Zoning map will be updated

by Kelly Costa

The first reading of an ordinance updating the City of Staunton zoning map took place at the city council meeting held Monday night. The map shows the existing zoning uses, divisions, restrictions, regulations and classifications. Upon adoption of the ordinance, it will be considered the city's official zoning map and will be made part of the city's Zoning Code.

The ordinance will be voted on during the next regular meeting of the city council on Monday, March 28.

Other business included a letter from Vicki Renner requesting that North Wood Street between Main Street and Duda Drive be closed on Saturday, June 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Pearl Essence Studio's 3rd anniversary street party. She also requested use of city tables and chairs for the event that will include craft and resell vendors, and food and drinks. Civic organizations are also invited to set up booths free of charge. The council approved the request.

City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier reported that the annual Workers Compensation audit was done in office on March 9.

In Streets and Sewer, the council agreed to pay an invoice from Vandevanter Engineering for the annual maintenance service contract for small Flygt lift stations at a cost of $3,282.

The council voted to hire Kelly Streubel as a part-time police dispatcher. They also approved Timothy Waltrip as a water treatment plant intern. This will be a paid internship.

The council agreed to reimburse Patty Brauer 75 percent of the expenses for the modifications to her building on East Main Street as outlined in the TIF Redevelopment Agreement. The total is $4,762.50 (75 percent of $6,350). An awning was installed and work was done on the windows.

The collector's report included the following:

Staunton Police Department - Parking fines $25; Reports $5; Ordinance violations $100;

Macoupin County Circuit Clerk - Fine disbursement $424.27; Arrest agency fee $96; E-citation fee $4; Police vehicle fund $.50;

State of Illinois - MFT tax $5,797.45; MFT renewal fund $6,270.40; Sales tax $65,353.61; Personal property replacement tax $7,894.30.

Claims included expenditures of $22,893.17; payroll of $63,078.91; and manual checks of $256.40.

A business license was issued to Bamboo Garden and a meat shoot license to Concordia Hall, Inc.

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