South West Illinois News

City of Pinckneyville City Council met March 10.

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 the following to his agenda: Update from Jesse Maynard of HMG on current City projects. Mayor Spencer announced the agenda was set. Administrative staff present: City Clerk Melissa Kellerman, City Attorney Don Bigham, Fire Captain Jim Gielow. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Kuhnert.

PREVIOUS MINUTES

Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to approve the minutes of February 24, 2025, 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 $157,370.19 for the payroll period ending February 2025, up slightly from last year. He stated that the regular hours of 12,466.75 were down from last year, while overtime hours of 489.50 were 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 that Perry County is under a burn ban, so he is notifying the public that the City of Pinckneyville is included in this burn ban, until further notice.

REQUEST FROM AMERICAN LEGION POST 2504 TO COLLECT ON CITY STREETS

American Legion Post 2504 requested approval for their annual poppy collection at the 4-way stop, Main and and Walnut Street on May 23, 2025. Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve the request. 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-2025-03 AUTHORIZING LEASE OF REAL ESTATE OWNED BY THE CITY OF PINCKNEYVILLE FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES – STEVE AND BRENT EPPLIN

Commissioner Kuhnert presented Resolution No. R-2025-03, a resolution placed on file at the February 24, 2025, regular council meeting, authorizing lease of real estate owned by the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, for agricultural purposes to Steve and Brent Epplin. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2025-03, which was seconded by Commissioner Hicks. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

REPLACEMENT PUMP FOR SITE DRAIN AT EAST SEWER PLANT FROM MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of quote from Municipal Equipment in the amount of $5,736.80 plus freight for a replacement pump for the site drain at the East Sewer Plant, to be paid from the sewer fund. 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.

PERRY COUNTY PLUMBING & HEATING LLC TO INSTALL AND RELOCATE OLD SEWER LINE TO MAIN SEWER

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of an estimate from Perry County Plumbing & Heating LLC in the amount of $5,908.41 to install and relocate an old sewer line to the main sewer, to be paid from sewer capital outlay. 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.

ORDINANCE NO. O-2025-02 TO AMEND SECTION 51.23 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES THE CITY OF PINCKNEYVILLE, PERRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS, REGARDING SERVICE DISCONTINUANCE FOR NON-PAYMENT OF BILLS

Mayor Spencer presented Ordinance No. O-2025-02, an ordinance to amend Section 51.23 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, regarding service discontinuance for non-payment of bills. Mayor Spencer explained the previous ordinance stated gas service would not be disconnect for non-payment of bills when the temperature was forecasted to be below 24 degrees, and the new ordinance raises that to 32 degrees to be in line with the State. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to approve Ordinance No. O-2025-02, which was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Dr. Wayne Hawkins, Scott and Dana Carney came to tell the Council they were pleased with how the City tried to remedy the vicious dog situation during and after the last City Council Meeting. Dr. Hawkins stated several of their group went to the Perry County Board Meeting. He stated the City ordinance states that a vicious dog should not be kept in a residence, and Perry County Commissioner Jennifer Martin took it upon herself to leave the dog confined at the owner’s residence, and she did not have the dog examined by a vet within 24 hours after the attack, which she was supposed to do. He asked if the City’s ordinance can state that a vicious dog, after an attack, could never be kept in the residence after the attack, especially when it is near a place with children. He stated she should have never been able to overrule a municipal ordinance as she did. City Attorney Don Bigham asked if the States Attorney was at the County Board Meeting. Dr. Hawkins said he didn’t really have much to say. Mr. Bigham stated the Perry County Animal Control can state they are full and can’t take the dog, and because the City doesn’t have a dog pound, the City would have to find a place to take the dog. Scott Carney asked if the City could change their ordinance to state the dog or animal who attacked could be disposed of immediately. Commissioner Kuhnert stated the only reason to not do that would be for the rabies check. Dr. Hawkins said Perry Commissioner Jennifer Martin didn’t want to pay the vet bill to have it checked. Commissioner Hicks stated Perry County has the Animal Control Officer. Dr. Hawkins stated there were two dog catchers at the County Board Meeting and they stated they were scared of the dog and afraid it would bite them. He also stated the first thing Perry County Commissioner Jennifer Martin stated was about the family who lost a family member, their dog. Mr. Bigham stated the City could probably ask for an agreement with the County that if a dog injures or bites a person that they agree to take the dog. But if they say no, then the City is authorized to pick it up, but then the question is what does the City do with it. Mr. Carney stated they were satisfied that the City had done all they could do according to their Ordinance and State Law, and they appreciated what the City had done, but the County was different. Commissioner Hicks said they also need to deem what is considered a vicious dog, and Dr. Hawkins stated, it should be deemed vicious when it harms a person. Dr. Hawkins also stated that Perry County Commissioner Martin put it on the public that it had not been reported to her department that the dog had been loose several times, so he accepted that, as a public, we need to be aware that we need to report these issues to the Animal Control Department.

UPDATE ON CITY PROJECTS FROM JESSE MAYNARD OF HMG

Mayor Spencer introduced Jesse Maynard of HMG to give an update on City projects.

1. Sanitary Sewer – sewer line South of Water Street needs replaced, a survey will be done this week to get a cost estimate.

2. Hydrant - flow issue on Mann Drive was traced to a broken valve on Water/Perry Street. City can replace and IDOT permit not needed.

3. Fairground Road Water Main – Railroad company will relocate the signal light – Haier Plumbing hopes to start by end of this month.

4. Pool – Initially told no permit needed from Health Department, so Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stated they just needed a letter from the Health Department stating that. Then the standards changed and now a permit is needed from the Health Department, who keeps sending requests back and forth and requesting new permit applications. The grant application with DNR can’t be completed until these are cleared and a permit is issued by Health Department. Jesse stated most of the items have nothing to do with what is being renovated with the grant, but the pool has to be up-to-code.

a. Diving board cannot be replaced because of new requirements, so once it is removed it cannot be replaced.

b. The lighting on the pool deck doesn’t comply. Either required to be eliminated or splice boxes must be moved.

c. The East end stairs are hollow and removable and the Health Department states someone could become trapped behind them so they don’t comply. He stated they looked at moving the stairs to beside the baby pool, but that location is 2 inches too deep, so they are trying to find a set of stairs that will comply.

d. The Health Department does not have enough flow information on the drain grates, and they are afraid it could suck someone down. They have submitted the water flow information and hopefully that will be cleared.

Commissioner Hicks asked if the pool renovations could be called off. Jesse said that is the City’s decision. Mayor Spencer asked what it would cost if the City did the renovations without using the grant.

5. EPA Meeting scheduled for April regarding the Grant Street Lift Station and Wastewater Treatment Plant – working on schedule/timeline, and game plan on both projects. These two projects are top priority.

6. Mason Street Water Tower – City applied for a DCEO grant for $1.5 million, but bids came in double that amount. Reached back out to vendors and market is still out until 2026, and DCEO requires it to be completed by 2027 and it will take one year to build the water tower. Commissioner Stotlar said he asked a couple of years ago if we needed the water tower and was told no. Jesse said it is recommended to have one day of storage in reserve. The City would be right at that with the East and West water towers. If one of those towers had to come out of service, what would the City do. Commissioner Kuhnert said the State allows another rebid. Jesse said the State would allow the rebid, and let the City keep the grant, but wants a hard number of what the City will go up to if the bid comes in at over $1.5 million by the end of the month. Jesse said there is no way it is a $3 million water tower. Jesse said the legged tank is expensive to maintain. They all need to be painted. He estimated it could cost at least $500,000 to maintain this water tower, so add that to the $1.5 million grant and say the City would go up to $2 million on bids. Mayor Spencer stated the City had the opportunity years ago to hook up Washington County, but for some reason, they ran the line to within 300 feet. And Rend Lake, Washington County, and Kincaid water lines aren’t big enough. Jesse said there is a connection with Tamaroa, but it is only set up to feed Tamaroa, and not get water back. DCEO needs a letter one way or the other by the end of the month to rebid or turn down the grant. Jim Gielow asked about water pressure for fire protection if the Mason Street Water Tower was torn down. Jesse said they’d only see a change when the water is pulled down and the East side has higher pressure.

7. Grant Street Lift Station – Visu-Sewer smoke testing - Jesse doesn’t believe any corrections have been done since the smoke testing. He said some storm sewers were smoking, it was discussed repairing this, but he doesn’t believe it had been done. He said they went door to door for sump pump survey. He said several needed to be revisited, letters were sent out, but many wouldn’t let them back in. Jesse asked the Council if they want to try to get it corrected or try to treat all the ground water and treat it at the plant. This would require purchasing a large piece of grant and adding a larger lift station with two pumps, and get a pipeline to the plant. He suggested NOT treating the rain water, but tracking it with the homeowners and try to get the number down to what the current lift station can handle. He said 10-15 years ago, they did find two storm sewers that were connected to the sanitary sewer system, and those were disconnected and cut off. He said 10 sump pumps could use ½ the lift station capacity, so correcting that would help a lot. Commissioner Stotlar said if everyone unhooks their sump pumps their yards will be flooded because there is no storm sewer. City Attorney Don Bigham stated the City would need to issue citations to those not in compliance, then there will be court proceedings with a judge who will say we have to give them time (maybe a month) to correct it, but it would be cheaper than building another wastewater treatment plant. Jesse said there are several gutters still hooked up to the sewer system. Jesse said if these are corrected, the lift station is plenty big enough to handle that area. City Attorney Don Bigham stated the ordinance states the City can go in and inspect and if you don’t let them in, there could be a $75 fine. He said someone would have to represent the City and testify they are not in compliance. He also said some may just pay the fine and not comply, but then you can issue another citation. Jesse said if you get enough to comply, it may be enough to sell it to the EPA, but the EPA wants the portable pump gone. Mayor Spencer stated this should have already been done.

8. Wastewater Treatment Plant Flow Data – originally at 6.5 million gallons – Brad Boulton said he was collecting this data, but no one can find it and meters weren’t working. Jordan Brand has had flow readings of 3.5 million gallons, so hopefully the plan for the wastewater treatment plant can be reduced in size. They have talked to the EPA. The grant project plan has expired. The next step will be to get loans documents, determine the new location, environmental, timeline of when construction can start. The new location would be to move the plant east, which was already cleared because of previously ground disturbances (for the homes and buildings).

ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Commissioner Peradotta, seconded by Commissioner Stotlar to move the meeting to Executive Session at 7:08 p.m. for the discussion of: Section 2 (c) (2) Collective negotiating matters or deliberations concerning salary schedules and Section 2 (c) (11) Litigation, pending or probable. 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 Kuhnert to return to the regular meeting at 7:12 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 7:13 p.m. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

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