Storm Damage and Construction Discussed at City Hall
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Monday's July 14 meeting was weighed heavy with construction contracts. Commissioner Davis took a moment during the meeting to address concerns about the recent storm damage, "These storms hit the street department pretty heavily. There is no set schedule for clean up, they are starting with places that received the most damage and working around from there. Everyone is working hard, just be patient. Everything will get done."
The treasurer's report stated that the city was roughly on par with last year's figures, but Mayor Holder added that since the city was further out of the red that the city was "$400,000 better off than previous years." Commissioner Davis added, "We still need to exercise extreme caution in our spending." The treasurer added that while the city was better off, they were not out of problem territory yet.
A member of the audience presented to the Council a request to support the Run for the Fallen program on July 30. Run for the Fallen is a group of people that are walking coast to coast, one mile for every fallen soldier during operations in Iraq. They began June 14 in California and will finish August 24 on the east coast. On July 30 they will travel through Pinckneyville and it was requested that they be escorted by the local police and fire.
Other items covered in the meeting were:
- Approved R-2008-31 authorizing a credit card for the Police Chief.
- Approved the upgrade of the computer system and software for the Police Department, costing approximately $24,100.
- Approved a request by the Pinckneyville Fireman's Association to collect funds on August 16 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the MDA Fill the Boot. Collections will be at the four way stop and intersections around the square.
- Approved the request by the Lion's Club to collect funds around the four way stop around the square on October 10 for "Candy Day."
- Approved the annual flu/pneumonia clinic in cooperation with the Perry County Health Department, scheduled for October 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $35 for flu vaccines and $40 for pneumonia vaccines.
- Recognized Dean Crain for the donation of a 1997 Ford F150 truck.
- Placed a Retainer Agreement for Professional Engineering Service by The Fulton Group, LLC of O'Fallon, for 2008 Pool Improvements Project on file for public inspection.
- Approved the request by American Thresherman Association to close Ballpark Road and to conduct a parade August 14 during the Association's 49th Annual Steam, Gas and Threshing Show August 14 to 17.
- Discussed and approved the relocation of the Farmer's Market from the City Park to the Courthouse Square. The market will not interfere with courthouse hours.
- Placed a Retainer Agreement for Professional Engineering Service by The Fulton Group, LLC, for engineering services on file for public inspection.
- Placed a Retainer Agreement for Professional Engineering Service by The Fulton Group, LLC, for DECO Grand Administration - Cooper B-Line Project on file for public inspection.
- Reappointed Mary Kopshever and Mary Roe to the Library Board.
- Authorized revisions to R-2008-33 the Revolving Loan Agreement and R-2008-34 the Development TIF Agreement with Ryan C. Luke, changing the name to Luke's Shade Tree CafŽ, LLC.
- Discussed and approved a revolving loan purchase of hospital equipment by Healthcare Equipment as requested by Pinckneyville Community Hospital in the amount of $30,000. The $60,000 total cost will be paid in half by the hospital.
- Approved R-2008-32 Subordination of Mortgage for Wright's Collision Center.
- Authorized to split the previously approved Agreement For Engineering Services between the city and The Fulton Group, LLC, for Sanitary Sewer and Roadway Portion of Cooper B-Line project. This change was made to put it into proper format for the state. Also approved R-2008-35 that allowed Mayor Holder to sign off on the above agreements when needed.
- Approved the request by American Thresherman's Association to extend the land lease 590 feet west at City Park.
After executive session, Mayor Holder was authorized to buy the building at 111 S. Walnut, across from City Hall, as a place for the Economic Development Building. The contract bid is for $34,500 and will provide a place to make land and zoning displays readily available for businesses and residents. Mayor Holder stated that the mission statement of the city is, "Everyone who wants to work can have a job."