West Central Reporter

City of Pittsfield City Council met Feb. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Pittsfield, Pike County, Illinois, was held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Room at the Pittsfield City all at 215 N Monroe Street. The following officers were present: Mayor Gary Mendenhall, City Clerk Ann Moffit, and Alderman Bill Grimsley, Paul Lennon, Chris Little, Robert Ritchart, Beth White, Robert Wilson, and Kevin Wombles. Kevin Ketchum was absent.

Alderwoman White moved to approve the February 06, 2024, city council minutes. Alderman Lennon seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Lennon, Little, Ritchart, White, Wilson, Wombles (7)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Members of the Pittsfield FFA addressed the council and requested permission to place a memorial bench, in honor of Landen Hettinger at the King Park Basketball Court. The FFA members explained that they have raised a majority of the money for the bench and will continue to fundraise.

Alderwoman White moved to approve the placement of a memorial bench, in honor of Landen Hettinger at the King Park Basketball Court.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Lennon, Little, Ritchart, White, Wilson, Wombles (7)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

Alderman Ritchart moved to accept the Zoning Committee’s recommendation to approve the Special Use request from Four Points RV Resorts of Illinois LLC to allow for Park Model Homes, to be placed at 38246 250th Avenue.

Alderman Grimsley seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Lennon, Little, Ritchart, White, Wilson, Wombles (7)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

Mayor’s Announcements:

The O’Reilly Auto Parts ribbon cutting was held this past week,

Interviews for City Hall Office Staff have been conducted.

The Purchase Agreement between the City of Pittsfield and Legend Holdings LLC for parcels: 53-019-09B (Part of) and 53-019-08F has been signed.

We have been working with the Pikeland Unit 10 School District and have assisted them with sweeping of their resurfaced parking lot.

Alderman Ritchart moved to approve the January 2024 Monthly Treasurer’s Report. Alderwoman White seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Lennon, Little, Ritchart, White, Wilson, Wombles (7)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

Alderman Paul Lennon reported that the Public Safety Committee met to discuss the purchase of a new fire truck. TIF funds may be used for up to 40% of the purchase price of a new Fire Truck. The Fire Department has committed to complete fundraising events to raise a minimum of $40,000.00 in addition to the $100,000 they have saved and will save over the next two budget years.

Alderman Lennon moved to allow Chief White to move forward with obtaining a firm quote for a new firetruck. Alderman Wombles seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Lennon, Little, Ritchart, Wilson, Wombles (5)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: White, Grimsley (2)

The motion carried.

Alderman Wombles advised that the Street and Alley Committee met to discuss the progress of the department.

Alderman Ritchart moved to approve Ordinance No. 1726 An Ordinance Declaring Snow Route on its second reading by title only. Alderman Wombles seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Little, Lennon, Ritchart, Wilson, White, Wombles (7)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Airport Hanger Lease was tabled.

Library Board Members – Attorney Morris has reviewed the issue of Library Board Members residency requirements. The Library Bi-laws state that trustees must reside within City Limits. Additionally, Illinois State Statute states the Library Board trustees must reside within the district, which, in our district, is within the City Limits.

Industrial Park Covenants was tabled.

Alderman Wilson moved to allow for 3 months basic water and sewer service as part of the incentive package. Alderman Wombles seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Little, Lennon, Ritchart, Wilson, White, Wombles (7)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Alderman Lennon moved to approve Resolution 24-01 Resolution in Support of 2024 Raise Grant. Alderwoman seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Little, Lennon, Ritchart, Wilson, White, Wombles (7)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Alderman Ritchart moved to pay bills as stated by City Clerk. Alderman Grimsley seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Little, Lennon, Ritchart, Wilson, White, Wombles (7)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

New Business:

Mayor Mendenhall noted the Pike CEO class will visit the Pittsfield Penstone Airport.

Alderman Grimsley asked when the Downtown Revitalization Project will begin. The mayor stated it would be 2025.

Alderman Lennon noted that he will begin his walk again in June.

Alderwoman White asked that everyone be patient with the Street and Alley crew while they make repairs now that the weather has begun to improve.

Ed Knight stated that the concrete footings have been poured for the elevator next door.

Kenny Gwartney said he would be working as much as possible while keeping up with other necessary tasks.

Tom Reinhardt stated that the lagoon has been drained and will be cleaned out next week. The pump at the East Lagoon has been down and has undergone repairs.

Alderwoman Whtie moved to adjourn this meeting at 6:50 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3374/Pittsfield/4086912/Minutes-Council_meeting_02-20-24.pdf