Zoning director hired

by Kelly Costa

The city of Staunton now has a new zoning administrator by combining the job with the code enforcement position already in place. The Staunton City Council approved a resolution at the meeting on Monday night appointing Brad Miller, who is the current code enforcement officer, to be zoning administrator/code enforcement officer at the pay rate of $18 per hour.

Other personnel changes include the appointment of Tonya Whaley as office administrative assistant for the city of Staunton. Her duties will be assigned by the mayor and city clerk, and she will be compensated at $20 per hour.

Natalie Floyd was appointed part-time city clerk's office assistant at the rate of $15 per hour.

The resignation of Lori Grandone as bookkeeper for the city was accepted. Her last day will be Feb. 21.

Other business included granting a request from Pam Kleckner representing Zion Lutheran Youth Group to close Main Street from Wood Street to Union Street on Saturday, March 26, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. for a 5K race. She also asked the city to supply barricades to block the street.

The treasurer reported that the following certificates of deposit have recently matured and were cashed in at the Bank of Hillsboro: Reserve Fund - $200,000 plus $2,116.26 interest; Bond/Interest Fund - $250,000 plus $2,645.31 interest.

In Utilities and Water, the city council agreed to pay an invoice from Midwest Municipal Supply for stock setters for meters at a cost of $2,821.32.

The council approved design engineering from John H. Crawford & Associates for the Lakewood Drive water main extension project for $4,000 and for the Franklin and Hibbard water main project at a cost not to exceed $35,000.

In Streets and Sewer, the council agreed to pay an invoice from Vandevanter Engineering for the annual maintenance contract at the main lift station for $5,515.

Mayor Craig Neuhaus was given the authority to sign documents closing out the 2021 M.F.T. program.

A resolution for the 2022 M.F.T. Maintenance Program for $197,950 was approved.

The council voted to reimburse Russell Furniture $12,240.99 which is 75 percent of the expense to improve the facade of their building on Main Street. This is in accordance with the TIF Redevelopment Agreement. Nine windows were replaced along with power washing, caulking and painting.

The collector’s report included the following:

Staunton Police Department - Ordinance Violations $100; Parking Fines $25; Reports $5;

State of Illinois - Sales Tax $62,974.82; Sales Tax $63,839.84; Video Gaming Tax $12,841.13; Cannabis Use Tax $702.02; Telecommunications Tax $5,120.58; Income Tax $85,864.32; Use Tax $18,135.86; MFT Tax $10,278.68; MFT Renewal Fund $7,202.64

Staunton Area Ambulance Service - January Dispatch Fee $500;

Madison Communications - Franchise Fee $3,303.41;

Macoupin County Treasurer - Real Estate Taxes $20,926.35; Real Estate Taxes–Library $2,587.80; Downtown TIF Tax $1,585.11; Interstate TIF Tax $3,468.88;

Macoupin County Circuit Clerk - Fine Disbursement $446.15; Arrest Agency Fee $96; E-Citation Fee $4; Police Vehicle Fund $1.

Claims included expenditures of $75,491.60, payroll of $58,666.94, and manual checks in the amount of $521.76.

A business license was issued to Dollar General Store #23185.

Those present for the meeting were Mayor Craig Neuhaus, City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier, Treasurer Cindy Pirok, Public Works Director Mike Kuethe, City Attorney Phil Lading, Police Chief Jeff Doerr, aldermen Jeff Scanzoni, Ryan Machota, John Moore, David Manning, and David Dias. Alderman Rick Johnson attended electronically. Aldermen Chad Plenske and Randy Hanks were absent. The next city council meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.