City of Pittsfield City Council met May 19.
Here is the agenda provided by the council:
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Pittsfield, Pike County, Illinois, was held at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held at the City Council room at 215 North Monroe Street via teleconference. The following officers were present: Mayor John Hayden, City Clerk Ann Moffit, and Alderman Kevin Ketchum at City Hall, Aldermen Bill Grimsley, Paul Lennon, Robert Ritchart, Beth White, Robert Wilson, Kevin Wombles, and Robert Wood present via telephone. Mayor Hayden presided.
Alderman Wombles moved to approve the minutes of the May 5, 2020 Council meeting.
Alderman Wilson seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Ketchum, Lennon, Ritchart,
White, Wilson, Wombles, Wood (8)
Nay: None (0)
The motion carried.
Alderman Ritchart moved to accept the Zoning Committee’s recommendation to approve the variance request of Robert & Sandra Schacht, owner of 610 S Walnut Street to place an accessory building, which will have a three foot (3’) side yard instead of the required six foot (6’).
Alderman Lennon seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Ketchum, Lennon, Ritchart,
White, Wilson, Wombles, Wood (8)
Nay: None(0)
The motion carried.
Alderman Wood moved to approve the April 2020 Treasurer’s Report as amended.
Alderman Ritchart seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Ketchum, Lennon, Ritchart,
White, Wilson, Wombles, Wood (8)
Nay: None(0)
The motion carried.
Alderman Wombles moved to accept the recommendation of the Airport Committee and hire Mark Gerard as Part Time Airport Manager effective June 1, 2020.
Alderman Ritchart seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Ketchum, Lennon, Ritchart,
White, Wilson, Wombles, Wood (8)
Nay: None(0)
The motion carried.
Max Middendorf updated the Council on the Pool Project. Blasting is done and blast media has been removed. Voids have now been found in the concrete in the old pool area and an expansion joint is failing. The bid for the additional repairs is $33,055. Mayor Hayden informed the Council that the Finance Committee is scheduled to meet with the Park Board on Thursday, May 21, 2020 to discuss the matter.
Alderman Lennon moved to approve Finance Committee to approve moving forward with the pool project after meeting with the Park Board.
Alderman Wood seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Ketchum, Lennon, Ritchart,
White, Wilson, Wombles, Wood (8)
Nay: None(0)
The motion carried.
Max Middendorf updated the committee on the status of the Water Tower project. He stated that Gas & Water Superintendent Steve Watkins and Wasterwater Superintendent Terry Leahr are prepared and read to move forward. It is necessary for an Ameren power line to be moved and we will be ready to move when that has been done. There will be an additional cost for rods for this project.
Alderman Wood moved to approve the cost of the additional rods as needed for the Watertower project.
Alderman White seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Ketchum, Lennon, Ritchart,
White, Wilson, Wombles, Wood (8)
Nay: None(0)
The motion carried.
Economic Development Director, Ed Knight updated the council on the Restore IL grants. There were four funding opportunities, the repainting the watertower northwest of the square did not qualify. He has moved forward with Brenda Middendorf for the Honey Creek project grant application and will apply for second grant for this project also. Additionally, there may be grant available for a project at the Industrial Park.
Alderman Ritchart moved to approve the Finance Committee Report and the Clerk be directed to issue the claims thereon.
Alderman Grimsley seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Ketchum, Lennon, Ritchart,
White, Wilson, Wombles, Wood (8)
Nay: None(0)
The motion Carried.
Mayor Hayden stated that the next council meeting will be held in person at the Firehouse as there is enough room there to provide social distancing.
Mayor Hayden has received many questions about the pool opening. No determination has been made at this time due to COVID-19. Also, with the additional repairs necessary opening would be July at the earliest if opening occurs.
Mayor stated that Chief Starman has been diligently researching opening the Campgrounds. At this time the Heath Department recommends remaining closed. Unless there are changes to the Governor’s phases of reopening, campgrounds will be open in Phase 3. Hopefully, we will be there in two weeks.
Max Middendorf stated that the starter has been mounted for the Well project.
Chief Starman has been contacted about authorizing a parade for the Pittsfield High School Seniors. He felt as if he has no authority to approve the parade however the route presented to him is acceptable.
Kim Merriman attended the meeting, via teleconference, on behalf of the Senior Class and advised that the Class would like to have this parade on May 29 at 6 or 7 pm. Mayor Hayden approved the parade.
Ms. Merriman thank him on behalf of the senior class.
Mayor Hayden stated that questions have arose as to if Pittsfield is in an Opportunity Zone. Pittsfield is in an Opportunity Zone.
There was discussion about sidewalks on Cherry Street. It was determined that the sidewalks can be removed by a property owner.
Alderman Wood informed the Council that he and City Clerk Moffit have worked on updating the Employee Handbook and have meet with supervisors to discuss the update and a final draft is complete.
City Clerk will forward the final draft to all Alderman.
Chief Starman stated that his department have issued and abundance of Ordinance violations. He would like the residents to know that an Ordinance fine is $150.00.
Economic Development Director, Ed Knight, stated that he has a prospective buyer for the old Race
Track property and will meet with them on Thursday, May 21.
Mayor stated that he has not heard anything from IDOT about the Hwy 54 project. Mr. Middendorf and Alderman Wombles have also heard no updates.
Alderwoman White moved to adjourn this meeting at 6:40 p.m
https://www.pittsfieldil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Minutes-Council-meeting-05-19-20.pdf
Alerts Sign-up