Full-time officer hired

By Kelly Costa

During Monday night’s city council meeting, the city council approved the hiring of Robert Jackowski as a full-time police officer from the recently approved full-time placement list compiled by the police commission. Robert Jackowski took the oath of office as a Staunton police officer following the approval of the motion.

Guest Rick Johnson said the Beautify Staunton program is doing well according to his observations. He said the lights are wonderful and beautiful, and with the people putting in the time, money, and energy, there should be more rewards.

City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier reported that petition packets for the April 4, 2023, Consolidated Election are being accepted at the city clerk’s office through Dec. 19, which is the filing deadline. The city clerk’s office will be open until 5 p.m. on the final filing day.

Sexual harassment training materials were passed out to all elected officials and city employees. The materials need to be completed and returned to the city clerk’s office by the end of the year.

Also, the city clerk’s office, along with all public works employees except for one water treatment plant operator, will be off on Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26, for the Christmas holiday.

Governor Pritzker has signed a new Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide declaration through Jan. 6, 2023, which means that public meetings may continue to be held remotely.

In Public Health and Safety, the council approved the full-time placement list compiled by the police commission from recent interviews to be good for six months.

The council also approved a quote from Southwest Solutions Group for a detention bench for the police department for $1,799.99.

In Park and Civic Improvement, the council voted to pay an invoice from Christmas Décor Systems for the Main Street Christmas decorations for $3,500.

The council agreed to pay an invoice from Laughlin Electric, Inc. for lighting repair labor and ballasts at the soccer fields for $5,535.

The city council accepted the Request For Qualification (RFQ) from John H. Crawford & Associates to administer a housing grant.

In Finance and Claims, the council agreed to pay an invoice from Sandberg Phoenix for special projects for $1,263.20.

In Utilities and Water, a renewal quote with Hach Co. was approved for annual maintenance at the water treatment plant for $12,525. The starting date is Jan. 1, 2023, and the end date is Dec. 31, 2023.

A charity roadblock by the Salvation Army was approved at the intersection of Main Street and Route 4 and Main and Union streets on Dec. 17, 2022.

In New Business, the council discussed and agreed not to hold the second December city council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022.

The collector’s report included the following:

Southwestern Electric Cooperative - Utility Tax $595.81;

M.J.M. Electric Cooperative - Utility Tax $202.83;

Staunton Police Department - Ordinance Violations $200;

Staunton Area Ambulance Service (October and November Dispatch Fees) $1,000;

State of Illinois - Personal Property Replacement Tax $3,968.18; MFT Tax $9,754.50; MFT Renewal Fund $7,492.15; Sales Tax $61,525.51;

Macoupin County Circuit Clerk - Fine Disbursement $380.42; Arrest Agency Fee $64.82; E-Citation Fee $4; Police Vehicle Fund $.50.

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, aldermen Ryan Machota, John Moore, David Manning, David Dias, Terry Tipler, and Kristy Berg. City Attorney Phil Lading attended electronically. The next city council meeting will be on Monday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m.