Pinckneyville council approves school resource officer agreement, infrastructure bids and personnel changes

The Pinckneyville City Council on Oct. 28 unanimously approved a series of routine fiscal and infrastructure measures, accepted a utility-department resignation and heard several public-safety and community updates.

Mayor Robert L. Spencer opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and the council approved prior meeting minutes and the treasurer’s report. Commissioner William B. Stotlar told the council the ending balance for the period ending Sept. 2024 was $10,003,285.79, with an unrestricted balance of $2,212,598.88. The council then approved accounts payable.

On policy and contracts, Commissioner Kevin B. Hicks presented Resolution No. R-2024-40 authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with Pinckneyville School District #50 to station a School Resource Officer in the district; the resolution passed on a unanimous roll call. The council also approved a $2,767 purchase of squad-car equipment from Ray O’Herron, and passed Resolution No. R-2024-43 to post "Slow Children At Play" signs at the entrance to the new Pinckneyville Soccer Complex and Resolution No. R-2024-44 establishing a stop intersection at New and Brown Streets to stop northbound traffic on New Street.

Commissioner Joshua L. Kuhnert introduced and the council approved Resolution No. R-2024-41 to enter a Certified Wastewater Operator Services Agreement with Albers Water Services, LLC. The council approved the lowest mower-repair bid that included new tires after staff confirmed tire inclusion, and approved participation in the Illinois EPA Laboratory’s Community Water Supply Testing Program at a cost of $4,301.39 to be paid from the Water Fund.

Sarah Kary of Rice Sullivan, LLC presented the Fiscal Year 2024 audit and said the engagement "went well," reporting a clean opinion and no internal-control deficiencies. Kary noted most accounts were within budget but said the police fund was approximately $88,000 over budget and the library $7,000 over. The council voted to place the audit on file.

On economic and capital items, the council approved Ordinance O-2024-10 granting a visibility easement at 204 North Main Street and placed on file Resolution R-2024-42 to accept a bid from Samron Midwest Contracting for reconstruction of entrances and curb replacement along the east side of South Main Street. Mayor Spencer presented Ordinance O-2024-11 approving a façade improvement grant for Julia Woolsey, d/b/a The Works, for work including roofing, doors, windows, tuckpointing, paint and landscaping; the ordinance was approved. The council also placed on file Ordinance O-2024-12 to enter into a purchase contract for an abandoned property sold at the 2024 Perry County tax sale (701 Penina Street), which had a tax-sale price of $838; Spencer said condemning the property could cost $2,000–$3,000 in attorney fees.

The council approved a $10,700 proposal from J.C.’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration to replace Heating System #2 in the Community Center.

During public comment, Jeff Egbert of the Weekly Press said the city's Mardi Gras event was a success, asked about the soccer complex opening (Commissioner Kuhnert said the complex is open and has a temporary concession stand) and raised a question about the nonworking highway clock at the SR 13/127 and SR 154 intersection; Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Gilliam said the clock originally cost $35,000 and repairmen have inspected it. Mary Stone asked the council to consider additional recognition for her late husband, Commissioner David Stone, after noting the walking path at the soccer complex was in poor condition; Kuhnert suggested naming a soccer field after him. Library volunteer Genevieve Hester sought a $100 sponsorship for an upcoming Library Golf Scramble.

Residents Rita Schwebel and Laura Loos raised safety concerns about motorized bicycles and electric scooters on sidewalks after near-miss incidents; Commissioner Kevin B. Hicks said he would speak with the police chief about enforcement and noted a rule against bicycles on sidewalks.

After an executive session called to discuss personnel, real-property purchase/lease and litigation, the council returned to open session and accepted the resignation of Utility Superintendent Brad Boulton. Commissioner Kuhnert moved and the council approved assigning Jordan Brand as Lead Worker for the Utility Department effective Oct. 28, 2024. The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

What’s next: The council noted the next regular meeting will be held Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m., due to the Veterans Day holiday on Monday, Nov. 11.