West Central Reporter

City of Pittsfield City Council met Oct. 7.

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, October 07, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Room at the Pittsfield City Hall at 215 N Monroe Street. The following officers were present: Mayor Gary Mendenhall, Deputy City Clerk Melissa Wilson, Alderperson Bill Grimsley, Chris Little, Paul Lennon, Robert Ritchart, Beth White, Robert Wilson, and Kevin Wombles. Kevin Ketchum was absent.

Alderperson White moved to approve the September 16, 2025, city council minutes. Alderperson Lennon seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Mayor’s Announcements:

Mayor Mendenhall, Clerk Moffit, and Public Works Director Reinhardt attended the John Wood Community College Scholarship Fundraiser event.

A meeting was held with MECO Engineering regarding final plans for the Safe Routes to School Grant.

On October 23, 2025 there will be a Pike County Elected Officials Meeting to be held at the new City Hall in Griggsville.

Representative Davidsmeyer and Senator Tracey will host an ICASH program event through the State Treasurer’s Office, at the Pittsfield Library on October 27, 2025 from 10 am – 2pm.

Several staff members have been working diligently to complete the City Hall expansion project.

The Police Department is working to replace service weapons due to a potential safety issue with the current weapons.

Public Comments: NONE

Alderperson White stated that the Finance Committee met and discussed financing options for the new meter reading system, which will have a total cost of approximately $720,000.

Mayor Mendenhall stated the Utilities Committee today. Terry Leahr stated that some work had been done repairing valves at the Wastewater Plant. Necessary repairs at the Water Plant is estimated to cost approximately $54,000 and should be able to be scheduled next year.

Alderman Wombles stated that the Street and Alley Committee met tonight. Alderperson Wombles informed the committee that sweeping from the oil and chip project should begin tomorrow. Sidewalk Repairs should begin soon. Discussion of needed repairs to Grove Street and the need for it to be considered a truck route occurred.

Alderperson White moved to approve the Interstate Municipal Gas Agreement Long Term Supply Agreement.

Alderperson Wilson seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Alderperson Lennon moved to accept the proposal from Utility Pipe Sales for the Fixed Network Water and Gas AMI Meter Reading System.

Alderperson Grimsley seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Alderperson Ritchart moved to approve Salvation Army to host a one-day bucket blitz on December 4, 2025 from 10 am to 2 pm at the intersection of Memorial and Jefferson.

Alderperson White seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Alderperson Little moved to approve Ordinance No. 1754, An Ordinance Regulating Commercial Solar Energy Systems and Battery Storage Facilities on its first reading, by title only.

Alderperson White seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Alderperson Ritchart moved to suspend the rules and have the second reading of Ordinance No. 1754, An Ordinance Regulating Commercial Solar Energy Systems and Battery Storage Facilities. Alderperson Little seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Alderperson Ritchart moved to approve Ordinance No. 1754, An Ordinance Regulating Commercial Solar Energy Systems and Battery Storage Facilities on its second reading, by title only.

Alderperson Little seconded the motion.

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

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

Mayor Mendenhall stated that he expected to have a quote for the façade repairs for the City Hall Expansion, however they have not came in yet.

Alderperson Little moved to approve Pay Request #1 Diamon Construction – 2025 Maintenance in the amount of $214,214.60.

Alderperson White seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Yea: Grimsley, Lennon, Little,

Ritchart, White, Wilson, Wombles (7)

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, Lennon, Little Ritchart, White, Wilson, Wombles (7)

Nay: NONE (0)

Present: NONE (0)

The motion carried.

New Business:

Alderperson Ritchart asked about inappropriate Hangar use. The Airport Committee will review. Alderperson Grimsley stated that the Golf Cart Parade will be October 25 at 11am Alderperson Little liked the Cleaning Checklist.

Attorney Morris reiterated that a representative will be in the County on October 27, 2025 for an unclaimed funds event.

Chief Starman clarified a question about a police car being wrecked near the airport. The officer was providing medical assistance to another vehicle and was simply parked in the grass.

Alderperson White moved to adjourn this meeting at 6:48 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3374/Pittsfield/6108518/Minutes-Council_meeting_10-07-25.pdf