The McLeansboro City Council handled personnel changes, community events, TIF reimbursements and other city business during its latest meeting.
The meeting opened with members of the local Kiwanis Club thanking the city for its continued support of club activities and the annual Fall Festival. Kiwanis representative Bill Reed specifically recognized city officials for quickly providing assistance during festival setup.
The council also accepted the resignations of Fire Chief Wendell Lowery and Police Officer Dustin Beatty, with both recognized for their service to the city. Mayor Chad May thanked Lowery for stepping into the fire chief position and handling the responsibilities of the department during his time in the role.
As part of the consent agenda, the council approved TIF reimbursements of $545.35 to Pearle Properties LLC and $1,461.95 to Jerrod and Lois Vaupel. Members also adopted a policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment.
The council set Halloween trick-or-treating for October 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.
McLeansboro’s citywide fall cleanup will be held October 7 through October 9 from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, with an additional cleanup period Saturday, October 10, from 7:45 a.m. until noon.
Council members approved an amendment to the city’s Natural Gas Management Agreement that will allow a discount program to continue. They also discussed a $10,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant, although no formal action was taken on the grant.
A financial report on the city swimming pool showed $27,945.91 in expenses and $11,723 in income. Council members discussed the figures and how private parties and other activities affect the pool’s finances. May said the city’s fee schedule for private parties is intended to cover expenses associated with those events.
The council also held the first reading of an ordinance concerning the disposal of surplus vehicles and other city property. Items discussed included a 2009 GMC Canyon, a 1993 Ford E350 van, two lots on Marshall Avenue and properties at 106 and 110 North Walnut.
Following an executive session concerning collective bargaining and closed-session minutes, the council approved executive-session minutes from March 23, April 21 and August 18, 2026. Members also voted to make public closed-session minutes from October 23 and December 17, 2024, and January 7, 2025.