West Central Reporter

City of Pittsfield City Council met Nov. 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, November 5, 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 Alderperson Bill Grimsley, Kevin Ketchum, Chris Little, Paul Lennon, Robert Ritchart, Beth White, Robert Wilson and Kevin Wombles.

Alderperson White moved to approve the October 15, 2024, city council minutes as amended. Alderperson Little seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Mayor’s Announcements:

Mayor introduced Brittney Emerick as our new Full-Time Economic Development Director and stated that we would elaborate on that later in the meeting.

Mayor Mendenhall and Public Works Director attended the Pike CEO breakfast.

Mayor Mendenhall and City staff attended the McKay Auto Parts (NAPA) and Hooterville Restaurant ribbon cuttings.

Mayor Mendenhall met with the new owner of Heartland Lodge.

Our monthly meeting with Make My Move happened last week. There are still many movers in the pipeline looking for housing.

Mayor Mendenhall and Clerk Moffit spent a day speaking with several 8th grade English classes.

Mayor Mendenhall thanked IDNR, specifically Blake Ruebush for moving the bass from the rearing pond to the Lake.

There is will a meeting on November 7 at 8:30 am with Damon Plumbing in reference to the Jill Street Sewer Project.

There will be a meeting on November 12 at 10 am with Cole McDaniel from Hometown Consulting in reference to Economic Development.

There will be an annual Airport TIPS meeting on November 15 at 10:30 with IDOT.

Alderperson White stated that the Finance Committee met today and Kyle Schnell from ICRMT presented the insurance quote. Overall for both liability and workers’ compensation the quoted premium is only up approximately $600. The liability policy is up slightly but the workers’ compensation is down slightly.

Curt Reznicek explained that he did receive a quote from IPMG for the workers’ compensation policy and the premium was approximately $3,000 more.

Clerk Moffit stated that a bid was sought from David Ballentyne, who attempted to get a quote from two different carriers who declined to quote.

Alderperson Wilson stated that the Utilities Committee met tonight and Mayor Mendenhall announced that Terry Leahr has offered to step into Shane Allen’s position as Utilities Superintendent. It has been decided to give this a trial run though the end of the year to ensure that it is a proper fit for everyone. There has been conversation with IMGA about future gas rates. We plan to purchase for 2026-2028 if the futures drop below $3 per dekatherm.

Terry Leahr stated that there is chemical and used sand that are left from painted the large water tower and needs to be removed.

Terry Leahr stated that the EPA has mentioned that we should remove the vacated pump at the large water tower.

Alderperson Wombles stated that the Street and Alley Committee met tonight and Mayor Mendenhall stated that there will be a meeting with Damon’s Plumbing in reference to the Jill Street homes. Tom Reinhardt stated that an OSHA inspection occurred and there were a few minor issues that have been or will be corrected in the immediate future.

Tom Reinhardt has sent all information on west Trunkline to Max at Meco Engineering and all manholes have been cleared.

There have been issues with residents blowing leaves into the street and the leaves are causing issues with the storm sewer drains. Mayor Mendenhall asked for any alderman that sees a problem with this please email the Police Department.

Alderperson White moved to accept the quote for Liability Insurance in the amount of $137,883 and accept the quote for Workers’ Compensation insurance in the amount of $34,544 form ICRMT as presented by Reznicek Insurance.

Alderperson Little seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Alderperson Wombles moved to approve part one and two of the riser, bason and terrace project at the Pittsfield Penstone Airport, in the amount of $48,860.75.

Alderperson 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.

Alderperson White moved to approve Ordinance No. 1740 An Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Pittsfield and Pike County, Illinois on its first reading by title only.

Alderman Ketchum seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Alderperson Wombles moved to suspend the rules and have the second reading of Ordinance No. 1740 An Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Pittsfield and Pike County, Illinois.

Alderperson Ketchum seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Alderperson White moved to approve Ordinance No. 1740 An Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Pittsfield and Pike County, Illinois on its second reading by title only.

Alderperson 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.

Alderperson Ritchart moved to accept Mayor Mendenhall’s appointment of Brittney Emerick to the position of Full-Time Economic Development Director.

Alderperson Ketchum seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Alderperson Ritchart moved to pay bills as stated by City Clerk.

Alderperson Grimsley seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

New Business:

Alderperson White, on behalf of the Fire Department, would like to thank every for their support at the Fireman’s Dance this past weekend.

Alderperson Little asked for yardsale signs to be removed for poles in the city.

Mayor Mendenhall announced that Girl’s Night Out will be held Thursday, November 7. The City will have a tent set up and the Police Department will be at J Roberts Jewelry Store selling chances to win a diamond.

Britteny Emerick thanked the council for the opportunity and is excited to learn all that she can. Ed Knight stated that progress has been made next door, drywall has been hung in the elevator shaft. Mr. Phyl thanked the staff for a smoothly organized street project on Adams Street.

Alderperson Whtie moved to adjourn this meeting at 6:28 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3374/Pittsfield/5081488/Minutes-Council_meeting_11-05-24.pdf