Pinckneyville to move new Zoning-Economic Development office to Street Department

Commissioner Leonard Heisner suggested the city locate the new Zoning/Economic Development office in the Street Department building on north Main Street. There is ample room to build an office and adequate parking. A sign will be added to the front once the office is completed. Heisner said there is no easy way to open the office Zoning Administrator/Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Gilliam uses in City Hall to the public.

The council also approved the creation of bank account to be used exclusively for zoning funds.

In other business, the council:

• passed a resolution assigning TIF funds as collateral for Perry Pointe at First National Bank. The TIF district is set to expire in two years. The resolution is simply a statement that Perry Pointe receives TIF funds. There is no obligation on the part of the city. Perry Pointe plans to borrow funds to complete road work.

• approved the purchase of an odorization system for the natural gas system to replace the 40-year-old equipment currently in use. Total cost for the project is approximately $35,000. The current system is very inconsistent and is the reason motorists can smell natural gas near the intersection of White Walnut Road and Route 154. Commissioner David Stone said there is no gas leak in that area it is simply the odor added to the gas to make it easier to detect.

• passed a resolution providing a no loitering policy for city property and updating the procedures restricting use of city facilities, equipment or tools. Commissioner Stone said there hasn't been any problem with the use of tools, but there have been individuals loitering near the water and sewer departments.

• set the trick or treating date as Friday, Oct. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. for children age 13 and under, going only to homes with the porch lights burning.

• approved the street closures, traffic control and other requests from the Chamber of Commerce to put on the annual Mardi Gras festival and parade Oct. 23 - 25. There were no changes from previous years.

• heard from Commissioner Sam Fulk that HM&G is still working on the lighting project. The state sets lighting requirements and must approve the city's plan before it can be bid. Commissioner Fulk also asked the council to consider replacing the sidewalk near the corner where the clock will be located.