South West Illinois News

City of Pinckneyville City Council met May 27.

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. City Clerk Melissa Kellerman noted a type-o on Item #3 under Commissioner Hicks – Request from Perry County Ag Society was incorrectly stated as $1,500.00 and should have been $2,500.00, to match the attachment for this request. Mayor Spencer then announced the agenda was set. Administrative staff present: City Clerk Melissa Kellerman, City Attorney Don Bigham, Police Chief Kenneth Kelley, Economic Development Coordinator & Zoning Administrator Carrie Gilliam, Fire Chief Curtis Miller, and Fire Captain James Gielow. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Peradotta.

PREVIOUS MINUTES

Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2025, Regular Council Meeting. 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.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Commissioner Stotlar reviewed the treasurer’s report and stated that the ending balance total for the period ending April 2025 was $11,981.979.95, and unrestricted balance total was $3,069,739.64, both up from last year. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. 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.

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

Mayor Spencer announced there would be a recycling event at the fairgrounds for paper and electronics on Saturday, June 7th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Commissioner Hicks announced the PCHS Baseball team will play in the Sectional Tournament tomorrow at Du Quoin.

REQUEST FROM PINCKNEYVILLE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION TO SPONSOR/DONATE TO THE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION GOLF SCRAMBLE ON JUNE 14, 2025

Commissioner Hicks read a request from the Pinckneyville Firemen’s Association for a $1,500.00 sponsorship/donation to the Firemen’s Association Golf Scramble on June 14, 2025. Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve the request, payable from the 2% Fire Fund, which was seconded by Commissioner Stotlar. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

PROPOSAL FROM SENTINEL EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS FOR FIRE GEAR AND EQUIPMENT

Commissioner Hicks requested approval of a proposal from Sentinel Emergency Solutions in the amount of $24,076.70 for fire gear and equipment to be paid from Fire – Capital Outlay, using funds from the 2025 State Fire Marshall’s grant received May 2, 2025, in the amount of $23,480.00. Commissioner Hicks made a motion to approve 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.

REQUEST FROM PERRY COUNTY AG SOCIETY TO ASSIST WITH ADVERTISING COSTS FOR 2025 PERRY COUNTY FAIR

Commissioner Hicks read a request from Perry County Ag Society for a $2,500.00 donation from the hotel/motel tax fund to assist with advertising costs for the 2025 Perry County Fair. Commissioner Hicks suggested keeping the donation at $1,500.00, as it has been in the past. Ilene Ruroede was present and stated it was suggested they charge $30 for an armband this year, but the fair board agreed to only charging $20 per armband and will pick up the rest. She stated the carnival will be smaller because the former carnival had a better offer to go elsewhere. She also stated they will have different fireworks this year and will need Ballpark Road closed at 6 p.m. and will need barricades. Mayor Spencer stated we have to keep the fair going. Commissioner Kuhnert said he was okay with the $2,500.00 donation to assist with the armbands. Commissioner Stotlar stated he didn’t want to set a precedent but didn’t want an increase in the armband price. Commissioner Hicks then made a motion to approve the $2,500.00 donation from the hotel/motel fund, for this year only, with no guarantee for that amount next year. Commissioner Kuhnert seconded the motion. On roll call: Commissioners Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: Kuhnert. 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 introduced Marshall J. Sowder. Mr. Sowder first stated that the pipe has collapsed in front of 212 N. Locust and causes the road to partially flood. He then stated that Police Officer Alspach has continually harassed him and his mother regarding the grass being too high, cars in the yard, kids toys out, cars parked on road. He stated St. Bruno has allowed them to ride their 4-wheeler on their parking lot for fun, and Officer Alspach still stops him and threatens them. Commissioner Hicks stated to Mr. Sowder that most of the complaints he hears about properties is about his mother’s property. He stated he went by there before the meeting and saw mufflers and car parts scattered about. Mr. Sowder stated he was working on that car. Commissioner Hicks asked how long the red car had been parked there. Mr. Sowder said it has been in that current position about a month. David Carson, who was present, stated it had been sitting there three months. Mr. Carson stated he has to mow around Mr. Sowder’s cars parked in front of his own home. Mr. Sowder stated it is City property. Mr. Carson stated Mr. Sowder leaves tools on his retainer wall as a work bench and never mows his yard. Police Chief Kenneth Kelley stated if he has complaints about a police officer, they should be directed to him. Police Chief Kelley stated Police Officer Alspach talked to Mr. Sowder’s mother on May 14th as a follow-up. Commissioner Hicks asked if there was anything else he wanted to discuss. Mr. Sowder said he couldn’t think of anything else.

RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-14 DESIGNATING A NON-SMOKING AREA FOR A PLAYGROUND AREA AT THE PERRY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Commissioner Kuhnert presented Resolution No. R-2025-14, a resolution placed on file at the May 12, 2025, regular council meeting, 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 then made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2025-14, which was seconded by Commissioner Hicks. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

EMERGENCY QUOTE FROM MIDWEST TREE SERVICE TO REMOVE TREE AND CLEAN UP DOWNED AND BROKEN LIMBS FROM STORM DAMAGE

Commissioner Kuhnert requested approval of an emergency quote from Midwest Tree Service in the amount of $2,850.00 to remove and clean up a tree leaning over a building and clean up downed and broken limbs from storm damage. 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 presented Resolution No. R-2025-11, a resolution placed on file at the May 12, 2025, regular council meeting, 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. Commissioner Kuhnert made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2025-11, 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-2025-12 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 presented Resolution No. R-2025-12, a resolution placed on file at the May 12, 2025, regular council meeting, 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. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to approve 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 presented Resolution No. R-2025-13, a resolution placed on file at the May 12, 2025, regular council meeting, 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. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2025-13, 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-2025-09 TO ACCEPT A BID PROPOSAL FROM HAGENE EXCAVATING, LLC, FOR DEMOLITION SERVICES AT 701 PENINA STREET

Mayor Spencer presented Resolution No. R-2025-09, a resolution placed on file at the May 12, 2025, regular council meeting, to accept a bid proposal from Hagene Excavating, LLC, for demolition services at 701 Penina Street. Commissioner Peradotta made a motion to approve 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 presented Resolution No. R-2025-10, a resolution placed on file at the May 12, 2025, regular council meeting, to accept a bid proposal from Hagene Excavating, LLC, for demolition services on Taffee Street. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-2025-10, 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-2025-08 COMMITTING BUSINESS DISTRICT FUNDS TO

Mayor Spencer presented Ordinance No. O-2025-08, an ordinance authorizing approval of an application from Perry County Historical Society for Business District Funds and committing Business District Funds from the City of Pinckneyville, Perry County, Illinois. Cheryl Bigham, representing the Perry County Historical Society, stated there are three major improvements needed: roof, electrical, and climate control. Commissioner Stotlar made a motion to approve Ordinance No. O-2025-08, which was seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Laura Loos updated the Council on the Splash Into Summer event on May 31, 2025, thanking Mayor Spencer for offering to judge the sidewalk contest. She stated they will also have Baby Sarah Playground donation boxes at the event and around town for the public to make donations and that Kimberly Taylor of Modern Woodman has agreed to match any donations received in the donation boxes as well as what is collected from the 5K walk/run sponsored by the hospital in October.

ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Commissioner Peradotta, seconded by Commissioner Kuhnert to move the meeting to Executive Session at 6:27 p.m. for the discussion of: Section 2 (c) (1) Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of an employee 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 Kuhnert, seconded by Commissioner Hicks to return to the regular meeting at 6:51 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 Stotlar to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 p.m. On roll call: Commissioners Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, and Mayor Spencer voted YEA. NAYS: None. Motion declared carried.

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