McLeansboro Policewoman Kelsey Bowman will move to a part time role following McLeansboro City Council’s decision to accept her full time resignation. That one of many things we learned at last night’s hour and 45 minute council meeting. The McLenasboro Council has moved the first 3 meetings of 2020 to Wednesday nights rather than the typical 2nd Tuesday format due to conflicts for specific aldermen.
Also determined at last night’s gathering was that no more money would be spent with the architect originally assigned to assist in drawing up schematics and plans for a City Hall remodel. Alderman Jim Mason made a motion to continue with the process, but the measure died failing to garner a second. Alderman Dale Biggerstaff wavered, but ultimately decided against it. Council has authorized the spending of around $10,000 to get this far, but seemingly decided once again it wasn’t a path they wanted to continue on.
Decisions made include authorization for the purchase of a side by side for mosquito abatement and weed control. Council capped the amount that could be spent on the UTV at $8,000. Additionally, aldermen will look into the purchase of a replacement pickup truck for the Electric Department. Discussion seems to indicate they’re looking to keep that expense under $13,000. Finally, a decision to purchase a brush cutter for the Gas Department was authorized with Fabick CAT being the expected place of purchase with an estimate of just under $6,000.
Elsewhere, Council authorized a 3 year contract renewal with Trunkline Gas Company for the wholesale delivery of natural gas as well as insurance renewal for the McLeansboro Airport. That insurance renewal will be at an investment of $1,676, a 13.5% increase, thanks to Boeing according to the gentleman representing the insurance carrier.
The final bit of noteworthy discussion revolved around the creation of a city administrator position. Mayor Dick Deitz opened by saying he was against it. City Attorney David Garavalia then indicated the city had a de facto administrator in City Clerk Fred Vallowe, though it was noted Mr. Vallowe couldn’t serve, nor was he interested, in serving that role. The room finally settled on forming a committee to look further and in more scope at what the position would look like with regards to responsibility and salary. It was agreed that Mayor Deitz would appoint the committee members.
Lastly, following executive session, council voted to destroy the audio and seal closed session minutes from January – March of 2018 as allowed via the the Open Meetings Act.
