South West Illinois News

City of Pinckneyville City Council met March 24.

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 the Mason Street Water Tower Project. Mayor Spencer announced the agenda was set. Administrative staff present: City Clerk Melissa Kellerman, City Attorney Don Bigham, Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Gilliam, Fire Captain Jim Gielow. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Peradotta.

PREVIOUS MINUTES

Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to approve the minutes of March 10, 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 the ending balance total for the period ending February 2025 was $11,845,016.92, up from last year, and unrestricted balance total was $2,476,258.98, was down 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 with two additional invoices: $879.00 from CDS for telephone lease and $274.18 from Companion Life. 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 stated the Pinckneyville Jr. High Volleyball Team will be competing at the State Tournament in Nashville on Saturday, March 29th, playing at 11 a.m. Commissioner Peradotta added that they’ve had a good season.

REQUEST FROM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH TO CLOSE WEST ST. LOUIS STREET APRIL 12 ,2025 FOR EASTER EGG HUNT

First Baptist Church requested to close West St. Louis Street between the church building and parking lot for the annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 8 a.m. until noon. Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve the request. Commissioner Peradotta seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

PURCHASE SULZER SUBMERSIBLE PUMP FROM MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of a quote to purchase and install a Sulzer submersible pump from Municipal Equipment at a total cost of $6,546.80 + freight for the Huntwood lift station to be paid from Sewer capital outlay.

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.

PURCHASE POOL CHEMICALS FOR 2025 POOL SEASON FROM SPEAR

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of a quote for the purchase of pool chemicals for the 2025 pool season from Spear at a total cost of $14,618.88 to be paid from the Pool fund. 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.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-05 FOR ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL TO FURNISH MATERIALS AND APPROVAL OF AWARD TO BEELMAN READY MIX INC. FOR 2025 MOTOR FUTEL TAX MAINTENANCE

Commissioner Peradotta introduced Resolution No. R-2025-05, a resolution to be placed on file, for the Acceptance of Proposal to Furnish Materials and Approval of Award to Beelman Ready Mix Inc. For the 2025 Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2025-05, which 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-2025-06 FOR ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL TO FURNISH MATERIALS AND APPROVAL OF AWARD TO ILLINI ASPHALT CORPORATIONFOR 2025 MOTOR FUTEL TAX MAINTENANCE

Commissioner Peradotta introduced Resolution No. R-2025-06, a resolution to be placed on file, for the Acceptance of Proposal to Furnish Materials and Approval of Award to Illini Asphalt Corporation For the 2025 Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2025-06, which 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-2025-04 TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH ILLINOIS FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LABOR COUNCIL

Commissioner Stotlar introduced Resolution No. R-2025-04, a resolution to be placed on file, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into a contract with Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council regarding the employment of police officers by the City of Pinckneyville. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2025-04, which was seconded by Commissioner Hicks. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

ORDINANCE NO. O-2025-03 TO ENTER INTO A SECOND AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED OPTION AND LEASE AGREEMENT (SOUTH) WITH KIWI SOLAR 2, LLC

Mayor Spencer introduced Ordinance No. O-2025-03, an ordinance to be placed on file, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into a second amendment to amended and restated Option and Lease Agreement (South) with Kiwi Solar 2, LLC. City Attorney Don Bigham explained the amendment is to include a survey description of the second phase of this project, and they are currently in the process of obtaining a Special Use Permit for the change. He also stated that the City will receive a $20,000.00 payment for the extension option. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Ordinance No. O-2025-03, which was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: Commissioner Kuhnert. Motion declared carried.

ORDINANCE NO. O-2025-04 COMMITTING BUSINESS DISTRICT FUNDS TO MEG ENTERPRISES LLC

Mayor Spencer presented Ordinance No. O-2025-04, an ordinance authorizing approval of an application from MEG Enterprises LLC, doing business as Belle of the Ball, for Business District Funds and committing Business District Funds from the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois. Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Gilliam stated Mark and Haley Staton purchased the former Mann’s Sporting Goods building and are in the process of renovating it to fit their needs. Mrs. Stanton stated they will have more space for their products and more parking available for customers. She stated they will be updating the HVAC, painting inside and outside of building, and improvements to front windows, roof, and ceiling tiles. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to approve Ordinance No. O-2025-04, which was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. ABSTAINED: Commissioner Kuhnert. Motion declared carried.

ORDINANCE NO. O-2025-05 COMMITTING FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT FUNDS TO MEG ENTERPRISES LLC

Mayor Spencer presented Ordinance No. O-2025-05, an ordinance authorizing approval of an application from MEG Enterprises LLC, doing business as Belle of the Ball for Façade Improvement Grant Funds of the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, and committing Façade Improvement Grant Funds from the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to approve Ordinance No. O-2025-04, which was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. ABSTAINED: Commissioner Kuhnert. Motion declared carried.

ACCEPT RESIGNATION OF TED HARSHA FROM POLICE PENSION BOARD

Mayor Spencer requested to accept the resignation of Ted Harsha from the Police Pension Board effective February 28, 2025. 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.

APPOINT TIBRETTA REIMAN TO POLICE PENSION BOARD

Mayor Spencer requested to appoint Tibretta Reiman to the Police Pension Board to fill the vacancy of the unexpired term of Ted Harsha which will expire on May 12, 2026. Commissioner Hicks 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.

RE-APPOINT SUSAN HEPP TO POLICE PENSION BOARD

Mayor Spencer requested to re-appoint Susan Hepp to the Police Pension Board for a two-year term which will expire on May 11, 2027. Commissioner Peradotta 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.

UPDATE ON CITY PROJECTS FROM JESSE MAYNARD OF HMG

Mayor Spencer introduced Jesse Maynard of HMG to give an update on the Mason Street Water Tower Project.

Mr. Maynard stated he will need a letter to submit to DCEO by the end of the week of how much money the City will put with the grant application. Commissioner Kuhnert stated he now realizes the water tower by the prison cannot feed back to the City. Mr. Maynard stated that once the water is sent out to that water tower, it doesn’t bring it back due to the pressure from that water tower. Commissioner Kuhnert then concluded that if the Mason Street Water Tower was eliminated, the City would only have the Diamondtown Water Tower to rely on. He also asked the cost to refurbish the Mason Street Water Tower, which is estimated to be over $600,000.00, so adding that to the $1.5 million grant, means the City could go up to $2.2 million on bids for the Main Street Water Tower Replacement Project. Mr. Maynard stated that if the City would not receive the grant or a bid of $2.2 million or less, and the Diamondtown Water Tower would go down for refurbishment, it would be difficult to keep the pressure from the East Water Tower at a level needed to supply the City with water. He stated if the grant fails, the City could look at the cost to tear down or refurbish the Mason Street Water Tower. He also stated that some Water Tower Maintenance Grants have been given back in Southern Illinois. He stated HMG’s $1.65 million estimate for the new water tower was a good estimate for a 300,000-gallon tank, and it should not cost $3 million as represented by the previous bids. Commissioner Kuhnert stated that Sparta has a contract to build a new water tower, so hopefully that company could bid on our project and move here after completing the Sparta water tower. Mr. Maynard also stated there is an option from DCEO to reduce the size of the water tower to 200,000 or 250,000 gallons. Commissioner Peradotta asked the size of the Diamondtown water tower. Mr. Maynard stated the Diamondtown water tower is 200,000 gallons and the East Water Tower by the prison is 400,000 gallons. Mayor Spencer stated we should agree to the $2.2 million bid and also include the option for a smaller tank.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Nathan Bealsey from Perry County Health Department appeared on behalf of the residents at the Garden Apartments. He has received a number of complaints from that location, with the chief concern being bed bugs. He inspected an apartment unit on his way to tonight’s council meeting and said the sticky traps were full of bugs and a neighbor had bug skeletons in her wheelchair crevices. He stated it is a chronic problem and is unsure how to proceed to get this issue under control. He stated this is an income-based facility for people on fixed incomes and the tenants have exhausted all options and expect better living conditions. He stated he has pictures and encouraged the council members to take a look for themselves. He reported the owner states that Orkin comes in once per month and sprays and the property management group posts flyers in the building about spraying. Mayor Spencer said he is scheduling a meeting with the owners regarding a different matter of a safety concern and has had problems with the property management agency. The Mayor requested Mr. Beasley attend the meeting when it is scheduled. Jeff Egbert of the Weekly Press asked if this would be a Zoning or Code Enforcement issue. City Clerk Attorney Don Bigham stated the City doesn’t have a Code Enforcement Officer and asked Mr. Beasley if he could address it as a health problem. Commissioner Peradotta asked about the hotel having bed bugs in the past, and Mayor Spencer stated they took care of it themselves. City Attorney Don Bigham stated the hotel fell under the Liquor Ordinance. Mr. Beasley concluded that he saw bites on the ankles of tenants and due to their fixed income, they have no other place to go and can’t invite visitors in as they have also reported feces in the hallways of the building. Mr. Beasley would like to have wording provided in the Ordinance that the Health Department can conduct building inspections due to dangerous conditions reported by residents.

Jeff Egbert of the Weekly Press asked if there were any significant changes to the police contract that was placed on file. City Attorney Don Bigham stated basically that the wages were increased and there was a provision added for reimbursement of training costs if the employee doesn’t remain stay with the department for three years.

Mr. Egbert then asked a follow-up question about the recent dog attack discussed at the previous council meetings, asking if the City had any progress with the County to know if they County will take a viscous dog. Mayor Spencer stated Commissioner Martin is supposed to get with the community, and she hasn’t talked to the City. City Attorney Don Bigham stated he hasn’t talked to the States Attorney about it. Mr. Beasley from the Perry County Health Department stated that the Animal Control Officer did contact him and picked up some supplies.

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS CANCELLED

City Attorney Don Bigham stated he had no new information to provide for Executive Session Discussion on Section 2 (c) (2) Collective negotiating matters or deliberations concerning salary schedules or Section 2 (c) (11) Litigation, pending or probable.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Commissioner Hicks, seconded by Commissioner Stotlar to adjourn the meeting at 6:43 p.m. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

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