City aldermen down by three

During the city council meeting held on Oct. 24, a letter of resignation was received from Ward 2 Alderman Rick Johnson dated Oct. 14, 2022, effective immediately. Johnson’s resignation is due to health reasons. Aldermen Chad Plenske and Randy Hanks also submitted their letters of resignation at the end of the meeting under new business.

City Treasurer Cindy Pirok reported that the annual treasurer’s report for the city of Staunton has been completed for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2022. The council voted to accept the treasurer's report.

City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier announced that Governor Pritzker has signed a new Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide declaration through Nov. 12, 2022, which means that public meetings may continue to be held remotely. Also the City Clerk’s Office will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11, for the Veterans Day holiday.

In Public Health and Safety, the council approved quotes for additional office furniture and office equipment for the police department at a total cost of $1,876.89. Alderman Hanks voted no. The motion passed 6 to 1.

In Park and Civic Improvement, payment of an invoice from Fehr Graham in the amount of $5,000 was approved for services rendered regarding the 2022 OSLAD Grant Application.

Under Finance/Claims, the council voted to pay an invoice from Sandberg Phoenix for professional services rendered for special projects for $1,851.24. Alderman Hanks voted no. The motion passed 6 to 1.

The council agreed to pay an invoice from Illini Tech for solid state drives with USB cables and on-site labor to perform backup restoration and documentation for $2,840.50. This was approved at the Sept. 12 meeting for $2,520, but additional hardware was needed to complete the installation.

In Utilities and Water, the city council voted to seek bids for materials for the Hibbard Street water main project.

The council agreed to promote David Mongold as the street/sewer department foreman.

In Judiciary, the council approved two pre-annexation agreements – one with Dylan S. Hasse regarding property located at 17320 VFW Road and one with Linda S. Murray and Justin R. Murray regarding property located at 19854 Lakeview Lane. The properties are not being physically annexed to the city’s corporate boundaries at this time.

The council approved an ordinance declaring surplus real property and authorizing its sale.

The first readings were given of three ordinances annexing property to the city of Staunton:

• 20224 Staunton Road - property owned by Daniel Mathis and Beth Mathis, surviving joint tenants of Brandon Mathis, deceased;

• 20190 Staunton Road - property owned by James and Karen Hemp;

• 20266 Staunton Road - property owned by Frank and Sandy Makler.

The council waived the first reading and approved Ordinance #2184 authorizing the execution of a Redevelopment Agreement with Meyer Oil Company. Alderman Hanks voted no to waiving the first reading.

The council approved the release of closed session minutes and authorized the continued retention of non-released minutes.

The collector’s report included the following:

Staunton Police Department - Ordinance Violations $400; Reports $5; Finger Printing $10;

Jersey County Circuit Clerk - FTA Warrant Fee $15;

Macoupin County Circuit Clerk - Fine Disbursement $365.85; Arrest Agency Fee $70.85; E-Citation Fee $12; DUI Fund - $235;

State of Illinois - Income Tax $81,525.09; State Use Tax $15,518.50; Cannabis Use Tax -$599.49; Telecommunications Tax $4,886.62; Video Gaming Tax $10,226.01;

Ameren Illinois - Utility Tax $20,756.87;

Macoupin County ETSB - Generator Reimbursement $3,817.50.

A business license and liquor license were issued to Bulldog Café which is under new ownership.

Those present for the meeting were Mayor Craig Neuhaus, City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier, City Treasurer Cindy Pirok, Public Works Director Mike Kuethe, Police Chief Jeff Doerr, City Attorney Phil Lading, aldermen Chad Plenske, Randy Hanks, Ryan Machota, John Moore, David Manning, David Dias, and Terry Tipler. The next regular city council meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.