South West Illinois News

City of Pinckneyville City Council met Oct. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

ROLL CALL

Mayor Spencer called the regular meeting of the Pinckneyville City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall. Members present: Commissioners Kevin B. Hicks, Joshua L. Kuhnert, Sammy D. Peradotta, William B. Stotlar, and Mayor Robert L. Spencer. Mayor Spencer declared a quorum present. Mayor Spencer announced the agenda was set. Administrative staff present: City Clerk Melissa Kellerman, City Attorney Don Bigham, Fire Chief Jim Gielow, and Utility Superintendent Brad Boulton. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Kuhnert.

PREVIOUS MINUTES

Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 9, 2023, regular council meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Commissioner Stotlar reviewed the treasurer’s report and stated that the ending balance total for the period ending September 2023 was $9,721,187.09, up from last year, and unrestricted balance total was $2,626,778.95, also up from last year. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hicks. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve the accounts payable with two additional invoices: Companion Life Insurance in the amount of $288.88 and Sparklight in the amount of $383.97. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

CORRESPONDENCE

Commissioner Hicks noted that Mardi Gras festivities begin this week.

Mayor Spencer stated there was a successful Fall Thresherman’s Show last week.

Commissioner Peradotta stated construction work has begun on the widening of West Water Street in Diamondtown by ET Simmonds for IDOT.

APPROVE QUOTE FROM PORTER OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT FOR GRAVELY ZERO TURN MOWER FOR AIRPORT USE

Commissioner Hicks requested approval of a quote from Porter Outdoor Power Equipment to purchase a Gravely zero turn mower at a total cost of $11,999.00 to be paid from the airport fund. Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve the purchase, which was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

TEAM IMPACT REQUESTS PERMISSION TO CLOSE A SECTION OF BALLPARK ROAD SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

Kayla Arndt of Team Impact requested permission to close a section of Ballpark Road Saturday, October 28, 2023, during the Mardi Gras Madness Softball Tournament. Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve the request, which was seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

APPROVE QUOTE FROM KGM TO PURCHASE A SENSIT GOLD GAS DETECTOR

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of a quote from KGM in the amount of $3,842.86 to purchase a Sensit Gold gas detector to be paid from gas. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve the request, which was seconded by Commissioner Peradotta. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

APPROVE QUOTE FROM UTILITY PIPE SALES TO URCHASE STOCK PARTS FOR ZENNER REMOTE READ SYSTEM

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of a quote from Utility Pipe Sales in the amount of $6,690.00 to purchase stock parts for the Zenner remote read system to be paid equally from the gas and water fund. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve the purchase, which was seconded by Commissioner Hicks. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

HIRE AND POST A NOTICE OF BID FOR TWO (2) MAINTENANCE-WATER PLANT/RELIEF WATER OPERATORS

Commissioner Kuhnert stated the water maintenance staff has been short-handed, especially during vacations, and requested approval to hire and post a Notice of Bid for two (2) Maintenance-Water Plant/Relief Water Operators. Motion made by Commissioner Kuhnert, seconded by Commissioner Stotlar to approve the request. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

HIRE AND POST A NOTICE OF BID FOR A MAINTENANCE-RELIEF WATER OPERATOR FOR THE UTILITY DEPARTMENT

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval to hire and post a Notice of Bid for a Maintenance-Relief Water Operator. Motion made by Commissioner Kuhnert, seconded by Commissioner Peradotta to approve the request. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

APPROVE QUOTE FROM SAMUEL MAST FOR NEW BUILDING FOR STREET DEPARTMENT

Commissioner Peradotta did not receive all of the cost estimate from Mr. Mast, so this request will not be discussed at this meeting.

FISCAL YEAR 2023 AUDIT

Commissioner Stotlar recognized Sarah Kary of Rice Sullivan, LLC to present the Fiscal Year 2023 audit report. Ms. Kary noted the audit went well. There were no deficiencies with the internal controls, but provided a separate letter regarding gas tax and pool sales tax. She noted a single audit was required this year which resulted no deficiencies as well. She stated most accounts were within budget. She stated there was a 21% increase in government cash funds, and that revenue had increased due to grant funding, while expenses were down 1%. Business funds increased 2% from additional grant income, with revenue increasing 10% and expenses increasing 9%. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to place on file the City of Pinckneyville’s 2023 audit report. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AGGREGATION PARTNERSHIP MUNICIPALITY POWER OF ATTORNEY AND APPROVAL OF RATES

Mayor Spencer presented Jordan Haarmann and Brandon Bullard of AGE, LLC, to review the Southern Illinois Aggregation Partnership’s competitive bid results for the City of Pinckneyville’s electric supply rates. Mr. Haarmann stated the City’s current provider is AEP, but they are not currently offering a fully-fixed-rate this year. He stated the contract terms are 12, 18, 24, and 36 months and that Constellation was the lowest bidder. He stated Middle-East volatility has impacted prices this year. He also stated that, due to uncertainty in the market, the longer terms are slightly higher, but recommended the City review the 36-month term.

There were some questions about the residential rates, which are through Homefield. Mr. Haarmann explained the current Homefield residential rate is 8.473 per kilowatt hour, while Ameren is at 8.1 per kilowatt hour today, but Ameren is expected to increase their rate to 8.5 on January 1, 2024. Homefield’s rates had previously been lower than Ameren’s rates. He stated residents can opt out at any time from Homefield, but if they switch back to Ameren, they may be required to stay with them a period of time before then can switch back to Homefield, if they wish to do so. He recommended residents stay with Homefield until January 1, 2024, to see what Ameren’s new rate will be.

Mr. Haarmann then introduced Brandon Bullard to discuss the Community Solar Program. He stated the City could subscribe to a solar farm and receive solar discounts. He explained any Ameren customer can subscribe, but the City could subscribe as an anchor tenant and receive larger discounts, up to 15%. He stated they would need to do a savings study to analyze the City’s accounts and usage, but stated there is a 20-year commitment with Nexamp.

Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve the Constellation 36-month term rate. Commissioner Kuhnert seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

Commissioner Hicks then made a motion to approve the savings study on the community solar program. Commissioner Peradotta seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

REVIEW AND AUTHORIZE REVISIONS TO CITY CODE ESTABLISHING UTILITY CONNECTION FEES AND CHARGES FOR TRENCHING AND EXCAVATION WORK ON CITY STREETS, ALLEYS, AND ROADWAYS

Commissioner Stotlar provided the Council with information on eleven other cities, stating that some cities do not charge for street openings, most only require them to be patched with cold patch, some cities charge a deposit, two cities keep a $50- $100 permit fee. Commissioner Hicks asked the average deposit amount. Commissioner Stotlar said $200 - $1,500 depending on if a sidewalk is involved. He said he thought a $500 deposit was fair if opening the street, $1,000 if it required opening a street and sidewalk. The contractor would pay the deposit when obtaining the permit and the check would be held 60 days for the contractor to repair the street with concrete. The deposit check could be returned after inspection by the Street Commissioner or Mayor. If the street repair is not completed to their satisfaction, the deposit is forfeited to the City.

Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to amend the Code to establish different fees for excavation and for City Attorney Don Bigham to prepare the ordinance for review and adoption at a future Council Meeting. Commissioner Kuhnert seconded the motion.

City Attorney Don Bigham asked for confirmation that if it is a new meter installation, there will still be a $750 meter fee, $1,250 to bore, and $1,750 to open the street, and they agreed that was correct. Commissioner Kuhnert stated the $750 meter installation fee is still low, but that could be changed later. Commissioner Hicks stated the City shouldn’t have to have Don keep making changes; Mayor Spencer agreed to do it right the first time. Utility Superintendent Brad Boulton stated it should be billed as parts at cost of materials at the time of installation. City Attorney Don Bigham stated he would work on the ordinance. Mayor Spencer said the water rate increase should be done at the same time due to the new water plant to be built in the near future. Commissioner Kuhnert stated there was a meeting scheduled with the City’s engineer Thursday to go over water rates. City Attorney Don Bigham stated to get him the water rate information to amend the Code. Mayor Spencer asked Commissioner Peradotta if $500 would be close to the cost of the work done on the street. Commissioner Peradotta stated the more the customer paid, the more apt they would be to complete the work right. Mayor Spencer expressed his concern that all situations are different and wants to make sure the street is built back to the City’s specifications. Commissioner Kuhnert stated $500 was more than enough for the concrete for the street. City Attorney Don Bigham stated if they don’t complete the work within the 60 days, the City can keep the deposit to fix the street and asked if the deposit doesn’t cover the cost, would the customer be responsible if it was more than $500? Commissioner Stotlar stated the goal is for the contractor to pay the deposit, obtain the permit, and fix the road. Commissioner Kuhnert stated the contractor is already charging the customer so they are covered. City Attorney Don Bigham stated he would draft an amended ordinance for the Council to review. He also stated the Council could have the power to waive a fee for special circumstances.

On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, and Stotlar voted YEA. NAYS: None. Abstained: Commissioner Peradotta and Mayor Spencer. Motion declared carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Chelsea Kuhnert, representing the Perry County Soccer League, asked about the status of the existing and new soccer fields. She said they appreciate the work the City has done on the new fields, but they would love to start utilizing them. Mayor Spencer replied they are waiting on the grass to become stable on the new fields, stating that they have seeded, fertilized, and limed, and are not mowing until the Spring to protect the new seed. He stated that the City’s engineering firm is getting bids on the new restroom facility. Mrs. Kuhnert asked if there was an anticipated date the fields could be used, or if there was a possibility of using the best field while the others are being worked on. Mayor Spencer said they may be ready Fall 2024. Commissioner Kuhnert expressed concern about the time it has taken and the lack of parking at the current soccer field area. Mrs. Kuhnert stated the traffic situation in the Imperial Heights area is much safer than the current facility and stated that the new field area is beautiful. She then asked about concessions. Mayor Spencer stated the restroom and concession area would be together. Commissioner Peradotta agreed with the safety issues and stated they have oiled and chipped the parking lots at the new facility twice. Commissioner Hicks asked what has gone wrong after five years. Mayor Spencer stated heavy equipment, mowing too short, and last year’s frost had all hurt the grass. Mrs. Kuhnert asked if there was an opportunity to get a new contractor to focus on one field at a time so they could begin using one field. She also stated they are currently using porta-potties and portable concessions, so they could do the same at the new facility for now. Mayor Spencer stated he would see how the fields look in the Spring to see if one or two could be utilized then. Dustin Kuhnert asked about the water situation out there, stating the soccer league would donate time to help water the fields if that would help the process. He also stated utilizing some of the new fields would help move some of the traffic and parking to that area. Mayor Spencer noted there was a different grass last year and this year and they will focus on one or two fields to try to get make them accessible for use. Mayor Spencer stated the league could look at the fields and determine which ones look usable for next year.

ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Commissioner Peradotta, seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert to move the meeting to Executive Session at 7:14 p.m. for the discussion of: Section 2 (c) (1) Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of an employee. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

RETURN TO REGULAR MEETING

Motion by Commissioner Kuhnert, seconded by Commissioner Stotlar to return to the regular meeting at 7:38 p.m. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Commissioner Hicks, seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

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