Public Camping Ordinance Passes; Streets Made One Way at Mascoutah Council Meeting
By Zachary Daum
The Mascoutah City Council met on Monday, October 21 at 7:00 PM for their regular meeting. There were no public comments. In reports and communications Mayor Pat McMahan commended the Fall Fest and said that it was well attended. He congratulated the Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce. Councilman Jack Weyant also said that the fall fest was great. Councilman Battas said he was shocked at how big the car show has grown. Councilman Nick Seibert said that it was great as well. Councilman Baker commended it as well.
In department reports, the Mascoutah Fire department answered 17 calls in September. The Fire Department’s Mulligan Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, October 27 at 11:00 AM at the Mascoutah Fire Department. On October 8, officer elections were held with no changes from the prior year. Rob Stookey was elected fire chief, Ryan Haas was elected as Assistant Chief and Paul Hefner was elected to Deputy Chief.
In police activities in September of 2024, there were 11 accidents, 117 traffic violations, 9 arrests, 1 recovered bike, 4 ordinance violations and 31 other activities. 7 offenses and 31 public service calls occurred.
City Finance Coordinator Lynn Weidenbenner released the September Finance report, which can be found in full on the Mascoutah City website at https://www.mascoutah.org/mayor-city-council/pages/city-council-packets under 10-21-2024. A public work report was also released with 125 electric maintenance orders, 49 street maintenance orders, 18 vehicle maintenance work orders and 150 water/sewer orders in the month of September.
In the September 2024 fund balance report, the city reported a beginning total balance of $23,755,248.08, with a cash increase of $1,462,002.93 for a total end balance of $25,217,251.01. The monthly expense report accounts payable recorded for the month of September was $1,653,634.15 and the salary report for the month of September was $299,707.14.
The council accepted several appointments for city positions, which included engineer services from Thouvenot, Wade and Moerchen, Inc. for one year as well as Oates Associates, Inc. for one year. Barnes, Henry, Meisenheimer, & Gende, Inc. were also appointed for one year for electric engineering services. Gonzalez Companies, LLC was also appointed for one year. Many of these apply to grant projects. Ben Grodeon was appointed to the planning commission until 2027 to finish Ken Zacharski’s term, as he is unable to finish it. Grodeon must agree to take the appointment before it takes effect.
The council held and rejected a second reading for the return of the second public comments policy to be returned, after Councilman Mike Baker requested that it be reinstated at recent meetings. Councilman Seibert stated that he believes this is a topic that should be discussed after council changes in the future. It was a split decision, with Councilman Weyant voting no, Councilman Battas and Councilman Baker voting yes, and Councilman Seibert voting no, with the tie being broken by Mayor Pat McMahan, who voted no.
The council held a second reading of and unanimously approved the amending of an ordinance to make traffic on Market and Lebanon Streets south-bound one way at all times. This change was suggested, as the line of sight driving north is poor, which could be dangerous. Councilman Battas suggested that the road be narrowed to make it more apparent that it is a one way road. There were some concerns about parking on the road, to assure clarity.
The council also held a second reading on public camping and unanimously approved it. This ordinance, which has been discussed several times in the past few months, was suggested by the Illinois Municipal League (IML) involves concerns relating to homeless encampments on public property. A complete reading of this ordinance can be found on the Mascoutah City website.
In miscellaneous, Councilman Jack Weyant brought about concerns with route 4 creating several accidents near the truck stop in the northern part of Masocutah. City Manager Cody Hawkins recently contacted IDOT about the situation and it will be discussed further in the near future. “It’s been part of the discussion. Hopefully in the next week or two.” Mayor McMahan said that some developments would like to build in the area and are concerned about traffic in the area as well.
City Manager Cody Hawkins discussed a town hall meeting related to the power contract, and hopes that a plan for this meeting could be put together before the holiday season.
A public participation meeting was held for the Jefferson Trail. City Engineer Sal Elkott said that no one attended the meeting, but that the plans are in progress. Councilman Weyant asked that lights be included in the trail as a suggestion.
Mayor Pat McMahan stated that a discussion on the airport’s power supply was needed. Ameren is stating that they have the right to service the airport, whereas the city believes that they have the right to service the airport. It is believed by the council and City Attorney Al Paulson that litigation will result from this argument. The city believes that they are in the right on this topic and that it will “dig in it’s heels on this subject.
The council adjourned at 7:33. They will next meet on Monday, 4 at 7:00 PM at city hall and all citizens are welcome to attend.
