Pinckneyville Commissioner Calls Its Quits; Fulk to Fill Vacancy
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The letter began:
"Dear Mayor Holder and Pinckneyville City Council,
"I am by way of writing this letter submitting my resignation from my position as Commissioner of Street and Public Improvements on the Pinckneyville City Council effective as of this meeting date - February 9, 2009. Circumstances beyond my control have arisen that makes my continuation on the council very problematic for myself.
"I wish the council the very best of luck with their business in the future - as these are very trying times for the city. I trust that a replacement will be chosen that will care as much about the city as I do and have shown by my service over the past almost 30 years. I will continue as much as possible to promote the city in its future endeavors.
"Sincerely, Ruben Davis"
Davis' resignation came after the Monday meeting's executive session. Underlying reasons apart from "circumstances beyond my control" were not disclosed..
Appointed to the vacancy will be Samuel J. Fulk. Fulk who served in the past as the public health and safety commissioner, accounts and finance commissioner and ran for mayor in 2007 but lost to the current mayor, Mayor Holder.
The meeting also opened on an unpleasant report.
The treasurer reported that the city was short on cash to pay its bills again. The second wave of property taxes came in, but the city was hit for $335,000 for its municipal gas purchases. The state's debt to the city for utilities at the Pinckneyville prison has grown to over $300,000 and the city can only hope it has moved up on the payment list.
The city's own gas bill is not due until the last week of February. The city intends to wait until the gas utility bills are sent out and collected, which will give the city enough money to pay the bill.
Other items:
Commissioner Martin Beltz was authorized to replace two part time police officers. In addition, Beltz was given authority to hire two more part time police officers. The total part time police officers allowed in the department is now seven.
Discussed establishing snow routes within the city. Ordinances are currently being worked on to help city and state road crews clean the roads more efficiently during a snowstorm. Such an ordinance commonly includes making parking illegal on certain streets for a certain amount of time before a snowstorm is predicted. Food, medical, government and religious locations would be among the first to be cleared.
James Harris and Paul Pendergast, representing Laborers' International Union of North America Local Union No. 773, AFL-CIO, were present to discuss two grievances with the city. The item was moved to executive session and no action was taken.
Placed on layover R-2009-10, a resolution for improvement by Municipality Under the Illinois Highway Code regarding North and South Walnut Street and West St. Louis Street. However, with oil prices as high as they currently are, it is doubtful if the entire streets can be repaired.
Approved an engineering agreement between the city and the Fulton Group, LLC, in the amount of $30,000 for Cooper B-Line Project DECO Grant #08-241002, as placed on file at the previous meeting.
Discussed a bill to Com-munity Link to be paid from the hotel tax account that will fund a half-page ad for Pinckneyville in a tourism book to be placed in area rest stops for $1,695.
Authorized a payment to the Fulton Group LLC for invoices for $33,708.20, $4,200 and $500 for DECO Grant #08-241002, upon receipt of funds.
Authorized a payment to the Fulton Group LLC in the amount of $3,000 for Delta Project Cooper B-Line Water DERAIL-5111 upon receipt of funds.
Approved R-2009-11 a resolution approving a subordination agreement with David Kuhnert and Gail Kuhnert, d/b/a Kuhnert Electric, to First State Bank of Campbell Hill, Coulterville Banking Center, to facilitate refinancing.