South West Illinois News

City of Red Bud City Council met May 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of Red Bud, Randolph County, Illinois met on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. at the Red Bud City Hall, Council Chambers.

Members Present: Mayor Susan Harbaugh, Curt Guebert, Mike Rheinecker, Bill Hanebutt, Jeremy DeMond, Alan Piel, newly sworn-in: Patrick Mueller and Bryce Parsons

Members Absent: Ben Schwartzkopf, Rodney Nevois, Kyle Donjon

Others Present: City Attorney Rick Cooper, City Superintendent Josh Eckart, Code Administrator/City Engineer Jeff Mueller, Police Chief John Brittingham, Administrative Officer Jill Landgraf, City Clerk Joanne Cowell

I. Pledge of Allegiance

II. Call to Order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Harbaugh

III. Roll Call by City Clerk Joanne Cowell

IV. Approval of Financial Statements

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Demond to approve the Financial Statements as presented and file for audit. The vote was as follows: Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye; Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye. Motion carried.

V. Approval of Estimated and Listed Bills

Motion made by Council Member Hanebutt, seconded by Council Member Piel to approve the estimated and listed bills. The vote was as follows: Rheinecker, aye; Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye. Motion carried.

VI. Consideration of any Additional Bills

There were none.

VII. Correspondence, Public, and Guest Comments

A. National Prevention Week Proclamation

Mayor Harbaugh read and signed the Healthy Communities Alliance National Prevention Week Proclamation, May 11-17, 2025. John Wright, Recovery Coordinator for ComWell, thanked the City of Red Bud for their ongoing support of leadership efforts in helping to decline the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco in our schools.

VIII. Consent Agenda—Items Originated at Committee Level

Please note: Items with ** were removed from the consent agenda.

Consent Agenda – Items Originated at Committee Level as Indicated in ( ) A. City Council Meeting Minutes - April 7, 2025, and Special City Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2025, and April 21, 2025

Approval of minutes from April 7, 2025, April 14, 2025, and April 21, 2025, meetings

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

B. FY 2026 Budget and Capital Plans (Finance)

Approval of the FY 2026 Budget and Capital Plans

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

C. Approval to Cash in Maturing CD after May 16th with Finance Officer to Roll into Illinois Funds (Finance)

Approval to authorize the Finance Officer to cash in the maturing sewer $100,000 CD after May 16th and roll it into Illinois Funds

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

D. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance No. 1558 (Finance)

Authorize approval of Annual Appropriation Ordinance No. 1558, as presented Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

E. Approval to Sponsor a Team for the Red Bud VFW 4-Person Scramble at $360 (Finance)

Authorization of approval to sponsor a team for the VFW Post 6632 Annual Golf Scramble on June 7, 2025, for $360

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

F. Approval of Pay Increase of 2.9% to All City Employees with First Full Pay Period in May, Exempting Pool employees, Crossing Guards and Co-Op Student (Finance)

Approval of authorization to give an annual pay increase based on the CPI Index of 2.9% to all city employees, effective the first full pay period in May, exempting the pool employees, crossing guards, and co-op students

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

G. Approval to Hire Ashley Stellhorn as a Full-Time Police Officer (Public Health & Safety)

Approval of authorization to hire Ashley Stellhorn to fill the newly created full time police officer position in the new budget at the current rate of pay

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

H. Approval for Wahl’s Request to Allow an Inflatable at Ratz Park on July 13, 2025 (Cultural)

Authorize approval of the request from Christina Wahl to allow an inflatable at Ratz Park #3 on July 13, 2025

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

I. Approval for RBI’s Request to Allow a Tent and Inflatables at Ratz Park on August 16, 2025 (Cultural)

Authorization of approval of the request from RBI to allow a tent and inflatables at Ratz Park #3 on August 16, 2025

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

J. Approval of Resolution No. 25-001 – Street Closure for Firemen’s Parade (Cultural)

Authorization of approval of RESOLUTION NO. 25-001 “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF THE STREET CLOSING FOR THE RED BUD FIRE DEPARTMENT PARADE” for June 29, 2025, from 3:45-5:30PM

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

K. Approval for Santa’s Village to Collect at the Four-Way Stop on July 25, 2025, from 4PM-6PM and November 28, 2025, from 2:30PM-4:30PM (Cultural) Approval of authorization of the request from Santa’s Village to collect at the four-way on July 25, 2025, from 4:00PM -6:00PM and November 28, 2025, from 2:30PM-4:30PM

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

L. Approval for Red Bud Beautification to Collect at the Four-Way Stop on November 14, 2025, from 2PM-5PM and November 15, 2025, from 8AM-12PM (Cultural)

Approval of authorization of the request from Red Bud Beautification to collect at the four-way on November 14, 2025, from 2PM-5PM and November 15, 2025, from 8:00AM-12:00PM

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

M. Approval of Resolution No. 25-002 – Street Closure for Lighted Parade (Cultural)

Approval of authorization of RESOLUTION NO. 25-002 “A RESOLUTION OF THE STREET CLOSING FOR THE RED BUD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LIGHTED PARADE/HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS” on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 5:30PM-7:30PM

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

N. Approval of Randolph County YMCA Request to Reserve Basketball Court at Lincoln Park for 3v3 Basketball League (Cultural)

Approval of authorization of request from the Randolph County YMCA to reserve one of the Lincoln Park basketball courts on Friday evenings from 5:00PM-9:00PM, from June 25-August 2, 2025, excluding July 4, 2025, for a 3v3 summer basketball league

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

O. Approval to Raise Blake Henry’s Pay Rate to Current Part-Time Rate, Effective with the First Full Pay Period in May (Public works)

Approval of authorization to raise Blake Henry’s rate of pay to the current part time rate, effective with the first full pay period in May, since he is finished with co-op

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

P. Approval of Resignation from Sherry Salger and Logan Salger (Public Works) Authorization of approval of the resignation from Sherry Salger and Logan Salger as meter readers, effective May 13, 2025

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

Q. Approval for Derek Allen to Attend IRWA Training on June 3, 2025 (Public Works)

Authorization of approval of the request to send Derek Allen to the “IRWA Drinking Water Compliance” training on June 3, 2025, in Grand Tower, IL, NTE $500; transportation is required

Motion made by Council Member Rheinecker, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to approve under the omnibus designation, the consent agenda items A through Q. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

IX. Reports of Standing Committee, Departments and Other Committees, Boards & Commissions

A. Finance Committee - Meeting April 21, 2025

1. Maturing CDs

None

B. Personnel Committee - Meeting April 21, 2025

Nothing to report

C. Public Health & Safety Committee - Meeting April 21, 2025

1. Recognition of Officer Cleland

Chief Brittingham read a Letter of Commendation for Officer Tyler Cleland for his efforts in rescuing a FedEx driver from her disabled vehicle in the flooded street and carrying her to safety, on April 11, 2025.

2. Accept Ted Stellhorn’s Retirement Notice, Effective June 6, 2025

Motion made by Council Member Hanebutt, seconded by Council Member Rheinecker, to authorize approval to accept the retirement notice from Theodore Stellhorn, III, effective June 6, 2025. The vote was as follows: DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye; Hanebutt, aye. Motion carried.

3. Hire Replacement Full-Time Police Officer

Officer Robert Brittingham will replace the position opened with Officer Ted Stellhorn’s retirement.

Motion made by Council Member Hanebutt, seconded by Council Member Guebert, to authorize approval to hire Robert Brittingham as a full-time police officer at the current rate of pay. The vote was as follows: Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye; Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye. Motion carried.

Mayor Harbaugh thanked all the officers, the utility departments, Barb Moeller and Patty Rieke and the volunteer fire department for all they have done and for being a part of an outstanding team, in the events of the past couple of weeks.

D. Cultural Committee - Meeting April 21, 2025

Nothing to report

E. Public Works Committee - Meeting April 21, 2025

1. Approval of SN Partners Proposal – New Lawn Mower

Motion made by Council Member Guebert, seconded by Council Member Rheinecker, to authorize approval of the proposal in the amount of $11,312.24 from SN Partners for a new John Deere Z970R ZTrak lawn mower, with trade-in. The vote was as follows: Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye; Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye. Motion carried.

2. Authorization to Go Out for Bids for Overlay Work as a Part of the Permanent Street Program

Laverne Ct., Diane Ct., Patti Ct., Steven Dr., McCarthy, and Hilltop are involved. Eckart and Mueller will work on getting the bid specs together. Motion made by Council Member Guebert, seconded by Council Member Hanebutt, to authorize approval to prepare and go out for bids for the overlay work, as part of the permanent streets program. The vote was as follows: Rheinecker, aye; Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye. Motion carried.

F. Zoning Committee - Meeting April 21, 2025

Nothing to report

G. Recreational Facilities – Meeting April 21, 2025

Nothing to report

H. Executive Session Minutes Review Committee – No Meeting

Nothing to report

I. Planning Commission – Meeting April 15, 2025

1. Southern Illinois Crankshaft – Ordinance No. 1559

Motion made by Council Member Piel, seconded by Council Member Hanebutt, to authorize approval of ORDINANCE NO. 1559 “AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE UNDER TITLE XVII, CHAPTER 173 OF THE CITY OF RED BUD CODE OF ORDINANCES 2021” for Southern Illinois Crankshaft. The vote was as follows: Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Guebert, aye; Rheinecker, aye. Motion carried.

J. Economic Development Commission – No Meeting

Nothing to report

K. Parks and Recreation Committee – No Meeting

Nothing to report

X. Old Business

None

XI. Elected Officials Transition

A. Recognition of Outgoing Elected Officials

Mayor Harbaugh recognized Ben Schwartzkopf (2021-2025) and Mike

Rheinecker (1991-1995 & 2019-2025) for their service to the City as aldermen.

Council Member Rheinecker was awarded a plaque for his years of service and Council Member Schwartzkopf was unable to be at the meeting. He will receive his plaque later. Council Member Rheinecker exited the meeting at 6:09PM.

B. Oath of Office for Newly Elected Officials

City Clerk Joanne Cowell administered the oath of office to new elected Bryce Parsons, Alderman Ward I, and Patrick Mueller, Alderman Ward IV, and reelected Curtis Guebert, Alderman Ward III, and William Hanebutt, Alderman Ward II.

XII. New Business

A. Appointments

Motion made by Council Member Hanebutt, seconded by Council Member Piel, to hold an omnibus vote for agenda items XII A & B. The vote was as follows: Parsons, aye; Guebert, aye; Mueller, aye; Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye. Motion carried.

1. Open Meetings Act Designee Jill Landgraf

(5 ILCS 120/1.05(a))

2. Deputy Clerk (32-41) Jill Landgraf

3. City Attorney (32-62) Rebecca Cooper

4. Committee Appointments (City Code Ch. 31-5)

A. Finance Pat Mueller, Chairman

Jeremy DeMond

Bill Hanebutt

Rodney Nevois

Alan Piel

B. Personnel Jeremy DeMond, Chairman Kyle Donjon

Curt Guebert

Bryce Parsons

Alan Piel

C. Public Health & Safety Bill Hanebutt, Chairman

Kyle Donjon

Curt Guebert

Pat Mueller

Bryce Parsons

D. Cultural Bryce Parsons, Chairman

Jeremy DeMond

Kyle Donjon

Curt Guebert

Pat Mueller

E. Public Works Curt Guebert, Chairman

Kyle Donjon

Bill Hanebutt

Rodney Nevois

Bryce Parsons

F. Zoning Alan Piel, Chairman

Jeremy DeMond

Curt Guebert

Pat Mueller

Rodney Nevois

G. Recreational Facilities Kyle Donjon, Chairman Jeremy DeMond

Bill Hanebutt

Rodney Nevois

Alan Piel

H. Exec. Session Minutes Review Bryce Parsons, Chairman Bill Hanebutt

Pat Mueller

Rodney Nevois

Alan Piel

(Other Participants: City Clerk, City Attorney)

5. Liaison Members

Business/Chamber of Commerce Rodney Nevois

Community Foundation of Red Bud Jeremy DeMond

Economic Development Rodney Nevois, Chairman ESDA Bill Hanebutt

Fire Department Curt Guebert

Library Board Bryce Parsons

Parks & Recreation (City Code Ch 93-5) Kyle Donjon

Planning Commission Alan Piel

6. Appoint. to the Parks, Pool & Rec. Comm. (9 Mem.) 3 Yr. Term (93-3)

A. Matt Shields

B. Jim Birke

C. Winnie Rehmer

7. Appointments to the Library Board (9 Member) 3 Yr. Term (34-26)

A. Chris Gidley

B. Blenda Ingalls

C. Vacant

8. Appointment to the Planning Commission (9 Mem.) 3 Yr. Term (34-3)

A. Robbie Aubuchon

B. Josh Johnson

C. Janet Braun

9. Appoint. to the Economic Dev. Commission (12 Members & 1 Council Member) 4 Yr. Term (34-12)

A. Jennifer Gregson

B. Stuart Langrehr

C. Clem Esker

B. Designated Depository (City Code Ch 32-59)

1. Primary: Dieterich Bank - Red Bud Branch

2. Secondary: Buena Vista Bank, Illinois Funds, North County Savings Bank

Motion made by Council Member Hanebutt, seconded by Council Member Parsons, to authorize approval of omnibus vote for agenda items XI A & B. The vote was as follows: Guebert, aye; Mueller, aye; Hanebutt, aye; DeMond, aye; Piel, aye; Parsons, aye. Motion carried.

C. Review of Annual Notice of Public Meetings

As submitted May 1, 2025

D. Civility Pledge

Mayor Harbaugh made the Civility Pledge available to remind all to be

respectful of others’ ideas.

E. Review of May Calendar

No changes.

F. Other Comments

Jeff Mueller noted that the Ratz Park Splash Pad is open from 10AM-8PM daily.

Mayor Harbaugh acknowledged Clerk Joanne Cowell and Deputy Clerk Jill Landgraf in recognition of the 56th Annual Municipal Clerks Week, May 4th – 10th.

Mayor Harbaugh acknowledged that there is seventy years of experience among the council and the leadership team has 60 years of service. “We need to depend on each other and work with each other.”

G. Adjournment

Motion was made at 6:21 P.M. by Council Member Parsons, seconded by Council Member Mueller, to adjourn the meeting. The vote was as follows: all ayes. Motion carried.

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