Ella Tinsley was there for WROY/WRUL News and has the story…
The Mcleansboro City Council meeting started and ended in sentimentality. Kicking off public comment, was local the Kiwanis Club, which thanked the city for supporting its activities and helping with the fall festival. As representative Bill Reed stated, “On behalf of the Kiwanis Club, we always feel like we need to come and express our thanks to the mayor and the city council for your support.” going on to point out the very quick turnaround as Bill put, “it took, I think, just one phone call” for assistance during one of the set-up days for the fall festival, acknowledging that the annual fall fest wouldn’t be what it is today without the city council’s continued assistance and support.
In other thankfulness, the council accepted the resignations of Fire Chief Wendell Lowery and Police Officer Dustin Beatty. Both were recognized and thanked for their service to the city, “His time as fire chief was unfortunately short-lived, but we do appreciate everything you’ve done, stepping into the role and taking care of the things,” expressed Mayor Chad May on Wendell Lowery’s resignation.
Back into regular business of the conset agenda, the council approved TIF reimbursements for Pearle Properties LLC for $545.35 and Jerrod and Lois Vaupel for $1,461.95. Also part of the consent agenda, Council members adopted a policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment.
Two anticipated autumnal community events were visited by the council, including a citywide trick-or-treating “Unless there’s any objections, trick-or-treat hours for this year will be October 31 from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.” and the city’s fall cleanup, “Our citywide fall cleanup is scheduled for October 7th through Friday, October 9th from 7.45 A.M. to 3.30 P.M. and then again on Saturday, October 10th from 7.45 A.M. to 12 noon.”
Additionally, the council also approved an amendment to the Natural Gas Management Agreement, allowing a beneficial discount program to continue. They also discussed accepting a $10,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant, but no official actions were taken; the grant funds are planned to be used as needed in the future.
In other finacial news, a financial report on the city pool showed expenses of $27,945.91 and income of $11,723.00; Council members deliberated on how current expenses and income relate to previous years, and how they are affected by community factors such as privaate parties,
“We had those set up with a fee schedule just so we don’t lose money. So we’re covering our expenses for the times that those parties are held.” explained Mayor Chad May.
To close, The council held a first reading of an ordinance authorizing the disposal of surplus vehicles and other property as they recieved appraisals back on the properties across from the fire station. Properties including the 2009 GMC Canyon, the 1993 Ford Van E350, two lots on Marshall Avenue, a lot on 106 North Walnut, and a lot on 110 North Walnut. Members then entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining and closed-session minutes. After returning to open session, the council approved the closed-session minutes from several dates including Executive Session minutes from the regular meetings on 03/23/2026, 04/21/2026, and 08/18/2026 as well as making public the Executive Session Minutes of 10/23/2024, 12/17/2024, and 01/07/2025.