South West Illinois News

City of Red Bud Public Works Committee met Feb. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee Members Present: Curt Guebert, Kyle Donjon, Bill Hanebutt, Mike Rheinecker

Committee Members Absent: Ben Schwartzkopf

Council Members Present: Jeremy DeMond, Alan Piel, Rodney Nevois Council

Members Absent: None

Others Present: Mayor Susan Harbaugh, City Attorney Rick Cooper, City Superintendent Josh Eckart, Code Admin./City Engineer Jeff Mueller, Police Chief John Brittingham, Adm. Assist. Pam Poetker, City Clerk Joanne Cowell

Committee Chairman Guebert called the meeting to order at 6:12 P.M.

Old Business

I. Power Plant

A. Plant Report

Generation runs were done, per schedule. There was a little downtime with two units, but there were quick fixes with the controls.

II. Utilities/Streets

A. Electric – IMEA Contract Extension

Ongoing, no update

B. Gas – UGM Long-Term Discount Program

Ongoing, no update

C. Water

Nothing to report

D. Sewer

Nothing to report

E. Streets

Nothing to report

New Business

I. Approval of Prior Month’s Meeting Minutes – Meeting January 15, 2024

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt to approve the minutes from the January 15, 2024, meeting. Carried

II. Recommendation to End Byron Schlueter’s 6-Month Probationary Period Effective February 2, 2024

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Rheinecker, to authorize approval to end Byron Schlueter’s six-month probationary period, effective February 2, 2024. Carried

III. Recommendation to End Derek Allen’s 6-Month Probationary Period Effective February 19, 2024

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to authorize approval to end Derek Allen’s six-month probationary period, effective February 19, 2024. Carried

IV. Discussion of the Public Utility Act Regarding Utility Disconnections

Superintendent Eckart reported on an update to the state law regarding disconnects for hot and cold temperatures. Municipalities are not subject to this law. The city currently has a policy that power will not be shut off due to non payment if the temperature is 20 degrees or below. There is no hot temperature listed in the policy. There was no action taken to make any changes to the city’s policy.

V. Request from St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to Add Two Handicapped Parking Spots

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to approve authorization to draft an ordinance granting the request from St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to add two handicapped parking spots on the south side of Randolph Street for the Event Center. Carried

VI. Request Authorization of Well #2 Repair Proposal from Layne Christensen Co.

This work is necessary to get Well #2 up and running. This includes the shaft repair.

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to approve authorization of the proposal from Layne Christensen for repairs to Well #2, NTE $18,300. Carried

VII. Training Request for Joe Ledlow – IRWA Training Session

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to authorize approval to send Joe Ledlow to training entitled “IRWA Emergency Plans, Cybersecurity, Sludge Surveys and Aeration Control Strategies for Lagoons” in Steeleville, IL on April 17, 2024, transportation required. Carried

VIII. Request Approval of BHMG Retainer Agreement

The current agreement was approved in 2016 and monthly retainer fees have been the same since then. This renewal agreement increases the monthly fee from $1,090 to $1,200.

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to approve authorization to accept the “Memorandum of Agreement” with BHMG for retained services for the electric utility at a monthly retainer fee of $1,200. Carried

XI. Water Department Personnel

With the passing of Chad Grohmann, Superintendent Eckart feels that the water operator position can be filled internally and is requesting authorization to advertise the position internally. The contract operator is still with the city. Several years of training will be required to obtain a water operator license. Eckart would like to have a recommended candidate for the March committee meeting.

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Rheinecker, to approve authorization to advertise internally for the water operator position. Carried

X. Public Comments/Anything for the Good of the City

Committee Member Nevois questioned if the issue with the South Main Street watermain break valves not being able to be shut off, had been addressed. Eckart said that he is working on a plan to locate the shut-off valves as part of the flushing routine. The patch at Sixth Street will be done on Wednesday.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:23 P.M.

https://www.cityofredbud.org/uploads/3/8/4/1/38410823/public_works_021924.pdf