Vandalia City Council talks about Randolph Street upgrades
DEBORAH SIMCOX
Correspondent
At the Monday, June 16 Vandalia City Council Meeting, Lee Beckman, of Milano & Grunloh Engineers presented an update of the Engineer’s Report which included:
•Randolph Street Upgrades – started Monday; should finish in 6-7 weeks,
•Lake Dam Upgrades – completed,
•Lead Service Line Replacement – Third grant has been applied for,
•Safe Routes to School- Phase 1 – close to completion,
•Water Treatment Plant –pre-construction
•Raw Water Main & Pressure Reducing Station – pre-construction,
•City Hall Water Main Replacement – pre-construction,
•ITEP (Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program) Sidewalk Project – IDOT
•Unsewered IEPA (Illinois Environment Protection Agency) Grant – end of summer; 100% grant funded,
•OSLAD (Open Spaces Land Acquisition & Development) Grant – Lake Campground Improvements – expecting approval this week,
•319 Grant/Vandalia Lake Siltation – grant not successful
•Watermain Replacement Project on Randolph Street – on hold until modified HUD, and
•Regional Site Readiness Grant–notice of state award.
In New Business Public Questions & Comments on:
-Steve Bryant, Regional Energy Manager/Government Affairs for Good Energy discussed, at length, Homefield Energy which is Vandalia’s electrical aggregate and how much they have saved the Vandalia electric users since 2013. A Vandalia Resident, Steve Stombaugh, added to the discussion with comparisons between Ameren Energy and other electricity suppliers,
-Resolution 2025-06-016-A – Approving an Agreement for Services between City of Vandalia and PGAV Planners, LLC. This is regarding the issue in the Comprehensive Plan to set up a formal Business District for Vandalia,
-Approval of Bid for sale of fire truck,
-Approval of Bid for demolition for 819 West St. Louis Avenue at $5,800,
-Formal approval of Change Order from ClassA4 rip rap to Class A3 rip rap (+$4,182.90),
-Acceptance of TIF Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes for June 11, 2025,
-Ordinance #2025-06-16-B, regarding City of Vandalia offering TIF assistance in connection with a redevelopment project. Owners Shane Bowen and Marie Joiner are buying the four storefronts along Gallatin to convert them into apartments. TIF awarded was 25% or $67,000,
-Order of Appointment – Treasurer at a salary of $14,500,
-Resolution #2025-06-016 –C, ratifying and affirming appointment of City Treasurer,
-Resolution #2025-06-16-D, authorizing execution of an Employment Contract between City of Vandalia and Zachary A. Kopp,
-Resolution #2025-06-16-E, authorizing execution of an Employment Contract between City of Vandalia and Sam Kerr,
-Resolution #2025-06-16-F, authorizing execution of an Employment Contract between City of Vandalia and Jeffery D. Ray,
-Resolution #2025-06-16-G, authorizing execution of an Employment Contract between City of Vandalia and Andrew Gelsinger,
-Resolution#2025-06-16-H, authorizing execution of an Employment Contract between City of Vandalia and James Jackson,
-Resolution #2025-06-16-I, authorizing execution of an Employment Contract between City of Vandalia and Mike Anderson,
-Resolution #2025-06-16-J, authorizing execution of an Employment Contract between City of Vandalia and LaTisha L. Paslay,
-Ordinance #2025-06-16-K, authorizing video broadcasting of City Council meetings,
-Acceptance of the Tourism Commission Minutes for April 9, 2025,
-Resolution #2025-06-16-L, approving a Cash Rent Farm Lease between City of Vandalia and Nuttin Fancy Farms, LLC as Lessee,
-Ordinance #2025-06-16-M, amending Liquor Code,
-Acceptance of Lake Committee Meeting Minutes for June 2, 2025, and
-Ordinance #2025-06-16-N, declaring Surplus Property and Authorizing Sale at 1607 West Jefferson (Parcel #18-14-17-201-005) and West Jefferson Street (Parcel #18014-17-130-024) lot sitting immediately west of 1607 West Jefferson Street.
In Unfinished Business, Building & Grounds Chair Andy Lester said that he is waiting to hear from the contractor regarding finishing the Veteran Memorial Park Wall.
In Individual Reports, Mayor Doug Knebel related that, at the next City Council Meeting, he will provide a list of Members for the Economic Development Commission.
City Inspector Zachary Kopp reported that IDOT was supposed to provide the dirt to fill in the hole at the Clymer Building; however since a tornado hit the IDOT supply they are no longer able to offer dirt.
Streets Chair Steve Barker said that they are continuing to repair damage from the storms.
Lake Manager Scott Workman reported that there would be a parking problem at the Summerfest, particularly on fireworks night. He asked if the City would consider hiring 12-14 people to assist with the parking on the night of the fireworks.
The next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting is Monday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the City Hall. The Public is encouraged to attend.
