South West Illinois News

City of Pinckneyville City Council met Feb. 26.

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 Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Gilliam. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Hicks.

PREVIOUS MINUTES

Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2024, 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 January 2024 was $10,349,133.63, about the same as last year, and unrestricted balance total was $2,644,967.59, 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. 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.

CORRESPONDENCE

Commissioner Hicks stated, like many other surrounding communities, Fire Chief Jim Gielow has issued a Burn Ban until further notice.

REQUEST FROM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH TO CLOSE W. ST. LOUIS ST. BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND THEIR PARKING LOT FOR AN EASTER EGG HUNT ON MARCH 23, 2024

Representing First Baptist Church, Debbie Denton requested to close W. St. Louis St., between the church and their parking lot, for an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve the request. 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.

REQUEST FROM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH TO CLOSE W. ST. LOUIS ST. BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND THEIR PARKING LOT FOR SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING ON APRIL 8, 2024

Representing First Baptist Church, Debbie Denton requested to close W. St. Louis St., between the church and their parking lot, for solar eclipse viewing on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve the request. 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.

PRESENTATION FROM UNLIMITED PLAY ON NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT CITY PARK

Commissioner Kuhnert said the current playground equipment at the City Park is in disrepair. He then introduced Natalie Mackay from Unlimited Play to provide a presentation on new playground equipment at the City Park. She provided two videos of projects they have completed. United Play is a non-profit organization that works with groups interested in building ADA Compliant All-Inclusive Playgrounds so all kids can play together. They work with a local team for community engagement and fundraising. They accept In-Kind services and materials where companies donate their materials and/or time to the project. The playground area would offer social inclusion, active motion-spinners, ziplines, and swings all graduating in complexity so all children can use them.

A group of employees from Pinckneyville Community Hospital were present, and they contacted Ms. Mackay and asked her to make this presentation. The hospital group had a fundraiser for a handicap swing at the park and raised $1,500. Ms. Mackay said they just need $8,500 more to come up with a project list to start the project.

Commissioner Stotlar asked the cost of the playground. She stated the average is $600,000, but smaller communities have built them for $400,000, and larger ones up to $1,000,000. Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Gilliam stated the current playground at the City Park is 22 years old and in need of replacement. Mayor Spencer asked if the current one could be relocated, but Commissioner Kuhnert was not sure of its condition once they would get it out of the concrete. Jeff Egbert of the Weekly Press offered to assist with promotions.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-06 AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PINCKNEYVILLE, PERRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS, TO ENTER INTO A MOWING CONTRACT WITH JAY RAY (CITY LAKE)

Commissioner Kuhnert presented Resolution No. R-2024-06, a resolution placed on file at the February 12, 2024, regular council meeting, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into a mowing contract with Jay Ray (City Lake). Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2024-06. Commissioner Hicks seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-07 AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PINCKNEYVILLE, PERRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS, TO ENTER INTO A MOWING CONTRACT WITH JAY RAY (OLD SOCCER FIELDS)

Commissioner Kuhnert presented Resolution No. R-2024-07, a resolution placed on file at the February 12, 2024, regular council meeting, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into a mowing contract with Jay Ray (Old Soccer Fields). Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2024-07. Commissioner Peradotta seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

APPROVAL OF INVOICE FROM HAIER PLUMBING FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO WATER MAIN

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of an invoice from Haier Plumbing in the amount of $6,192.50 for emergency repairs to the water main north of the courthouse to be paid from the water fund. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve the invoice, which was seconded by Commissioner Peradotta. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-10 AUTHORIZING LEASE OF REAL ESTATE FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES – EDWARD J. BRUNS

Commissioner Kuhnert introduced Resolution No. R-2024-10, a resolution to be placed on file, authorizing lease of real estate owned by the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, for agricultural purposes with Edward J. Bruns. This is a one year lease. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2024-10. Commissioner Peradotta seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

APPROVAL OF QUOTE FROM XYLEM TO REPAIR PUMP ON GORDON STREET

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of a quote from Xylem in the amount of $4,841.82 to repair the six-inch Godwin pump on Gordon Street to be paid from the water fund. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve the request, which was seconded by Commissioner Hicks. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

PINCKNEYVILLE GARDEN CLUB REQUESTS TO PLANT TREES ALONG FRONT STREET ALONG RAILROAD TRACKS

April Welch, representing the Pinckneyville Garden Club, requested permission to plant trees along Front Street on the south side of the railroad tracks. She stated they operate under the Garden Club of Illinois. Commissioner Peradotta asked what kind of trees and how many. She responded Red Maples and Dogwoods are being considered, and said they would like to plant trees over a period of time, such as on Arbor Day, and honorary trees for loved ones.

She also stated they would like to maintain the four Welcome to Pinckneyville signs on each end of town which are owned by the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber would purchase the flowers and the Garden Club would plant and maintain the flowers and signs for them.

All of the Council thought both ideas were good ones to move forward on.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-08 TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR CUSTODIAL SERVICES WITH NOAH S. HEPP

Mayor Spencer introduced Resolution No. R-2024-08, a resolution to be placed on file, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into an agreement for custodial services with Noah S. Hepp. Mayor Spencer noted that with more rentals in the Community Center, Mr. Hepp has taken on more responsibilities since his original contract over one year ago. Commissioner Hicks made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2024-08. Commissioner Kuhnert seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-09 TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR GRANT ASSISTANCE WITH MAIN STREET SCOOPS & SWEETS, LLC AND CASEY L. DEGLER

Mayor Spencer introduced Resolution No. R-2024-09, a resolution to be placed on file, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into an agreement for grant assistance with Main Street Scoops & Sweets, LLC and Casey L. Degler.

Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Gilliam stated this is a New Construction Grant Program when a new business is built and will use Business District Sales Tax Funds. She then introduced the owner of Main Street Scoops & Sweets, LLC, Casey Degler. Ms. Degler said they will offer hand-dipped ice cream, desserts, and baked goods including offering gluten free, dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free options. She said the new building will be 30 x 50 feet with a 10 x 50 foot patio, providing indoor and outdoor seating, with a drive-thru window on the east side of the building, and a concrete parking lot. They plan to be open year-round, seven days a week. They plan to have 1-2 full-time employees and 15-18 employees during the summer months.

Mayor Spencer stated this is a new program that assists with up to 25% of the total estimated project cost, which in this case is $75,000, but this program has a repayment plan if the applicant fails to operate or if the property is sold within six years from the date of the agreement. Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Gilliam said she is confident in the Degler’s ability to pull this off.

Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2024-09. Commissioner Kuhnert seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-11 TO ACCEPT A CONVEYANCE OF REAL ESTATE AT 108 WEST MULBERRY STREET, 701 DUCKWORTH STREET, AND 705 SOUTH DOUGLAS STREET

Mayor Spencer presented Resolution No. R-2024-11, a resolution of the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to accept a conveyance of real estate at 108 West Mulberry Street, 701 Duckworth Street, and 705 South Douglas Street. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2024-11. Commissioner Peradotta seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Aaron Lacy of Lucky Fades addressed the Council regarding his Special Use Permit which restricted him from offering video gaming until 1 p.m. on weekdays. He said he is turning people away and wanted to revisit the permit. He said other establishments are allowed to open earlier in the day and he asked for the same guidelines. Mayor Spencer stated when the Special Use Permit was issued, it was stated he could come back to the Zoning Board after his business had been opened for six months and they would reconsider his request. Commissioner Peradotta agreed, he had to be open six months before asking for reconsideration. Mr. Lacy stated he opened his business in September 2023. Mayor Spencer stated he should be able to go back to the Zoning Board very soon.

Dawn Lindstrom requested a No Parking sign and monitoring of Duckworth Street that runs behind the houses on the south side of Coffman Street. People are parking and blocking the street, sometimes all day, and drivers have to back out around a curve to get back out of the street. Mayor Spencer said he heard of this previously and asked the police to patrol the street. Commissioner Hicks said it sounded like they needed to post No Parking and Tow Zone signs and enforce them.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Commissioner Hicks, seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert to adjourn the meeting at 6:56 p.m. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

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