Southern Illinois News

City of Anna City Council met July 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Anna City Council met in regular session at Anna City Hall at 5:00 p.m. on June 15th, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Steve Hartline. The roll call went as follows: Present were Mayor Steve Hartline, Commissioner Michael Bigler, Commissioner Kathy Bryan, Commissioner Torie Carter and Commissioner Martha Ann Webb. Other members present were City Administrator Dori Bigler, Treasurer Angela Webb, Melanie McReynolds, and Public Works Manager Jordan Chamness.

Todd Harris was recognized for his service to the community. He was presented with a certificate of thanks.

Mayor Hartline opened up the meeting to the public communications portion of the agenda.

Casey Johnson addressed the council regarding consent agenda item E. He explained the addendum to the agreement and how it would benefit the community.

Matt Denny addressed the council regarding a request to keep the pool upon until September. He proposed various ways to make it work and potential ways to keep it staffed. He urged the council to consider the request in the future.

Kenneth McNeal addressed the council regarding the lack of vote on his request for a liquor license to open a new gaming parlor. He explained his vision for the property and urged the council to reconsider.

City Administrator Dori Bigler provided project updates.

Mayor Hartline asked if there were any Consent Agenda items the Council would like to pull for further discussion or a separate vote. Consent Agenda item J was pulled.

The following Consent Agenda items were presented for approval.

A. Minutes of the July 1, 2025 Regular Session

B. Minutes of the July 1, 2025 Closed Session

C. Approve the July 2025 Accounts Payable List

D. Accept Adam Tripp’s Resignation Effective July 6, 2025

E. Resolution 2025-19; Approving an Addendum to the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Anna-Jonesboro Water Commission

F. Resolution 2025-20; Approving a Permit for the Homecoming Parade

G. Ordinance 2025-12; An Ordinance Declaring and Authorizing the Sale of Surplus, Personal Property

H. Rebuild IL Grant Project

a. Approve Pay Application #6 of $98,955.90

I. PARC Grant Project

a. Approve Pay Estimate #3 of $80,753.37

J. Special Event Liquor License for StarView Vineyards at 300 S. Main on August 15, 2025

K. Park Usage Applications

a. Anna District 37 Baseball from July 21, 2025 through October 10, 2025

b. AJCHS District 81 Cross Country Track Meet for September 10th and October 7th

L. Fencing Applications

a. BreAnna Stone at 109 E. Lewis

A motion was made by Commissioner Carter and Seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS AS PRESENTED, STRIKING ITEM J. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Webb, and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay-none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

Resolution 2025-18 was tabled until a discussion in closed session could be held.

A motion was made by Commissioner Webb and Seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE MAYORAL APPOINTMENT OF JOHN LLOYD TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS FOR A 5 YEAR TERM ENDING 07.05.2030. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Webb, and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay-none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

The consideration and appointment of a Fire Chief was tabled for now.

Mayor Hartline opened up the floor to the Council for reports. Commissioner Webb requested contact information for the Cobden Spay and Neuter program. Commissioner Carter stated progress has been made on the open fire chief position.

Mayor Hartline opened up the other city official’s report portion of the agenda. Jordan Chamness gave an update on the Public Works department.

A motion was made by Commissioner Carter and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO ENTER INTO CLOSED SESSION AT 5:43PM TO DISCUSS PERSONNELL. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Webb, and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay-none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

Open session resumed at 6:19pm. Present were Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Webb, Mayor Hartline, City Administrator Dori Bigler, Melanie McReynolds and Treasurer Angela Webb.

A motion was made by Commissioner Carter and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-18; AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT TO EMPLOY BRENTLEY SIMS AS CHIEF OF POLICE. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Webb, and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay-none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Carter that is be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE MAYORAL APPOINTMENT OF CHRIS CLARK AS INTERIM FIRE CHIEF PENDING APPROVAL OF HIS CURRENT EMPLOYER TO ACCEPT THE APPOINTED POSITION. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Webb, and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay-none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED THAT THE REGULAR SESSION ON THE ANNA CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 15th, 2025 AT 6:23 PM. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Webb, and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay-none. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.

https://cityofanna.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/07.15.2025-APPROVED-MINUTES.pdf