Pinckneyville Could Save $110,000 under Open Market Electric Contract
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Pinckneyville City Council placed on file for public inspection a contract with Ameren Energy Marketing (AEM) to purchase electricity at a fixed rate over the next 24 months.
City Attorney Roger Seibert said that based on current electrical rates there is a guaranteed savings of $110,000 during the contract. Greater savings are possible if Ameren raises rates during that time.
"We buy a lot of electricity," Commissioner Sam Fulk said.
Seibert told the council that AEM offered about $10,000 more in savings than the second-highest bidder. However, another bidder said that consolidating some of the city's accounts could save another $3,000 to $4,000. He will pursue that option with AEM, as well.
In other business, the council:
heard from Treasurer Rick Reese that the city is about $1.1 million ahead of where they were last year at this time. The main reason for that is the early distribution of real estate taxes. Pinckneyville received approximately 60 percent or $500,000 from the first installment due July 15.
approved the purchase of $275 in advertising in programs and a sports calendar for the Pinckneyville Community High School teams pending receipt of hotel/motel taxes. There is currently a deficit in the fund of $3,205. Reese said that the Grand American competition at the Shooting Complex in Sparta and the upcoming Thresherman's show will generate some hotel/motel taxes.
approved the purchase of three turbidity monitors and two sensors for Water Treatment Plant #1 at a cost of $11,811. Turbidity monitors test the level of suspended solids in filtered water. The monitors being replaced are original to the building.
approved the closing of Ballpark Road on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 15 and 16 for the Thresherman Association's summer show in addition to the days already approved. Ballpark Road will be closed Aug. 15 through Aug. 21 for the ATA show.
approved the annual street closings for the Mardi Gras parade, flea market and car show, business trick or treat and the children's parade and granted permission for the Chamber to collect funds at intersections and around the square on Oct. 1 for the Mardi Gras Queens fund.
approved payment of $1,412 for membership in the Greater Egypt Regional Planning Commission. Dues are based on population.
approved the motor fuel audit report for 2010.
accepted the resignation of Jerry Speers as a part-time police officer.
approved payment of $39,189 to Kellerman Brothers for work on the Illinois Rural Heritage Museum pending receipt of grant funds.
granted permission for Lois Heisner to lose a portion of Mulberry Street from South Main Street to the alley, not blocking the alley from 6 a.m. on Aug. 19 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 20 for an auction in conjunction with closing her business.