Pinckneyville council approves sewer-planning amendment, buys police pursuit vehicle and OKs downtown event

The Pinckneyville City Council on Oct. 27 approved a package of routine and planning actions, including a resolution to amend an engineering services agreement to position the city to apply for future grants to extend sanitary sewer lines to three subdivisions.

Commissioner William B. Stotlar presented Resolution No. R-2025-27, which authorizes an amendment to HMG Engineers, Inc.'s professional services agreement to plan sanitary sewer work for Oxbow, Cedar Point and Charlotte Hills subdivisions. City Attorney Don Bigham said the amendment includes an EPA-required provision that the engineers will not use payment for lobbying. Stotlar said the amendment is for planning under a $30,000 grant and does not commit the city to construct sewer lines.

Residents raised concerns about future costs and mandatory connections. Mike Plumlee said he was promised sewer when he annexed 32 years ago and "he would like to be on the City sewer." Elizabeth Cheek noted not all lots in Charlotte Hills are annexed, and Ryan Cheek said he supported planning "as long as it's the resident's option to hook up or not, stating he doesn't want to pay for sewer if he doesn't tap on." City Attorney Bigham reminded the council that existing city ordinance requires property owners to connect to services when they are available, and commissioners discussed whether the ordinance could be amended.

The council also approved several procurement and event items. Commissioners voted to purchase a 2026 Dodge Durango police pursuit vehicle from Bob Ridings Chrysler for $45,548.00 to be paid from the Police Account—Capital Outlay. The council approved two orders from Kohnen Concrete Products totaling $15,091.00 for material for the Treasure Lane storm sewer project; Commissioner Peradotta said the work had been delayed because of mine subsidence and a change in engineers.

Downtown business Taps & Vine requested permission to close the back half of the city parking lot on Nov. 15 for a second annual "Touch a Truck" event; Lauren Moore of Taps & Vine made the request and the council approved it unanimously. Moore also asked that the alley between 9 W. Jackson and 7 W. Jackson be converted to a one-way alley (northbound) to support her drive-thru; the council agreed in principle and City Attorney Don Bigham said he would prepare an ordinance amendment for a future meeting.

Earlier in the meeting Commissioner Stotlar reviewed the treasurer's report: ending balance for the period ending September 2025 was $11,393,807.50 and the unrestricted balance was $1,977,480.25. The council approved accounts payable with the addition of two invoices totaling $381.93. The meeting recessed to executive session at 6:20 p.m. to discuss the setting of a price for the sale or lease of public property and returned to open session at 6:37 p.m., at which time the council adjourned.

Votes at a glance: • Allow Mayor Spencer to attend by phone — Motion by Commissioner Sammy D. Peradotta; second Commissioner Joshua L. Kuhnert; vote: Hicks, Kuhnert, Peradotta, Stotlar, Mayor Spencer YEA; outcome: approved. • Approve minutes (Oct. 13, 2025) — Motion by Peradotta; second Hicks; unanimous approve. • Approve treasurer's report — Motion by Stotlar; second Kuhnert; unanimous approve. Treasurer's balances: ending $11,393,807.50; unrestricted $1,977,480.25. • Approve accounts payable with two added invoices ($381.93) — Motion by Stotlar; second Peradotta; unanimous approve. • Approve parking lot closure for Touch a Truck (Nov. 15) — Motion by Hicks; second Kuhnert; unanimous approve. • Refer alley one-way ordinance to City Attorney Don Bigham for drafting — Council consensus; no formal roll-call motion recorded. • Approve purchase of 2026 Dodge Durango police pursuit vehicle ($45,548.00) — Motion by Hicks; second Peradotta; unanimous approve. • Approve Kohnen Concrete Products orders for Treasure Lane storm sewer ($15,091.00) — Motion by Peradotta; second Kuhnert; unanimous approve. • Approve Resolution R-2025-27 (HMG amendment for sewer planning; EPA clause included) — Motion by Peradotta; second Stotlar; unanimous approve. • Adjourn to executive session (sale/lease price of public property) — Motion by Hicks; second Peradotta; unanimous approve. Returned to regular session and adjourned at 6:37 p.m.

The council did not set project construction obligations as part of the planning amendment; commissioners emphasized the amendment funds planning only and that resident interest, annexation status and possible ordinance amendments about mandatory hookups remain outstanding issues.