Cemetery flooding concerns: Pinckneyville promises engineering study to correct it

Pinckneyville Commissioner Sam Fulk apologized to all those who have had the graves of loved ones flooded in the Pinckneyville City Cemetery and said it is his responsibility because the city has failed to control the flooding for years.

He has set a meeting with the city's engineers and will commission a study to see what can be done to alleviate the drainage problems in the northeast corner of the cemetery on County Road.

Russell and Suzanne Engelhardt expressed dismay at the recent flooding in the cemetery, but thanked Fulk for his attention to the matter. Some graves were completely covered and the water covered the maintenance road in the center of the cemetery.

"I understand the flooding," Russell Engelhardt said. "I don't understand why it takes four days to get rid of the water."

Fulk said that at some time in the past 18-inch tiles were put in near the railroad track to help direct water to the four-foot tile under the tracks. The smaller tiles made the problem worse. Because of the wet conditions in the area, work can only be done in June, July and August. Since the city is busy with street maintenance projects during the summer, the cemetery flooding problem has not been given priority.

Fulk promised that it will now be a priority. He did not promise to solve the problem.

"I can't guarantee success because of the lay of the land," Fulk said. "It could continue to flood."

Mayor August Kellerman said he should have done something the last time the area flooded, but did not.

"Money is tight, but we will do something," Kellerman said.

In other business, the council:

• authorized the purchase of a new police car for $27,000. The city will trade in two vehicles on the new one. Commissioner Kevin Hicks said the city has a 2004 Impala and a 1999 Crown Victoria. He agreed to let the Utility Department keep on of the vehicles if it is better than what they have now. They would then supply the second trade-in vehicle.

• passed a resolution extending the Park Maintenance agreement with James R. Boyd. He will be paid monthly beginning in April. It is a one-year contract for $16,000.

• granted permission for the Optimist Club to collect funds at locations around the square and four-way stop on May 25.