Resident expresses fireworks concerns

During Monday night’s city council meeting, a resident who lives near the Fireman’s Park was in attendance. He wanted the mayor and the city council to know that the fireworks had deposited debris in his yard. Most of the fireworks debris had finished burning, but some of it had gunpowder residue on it and some of the debris was also burning. He even had to go inside his house during the fireworks display because the smoke was filling his yard. The resident likes the fireworks, but he was concerned for the safety of his house and the nearby wooded area.

Mayor Craig Neuhaus said he will speak with the fire department about next year’s fireworks display and discuss safety issues. However, Neuhaus also said the fire department was concerned about the safety of the area, and firefighters were walking the railroad tracks during the fireworks display to check for debris.

In correspondence, a letter of resignation dated June 5, was received from full-time police officer Kenneth Lutz with an effective date of June 18.

The council received a letter of resignation from part-time crossing guard Jules Bartony, Sr.

City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier announced that the city clerk’s office will be closed on Monday, July 4, for Independence Day. All public works employees except for one water treatment plant employee will be off that day as well.

In Finance and Claims, the council voted to pay an invoice from Sandberg Phoenix for professional services rendered for special projects in the amount of $2,128.33.

In Streets and Sewer, the council approved the purchase of traffic paint at a cost not to exceed $2,500.

In Tourism, spending was approved for three upcoming events: Up to $6,350 for Strassenfest By Kelly Costa

During Monday night’s city council meeting, a resident who lives near the Fireman’s Park was in attendance. He wanted the mayor and the city council to know that the fireworks had deposited debris in his yard. Most of the fireworks debris had finished burning, but some of it had gunpowder residue on it and some of the debris was also burning. He even had to go inside his house during the fireworks display because the smoke was filling his yard. The resident likes the fireworks, but he was concerned for the safety of his house and the nearby wooded area.

Mayor Craig Neuhaus said he will speak with the fire department about next year’s fireworks display and discuss safety issues. However, Neuhaus also said the fire department was concerned about the safety of the area, and firefighters were walking the railroad tracks during the fireworks display to check for debris.

In correspondence, a letter of resignation dated June 5, was received from full-time police officer Kenneth Lutz with an effective date of June 18.

The council received a letter of resignation from part-time crossing guard Jules Bartony, Sr.

City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier announced that the city clerk’s office will be closed on Monday, July 4, for Independence Day. All public works employees except for one water treatment plant employee will be off that day as well.

In Finance and Claims, the council voted to pay an invoice from Sandberg Phoenix for professional services rendered for special projects in the amount of $2,128.33.

In Streets and Sewer, the council approved the purchase of traffic paint at a cost not to exceed $2,500.

In Tourism, spending was approved for three upcoming events: Up to $6,350 for Strassenfest (Octoberfest) expenses; up to $10,000 for Balloon Glow expenses; and up to $12,000 for the Holiday Lighted Park event.

In Judiciary, the council passed an ordinance denying a zoning variance for property located at 223 East Pennsylvania Street. Ryan and Amber Ruehrup had wanted to build a 16-feet by 45-feet enclosed carport on property without a residence.

An ordinance was approved granting a zoning variance to build a detached 30-feet by 50-feet garage at 503 Klondike Street. The current garage on that property will be torn down to accommodate the new structure.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement With the Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local Union Number 338, was approved on behalf of the city of Staunton’s full-time employees of the street, water, and sewer departments.

Fehr Graham Engineering and Environmental was appointed contract grant writers for the city of Staunton.

Steven Moore, Carol Hartson and Bryan Siegfried were reappointed to the Staunton Library Board.

The collector’s report included:

Boeing Bicycle Club - Tour de Donut donation $2,300.00;

State of Illinois - State Use Tax $17,262.45; Income Tax $47,125.79; Telecommunications Tax $5,089.69; Cannabis Use Tax $702.45; Video Gaming Tax $12,840.22;

Ameren Illinois - Utility Tax $18,136.35;

Southwestern Electric Cooperative - Utility Tax $686.34;

Staunton Super 8 Motel - Hotel/Motel Tax $2,333.46.

Those present for the meeting were Mayor Craig Neuhaus, City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier, Treasurer Cindy Pirok, City Attorney Phil Lading, Public Works Director Mike Kuethe, aldermen Rick Johnson, Jeff Scanzoni, Ryan Machota, John Moore, and David Manning. Alderman David Dias attended electronically. Police Chief Jeff Doerr, aldermen Chad Plenske and Randy Hanks were absent. The next city council meeting will be on Monday, July 11, at 7 p.m.