During a 90-minute meeting on Tuesday, the McLeansboro City Council addressed several important issues, including donations to local initiatives and the hiring of a new police officer.
The council opened with an update on Retail Strategies, a mobile data tracking service. Mayor Chad May reported that the data indicates customers are traveling from as far as Belle Rive and Akin to shop at Family Dollar in McLeansboro. This information will aid the city in optimizing its trade area to attract more businesses.
In public comments, John Perryman from the Kiwanis Club presented the Kiwanis Park Project, which involves constructing three playground sections at a total cost of approximately $55,000. The Kiwanis will provide the necessary materials and requested a $25,000 donation from the city council, which was approved from the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
Rebecca Rush raised concerns regarding the city’s regulations on hobby animals, suggesting that restrictions should depend on the amount of property owned. Currently, she has about 50 chickens, which exceeds the limit. The council agreed to revise the wording of the ordinance to reflect these concerns.
A group called Concerned Citizens for the Community, led by Janet Braden and Denny Crain, proposed building a 25,000-square-foot recreational center featuring a heated pool and basketball court. They are exploring multiple properties for this project and have established a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the “Hamilton County Recreational Center.” The group is seeking public volunteers and donations but clarified they are not asking for city funding.
The council approved the Consent Agenda, which included the announcement that the city swimming pool will open on May 26 from 1 to 7 PM, and amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025 budget regarding appropriations. Additionally, letters were sent to 23 property owners for nuisance violations, and the fire department conducted hose testing.
The council also held the first reading of ordinances concerning Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations and revisions to Article 5 of the McLeansboro City Code regarding supplementary zoning regulations.
The board decided to reopen the application process for two temporary part-time summer workers, with applications due by 3 PM on April 11. Lastly, the council approved the hiring of D. K. York as a full-time police officer, reinforcing the city’s commitment to public safety.
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