Soccer League Thank You
Members of the Perry County Soccer Association packed the council chambers Monday to deliver a simple message: Thank You.
Dwayne Epplin, speaking for the group, said that the children who participate in the Perry County Soccer League will be the ones who benefit from the proposed sports complex. However, the city should reap some rewards, as well. In larger areas such as Cape Girardeau, soccer tournaments include as many as 100 teams. Those teams buy food and gas while they're there for the tournament.
Epplin said he didn't expect to have room for 100 teams at the proposed soccer fields, but Pinckneyville could still benefit from tournaments.
Epplin thanked the Foundation for Pinckneyville and the planning committee who worked on the grant application for the sports complex.
Commissioner David Stone echoed Epplins' sentiments and added that the grant application has been received by the OSLAD committee.
In other business, the council:
• passed a resolution renewing the city's membership in the Illinoisouth Tourism Bureau. Membership fee is $1,500 and a half-page ad in their publication will cost $1,650. Commissioner Leonard Heisner warned the council that there is currently less than $4,000 in the hotel/motel tax fund. Donations have already been promised to the Thresherman's Association and the Chamber of Commerce.
• agreed to accept bids to line the sewer main on County Road between the Park and the railroad tracks behind FS. Video and smoke testing revealed problems with the main. The job is expected to cost $30 - $35,000.
• approved the purchase of $15,492 in materials to replace six fire hydrants.
• approved the hiring of a part-time employee to clean City Hall for a maximum of 10 hours per week.
• passed a resolution approving the Pinckneyville Community High School homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 18 at 2:30 p.m. The parade crosses South Main Street and will following the route used for the past several years.
• approved street closings and police assistance in patrolling three 2013 Mardi Gras celebration.
• passed a resolution supporting the development of a streetscape enhancement for three blocks of South Walnut Street between Water Street on the north and West Randolph Street on the south and submitting the plan for a grant. The street scape would supplement road resurfacing in the area with lighting and brick pavers. Devon DeJournett of H.M.&G. said the city applied for the same 80/20 matching grant last year, but did not receive it. The deadline for this year's grant applications is in August. The city should hear whether or not they were successful this year within four to six months.
• approved contracts placed on file for public inspection at the previous meeting, including a general service agreement with H.M. & G. and task orders for a new ultraviolet disinfection system at the east sewer plant and a wastewater facilities plan revision. The current system is obsolete and new bulbs cannot be purchased. It is functioning at about one-third its capacity. The engineering for a new UV system is expected to cost $18,000. The plan revision will make use of an older plan that was found lacking. More detail will be added. The cost for the new plan, which is required by the IEPA before making major renovations or replacing the old plant will cost $60,000. Commissioner David Stone said the city plans to pursue grants for a new wastewater treatment plan soon.