Pinckneyville to re-bid farm leases

The Pinckneyville City Council Monday authorized Commissioner David Stone to rebid the farm leases for the city, hoping to get a better price. City Attorney Roger Seibert said the city receives only half of what comparable property on the market receives, largely due to a lack of guarantees in the contracts. Stone said there is a considerable amount of farm ground for lease. He hopes to have the bids ready for the next meeting.

Seibert said that Stone can legally lease the ground for up to two years without council approval.

The council also authorized Stone to proceed with the sale of a parcel of real estate in the Industrial Park East. Seibert will prepare an ordinance for the council to vote on at the next meeting, authorizing the advertisement of bids for the property. The advertisement for bids must run for three consecutive weeks before being opened. Seibert said the council can restrict the use of the property which is currently commercial.

The bids could be awarded in April.

In other business, the council:

• placed on file for public inspection the lowest bid for $323,540 for the city square lighting project and a letter of recommendation from HMG Engineers that the bid go to the low bidder F.W. Electric without alternate bid #1 which includes 17 items.

• authorized the purchase of a new 2015 police car at a cost of $25,682 which includes the trade-in of two vehicles.

• agreed to donate $500 to Dick Conner of Misfits Automotive to help advertise a swap meet at the grandstand on March 29. Conner pays $500 to rent the building.

• granted permission for the Pinckneyville Fireman's Association to hold their annual Good Friday Fish Fry April 3 at the KC Hall.

• heard from Commissioner Kevin Hicks that Beaucoup Baptist Church will clean up highways into the city on April 11 as part of their 100th anniversary celebration. Mayor August Kellerman said he will help with the clean-up and hopes other individuals and churches will do the same.