Would save at least $1,021 each month at the Sewer Plant

Clint Newingham demonstrates how his product will save the City money.

During a regularly scheduled meeting on February 13, the City of Gillespie heard from Clint Newingham from Power Savings Solution LLC. The company corrects the power in a place and anything with an inductive load which would be lighting, air conditions, and electric motors. When the company corrects the problem, it will save on total kilowatt hours and will also make any equipment last 60-80% longer because it will take away the power that is not being used to make the equipment run more efficiently. Newingham recently visited the sewer facility and ran a test.

Kara Schoen explains that she has to walk a block sometimes because parking is not available.

Newingham covered the multiple page packet that each board member was handed. The company broke down how much energy is being used now and compared it to how much energy would be used after Power Savings Solution corrects the problem. The City would save $1,021 each month after testing the energy used in the blower building, the intercept plant, and the normal flow building. The total cost to install the unit in each building is $13,625 with a 7-year warranty, so it would pay for itself after 13.3 months. The unit has a surge protector so if lighting would strike any building, the unit would take the hit and not the electric motors at each plant and then it is a free replacement for 7 years. Each unit is built specifically for the need, so the units cannot be used anywhere else. The council decided that it will discuss the savings and contact Newingham if they are interested.

The council discussed the issue later in the meeting and said it would be a “win-win” if they get the grant money and save that much money each month. The council decided they are going to table the decision until next week when the council has a finance meeting to see if the finances are there. A motion was made to accept the offer if the finances were available. The motion was carried with a 5-0 vote.

Mayor Hicks then read a letter that he received from Gus Ottersburg. Gus resigned his position as alderman, “I am resigning my position as alderman of Ward 4 effective immediately,” Hicks read, “It has been a pleasure to serve the City of Gillespie for the past 5 years, thank you.” Hicks went on to recommend to appoint Steve Kluethe for the open alderman position to replace Gus and fill in for one year until he has to run for reelection. The council voted 5-0 to appoint Kluethe to the vacant position and will swear him in on February 27 during a special council meeting.

Kara Schoen along with Ruth Loveless informed the City that the new parking restrictions on Madison Street have caused real havoc for everyone in the 115 block. “It is causing a real mess,” Kara explained, “There are times I have to walk a block away because there are so many cars.” Kara explained that there are always numerous cars because of the the library, senior housing, apartments, or AA meetings. There are six apartments in Ruth Loveless’ complex and there are only 4 spaces on side of the street.

“Even if we could just put parking lines, it would help,” Ruth Loveless added, “Because people don’t park right and take up too many spaces.” The council discussed that anybody can park on Chestnut street. City Attorney Kevin Polo explained that the renter has to provide as many parking spots as there are renters, so it should be Ruth Loveless’ responsibility to provide parking spots and not the City’s.

Dave Link hands over a bid to the council for the work that still needs to be done.

Another parking issue was brought to the council by Steve Joyce. Joyce said the real problem is at the middle school when parents are picking up their children from school. “I just can’t understand how stupid people are, plain and simple,” Joyce stated, “It is a mess, especially when it is muddy or raining. Someone is going to get hurt and I am surprised no one hasn’t yet.” Cars are supposed to line up in a double file line and wait to drive through the hair pin to pick up their kids without getting out of the car. The process would be simple, but parents would rather park and walk up and get their kid. That is the problem Joyce is alluding to.

“They double park, they block administrators in, and it is crazy.” Joyce went on to say that the school does not seem to be too concerned about the issue because he has never seen an administrator directing traffic in the two years he has been picking his grandchildren up from school. “I think the City needs to step in because the school doesn’t care,” Joyce closed, “When you go out there and see teachers directing kids and see no administration, I am just flabbergasted.”

Dave Link was back with an estimate of what still needs to be done at the property on Main Street. “I thought we would have this worked out by now,” Link explained, “There is stuff hanging on the building and both the front and the back are still jagged.” Last time they took the wood off, they through it behind Link’s building instead of taking it with them. “If they would have done what they said they were going to do before they started, we would not have this damage,” Link closed, “Then they filled the well with bricks and I don’t know if that is illegal or not.”

Mayor Hicks said the council is holding money back from Burns Excavating to make sure the job gets completed. The council is working to get to a solution while they still owe $43,000. Alderman Dan Fisher recommended that the council pay Burns Excavating $28,079 to tie this over until the problem is solved with Dave Link. “Some of this list should have been done before they left the job-site,” Dave Tucker added. The council then decided that no money will be paid until all the problems are solved.

Under ordinances and resolutions, the council tabled to lease a lot located at 120 North Jersey to the Macoupin County Public Health with the provisions set in the contract until the council decided what will be charged for snow removal. The council then voted 5-0 to support resolution #12-2 supporting Taylorville Energy Center.

In closing, the council voted 5-0 to buy one 2011 police car. “The finances are there,” Dave Tucker explained. The new car will be a Crown Victoria and white in color.