Deputy Cook Presented Plaque at Fayette County Board Meeting

DEBORAH SIMCOX

Correspondent

  At the Thursday, May 13 meeting of the Fayette County Board, the reports were given by these Department Heads:

   •State’s Attorney Brenda Mathis related that she wanted to make the Board aware of her intentions to run for the position of At Large Circuit Judge, covering nine counties,

   •Public Building Commission (Committee #3) – Chair Mack Payne said that he and Sheriff Ronnie Stevens are still gathering information and data about bids for the elevator in the Courthouse, and

   •Pat Click reported that ground was broken for Aviator Truck Stop in St. Elmo, which will include a Starbuck’s.

Administrator Report:

  Bellwether Consultant Dustin Harmon related that they are looking into six months of the fiscal year. He is working with Department Heads to develop the budget for 2026, which will impact the maintenance of the building.

  A Lifesaving Award Plaque was presented by Sheriff Ronnie Stevens to Deputy Kyle Cook for talking someone off of the overpass on Interstate 70 on April 24. (See picture)

      Consent Agenda & Items Continued from Finance Committee, these were approved:

   -Reappointment of Keith Schaal for a  two year term beginning June 1, 2025 and ending May 31, 2027, to the Fayette County Board of Review,

   -Reappointment of Harold Baumann for a two year term beginning June 1, 2025 and ending May 31, 2027, to the Fayette County Board of Review,

   -Reappointment of Vernon Brazel for a two year term beginning June 1, 2025 and ending May 31, 2027, to the Fayette County Board of Review,

   -Reappointment of Dustin Faulk for three year term beginning May 1, 2025 and ending May 31, 2028, as a Trustee of the Brownstown Fire Protection District,

   -Amusement License Renewal for a- The BarN, St. James, b- OB’s Place, Shobonier, and c- Park Place Drive Through, Farina,

   -Ordinance 2025-05-06, amending budgeted expense for Panic Buttons, and

   -Renewal of Fayette County Fair Association liquor license.

  In Old Business these items were discussed and approved:

   •Heelstone Solar Variance request, and

   •Pike Solar application.

  In New Business these items were discussed and approved:

   •Termination of Volunteer from Emergency Management Agency, Justin Wagemann,

   •Resignation from Emergency Management Agency, Director Rachel Denning,

   •Interim Emergency Management Agency Director, Kendra Craig,

   •Ordinance 2025-05-13-A, which limits the time in which the Public has to address Public Officials during open meetings,

   •Resignation of Board Member District #6 Doug Knebel,

   •Nomination by the Fayette County Central Committee for recommendation to fill Board Member District #6 vacancy,

   •Appointment of Scott Workman as Board Member District #6,

   •Court Appointed Special Advocates funding request of $12,500,

   •Low bid of $271,995.64 from Piney Creek Construction & Repair, Ava, IL to replace bridge six miles southeast of Ramsey, on 2700 Avenue, in Carson Township, Section 21-04113-00-BR, and

   •Resolution #2025-05-13-A, to appropriate RBI (Rebuild Illinois) funds for the Ramsey Road-East Resurfacing Project, Section 22-00132-00-RS.

      The next regular Fayette County Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10 at 7 p.m. at the City Hall. The Public is encouraged to attend.