Pana Council approves chief contract, events
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(PANA) —In their Monday night meeting with all members present, the Pana city council approved the contract for Police Chief Daniel Bland from July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024 with a salary of $86,100.21. They also approved the nuisance ordinance, discussed in detail a previous meetings as it pertains to working on derby cars.
The first presentation of an ordinance to designate an area near Lake Pana at the Spillway Nature Park, which would include the disc golf course, was approved. The council also passed a resolution approving a water main easement with Pana Bait Co.
The city recently was notified that reimbursement of demolition costs on the property now occupied by Jack Flash cannot come from $200,000 in grant money that was awarded to the city. That is part of the agreement with Jack Flash and they instead will be reimbursed from existing business district funds. The grant money also will still come to the city, but the proposal will have to be rewritten for another economic development project, which Economic Development Director Kirby Casner will help decide with city officials.
Pathfinder Disc Golf requested the reimbursement of $40,000 from business district funds for the roof on their building. The agreement was that the money would be paid when the business opened. The owner is doing some business there, but has no power yet, as he has not been able to get Ameren to reconnect it to the building yet. The council agreed that if he has met the terms of the contract, the money should be paid.
Several community events were approved, including the Pana Eagles Lawnmower Poker Run on September 30, Pana Pride December to Remember beginning December 2, and the City of Roses Classic Softball Tournament April 26-28.
Trick or treating in Pana will be October 30 and 31 from 5-8 p.m. each evening.
A sewer adjustment for Bub Moore, 903 E. 3rd St., in the amount of $79.46 was approved, leaving a balance of $174.62.
The council approved moving forward with the crosswalk at Magnolia and Route 29 in the amount of $20,000 from Rebuild Illinois funds.
Street names and addresses for the Shelby County 911 system for Sections K, H, N, HN, A, and G at the lake also will move forward.
Painting and repairs to the tennis court fences and poles at Kitchell Park by an anonymous donor was approved, as were installation by CTI of fiber at Kehias Park for security cameras.
A memorial tree for Jace Christer will be planted at Kitchell Park near the soccer practice field.
Fencing will be installed at the Pana Dog Park using donated funds.
A letter was read from the Pana Parks Revitalization Committee apologizing for not asking permission to paint the Chautauqua ceiling. The letter stated that as they were told years ago by the city that there was no money and they had been raising money, they assumed by that by finding a qualified painter and working with the park superintendent they were covered. The painter did come back and fix all the issues that were in question and the PPRC has vowed to ask for permission for all future projects. It was noted that though water did get into the basement during power washing, there was no damage.
Luke Durbin approached the council to ask for consideration of semi parking.. Alderman Steve Scott said that had already been discussed in committee, but Mayor Nathan Pastor said the council could revisit it in committee one more time.
The council entered closed session at 7:34 p.m. to discuss the purchase or lease of real property for the use of public body. Upon reconvening at 7:55 p.m., it was announced that no action had been taken.
Resolutions were approved for the purchase contract of property at 142 and 144 S. Locust St., with Alerman Tim Eddy voting “no.” Eddy later said that he has concerns due to previous contracts the city has made with purchasers where the terms were not met.
The next council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 10 due to Columbus Day. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
