Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

During Monday night’s city council meeting, the council approved Jack Pritchett's request to hold his Eagle Scout ceremony on Friday, July 1, at the city hall complex where he completed his Eagle Scout project. A small reception will follow the ceremony. Jack requested to use the Ralph and Josephine Oltmann Community Center for the event in case of inclement weather.

A letter was received from Vicki Renner of Pearl Essence Studio notifying the council that she would like to have some vendors set up across the street from her Main Street business on the sidewalk in front of the city hall complex. She already has 40 vendors lined up for her annual street party on June 4 and needs some more space. Approval was previously given to close the street between Pearl Essence and Cisler Real Estate.

The treasurer reported that certificates of deposit were recently cashed as follows:

Bank of Springfield - Bond/Interest Fund - $200,000 plus $897.16 interest;

Bank of Hillsboro – Infrastructure Fund - $150,000 plus $1,238.92 interest.

City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier stated that the city clerk’s office will be closed on Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day. All public works employees, except one water treatment plant employee, will be off that day as well.

In Public Health and Safety, the council accepted an estimate from Russell Furniture for flooring to be used for the police department remodeling at a cost not to exceed $10,379.85. Alderman Hanks voted no. The motion passed 5 to 1.

In Finance and Claims, the council agreed to purchase four reconditioned 500-gallon LP tanks from M&M Service Company for the generators that are being purchased and placed at various locations throughout the city. All four tanks have a cost of $5,000. This will be paid from the American Rescue Plan Act relief dollars.

In Utilities and Water, payment of an invoice from Utility Service Co., Inc. was approved for annual maintenance on the elevated water tower in the amount of $24,638.71.

The council approved a quote from Schulte Supply for stock water meters with antenna assemblies for $23,664.

In Tourism, the council agreed to spend up to $2,000 for yard signs and prizes for winning recipients. Alderman Hanks voted no. The motion passed 5 to 1.

In Personnel, Ronald Boris was hired as a full-time police officer.

In Judiciary, the first reading was given for an ordinance annexing the property at 20062 Staunton Road.

The first reading was given for an ordinance amending the Liquor Code by increasing Class A liquor licenses from 10 to 11.

The city council approved a resolution that is a written agreement between the city of Staunton and AM Pyrotechnics, LLC for a permit will be issued for a fireworks display on June 26.

Those present for the meeting were Mayor Craig Neuhaus, City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier, Treasurer Cindy Pirok, Public Works Director Mike Kuethe, Police Chief Jeff Doerr, aldermen Rick Johnson, Randy Hanks, Ryan Machota, John Moore, David Manning, and David Dias. City Attorney Phil Lading attended electronically. Aldermen Jeff Scanzoni and Chad Plenske were absent. The next city council meeting will be on Monday, June 13, at 7 p.m.