Jackson Street flood fix $100,000
Du Quoin resident Jim Atteberry complained to the County Board that flooding on Jackson Street continually washes out the end of his driveway. Atteberry said the problem has been on-going since 1976.
He demanded the county find some money to fix the problem.
County Engineer Brian Otten said he is willing to work with Atteberry to find a solution, but he may not like it. In order to expand the ditches to the depth needed, road safety requirements would necessitate taking most of Atteberry's front yard.
Atteberry said he would not grant an easement for that.
Otten said the engineering for the problem will cost approximately $10,000 and the total cost of the project is at least $100,000. He said the $100,000 was just an estimate and that moving water or gas lines would increase the price.
Board Chairman Bobby Kelly said he would speak to Rep. Enyart about federal funding for the project.
Atteberry berated Commissioners Jim Epplin and Sam Robb for not being aware of the problem. Robb pointed out that Thursday was the first time Atteberry had been at a County Board meeting since he was elected, but agreed to drive over and view the flooding.
In other business, the board:
• agreed to renew the county's electrical contract for two years. The last contract was locked in at a price of 5.3 cents per kWh. The new contract, which takes effect in November is for 4.849 cents per kWh. Select Energy representative Nick Hill agreed to add the Perry County Health Department, Highway Department, shooting range and Animal Control to the county's accounts.
• passed a resolution approving enhanced benefits language in the Perry County Health Plan Document that encourages employees to avail themselves of services offered by the Perry County Health Department at no cost to themselves. The county's health plan pays 100 percent of the cost, which is considerably less expensive than for-profit hospitals for the same services, said insurance agent Alex Snedeker. In addition to saving the county and employees money, using PCHD keeps money in the county.
• approved special use permits for two businesses and two individuals. David Jennings will move his plumbing business from Route 154 to Old Route 13/127 and make use of a metal building there. The special use permit allows him to operate a business in an agriculture zone. Trooper Trained LLC was granted a special use permit to hold handgun training at the Coon Club. The business will also offer classroom training at Wright's Inc., but did not need a permit for that part of the operation. Trooper Trained LLC's services will meet the requirements for concealed carry of a handgun in pending state legislation. It is run by retired Illinois State Police officers. Michelle Rybacki and Nicholas Gilliam were issued 10-year special use permits to place new mobile homes on Falcon Road and Route 14, respectively.
• heard from Economic Development Coordinator Jeff Ashauer that Barr Trucking has applied for a $100,000 revolving loan and a $50,000 loan from the Champion Coal Belt Community fund to help with the purchase of a heavy-duty trucking business in Sparta. The board will be asked to act on the applications at the next meeting. Total cost of the project, which includes purchase of the Sparta trucking business, a new fuel distribution system in Pinckneyville and a concrete pad is $200,000. Ashauer said Barr Trucking employs about 30 people and the Sparta business employs 12, most of whom will move to Pinckneyville.
• approved raffle licenses for Chris Harvey Benefit Fund and Perry County Agricultural Society.