East Central Reporter

City of Martinsville City Council met June 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Attendance: Mayor Herman Davidson, Clerk- Sheena Hammond, Treasurer- Terri Connelly, Dan Kibler-Marshall Advocate, Ryan Jones, Hailey Hill, Travis Hill, Dalton McNeely, Toni Baird, Mary Zachary, Rob Reynolds, Clayton Wells, Al Lauritzen, Carolyn Hain

Meeting called to order by Mayor Davidson at 7:00 PM.

Prayer: Bob Lovell

Pledge of Allegiance: All

Public Comment: Toni Baird addressed the Council regarding the dilapidated houses in town, specifically her neighbors house on Grant St. She feels as though rather than money being spent on a pickleball court, the money could go toward doing something with the run-down properties. Attorney Bernardoni explained that six residences are going through the court process at the moment. Toni commented that many properties are unsightly and unwelcoming. Alderman Lovell commented that the ordinance on these types of properties has been modified to give more allowances to the remedy these issues.

Rob Reynolds addressed the council about the ordinances they are making and considerations of demographics of the community. He encourages discretion to be used on pursuing what people to go after for these ordinance violations. He also commented his disapproval of the current council due to money being spent. He doesn’t agree with the city building a new warehouse. He feels improvements should be done to water/sewer lines and handrails. He feels money is being spent on things he sees as meaningless. Considerations should be taken for the upcoming economic state. He said that every house torn down by the city is less taxes for other entities. He also requested increased police presence two years ago and doesn’t feel the city has done anything.

Al Lauritzen remarked that the part-time police do more than the full time officer. Mayor Davidson explained that the State of Illinois has requirements that interfere with daytime patrol. Al feels that the police hire was frivolous. He says tax money is not being spent wisely. He mentioned that he watches for the police vehicle and has noticed it is being parked out of public sight. Al also takes an issue with the trailer of Jordon Perisho being denied for permitting by the Zoning, Building Commission. Mayor Davidson explained that the proper guidelines were not followed by Mr. Perisho. Al mentioned that he’s a good kid and he’s trying his best. He also noted that many people do not have front license plates mounted out of laziness and they should be cited. He inquired about campers being allowed in town. His girlfriend’s neighbor has moved in a camper and he suspects water and sewer connections are not properly hooked up. Mayor Davidson explained that upon examination of the ordinances, there are no limitations on travel trailers under 40 feet long in city limits.

Motion by C. Perry, 2nd by A. Wilhoit, to approve the previous meeting minutes.

Record Vote:

Davidson Absent   Pendleton Absent

Perry Yes              Hammond Absent

Lovell Yes             Wilhoit Yes

Mayor Yes

Motion carried.

--Motion by A. Wilhoit, 2nd by R. Lovell, to approve bill list.

Record Vote:

Davidson Absent   Pendleton Absent

Perry Yes              Hammond Absent

Lovell Yes             Wilhoit Yes

Mayor Yes

Motion carried.

Clayton Wells addressed the Council about the upcoming Block Party sponsored by the North Place. Last year, $4500 in college scholarships and $1000 in trade school scholarships were awarded from the proceeds of the Block Party. He is hoping for increased attendance. He is not sure that his trailer for the band stage will fit on the East end of the block. He will try, but if not, he will set the trailer on the West end where he has done it in the past.

The Zoning, Building Commission (Mobile Home Committee) was present to update the Council on a recent Mobile Home application. Ryan Jones explained that Jordon Perisho sited a trailer before getting the proper paperwork (application for permit). Due to improper procedures, the committee was unable to complete the necessary inspections. He explained that Mr. Perisho had previous experience with this process during the placement of his parents’ trailer. The Committee felt that they couldn’t approve this application due to these circumstances. He noted that there is an appeal process. Mr. Jones also commented that the committee looks for trailers that are non-compliant. He wants to improve the process not regress in the way things are done. He explained to the council that they are not picking on anyone; the same person has been involved in bringing trailers to town most recently.

City Collector, Sheena Hammond, addressed the council in regards to the Solicitor’s Ordinance. She and the Chief of Police feel that the current ordinance is too lax and doesn’t gather enough information or require enough of the solicitor to protect the interest of the citizens and the city. They would like to see council strengthen the ordinance to screen for felony convictions and sex offender status among other things. Mayor Davidson suggested scheduling an open committee meeting for council to discuss it.

OTHER:

Wilhoit:

● The warehouse construction project is in the “talking phase”. No decisions have been made to proceed with the building of the warehouse.

● She invited citizens to attend meetings to hear the full conversations rather than highlights of the meeting that print in the newspaper.

Clerk

● Health insurance premiums for city employees is decreasing by about $100 per person for FY25.

● Still waiting on additional IT quotes.

● Training has begun on the TextMyGov application.

● The city received a check from the school for $30,000 for the pickleball and basketball courts. Mayor Davidson

● Handrail update: letter was sent to Kemper Industries with a deadline of June 15thfor the handrails to be completed. The date has passed. The city will be sending out for a new contract with a different business.

● The Kalena Myers suit has been voluntarily withdrawn by the complainant.

● Still working on getting things in line for electric outlets on the downtown street poles.

--Motion by A. Wilhoit, 2nd by C. Perry, to close the meeting.

Meeting adjourned 8:04 PM.

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