The McLeansboro City Council met Tuesday for its regular monthly meeting at their new city building at 603 East Market Street. Scott Mareing was there and has this report…
The first order of business was the swearing in of elected officials. McLeansboro City Clerk Jodi Brockett, who was sworn earlier in the day, administered the oath of office to re-elected Mayor Chad May, City Treasurer Mary R. “Ruth” Bryson, Ward 1 Alderperson Tom Maulding, newly elected Ward 2 Alderperson Duke Griesemer, and re-elected Ward 3 Alderperson Jeff Johnson.
Mayor Chad May said he appreciated everyone there willing to serve and help their community.
In public comments to the board, John Perryman and Bruce Morrison of the McLeansboro Kiwanis Club thanked the board for their support for the Kiwanis park project. Perryman said speed bumps could be installed and they also could use some “no parking” signs. They would also like to put up a wooden concession stand between the ballpark and the pool. Also Sean Henry of Klingner and Associates spoke about the sewer project.
The Consent Agenda was approved, which included reviews of department reports, monthly financial reports including bills and transfers, and the monthly zoning report.
The fire department ISO (or International Organization for Standardization) audit was conducted recently, and the department’s rating was upgraded from Level 4 to Level 5.
The board gave the Zoning Department permission to bid on one property at the 2025 tax sale if they could find one to their liking.
A low bid of $4,500 was accepted for Kyle Poore to demolish the building on the property at 110 North Walnut.
A proposal from Jeff Johnson to put up stop signs on South McLellan for both directions at the intersection with East Cherry Street failed due to the lack of a motion.
First reading of an Ordinance took place, on implementing a municipal grocery retailers’ occupation tax and a municipal grocery service occupation tax. They would replace the state’s one percent grocery tax that was repealed last year. Mayor Chad May stressed that this would not be a tax increase as it will maintain the current taxing authority, and there will be no extra cost to the consumer.
The board approved the purchase of forensic software from Advanced Digital Forensic Solution in the amount of $1,123 for the police department.
Also approved was allowing the Kiwanis club to place a 12×12 building near the Kiwanis ball field.
A water aerobics class at the city pool was approved by the board pending lifeguard certification.
They approved putting flower pots around the square.
The board approved a job description for the City Administrator and will work on entering into an agreement that will be presented at next month’s board meeting.
Justin Leuke was hired as water/sewer superintendent.
And after much discussion, the board agreed to appoint Ruth Bryson as Comptroller, to work at that job two days a week at a salary of $1,700 a month.
The board adjourned at 6:50 PM.
