South West Illinois News

City of Pinckneyville City Council met March 11.

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 Kuhnert.

PREVIOUS MINUTES

Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 26, 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 Total Gross Payroll was $381,039.04 for the payroll period ending February 2024, up from last year. He stated that the regular hours of 13,341 and overtime hours of 456 were both up from last year. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. 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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve the accounts payable with six additional invoices: Four invoices from Egyptian Electric totaling $696.44; Frontier in the amount of $75.38; and Richard Boucher for the airport to purchase a sprayer in the amount of $344.00 for a total added of $1,115.82. 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 Kuhnert thanked the group of volunteers who performed a major clean-up at the City Lake on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The event was organized by Evan and Jordan Morgeson and they had 25-30 volunteers participate, including the PCHS fishing team. Enough trash, including old tires, was collected to fill a roll-off dumpster. A list has not yet been obtained, but the Mayor will present certificates to the volunteers.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-16 POSTING OF SLOW CHILDREN PLAYING SIGNS WITHIN THE CITY OF PINCKNEYVILLE, PERRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS, 510 SOUTH WALNUT STREET

Commissioner Hicks presented Resolution No. R-2024-16, a resolution authorizing the posting of Slow Children Playing Signs within the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, at 510 South Walnut Street. Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2024-16. Commissioner Stotlar seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

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

Commissioner Kuhnert presented Resolution No. R-2024-10, a resolution placed on file at the February 26, 2024, regular council meeting, authorizing lease of real estate owned by the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, for agricultural purposes with Edward J. Bruns. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve 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.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-12 AUTHORIZING LEASE OF REAL ESTATE FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES – STEVE EPPLIN AND BRENT EPPLIN

Commissioner Kuhnert introduced Resolution No. R-2024-12, a resolution to be placed on file, authorizing lease of real estate owned by the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, for agricultural purposes – Steve Epplin and Brent Epplin. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2024-12. 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-2024-14 TO ENTER INTO A MOWING CONTRACT WITH JEFFREY BRIDGES (CITY CEMETERY)

Commissioner Peradotta introduced Resolution No. R-2024-14, a resolution to be placed on file, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into a Mowing Contract with Jeffrey Bridges (City Cemetery). Commissioner Peradotta stated mowing bids for the City Cemetery were accepted on March 16, 2024, and Mr. Bridges was the lowest bidder. City Attorney Don Bigham stated there will be a correction to the payment stream to start payment on May 1 and end on December 1 each year. The corrected page will be distributed before the resolution receives final approval at the March 25, 2024, regular council meeting. Commissioner Peradotta also stated mowing will begin two weeks early this year, due to Easter being early, and end two weeks early in November. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2024-14. Commissioner Stotlar seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

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

Mayor Spencer presented Resolution No. R-2024-08, a resolution placed on file at the February 26, 2024, regular council meeting, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into an agreement for custodial services with Noah S. Hepp. Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2024-08. Commissioner Stotlar 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 presented Resolution No. R-2024-09, a resolution placed on file at the February 26, 2024, regular council meeting, 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. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to approve 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-2024-13 TO ENTER INTO A LEASE OF OFFICE SPACE LOCATED IN THE PINCKNEYVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER TO GOOD STEWARD CONSULTING LLC

Mayor Spencer introduced Resolution No. R-2024-13, a resolution to be placed on file, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into a Lease of Office Space located in the Pinckneyville Community Center to Good Steward Consulting LLC. Mayor Spencer noted this is a rental of vacant office space for two years at $300.00 per month to a solar company. City Attorney Don Bigham clarified it is a guaranteed six-month initial rental term, followed by month to month rents. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2024-13. Commissioner Stotlar seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

ORDINANCE NO. O-2024-02 REZONING CERTAIN TRACTS OF REAL ESTATE IN THE CITY OF PINCKNEYVILLE, PERRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PINCKNEYVILLE AND AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF PINCKNEYVILLE

Mayor Spencer introduced Ordinance No. O-2024-02, an ordinance to be placed on file rezoning certain tracts of real estate in the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, amending the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Pinckneyville and amending the official Zoning Map of the City of Pinckneyville. Mike Kovic, Chairman of the Zoning Board, stated there was a commercial building originally zoned as residential, which should be zoned as highway business. He stated there is a variance process to make that change. The building is the former antique building next to Hi Standard. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Ordinance No O-2024-02. 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-2024-15 TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR GRANT ASSISTANCE WITH TAPS AND VINE, LLC, JACOB MOORE, LAUREN MOORE, AND STEVEN BARRIS

Mayor Spencer introduced Resolution No. R-2024-15, a resolution to be placed on file, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into an agreement for grant assistance with Taps and Vine, LLC, Jacob Moore, Lauren Moore, and Steven Barris.

Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Gilliam stated this is the old Coast to Coast building which hasn’t had any business improvements in 10 years. She stated this new business would be unique to Pinckneyville, being a commercial kitchen which can be rented out. An example would be the Rollin Lumpia. They currently have to rent a space to prepare their commercial foods. Taps and Vine Social House will be able to use it to prepare new offerings that they will transport from the commercial kitchen to their current location. The Perry County Health Department thinks it is a great idea. There is also room for food storage in the building. Lauren Moore stated they only have plans to renovate one side of the building right now for the commercial kitchen and storage space, re-siding the building and removing the addition, which will allow for more parking. She stated there are also three apartments in the other half of the building, but two are vacant and one is currently rented. They are not doing anything with that part of the building at this time. Commissioner Peradotta said it was a commercial building before and thought it was a good idea. This grant is for up to $25,000 from Business District Funds and $10,000 from the Facade Grant Program.

Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2024-15. 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-2024-17 TO ACCEPT BID PROPOSALS FROM HAGENE EXCAVATING, LLC, FOR DEMOLITION SERVICES AT 108 WEST MULBERRY STREET, 701 DUCKWORTH STREET, AND 705 SOUTH DOUGLAS STREET

Mayor Spencer introduced Resolution No. R-2024-17, a resolution to be placed on file to accept bid proposals from Hagene Excavating, LLC, for Demolition Services at 108 West Mulberry Street, 701 Duckworth Street, and 705 South Dougl as Street. He stated these properties were acquired by the City at the last council meeting and the City intends to proceed with demolition of the properties. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2024-17. Commissioner Stotlar seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jeff Egbert of the Weekly-Press asked the Council to respond to the Library situation, asking who decided to ask for the money for the repairs and clean-up. Mayor Spencer asked who owns the Library. Mr. Egbert said the Library is its own taxing body and doesn’t get any Personal Property Replacement Taxes (PPRT). Mayor Spencer responded that the City gets PPRT. Mr. Egbert asked if the City doesn’t own the Library, why did they do the work in the first place. Mayor Spencer responded that the City helps the Library out, providing bookkeeping and payroll for the library. He stated after the City purchased the Community Center, they offered to have the Library move to the Community Center where all expenses would be covered, but they turned it down. He also stated the City pays the Library’s payroll taxes, worker’s compensation insurance, property insurance, legal fees, unemployment benefits, and audits. Commissioner Peradotta added the City mows the Library property and resurfaces its parking lot. Mayor Spencer stated the letter was sent to show the Library what the costs were for the repairs, ask for reimbursement, and show them that they need to plan for instances like this in their budget. He said he was upset that no one came to him before posting negatively on Facebook. Commissioner Kuhnert stated he and two utility workers were present to board up the windows after the library was vandalized on a Sunday. He stated the broken glass throughout the building required professional cleaning and the windows had to be replaced. He also stated that he asked the Mayor if the amount due could be reduced, and the Mayor had responded it could be reduced in half. Mayor Spencer stated the bills for ServPro and the new windows came to the City and the City paid the bills. He then stated the Library is a needed service for the community, but they need to realize that the City pays bills each year to cover expenses that the Library does not cover, which is several thousand dollars each year which go back to at least 2017. Commissioner Stotlar stated he’s been on the board 10 years and the Library has not asked for an Intergovernmental Agreement to assist them. Mr. Egbert asked if the City does not own the building why they are insuring it. Commissioner Peradotta stated it may be expensive for them to insure it themselves. Mr. Egert confirmed the deductible for each property is $10,000 and that these expenses did not meet the deductible. He then asked who authorized the letter to the Library, and the Mayor stated he had authorized the letter. City Attorney Don Bigham stated the Library is now levying additional taxes for IMRF, which the City had covered in past years. The Library now has a Corporate and IMRF Tax Levy.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Commissioner Hicks, seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert to adjourn the meeting at 6:31 p.m. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

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