Days Gone By In Staunton

Thursday, June 7, 1990 -- COUNCIL HEARS COMPLAINTS REGARDING SEWERAGE PROBLEMS -- Mayor Brauer called the Staunton City Council to order at 7 p.m. The following aldermen answered roll call: F. Stein, W. Heinemeyer, J. Grabruck, R. Beckman; Excused, Ruffini, Graves, Libbra, Johnson. Motion by Grabruck, seconded by Beckman, the regular order of business be suspended to hear from guests.

Clifford Wall, a resident of the 300 block on South Wood Street addressed the council regarding the 32 inches of water in his basement during the heavy rains. Mr. Wall stated that he never had a water problem until the city had the new sewer main put in on Wood Street. Mr. Wall questioned if the city is going to stand for the replacement of damaged appliances. Insurance carrier to be contacted regarding this matter.

Mrs. Keith Brodie, a resident of the 1000 block on E. Mill Street, thanked Mayor Brauer and Aldermen Grabruck and Heinemeyer for their efforts in trying to correct the sewer problem on a private sewer owned by Harold Hutchins. Mrs. Brodie stated that she had contacted the EPA as did Mayor Brauer. The EPA told Mayor Brauer that the city would not be held responsible if the city would help, but at this time the city has not received a letter stating this fact. There seems to be a question as to how grease and oil was getting into the sewer when no tap-ons were to have been made.

George Robertson, Ray Robertson and Edward Bononi, owners of the Washee and Cleaning Shop on N. Laurel at E. North Street, addressed the council regarding the problems created by the sewer project.

It is almost impossible to conduct business in the area. The sewer project workers are using the laundromat restrooms as there are no portable restrooms in the area. They are tracking mud in the building causing extra cleaning. When loading trucks the mud is splashing on the windows and building. The owners are wondering if there is any recourse if they are forced to close, and if the city would back them up. Mayor Brauer suggested that they contact the insurance carrier of the Rust Company, contractor on the sewer project.

BUSINESS PURCHASED -- Shari and Don Albrccht of Staunton nave purchased "Heartland Square," a new retail center to be anchored by an ice cream parlor named "Lacy's Malt Shop" and a gift shop to be owned by Sylvia Lux. The building was formerly occupied by a funeral home and is being converted into spaces for storefronts or office spaces.

ENTERED ORDER FOR CROSSING IMPROVEMENTS -- Illinois Commerce Commission announced that the Commission entered an Order requiring various improvements at the Fourth Street, Henry/Madison Street, Mill Street, Main Street and Macoupin Street crossings with the Norfolk and Western Railway Company (N&W) track in the City of Staunton.

Among other things, the N&W is required to install new automatic warning devices with 12" lenses at each of the crossings and rehabilitate the crossing surfaces including necessary pedestrian crossing improvements.

The Macoupin Street crossing will be relocated so as to allow proper placement of signal devices. The City of Staunton is required to realign and/or improve the street approach grades to the track at all of the crossings except Main Street.

The total cost of the improvements is estimated to be $319,138. The Grade -Crossing Protection Fund administered by the Commission is bearing $164,601 of the cost. The Illinois Department of Transportation utilizing its own funds and federal funding under the Highway Safety Act will contribute $63,872 toward the project. The N&W will pay $42,746 toward the cost of the improvements and the City of Staunton will bear $47,919.

All work is to be completed within 21 months from the Order date. Senator Vince Dcmuzio of Carlinville said, "I am confident these railroad crossing improvements will be well received by the people of Staunton, since they will greatly improve safely at each of the crossings."

Rep. Gary Hannig of Benld commented, "I am pleased that the commission has been able to provide substantial funds so that these improvements can commence. I look forward to the completion of the work which will be welcomed by all those who use these crossings."

SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM -- The City of Staunton will again conduct a summer recreation program for Staunton children ranging from students entering grade 1 next year to those entering grade 6. The first session will last three weeks beginning on June 18 and ending July 6. Each session will consist of twelve days (Monday thru Thursday) from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The program will focus on three general areas: physical activities, handicrafts and arts, and environment and safety. There will be a snack provided each day for the children. The instructors will all be certified teachers recognized by the State of Illinois. The activities will break the students down into three groups (grades 1 & 2, grades 3 & 4 and grades 5 & 6).

The cost for the program will be $3 per child. A second session will begin on July 16.