Vandalia City Council meeting held

DEBORAH SIMCOX

Correspondent

  -Under Announcement & Concerns,

      There was a question from Building & Grounds Chair Andy Lester about the washout situation over on Coles Street, just off Fillmore Street. Department Head of Streets James Jackson answered, “We’ve got the materials.”

      Dana Miller Leskera displayed a 1’X1’ granite tile that she will be offering to raise funds for the renovation of the Liberty Theater. They will be installed on the sidewalk beneath the marquee to form the Vandalia Walk of Fame.    The personalized tiles will be offered at $2,500 each and the initial number cast will be 20. There is a need to raise an additional $75,000 before the end of this year. Water & Sewer Chair Bret Brosman had a question of the waterline being addressed before the tiles are laid. Leskera also mentioned that a Fundraiser is being held on October 2.

      Lee Beckman, of Milano & Grunloh Engineers presented an update of the September Engineer’s Report which included:

   •Randolph Street Upgrades – Randolph Street will tentatively be opened on Wednesday or Thursday

   •Lake Dam Upgrades – working internally for some miscellaneous crack filling by City Workers on the concrete face of the dam

   •Lead Service Line Replacement – Postcards were sent and there is an estimated 800 lead services lines in the City. IEPA proposes to require replacement and preliminary estimate is $1,289,398. Funding Nomination has been submitted to IEPA. The Grant Agreement for the third $40,000 has been executed

   •Safe Routes to School- Phase 1 – Complete, but Contractor is addressing deficient seeding areas

   •Raw Water Main & Pressure Reducing Station – Bid opening was held on April 14 and the low bid was $1,518,021 by KAMEX

   •City Hall Water Main Replacement – work to begin in September or October

   •Water Treatment Plant – Contractor plans to start work on foundation next week groundbreaking is scheduled for October 1: Net amount of two change orders is $615,000

   •ITEP (Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program) Sidewalk Project – Sidewalk continuing from Kaskaskia College to Wal-Mart, then down to Main Street beginning 4th quarter of 2025 or 1st quarter of 2026

   •Unsewered IEPA (Illinois Environment Protection Agency) Grant – not out yet

   •CDBG Water main Grant – Jefferson Street – late October of early November

   •OSLAD (Open Spaces Land Acquisition & Development) Grant – Lake Campground Improvements – completed

   •319 Grant/Vandalia Lake Siltation – grant denied, but more options would be discussed in New Business

   •2026 Randolph Street Water main Replacement– being worked on, completion anticipated in February

   •Regional Site Readiness Grant – area has been surveyed, and the design is in progress

   •Elm Street and Carlyle Road –proposed improvements for total estimate of $260,000

   •2025 DCEO Project Area – Shelley/Thistle/Morning Glory – permit has been sent off

   •Annual Sidewalk Replacement – Veterans’ Avenue – low bid on August 28 was Precision Excavating for $62,800.

  -In New Business Public Questions & Comments there were over 25 Residents from Vandalia Lake attending the City Council Meeting.

      A presentation was given by Mike Andreas of Andreas Consulting and who has worked with Heartland Conservatory, and Karen Sanders from the Soil & Water Conservation District.  Andreas described the siltation/sediment problem in one of the coves as very severe. Heartland Conservatory Water Project Manager John O’Donnell estimated that the plan would be a one to two year project. The agricultural run-off streams back to the Lake.  However, one argument is that farms have surrounded the Lake long before Vandalia Lake was built. Vandalia Lake is Vandalia’s primary source of water.

There would be two phases of the Watershed Project; First, have a plan developed, and second, use components out of the plan to apply for the 319 Grant. Mayor Knebel said, “Without the Watershed Plan, there is little chance of getting the 319 Grant.” The question was asked, “Who has the best track record on getting grants?” Several people agreed that it was Heartland Conservatory. One issue is the “individual coves”, but there are also the issues of the entire Lake. The total Lake Fund is $850,000. Knebel also asked about what permits were required.

      Several of the Lake Participants had questions and/or comments.

“We have people here who cannot get their boat out on the Lake”, stated a Lake person who did not identify himself.

Karen Sanders from Soil & Water Conservation District said that the City could take care of the little things. Lake Chair Russ Stunkel, as well as Mike Schroeder and his wife asked, “What are the little things?” No answer was forthcoming.

      A Council Member related that Gary Washburn, who had attended the previous meeting, had sent word that he could dredge the cove for $35,000. Mike Schroeder suggested, “Put the silt in 60’ long bags.” Someone suggested that those filled bags, when dried, could have other uses.

      A motion was made and passed to proceed with Heartland Conservatory.

  -These items were also approved:

   •Water & Sewer rates to be raised 20.04% for water rates and 7.54% for sewer rates, effective October 1, 2025

   •Request for road closure from Main Street to Madison, by Karen & John Becker of This-N-That, for “Witches Night Out” on October 11 from 12 Noon to 10 p.m.

   •Resolution #2025-09-22-A, regarding Interim Financing with Peoples Bank for Water Treatment Plant

   •Pay estimate #1 for Water Treatment Plant at $869,586.30

   •Resolution #2025-09-22-B, execution of an employment contract between the City of Vandalia and Joseph Simpson

   •Resignation of Building & Zoning Official David Jones

   •Ordinance #2025-09-22-C, amending salaries for Fiscal Year May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026

   •Lake Committee Meeting Minutes for September 2, 2025

   •Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes for September 2, 2025

   •Ordinance #2025-09-22-D, establishing and designating the West Randolph Street & Veterans’ Avenue Business and approving the West Randolph Street & Veterans’ Avenue Business District Plan within the City of Vandalia, Illinois

   •Ordinance #2025-09-22-E, establishing and imposing certain Business District Taxes in the City of Vandalia West Randolph Street and Veterans’ Avenue Business District.

      In Unfinished Business, regarding the Veteran Memorial Park Wall, Building & Grounds Chair Andy Lester reported (to cheers of “Bravo” from the Council) that the wall west of Veterans’ Park is completed. The new Abraham Lincoln mural was hung on Friday, September 12. Overhead lighting may be considered in the future. Regarding the Comprehensive Plan, the first meeting will be in October.

      In Individual Reports, Mayor Doug Knebel stated that he had attended an IML (Illinois Municipal League) Conference, which was very informative.

City Attorney Ryan Connor said that he had finished up a second lease transfer at Vandalia Lake. The obligations of Donato, a) drainage, b) grass, and c) fence were being addressed.

      City Clerk Carla Huhn reported about the progress of the digitalization of fees (boat fees, utilities, building permits, etc.) that she has been working toward for four years.

  -In Standing Committees:

      Streets Chair Steve Barker turned his reporting over to Streets Department Head James Jackson, who reported that street oiling was delayed due to the rain. Regarding preparation for winter snows, Jackson said that the City currently has 300 tons of salt on hand and has ordered 500 more tons.

Water & Sewer Chair Bret Brosman gave kudos to the “water guys” for their extra work. They changed out a very expensive pump (which was fortunately covered by warranty). The water tower at Thrill Hill is to be drained for repair.

      Building & Grounds Chair Andy Lester asked if the Senior Citizens Center was painted as was discussed at a previous City Council Meeting. He was told that the bid had not been put out yet.

      Lake Chair Russ Stunkel said that the boat races were successful and the attendance was large.

      Lake Manager Scott Workman reported that the 10 new full hook-up campsites were progressing and should be completed next year. These campsites will include one hook-up, which is ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant.

      Railroad, Economic Development & Tourism Chair Ken Hubler turned his reporting over to the new Economic Development & Tourism Director Amber Daulbaugh. She said that out of the six days that she has had the position, she has spent four of them in Chicago for training, as well as being a Speaker. Daulbaugh said that her focus “first and foremost” will be on the upcoming annual Old Time Christmas.

      Personnel, Finance & Insurance Chair Bob Bowen Chair described a recent visit to Casey, IL, which he said attracted lots of tourists with its giant rocking chair, giant wind chimes and other attractions. Bowen said that he wished he could see Vandalia grow into a big tourist draw. Brosman agreed that it only takes “the right person with a spark” to develop such an attraction. Although some people may call attractions like those in Casey “hokey”, Bowen added, “But people like hokey”. He also made a motion that the City of Vandalia donates one of the granite tiles for the Liberty Theater. It was passed.

      The next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting is Monday, October 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Vandalia City Hall. The Public is encouraged to attend.