Pinckneyville to set policy for business district funds

The City Council tabled action on a request from Arthur Insurance Agency for $8,250 to repair the awning on the front of the building at 4 East Water St. Art Ashbrook of Arthur Insurance is leasing the space. Mayor August Kellerman said he had considered the request for some time before bringing it to the council for consideration. He was reluctant to foot the entire bill and suggested that paying 50 percent of the cost would be fair. Commissioner Sam Fulk suggested the council create a policy for such requests for business district funds. He suggested setting a dollar limit and/or a percentage of the project and requiring that the business in question be located in the business district.

In other business, the council:

• awarded the bid for new carpeting in the council chambers, commissioner's office and Mayor's office to Thomas Home Improvement. Total cost of removing and disposing of the old carpet, laying new carpet and replacing vinyl wall base is $2,912. Commissioner Leonard Heisner said the cost of repainting the interior of City Hall was much lower than budgeted. Both the carpet and the paint cost less than what was budgeted for painting.

• approved spending $1,500 on a spring clean-up day for residents. Collection will again be held at the former TUMS plant. Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Gilliam said she is aiming for the second week in April, but has not finalized the date yet.