Kevin B. Hicks

Key discussions during the meeting involved the review and approval of the Treasurer's Report, noting an increase in Total Gross Payroll compared to the previous year. Accounts payable were approved with the addition of several invoices, including a significant purchase of gas. Correspondence acknowledged the Fire Department's efforts in fighting a recent fire and thanked the Utility and Street Departments for their work during a snowstorm. A request from Rhonda Shubert regarding hosting America's 250th Birthday Celebration, potentially involving the opening of a city time capsule next year, was received. The Council approved a request from Jerron Hurst of Victory Church of Jesus Christ to set up a consumer fireworks stand within city limits for the week leading up to July 4, 2026. A citizen, Matthew Hazelwood, raised concerns regarding snow plowing practices, specifically concerning alleys and street width definitions. The Council also approved several items: Resolution No. R-2026-04 authorizing an agreement with Economic Development Resources, L.L.C.; Resolution No. R-2026-05 authorizing grant assistance for building renovations at 202 East Water Street; and motions to place on file Ordinance No. O-2026-01 regarding the purchase of real estate at 110 West Mulberry Street, Resolution No. R-2026-06 for an employment contract for an Assistant Fire Chief, and Resolution No. R-2026-07 authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Pinckneyville Rural Fire Protection District.

The meeting included a review and approval of the Treasurer's Report, noting an increase in the total ending balance compared to the previous year, attributed to the first distribution of real estate taxes. The Council approved various expenditures, including replacing two bathroom doors at the park, replacing a heater at the water plant, and purchasing a 2020 Ford F-550 truck using Gas Capital Outlay funds. Several resolutions were approved, including an Intergovernmental Agreement with Perry County and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for Fishery Management Services at Pinckneyville City Lake, an agreement for custodial services with Hepp Commercial Cleaning LLC, and authorization to destroy audio recordings of closed council meetings conducted on or before June 30, 2024. A resolution authorizing a grant assistance agreement for building renovations at 202 East Water Street was placed on file. The Council also approved a $4,500.00 downpayment for the purchase of a lot behind the Moose Lodge. The Council adjourned to Executive Session to discuss employee performance, real estate purchases, and pending litigation before returning to regular session.

The City Council meeting involved setting the agenda, which included an Executive Session to discuss property sale/lease pricing. Key actions included approving the Treasurer's Report, which noted an increase in Total Gross Payroll compared to the previous year, and approving accounts payable with specified additions. Correspondence recognized the PCHS Cheerleaders for winning the ICCA State Championship. The council approved a request from Pinckneyville Community Hospital to utilize city light posts for displaying 75th Anniversary banners from March through June 2026. Furthermore, the council approved Resolution No. R-2025-34 authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement regarding Saffron Solar, LLC, and Resolution No. R-2025-35 regarding Animal Control Services. Resolution No. R-2026-01 concerning Fishery Management Services at Pinckneyville City Lake and Resolution No. R-2026-02 for custodial services at the Pinckneyville Community Center were placed on file. Following public comment regarding security procedures, the council adjourned to and subsequently returned from Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, property transactions, and security procedures.

The Council reviewed and approved the Treasurer's Report, noting a decrease in the unrestricted balance due to a delayed first distribution of real estate taxes. Approval was granted for accounts payable. Correspondence included an announcement regarding the Duster Thomas Hoops Classic. The Council approved the request for equipment installation on a 2026 Dodge Durango Police Pursuit vehicle. Ordinance No. O-2025-16, approving a Natural Gas Long Term Supply Agreement with Interstate Municipal Gas Agency, was passed. The invoice for emergency purchase of water line repair supplies from IMCO for Snowy Owl Road was approved. Approval was also granted for the purchase of four new desktop computers for City Hall offices. The Council approved a quote for Zenner/Utility Pipe Sales to send Project Managers to assist with water and gas meter repairs, addressing the issue of 625 meters not returning accurate reads. The municipal calendar for 2026 was set, establishing regular meetings for the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Resolution No. R-2025-34, authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Perry County regarding a solar energy development (Saffron Solar, LLC), was placed on file, confirming the City would hold the restoration bond. Resolution No. R-2025-35, authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Perry County for Animal Control Services, was also placed on file, outlining fee structures. During public comment, meter issues were clarified, confirming a combination of 480 water and 145 gas meters were not returning remote reads. The Council then moved to and returned from an Executive Session held for the discussion of employee matters.

The Pinckneyville City Council meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The council approved a natural gas long-term supply agreement with Interstate Municipal Gas Agency, and authorized the purchase of two desktop computers for the utility department. Additionally, they approved the purchase of a gas chlorinator system, a chlorine gas detector, and a Sulzer Submersible Sewage Pump. The council also approved the 2026 Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance Program, along with ordinances related to levying taxes for corporate purposes and for the Pinckneyville Public Library. Stop loss insurance coverage with HealthEZ and Standard Life and Accident Insurance was approved. The City of Pinckneyville was awarded a grant from the Delta Regional Authority to replace infrastructure in its gas distribution system. An executive session was held to discuss the setting of a price for the sale or lease of property owned by the public body.