Council says bye to outgoing officials

By Editor | April 21, 2021

In a meeting which saw the council officially say goodbye to the city clerk and one of its members, the meeting flowed and ended after about a half hour on Monday night, April 19.

During his segment of the meeting, Mayor Ricky Gottman presented gifts to Alderman Dorothy Crawford and City Clerk Peggy Bowen in appreciation for their work with the city.

Crawford had chosen not to run to retain her seat during the past election, as did Peggy Bowen, who decided to call it quits after 24 years in that position.

Gottman thanked Crawford for her service and presented her with an engraved clock, and Bowen with a plaque and a golden cross.

Of Bowen, Gottman said that she “looked out for the people of Vandalia and the taxpayers.” He also said that she was only one of two clerks who he served under both as an alderman and as mayor.

Near the end of the meeting, Crawford said in good humor “Later dudes and dudettes; it’s been a ride!”

Also during his report Gottman reported that the Illinois Municipal League Board of Directors summer meeting will be held in Vandalia, and the annual meeting will be held in Chicago from Sept. 22-25. Gottman is nearing the completion of his one-year term as president of the organization.

The mayor also reminded the council that it will act on Will Baldock’s liquor license request at the next meeting.

Lake report

During his lake committee report, Russ Stunkel said that he will be holding a committee meeting to discuss what horsepower of boat motors should be allowed on the lake.

“My main concern is the shoreline, where wakes from boat traffic can erode the banks.”

He said he had spoken with other lake superintendents who informed him that the speed of watercraft and driver awareness are the two main factors in shoreline erosion.

Other business

In other business, the council:

• approved the MFT Material Letting to Vandalia Asphalt, Tune Trucking of Patoka and Beelman Logistics of East St. Louis;

• adopted an ordinance providing for the annual salaries of the mayor, city clerk and aldermen through April 30, 2025;

• approved a land listing with Fayette County Real Estate;

• approved minutes from the economic development and tourism committee, zoning board of adjustments, and two Downtown Vandalia Partnership meetings, and

• approved chemical bids, with seven of eight going to Hawkins, Inc. of Centralia.