South West Illinois News

City of Pinckneyville City Council met May 12.

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, Police Chief Kenneth Kelley, Fire Chief Curtis Miller, and Fire Captain James Gielow. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Kuhnert.

PREVIOUS MINUTES

Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to approve the minutes of both the April 28, 2025, Public Hearing and Regular Council Meetings. 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 $759,432.18 for the payroll period ending April 2025, down from last year. He stated that the regular hours of 25,152 were down from last year, while overtime hours of 864.50 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 with the addition of $1,349.58 to Clearwave for internet, four invoices from Egyptian Electric totaling $337.73, and $39,450.63 to ICRMT for property insurance premium for a total added of $41,137.94. 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 mentioned that a group of people came by and cleaned up a house on Duckworth near the Fairgrounds and did a nice job. Mayor Spencer added that the City had mowed the grass at that location.

STREET CLOSURES FOR ST. BRUNO CATHOLIC CHURCH ANNUAL PICNIC

Commissioner Hicks presented a request from St. Bruno Catholic Church to close various streets and request no parking areas surrounding the parish grounds and the Columbian Club Saturday, June 19, 2025, for the annual parish picnic. A map was provided of the streets to be closed, and Dawn Kellerman-Smith was present to represent St. Bruno Church and thanked the Council for the allowing the road closures for the safety of the picnic attendees. Commissioner Peradotta stated barricades will be put out for them the Friday afternoon prior to the picnic and picked up the Monday morning after the picnic. Commissioner Hicks 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.

5K RUN/WALK FUNDRAISER FOR BENEFIT OF BABY SARAH PLAYGROUND

Commissioner Hicks presented a request from Casey McDonnough from the Pinckneyville Community Hospital Wellness Center to host a 5K Run/Walk Fundraiser for the benefit of the Baby Sarah Playground on Saturday, October 11, 2025, including necessary road closures and use of parking at the pool and south pavilion. Mrs. McDonnough stated this is to promote health and wellness, while donating a portion of the proceeds to the Baby Sarah Playground. She stated they will have volunteers present in the road areas. Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve request, which was seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

MARSHALL J SOWDER REQUESTS TO DISCUSS ISSUES REGARDING HIS AND NEIGHBORING PROPERTY AS WELL AS HARASSMENT FROM AN OFFICER AND NEIGHBOR

Commissioner Hicks stated Mr. Sowder was unable to attend the meeting so the item would not be discussed.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-08 TO ENTER INTO A SWIMMING POOL MANAGEMENT SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY POOL WITH JO C. SUMMERS

Commissioner Kuhnert presented Resolution No. R-2025-08, a resolution placed on file at the April 28, 2025, regular council meeting, authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into a Swimming Pool Management Service Agreement for the Management of the City Pool with Jo C. Summers. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2025-08, 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-2025-14 DESIGNATING A NON-SMOKING AREA FOR A PLAYGROUND AREA AT THE PERRY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Commissioner Kuhnert introduced Resolution No. R-2025-14, a resolution to be placed on file authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to designate a non-smoking area for a playground area at the Perry County Fairgrounds. Commissioner Kuhnert noted this will be a playground area only. Commissioner Kuhnert then made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2025-14, which was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO UTILITY DEPARTMENT BACKHOE FROM FABICK TRACTOR COMPANY

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of emergency repairs to the Utility Department backhoe from Fabick Tractor Company in the total amount of $4,574.17, completed in two visits, to be paid from the Water Fund. 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.

REPLACE CHLORINE FEEDER AT CITY POOL FROM SPEAR

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of a quote from Spear in the total amount of $9,715.54 to replace the chlorine feeder (plus permit fee) at the City Pool to be paid from Pool Capital Outlay. 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.

NON-POTABLE HMI & TRANSMITTER REPLACEMENT FROM LOGICON

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of an invoice from Logicon Group in the amount of $9,642.00 for a Non-Potable HMI & Transmitter replacement be paid from the Water Fund. 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.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-11 TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH HENRY, MEISENHEIMER & GENDE, INC. (HMG ENGINEERS, INC.) IN CONNECTION WITH INSTALLING SANITARY SEWER TO OXBOW SUBDIVION, CEDAR POINT SUBDIVISION, AND CHARLOTTE HILLS SUBDIVISION

Mayor Spencer introduced Resolution No. R-2025-11, a resolution to be placed on file authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into a Professional Services Agreement for engineering services with Henry, Meisenheimer & Gende, Inc. (HMG Engineers, Inc.) in connection with installing sanitary sewer to Oxbow Subdivision, Cedar Point Subdivision, and Charlotte Hills Subdivision. Mayor Spencer stated there is a free grant to plan for the project so when the main grant for installing the sewer comes through, the City would be first in line. Jesse Maynard, from HMG Engineers, Inc., stated the EPA has offered this grant for unsewered areas and the City has applied for and received approval for the planning grant. Mayor Spencer stated the money will go to the City if the City has the agreement in place with HMG Engineers, Inc. Commissioner Peradotta asked if a lot of houses would be interested. Mr. Maynard stated all areas listed have been annexed in except the Oxbow Subdivision, and that this is just the planning stage. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2025-11, which was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-12 TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH HENRY, MEISENHEIMER & GENDE, INC. (HMG ENGINEERS, INC.) IN CONNECTION WITH UPDATING THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT PLAN

Mayor Spencer introduced Resolution No. R-2025-12, a resolution to be placed on file authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into a Professional Services Agreement for engineering services with Henry, Meisenheimer & Gende, Inc. (HMG Engineers, Inc.) in connection with updating the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Plan. Mayor Spencer stated the City has been working on this project for over 10 years, and the previous Council back then didn’t make a decision to go forward with the new Wastewater Treatment Plant construction due to the expense. Then in recent years, due to archeological findings, the site was no longer a viable option, so HMG Engineers, Inc., has come up with plans for a new site, which is next to the previous site plan, but this new location site has been previously approved by the EPA. Jesse Maynard, from HMG Engineers, Inc., stated HMG will update the project plan, then go through the environmental process, and hopes to have EPA approval by March 31. 2026, so the project can be funded by the end of 2026. He stated the area has already been cleared so it shouldn’t require an archeological approval. Commissioner Stotlar asked where this would be and if there was an additional cost to move it. Mr. Maynard stated it will be East of the previous location, and stated the construction costs have been going up over the last few years, but hopes the construction costs may come down over the next couple years. He also stated there is now a cap on the funding of $5 million. Mayor Spencer stated regardless of the cost, the City has to have a new Wastewater Treatment Plant. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R 2025-12, which was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-13 TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH HENRY, MEISENHEIMER & GENDE, INC. (HMG ENGINEERS, INC.) IN CONNECTION WITH FIRST STREET SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS

Mayor Spencer introduced Resolution No. R-2025-13, a resolution to be placed on file authorizing the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois, to enter into a Professional Services Agreement for engineering services with Henry, Meisenheimer & Gende, Inc. (HMG Engineers, Inc.) in connection with First Street Sanitary Sewer Improvements. Mayor Spencer stated the City stated this project six years ago, needing easements from property owners. Jesse Maynard, from HMG Engineers, Inc., stated the City needed 200 feet for the sewer extension and to replace a manhole to three homes. Commissioner Kuhnert stated this was a requirement by the EPA. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2025-13, 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-2025-09 TO ACCEPT A BID PROPOSAL FROM HAGENE EXCAVATING, LLC, FOR DEMOLITION SERVICES AT 701 PENINA STREET

Mayor Spencer introduced Resolution No. R-2025-09, a resolution to be placed on file to accept a bid proposal from Hagene Excavating, LLC, for demolition services at 701 Penina Street, stating the property has been acquired by the City and needs to be torn down. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2025-09, which was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-10 TO ACCEPT A BID PROPOSAL FROM HAGENE EXCAVATING, LLC, FOR DEMOLITION SERVICES ON TAFFEE STREET

Mayor Spencer introduced Resolution No. R-2025-10, a resolution to be placed on file to accept a bid proposal from Hagene Excavating, LLC, for demolition services on Taffee Street, stating the house burned, has been acquired by the City, and needs to be torn down. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to place on file Resolution No. R-2025-10, 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-2025-15 AUTHORIZING NOTICE OF SALE OF MUNICIPALLY OWNED REAL PROPERTY – BLUE BUNTING ROAD

Mayor Spencer presented Resolution No. R-2025-15, a resolution authorizing Notice of Sale of municipally owned real property – Blue Bunting Road. Mayor Spencer stated this is in the Industrial Park and someone wants to purchase the property and move their facility from Du Quoin and Pinckneyville to that location. City Attorney Don Bigham stated bids will be opened at the second meeting in June and that the City reserves the right to reject any and all bids. He also stated that there is a clause reserving the right of re-entry to the City if the purchaser does not complete the proposed development project within 90 days after the estimated completion date. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2025-15, 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

Genevieve Hester updated the Council on the Splash Into Summer event on May 31, 2025, and requested the vacant lot across from City Hall be mowed prior to the event because the sidewalk chalk contest will be in that area. Commissioner Kuhnert stated it would be taken care of.

ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Commissioner Peradotta, seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert to move the meeting to Executive Session at 6:28 p.m. for the discussion of: Section 2 (c) (1) Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of an employee, Section 2 (c) (6) Setting of a price for the sale or lease of property owned by the public body and Section 2 (c) (8) Security procedures, school building safety and security, and use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property. 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 Hicks to return to the regular meeting at 6:47 p.m. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Commissioner Kuhnert, seconded by Commissioner Hicks to adjourn the meeting at 6:48 p.m. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

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