West Central Reporter

City of Pittsfield City Council met March 5.

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, March 05, 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, Kevin Ketchum, Paul Lennon, Chris Little, Robert Ritchart, Beth White, Robert Wilson, and Kevin Wombles.

Alderman Ketchum moved to approve February 20, 2024, city council minutes.

Alderwoman White seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: Ketchum (1)

The motion carried.

Mayor’s Announcements:

The Pike CEO program visited the Airport recently.

Mayor Mendenhall has been working with Liberty Village in reference to a potential Car Show.

Mayor Mendenhall, Tom Reinhardt and Max Middendorf have met to complete a contract for BK Electric and RMG Electric for the contract for work to be completed for the City Hall expansion.

The RAISE grant application has been submitted by MECO Engineering.

Mayor has been working with Attorney Morris wrapping up several matters.

Attorney Morris has completed the deeds for surplus property sold, the Maysville Bridge Right of Way Easements, the Airport Hanger Lease for Lipcamon Aviation, the campground Liquor License sample, and Pike County Storage real estate contract.

The Cass Cable wifi promotion signs have been received and will be placed at the campgrounds. Meetings have been held Music Promoter Jim Jennings on the Music Festival.

Alderman Ritchart moved to accept the Zoning Committee’s recommendation to approve the variance request of Trung Nguyen, 2-07 Clarksville Road, for the placement of an accessory building, being a garage, as requested.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Ketchum, Lennon, Little, Ritchart, White, Wilson, Wombles (8)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Alderwoman White reported that the Finance Committee met today and discussed a the previously mentioned potential music festival a Lake Pittsfield. The committee heard the report from Clerk Moffit that the Health Insurance renewal quote was for a 4% increase with the same carrier as we currently have, United Health Care. The committee discussed laddering CDs in fund that we have a surplus of cash in. A finance meeting will be held on March 19 at 3:30 to discuss the 3,5, 10 year plan and meet with department supervisors for budget discussion.

Alderman Wilson reported that the utility committee met today Mayor Mendenhall indicated that he has heard from IMGA that the natural gas daily prices have decreased however, the futures have not yet. There was discussion of Ordinance enforcement 1 ½ miles of the City Limits, specifically zoning. Shane Allen advised that he has reviewed the gas installation cost. Our current rate is $1,000 and the actual cost of basic installation is $1,200. Additionally, he noted that the water regulator at Shetland Drive needs to be replaced. The uptown water tower has a cracked valve which will be replaced. Mayor Mendenhall has been contacted by a non profit organization that only uses approximately 5 gallons of water each month, and pays a minimum water and sewer bill.

Discussion ensured about changes to the Industrial Park Covenants. Matter was tabled.

Alderwoman White moved to approve the Memorial Day Parade on May 27, 2024, providing the route is approved by local police department and IDOT, if necessary.

Alderman Lennon seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Ketchum, Lennon, Little, Ritchart, White, Wilson, Wombles (8)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Liquor Ordinance – Campground license – Tabled

Alderman Wombles moved to proceed with the Music Festival at Lake Pittsfield. Alderwoman White seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Ketchum, Lennon, Little, Ritchart, White, Wilson, Wombles (8)

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, Ketchum, Little, Lennon, Ritchart, Wilson, White, Wombles (8)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

New Business:

Alderman Ritchart complemented Allen Tire for the clean-up of their business lot and also the police department for working with the businesses to clean up properties.

Alderman Grimsley has had inquiries as to when the burn pile will be open. The burn pile road should be completed in 3-4 weeks.

Alderman Lennon complimented the Police Department on their prompt response to a vehicle complaint he recently made.

Alderwoman White recommended that non-profit organizations that are having difficulty paying the minimum water/sewer rate should complete a funding request form.

Alderman Ketchum thanked Tom Reinhardt for the Lagoon cleanout. The trout fishing event will be held again this year will be held again on the first Saturday in April.

Alderman Wombles stated that the contractor did a great job on the lagoon cleanout and the work camp crew did a great job with cleaning the ditch.

Alderman Wilson stated that the IMGA annual meeting will be held March 26, if anyone plans to attend they will need to RSVP.

City Clerk Ann Moffit announced that Melissa Wilson has been hired to replace retiring Deputy Clerk Kim Flesner.

Chief Starman stated that the letters sent to businesses about cleaning properties have worked. Chief Starman announced that the Police Department has received a $157,000 recruitment and retention grant.

Tom Reinhardt announced that the City Wide Cleanup will be May 4 – 11 with no Sunday hours. The burn pile road is progressing and we are waiting for gravel. The lagoon is being filled and he is working with IDNR to restock the fish.

Alderwoman Whtie moved to adjourn this meeting at 6:46 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3374/Pittsfield/4086911/Minutes-Council_meeting_03-05-24.pdf