for ADA Compliant sidewalks and storm sewer improvements. Members present: Commissioners Ricky J. Cicardi, Kevin B. Hicks, Sammy D. Peradotta, William B. Stotlar, and Mayor Robert L. Spencer. Administrative staff present: City Clerk Melissa S. Kellerman, City Attorney Don Bigham, and Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Gilliam. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the public was invited to attend by social distancing in the lobby area and the Council Chambers of City Hall or by calling in on a conference line.

PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Spencer introduced Jesse Maynard of HMG Engineers Inc.

Mr. Maynard read through the Grant Project stating:

The City of Pinckneyville intends to apply to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a grant from the State CDBG program. This program is funded by Title 1 of the federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. These funds are to be used for a community development project that will include the following activities: installation of ADA compliant sidewalk and new storm sewer along IL Rte. 154/13 near Mann Drive. The total amount of CDBG funds to be requested is $628,270.70. The amount of CDBG funds proposed to be used for activities that will benefit low-to-moderate income persons is $356,480.80, approximately 56.74% of the people in that area. The City of Pinckneyville also proposes to expend $82,946.30 in non-CDBG funds on the project. These non-CDBG funds will be derived from the following sources: City of Pinckneyville -Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Account ($82,946.30).

Mr. Maynard also stated that the CDBG application would be taken to Springfield on or about October 20, 2020.

Mr. Maynard then asked if there were any questions or comments regarding the proposed project.

Mayor Spencer asked for a location and a description of the project. Mr. Maynard said it will run east and west along the north side Illinois Route 154, from the railroad tracks to just past Mann’s Sporting Goods. He stated the main purpose for the project is to allow access for the public to access all the stores along that area and to allow drainage at the intersection of Grant Street and Illinois Route 154. Mayor Spencer then asked about the storage tanks east of Mann’s to which Mr. Maynard stated they do not have plans to remove the storage tanks at this time.

Charles Stern of Illinois Department of Transportation was present with the owners of Mann’s Sporting Goods, asked how big the culvert is that runs in front of Mann’s. Mr. Maynard stated it was not listed on the plans. He stated there is a main drainage 7x4 foot concrete box culvert that goes underneath the highway and he had seen an 8-inch clay tile in front of Mann’s at one time, so he assumed that was the size. Mr. Stern stated there is not much frontage between Mann’s building and the highway. He requested HMG layout how big the hole was going to be in their parking lot in front of the building. He stated he was concerned Mann’s would not have access to their business. Mr. Maynard stated business would be disturbed while they are working in front of the building for a couple days. Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Gilliam stated the whole project is to make access for these businesses better and to stop flooding. Mr. Maynard said they would definitely work with the business owners.

Commissioner Peradotta asked if thee would be a storm drain east of Mann’s. Mr. Maynard replied it would be a rip-rap ditch. The box culvert would outlet into a ditch which will be rip-rap, flowing to the north. Commissioner Peradotta asked if the area in front of Mann’s and all the way up to the railroad tracks would be torn up at the same time. Mr. Maynard replied that it would be done in sections. Commissioner Peradotta asked if Mann’s could use the entrance to Han-Dee Mart to drive around back of Mann’s and have access to the parking lot on the east side. Danny and Janet Ashby agreed that would work as long as the front door was accessible. Mr. Maynard said parking would be available, but their biggest concern would be when they were working right in front of the door to Mann’s. He stated if business was interrupted, they would work with them on compensation, but they would do the best they can to keep everything open.

Pete Spitler from the Pinckneyville Press asked about the timeline of the project. Mr. Maynard replied he would guess it would be next fall.

Commissioner Peradotta asked the pipe size from Han-Dee Mart going east. Mr. Maynard replied it will be a 7 x 9 foot concrete line. Mayor Spencer asked if the box culvert would remain at Han-Dee Mart. Mr. Maynard replied it is going and there is a proposed storm sewer going all the way past Dollar General parking lot towards the railroad tracks. He said the sidewalk would go along the frontage on the north side, and they would tie into the 7 x 4 foot box culvert that goes underneath the state highway. Mr. Maynard stated the existing 36-inch pipe that goes between Mann’s and Han-Dee Mart up Mann Drive would remain. Mayor Spencer said that should alleviate the flooding problems in that area.

Commissioner Peradotta asked the construction cost. Mr. Maynard said the construction cost is $711,217.00, of which the City will pay $82,946.30 from TIF Funds. Commissioner Peradotta asked the grant deadline to which Mr. Maynard replied November 1st. He stated after final approval of the grant application on October 19th, the paperwork would then be delivered to Springfield.

Mr. Maynard then stated there needed to be a discussion of a prioritized list of community development needs for the community. He listed in order of priority: 1) Sidewalk and Storm Sewer Drainage along Illinois Route 154/13 near Mann Drive and installation of ADA compliant sidewalks, 2) new wastewater treatment facility and sanitary sewer improvement projects, 3) elevated water tanks rehabilitation, 4) First Street storm sewer replacement. He asked if anyone had any other needs to discuss.

ADJOURNMENT

The public hearing adjourned at 9:21 a.m.

http://ci.pinckneyville.il.us/may2017-current.html