Beardstown council approves skid steer, washer and $3,000 for Elks fireworks; tentative union deal not advanced

The City of Beardstown City Council approved a lease-purchase for a 2024 John Deere 331G skid steer, authorized purchase of a washer for the fire department and approved a $3,000 contribution to the Elks Fireworks Fund during its June 4 regular meeting at Beardstown City Hall. The council also recessed to executive session on collective bargaining; after returning, a motion to approve a tentative agreement with United Food & Commercial Workers District Local 431 did not receive a second and therefore did not proceed.

The council entered executive session under Exemption 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) for collective bargaining, according to the minutes; the record shows the body resumed its public meeting at 7:13 p.m. After the closed session, Alderperson Eric Harbin moved to approve the tentative agreement between the City of Beardstown and United Food & Commercial Workers District Local 431, which represents Public Works and City Hall employees. The motion received no second and did not advance.

On substantive votes, Alderperson Lisa Buhlig moved and Alderperson Keith Schramm seconded approval of a lease/purchase of a 2024 John Deere 331G skid steer from Martin Equipment for $34,948.00; the motion passed on a 6–0 roll call vote. A motion by Alderperson Ron Culves, seconded by Alderperson Eric Harbin, approved a $3,000 contribution to the Elks Fireworks Fund by a 6–0 roll call vote. Alderperson Keith Schramm moved and Alderperson Mary Davis seconded the purchase of a Groves washer from Dinges Fire for $5,222.00 for the Fire Department; that motion passed on a 6–0 roll call vote. Chris Baer and Dawn Seward were recorded as absent for the votes.

The council confirmed by voice vote that it had approved entering executive session and adjourned the meeting at 7:36 p.m.