West Central Reporter

City of Pittsfield City Council met Feb. 18.

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 18, 2025, 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, Paul Lennon, Chris Little, Robert Ritchart, Robert Wilson, and Kevin Wombles. Alderperson Kevin Ketchum and Beth White was absent.

A moment of silence was held to honor Cindy McKenna and Reese Ramsey who lost their lives in an automobile accident.

Alderperson Wombles moved to approve the February 04, 2025, city council minutes. Alderperson Grimsley seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Lennon, Little, Ritchart, Wilson, Wombles (6)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Mayor’s Announcements:

Several meetings were held with Steve Kline in reference to the TIF I extension and other potential TIF I Development.

Mayor Mendenhall and PCCED Director Jamie Beasley met with Rise Broadband in reference to bringing broadband to the community.

A ribbon cutting was held at Watson 1828 with new owner Doug Daniel.

A meeting was held at the Pike County Farm Bureau Building with CD Davidsmeyer and several officials throughout the county.

A meeting was held with Hutchison Engineering in regards to the Downtown revitalization. A November letting is expected for the project to be completed during the 2026 and 2027 construction season.

Alderperson Ritchart moved to approve the January 2025 Treasurer’s Report.

Alderperson Grimsley seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Lennon, Little, Ritchart, Wilson, Wombles (6)

None: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

The Public Safety Committee met tonight. Chief Starman presented the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement for the addition of a SRO. Applications have been accepted, and interviews should take place next week. Attorney Morris has been given a copy of the agreement for review. Pikeland will present the proposed agreement at their February meeting with anticipation of the board voting on the agreement in March. Officer Weir distributed a copy of the SRO duties.

The Ordinance Committee did not meet due to lack of a quorum.

Tom Reinhardt stated that there are a few churches in B-2 and the council should consider if the use should be added to the permitted uses for that district. A draft ordinance will be prepared for review.

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

Alderperson Grimsley seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Lennon, Little Ritchart, Wilson, Wombles (6)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

New Business:

Mayor Mendenhall gave an update on the City Hall expansion; electricians have been working, and insulation has begun, drywall has been hung. The deadline of April for the upstairs completion should not be a problem.

Mayor Mendenhall stated the Mill property proposal is being reviewed however, the TIF extension must be in place for the project to be effective.

Alderperson Ritchart asked the status of the airport snow plow truck. We are waiting for insurance.

Alderperson Lennon asked about the WiFi status at the Jaycee campground. Fiber needs to be buried and we are waiting on boring.

Mayor Mendenhall stated the crews have been very busy and have had a 2nd water main break in 24 hours. Alderperson Wilson stated that the IMGA annual meeting will be held on March 25.

Tom Reinhardt there have been water main breaks and the Street and Alley department has been assisting the Gas and Water Department on the repair. Mr. Reinhardt also noted that our salt allotment has been depleted and a new order will need to be placed.

Brittney Emerick, met with Make My Move and we have 3 movers who have applied for the new Damon Properties duplexes.

Brittney Emerick, has reviewed the GIS Map with Hometown Consulting and has been working with Apptegy to redesign our website.

Jim Filbert asked if the TIF extension was adding years to the TIF or boundaries. It is an extension of 12 years to the life of theTIF.

Alderperson Lennon moved to adjourn this meeting at 6:27 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3374/Pittsfield/5375034/Minutes-Council_meeting_02-18-25.pdf