West Central Reporter

City of Pittsfield City Council met March 4.

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 on Tuesday, March 04, 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, Kevin Ketchum, Chris Little, Paul Lennon, Robert Ritchart, Beth White. Alderperson Robert Wilson, and Kevin Wombles were absent.

A moment of silence was held to remember Gene Nevius, a retired employee of the City of Pittsfield.

Alderperson Ketchum moved to approve the February 18, 2025, city council minutes. Alderperson Grimsley seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Lennon, Little, Ritchart, (4)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: Ketchum, White (2)

The motion carried.

Mayor’s Announcements:

Meetings have been held with First Christian Church in reference to their building. Mayor Mendenhall met with Blessing CEO Canfield in regards to the Daycare Building.

Mac McConnell & Associates, and a local group of Pickle Ball enthusiasts met with Mayor Mendenhall about a potential court.

Mayor Mendenhall and Brittney Emerick met with Make My Move.

Mayor Mendenhall discussed the proposed TIF District Expansion with Pikeland Superintendent Fox.

Airport Engineer Jeff Olson is completing paperwork in regards to the airport grants. He believes that grants are starting to move.

Mayor Mendenhall updated that the City Hall expansion continues to move forward. Insulation is complete upstairs, drywall continues and electricians have been working.

We have received a letter from ESA Solar Farms who indicated that they are looking to place a solar farm in or near Pittsfield.

Mayor Mendenhall and Tom Reinhardt met with County Engineer, Chris Johnson about the tunnel from the Pike County Sheriff’s Department to the Courthouse.

Mayor Mendehall and Tom Reinhardt toured the Legends Holding Sawmill.

A meeting was held with Ryan Dice of Mid USA Landscaping. He has had a donor request to complete some landscaping at the Lake entrance.

A quit claim deed has been received from the bank that owns a home on N. Jackson Street. After the home is in the name of the City of Pittsfield the IDPH grant can be used to demolish the property.

Alderperson White stated that the Finance Committee met today and reviewed the current revenue and expense reports. The Police Department has submitted their budget request and it was reviewed. The committee has requested that each department head submit their budget request in the next two weeks.

Alderperson Ritchart stated that the Utilities Committee met today and learned from Terry Leahr that the departments have been catching up on projects, and have repaired several water main breaks. The Gas department has been replacing inoperable meters. Mayor Mendenhall noted that we need to begin to look at meter replacement.

The Street and Alley Committee did not met due to a lack of quorum.

Tom Reinhardt stated that the Pittsfield Lake Campground would open April 14, weather permitting. Mayor Mendenhall tabled the matter of a Pickle Ball Court due to waiting for a quote.

Mayor Mendenhall stated that our sewer ordinance prohibits the contribution of waste that affects our system. Oils and grease have been an issue as of late. We may have to formulate an inspection of businesses to verify proper disposal of such matters.

Alderperson Ketchum noted that the trout will be delivered to King Park Lagoon in two weeks. Trout season begins April 5 and no trout fishing should occur before that date. On April 5 there will be a kid’s fishing event at the lagoon.

Fee Schedule was tabled for review by the Ordinance Committee.

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

Alderperson White seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Ketchum, Lennon, Little

Ritchart, White (6)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

New Business:

An updated was given on Alderman Wombles and Alderman Wilson who have both underwent medical procedures.

Mayor Mendenhall noted that Neighborhood Vehicle Stickers expired on December 31 and should be renewed for the new calendar year.

Alderman Little gave kudos to the staff for dealing with the water leaks and main breaks during the cold temperatures.

Chief Starman stated that City Cleanup is upcoming, and officers will be addressing ordinance violations of trash and debris before that date.

Chief Starman stated that the interview process has been completed for a SRO. There was a unanimous decision, and the candidate has been offered a Part-Time position pending the approval of the SRO Contract by both the school district and the City.

Tom Reinhardt noted that the boat sticker is calendar year also and should be renewed. Tom Reinhardt stated that the City Wide Clean Up is scheduled for April 26 – May 3.

Brittney Emerick updated that there has been one confirmed Make My Move mover that will rent from Damon Properties and one confirmed mover that is purchasing a home.

Brittney Emerick stated that she has created a scavenger hunt with 10 local businesses that will take place March 19 – 25.

Brittney Emerick advised that she applied for a fitness court grant at King Park and the grant has been awarded. Also, Jamie Kattleman won the photo contest for the photo that will be used on the flyer.

Alderperson White moved to adjourn this meeting at 6:38 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3374/Pittsfield/5442904/Minutes-Council_meeting_03-04-25.pdf