West Central Reporter

City of Pittsfield City Council met April 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Roll Call

Council Members Present: Kevin Ketchum, Bill Grimsley, Paul Lennon, Chris Little, Beth White, Kevin Wombles

Council Members Absent: Robert Ritchart, Robert Wilson

1. Approval of Minutes – April 1, 2025

Motion by Alderman Ketchum, seconded by Alderman Grimsley to approve the April 1, 2025 Council Minutes.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Ketchum, Grimsley, Lennon, Little, White, Wombles; Absent – Ritchart, Wilson.

Outcome: Motion Carried

2. Mayor’s Announcements

• Met with department heads to review the 2025 budget.

• Met with Make My Move regarding project discussions.

• Utility Pipeline Sales presented meter updates and auto reading system.

• Met with Steve Bryant from Good Energy – contract with Homefield Energy.

• Spoke with former North Jackson Street resident regarding personal property.

3. Treasurer’s Report

Tabled.

4. Zoning Committee Report

Alderman Grimsley reported on a request from Ellyn Smith at 409 E Morriston St. for a variance. Zoning Committee recommends approval.

Motion by Ketchum, seconded by Grimsley to approve the variance request.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Ketchum, Grimsley, Lennon, Little, White, Wombles; Absent – Ritchart, Wilson.

Outcome: Motion Carried

5. Public Safety Committee Report

Mayor Mendenhall reported ordinance violations are being enforced before the City Wide Cleanup. Officer April Epperson is now fully certified.

6. Hometown Consulting Presentation

Cole McDaniel presented the Business Start-Up Guide and GIS mapping.

7. Ordinance Committee Report

Alderman Ketchum reported on Ordinances No. 1744, 1749, and 1750. Attorney Morris is reviewing ordinance enforcement within 1.5 miles of city limits.

8. Ordinance No. 1744 – International Building Code

Motion by Wombles, seconded by Lennon.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Ketchum, Grimsley, Lennon, Little, White, Wombles; Absent – Ritchart, Wilson.

Outcome: Motion Carried

9. Ordinance No. 1749 – Permitted Uses B-2

Motion by White, seconded by Lennon.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Ketchum, Grimsley, Lennon, Little, White, Wombles; Absent – Ritchart, Wilson.

Outcome: Motion Carried

10. Ordinance No. 1750 – Liquor License Renewal Schedule Motion by Wombles, seconded by Grimsley.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Ketchum, Grimsley, Lennon, Little, White, Wombles; Absent – Ritchart, Wilson.

Outcome: Motion Carried

11. Ameren Lighting Project

Motion by Ketchum, seconded by Lennon.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Ketchum, Grimsley, Lennon, Little, White, Wombles; Absent – Ritchart, Wilson.

Outcome: Motion Carried

12. Salary Increase

Motion by White, seconded by Ketchum to increase salaries of full-time and permanent part-time employees by $0.50/hour.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Ketchum, Grimsley, Lennon, Little, White, Wombles; Absent – Ritchart, Wilson.

Outcome: Motion Carried

13. Health Insurance Renewal

Motion by Little, seconded by Ketchum to accept Blue Cross Blue Shield quote.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Ketchum, Grimsley, Lennon, Little, White, Wombles; Absent – Ritchart, Wilson.

Outcome: Motion Carried

14. Health Insurance Spousal Benefits

Tabled.

15. Alley Closure Request – Farmers State Bank

Motion by Lennon, seconded by Grimsley to allow alley closure from April 23–25, 2025.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Ketchum, Grimsley, Lennon, Little, White, Wombles; Absent – Ritchart, Wilson.

Outcome: Motion Carried

16. Pay Bills

Motion by White, seconded by Ketchum to pay bills as stated by City Clerk.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – Ketchum, Grimsley, Lennon, Little, White, Wombles; Absent – Ritchart, Wilson.

Outcome: Motion Carried

17. New Business

• Grimsley thanked staff for brush pick-up.

• White thanked Public Works for weekend assistance.

• Ketchum thanked those involved in the trout fishing event.

• Wombles requested that aldermen submit written information.

• Little mentioned speeding on W Jefferson and request for 4-way stop. A mobile speed sign will be placed.

• Director Tom Reinhardt: Lake is open; fishing event turnout was good; City Hall expansion progressing well.

• Economic Development Director is concerned about housing related to Make My Move renewal.

• Mayor acknowledged needed improvements to Higbee Street; bid is over $2 million.

18. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn by White.

Meeting adjourned at 7:04 PM.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3374/Pittsfield/5658489/Minutes-Council_meeting_04-15-25.pdf