South West Illinois News

City of Pinckneyville City Council met Nov. 13.

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 requested to add an Executive Session for the discussion of Section 2 (c) (5) Purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body. Mayor Spencer then announced the agenda was set. Administrative staff present: City Clerk Melissa Kellerman, City Attorney Don Bigham, and Fire Chief Jim Gielow. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Peradotta.

PREVIOUS MINUTES

Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 23, 2023, regular council meeting. 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.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Commissioner Stotlar reviewed the treasurer’s report and stated that Total Gross Payroll was $1,768,549.68 for the payroll period ending October 2023, up from last year. He stated that the regular hours of 65,773.50 and overtime hours of 1,865 were both down from last year. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve the treasurer’s 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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve the accounts payable with five additional invoices: Frontier in the amount of $75.33; Great America in the amount of $99.00; JC’s Air Conditioning in the amount of $100.14; Miller Time Trucking in the amount of $330.00; and Southern FS in the amount of $1,454.38; for a total added of $2,058.85. 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 Santa Claus would arrive on a firetruck at Cracklin’ Christmas this Thursday, November 16, at 7:30 p.m. and stores will be open from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Commissioner Peradotta stated the widening of West Water Street in Diamondtown by Samron (not ET Simmonds) for IDOT is complete. He also stated the reconstruction of Mann Drive to the back of O’Reilly’s has been finalized, bids are being taken and are to be opened on December 5, at 10:00 a.m.

Commissioner Stotlar made a public apology to Jill Fox, stating he was frustrated during the line up of the Mardi Gras parade. He also urged the Chamber of Commerce to include a “rain date” for future Mardi Gras festivities.

ACCEPT RESIGNATION FROM PART-TIME POLICE OFFICER BRIAN RODELY EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Commissioner Hicks made a motion to accept the resignation from Part-Time Police Officer Brian Rodely effective November 1, 2023. Commissioner Peradotta seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

ACCEPT RESIGNATION FROM PART-TIME POLICE OFFICER MITCHELL BAKER EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 3, 2023

Commissioner Hicks made a motion to accept the resignation from Part-Time Police Officer Mitchell Baker effective November 3, 2023. Commissioner Kuhnert seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

APPROVE QUOTE FROM MIRACLE RECREATION FOR REPAIRS TO PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of a quote from Miracle Recreation in the amount of $4,425.49 for repairs to the playground equipment at the City Park to be paid from park funds, stating parts are rusted, broken and beyond repair. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve the request, which was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

APPROVE QUOTE FROM MISSOURI FILTER & PROCESS EQUIPMENT TO PURCHASE A PUMP

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of a quote from Missouri Filter & Process Equipment in the amount of $5,921.00 to purchase an Aquflow Series 2000 hydraulically actuated diaphragm pump to be paid from water. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve the purchase, 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 FINAL PAY APPLICATION NO. 2 FROM HAIER PLUMBING & HEATING, INC. FOR THE IL-127 WATER MAIN RELOCATION PROJECT

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of Final Pay Application No. 2 from Haier Plumbing & Heating, Inc., for the IL-127 Water Main Relocation Project. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve Final Pay Application No. 2, which was seconded by Commissioner Hicks. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 AND FINAL PAY APPLICATION NO. 2 FROM KAMADULSKI EXCAVATING & GRADING CO., INC., FOR THE IL-127 SANITARY SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of Change Order No. 1 and Final Pay Application No. 2 from Kamadulski Excavating & Grading Co., Inc., for the IL-127 Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve the Change Order and Final Pay Application No. 2, which was seconded by Commissioner Peradotta. 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 AN OPERATOR – WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval to hire and post a Notice of Bid for an Operator – Wastewater Treatment Plant. 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.

HIRE AND POST A NOTICE OF BID FOR A MAINTENANCE – UTILITIES/RELIEF OPERATOR

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval to hire and post a Notice of Bid for a Maintenance – Utilities/Relief Operator. 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.

ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-15 AUTHORIZING SALE OF A GRAVE PLOT LOCATED IN THE PINCKNEYVILLE I.O.O.F. CEMETERY

Commissioner Peradotta introduced Ordinance No. O-2023-15, an ordinance to be placed on file authorizing the sale of a grave plot located in the Pinckneyville I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Ordinance No. O-2023-15. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2023 AUDIT

Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Audit which was placed on file at the October 23, 2023, regular council meeting. Commissioner Kuhnertseconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2023-34 ESTIMATING THE AMOUNT OF TAX LEVY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING APRIL 30, 2024

Commissioner Stotlar presented Resolution No. R-2023-34, a resolution estimating the amount of Tax Levy for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2024. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2023-34, which was seconded by Commissioner Peradotta. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-16 LEVYING TAXES FOR CORPORATE PURPOSES OF THE CITY OF PINCKNEYVILLE, PERRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING MAY 1, 2023, AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2024

Commissioner Stotlar introduced Ordinance No. O-2023-16, an ordinance to be placed on file, levying taxes for corporate purposes of the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, for the fiscal year commencing May 1, 2023, and ending April 30, 2024. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to place on file Ordinance No. O-2023-16. 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.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2023-37 TO ACCEPT A PROPOSAL FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE FROM SHEFFER INSURANCE AGENCY

Commissioner Stotlar introduced Resolution No. R-2023-37, a resolution to be placed on file, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to accept a proposal for insurance coverage from Sheffer Insurance Agency. He stated this is for the commercial property and workmen’s compensation policy and that it only increased 2% over last year’s premium. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2023-37. 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.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2023-35 TO ENTER INTO AN ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HENRY, MEISENHEIMER & GENDE, INC. (HMG ENGINEERS, INC.) IN CONNECTION WITH THE WALNUT STREET STREETSCAPE PROJECT

Mayor Spencer introduced Resolution No. R-2023-35, a resolution to be placed on file, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into an engineering services agreement with Henry, Meisenheimer & Gende, Inc. (HMG Engineers, Inc.) in connection with the Walnut Street Streetscape Project. Mark O’Brien of HMG Engineers, Inc., stated this is for a Phase 1 Study portion of an anticipated grant application funded by IDOT. He stated the Phase 1 study makes the grant application more appealing. He said the grant is an 80% grant with 20% local match, which may provide assistance of 50-100% of the local match based on community score. This project would improve the sidewalks on Walnut Street from Water Street to Randolph Street from the curb to the buildings. This grant program is offered every even year. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2023-35. 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.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2023-36 TO APPROVE $104,185.00 IN MOTOR FUEL TAX FUNDS (REBUILD ILLINOIS) FOR THE WALNUT STREEET STSREETSCAPE PROJECT

Mayor Spencer introduced Resolution No. R-2023-36, a resolution to be placed on file, to approve $104,185.00 in Motor Fuel Tax Funds (Rebuild Illinois) for the Walnut Street Streetscape Project. Commissioner Peradotta stated the Rebuild Illinois Funds must be used by 2025. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2023-36. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peradotta. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-17 TO APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE GRANT OF ACCESS AND UTILITY EASEMENT TO KIWI SOLAR 1, LLC AND KIWI SOLAR 2, LLC

Mayor Spencer introduced Ordinance No. O-2023-17, an ordinance to be placed on file, to approve and authorize the grant of access and utility easement to Kiwi Solar 1, LLC and Kiwi Solar 2, LLC. Mayor Spencer stated the City received lease payments of $5,000 for the first two years and $10,000 this year. City Attorney Don Bigham stated according to the lease agreement, they have an option until May 2024 for Phase 1 which is 11 acres. He also stated the legal description was not added to the ordinance yet. He stated they intend to development Phase 2 at a later date and that they do have a Zoning Permit to construct the facility. He stated this and the next ordinance are amendments to the initial lease to separate them into two separate projects and grant easements for a roadway. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Ordinance No. O-2023-17. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

ORDINANCE NO. O-2023-18 TO ENTER INTO A THIRD AMENDMENT TO OPTION AND LEASE AGREEMENT AND A MEMORANDUM OF OPTION AND LEASE (NORTH) WITH KIWI SOLAR 1, LLC, AND AN AMENDED AND RESTATED OPTION AND LEASE AGREEMENT (SOUTH) WITH KIWI SOLAR 2, LLC

Mayor Spencer introduced Ordinance No. O-2023-18, an ordinance to be placed on file authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into a Third Amendment to Option and Lease Agreement and a Memorandum of Option and Lease (North) with Kiwi Solar 1, LLC, and an Amended and Restated Option and Lease Agreement (South) with Kiwi Solar 2, LLC. City Attorney Don Bigham stated this is the second of the two separate projects. He stated farmers will still be able to farm the ground until the solar company is ready to use it. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Ordinance No. O-2023-18. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

REVIEW PROPOSAL FOR CITY PURCHASE OF CREDITS ASSOCIATED WITH COMMUNITY SOLAR FACILITIES

Mayor Spencer introduced Brandon Bullard of AGE, LLC, to review the Community Solar Program. Mr. Bullard stated the City could subscribe with Nexamp’s Bel Rive’s solar farm as an anchor tenant. He stated there is a 20-year commitment, but the savings study he performed, showed the 15% discount the City would receive could be around a $40,000 savings per year. He also stated that Nexamp would not break ground for this solar farm until they had a 50% commitment from tenants, so there could be a delay in when the savings would start. City Attorney Don Bigham asked how the billing would work and how the City receives the credit on their Ameren Bill. Mr. Bullard stated that Ameren would invoices for delivery, taxes and fees, and show $0 for the supply. Nexamp would invoice for the supply usage at a 15% savings over what Ameren would have billed for the supply. City Attorney Don Bigham asked if there was a right to terminate the contract or if there was a right to substitute projects, stating the City wanted certainty of when it will start, and asked if there was an earlier project than Bel Rive, if the City could be shifted to that project. Mr. Bullard stated that AGE could shift the projects, but wasn’t sure if Nexamp could. City Attorney Don Bigham then asked about other items in the contract he found issue with, and Mr. Bullard stated he would work with Don to see how they could make the contract work better for the City of Pinckneyville. Commissioner Kuhnert asked about the solar project on Kiwi Road. City Attorney Don Bigham stated it is being built as a community solar program. Commissioner Hicks asked Mr. Bullard where they make their money. Mr. Bullard stated AGE is the broker and finds the best deal for customers and is paid on the back end by the solar farm. City Attorney Don Bigham asked Mr. Bullard to contact the Kiwi Solar company to see if it would fit the City’s needs. Mr. Bullard stated he would work on the contract, contact the Kiwi Solar company and come back to the next meeting with more information.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jeff Egbert of the Pinckneyville Press-Du Quoin Weekly asked if there were more cemetery plots available for sale. Commissioner Peradotta confirmed there are available cemetery plots and stated Kevin Pyatt has a map and that Mitchell Feltmeyer is the sexton of the Pinckneyville I.O.O.F. Cemetery and has an updated map. He stated the City collects payments when plots are sold. City Attorney Don Bigham stated the ordinance placed on file earlier was for the person to purchase a plot next to his parents.

ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Commissioner Peradotta, seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert to move the meeting to Executive Session at 6:48 p.m. for the discussion of: Section 2 (c) (11) Litigation, pending or probable, and Section 2 (c) (5) Purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body. 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 Peradotta, seconded by Commissioner Stotlar to return to the regular meeting at 7:04 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 7:05 p.m. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/pinckneyvilleil/Document_Center/GOVERNMENT/AGENDAS%20&%20CITY%20COUNCIL%20MINUTES/2023/Minutes/11-13-23%20Minutes.pdf