Southern Illinois News

Union County Board of Commissioners met Aug. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. ROLL CALL

Commissioners in attendance were Commissioner Chairman Max Miller, Commissioner Kent Pitts, Commissioner Darryl Harvell, Brandon Bierstedt and Commissioner David Gould.

II. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

The Union County Board of Commissioners met for a regular meeting in the Union County Courthouse Community Room at 08:30am. County Chairman Max Miller called the meeting to order.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Commissioner Brandon Bierstedt made a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes from 08.08.2025. Commissioner David Gould seconded the motion.

Darryl Harvell Yes

Kent Pitts Yes

Max Miller Yes

Brandon Bierstedt Yes

David Gould Yes

Motion Passed

Commissioner David Gould made a motion to approve the executive meeting minutes from 08.08.2025 as presented. Commissioner Kent Pitts seconded the motion.

Darryl Harvell Yes

Kent Pitts Yes

Max Miller Yes

Brandon Bierstedt Yes

David Gould Yes

Motion Passed

IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Clay Mitchell from the VFW Post 3455 mentioned a few upcoming events: September 6th cooking ribs, auxiliary golf scramble - September 20th, and Glo-bingo - October 25th. There are more events on the Facebook page so check them out.

V. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Commissioner Harvell noted the next Southern Five Regional Planning Commission meeting was 08/12/2025 at 5:30pm in Ullin, IL. Village of dongola has just completed its first round of demolition. The second round is yet to begin. They are working with the Village of Cobden on a sewer grant, Ware/Wolf Lake on a fire station rehabilitation grant and Olmsted on a grant. Next meeting is September 9th at 5:30pm in Ullin.

Commissioner Pitts noted Animal Control Facility is housing a large number of dogs and will happily accept donations. The staff are doing a wonderful job with the maintenance of the population and trying to find them homes. Please look on Facebook to adopt a dog. There are new posts daily.

Commissioner Pitts mentioned the Port Authority will have a meeting September 1st at 6:00pm.

VI. BUILDING PERMITS

05-15-03-232-1 - Hugo Flores Permit # 25-21

5 Willow Lane, Anna, IL 62906

05-18-03-315-2- George Vernon Permit #25-13

100 Crowell Lane, Anna, IL 62906

Commissioner Kent Pitts made a motion to approve all building permits as presented. Commissioner Brandon Bierstedt seconded the motion.

Darryl Harvell Yes

Kent Pitts Yes

Max Miller Yes

Brandon Bierstedt Yes

David Gould Yes

Motion Passed

Commissioner Chairman Miller asked about the ongoing solar farm application. CA Johnson stated that she received the comments back from the lawyer and will get the information to the applicant.

VII. OLD BUSINESS

A. Ordinance Amending Article 1 of Chapter 18 of the Union County Code of Ordinances regarding Food and Sanitation

This item is tabled at this time pending further review.

VIII. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approve Payment of Bills

Commissioner Darryl Harvell made the motion to Approve Payment of Bills and Commissioner Kent Pitts seconded said motion.

Darryl Harvell Yes

Kent Pitts Yes

Max Miller Yes

Brandon Bierstedt Yes

David Gould Yes

Motion Passed

B. Resolution Appointing Commissioner of Alto Pass Water District-Patricia Gearhart

Commissioner Kent Pitts made a motion for Approval of the Resolution Appointing Commissioner of Alto Pass Water District - Patricia Gearhart whose term will expire May 7, 2029, as presented. Commissioner David Gould seconded the motion.

Darryl Harvell Yes

Kent Pitts Yes

Max Miller Yes

Brandon Bierstedt Yes

David Gould Yes

Motion Passed

C. Resolution Appointing Commissioner of the Clear Creek Levee and Drainage District - Matthew Follis

Commissioner Max Miller made the motion for Approval of the Resolution Appointing Commissioner of the Clear Creek Levee and Drainage District - Matt Follis, with term expiring the first Tuesday of September, 2028. Commissioner Kent Pitts seconded said motion.

Darryl Harvell Yes

Kent Pitts Yes

Max Miller Yes

Brandon Bierstedt Yes

David Gould Yes

Motion Passed

D. Resolution Appointing Commissioner of the Preston Levee District - David McMahan

Commissioner Max Miller made the motion for Approval of the Resolution.

Appointing Commissioner of the Preston Levee District - David McMahan, with term expiring the first Tuesday of September, 2028. Commissioner Kent Pitts seconded said motion.

Darryl Harvell Yes

Kent Pitts Yes

Max Miller Yes

Brandon Bierstedt Yes

David Gould Yes

Motion Passed

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION

A. Pursuant to Open Meetings Act Sec. 2(c)(11)-pending litigation; 2(c)(2)-collective negotiating matters; 2(c)(1)-employees; 2(c)(5) and 2(c)(6)-real estate; 2(c)(7)-sale of securities

Nothing at this time.

X. OTHER BUSINESS

Nothing at this time.

XI. ADJOURNMENT at 8:44am

Commissioner Brandon Bierstedt made the motion to adjourn the Union County Board of Commissioners meeting. Commissioner Kent Pitts seconded said motion.

Darryl Harvell Yes

Kent Pitts Yes

Max Miller Yes

Brandon Bierstedt Yes

David Gould Yes

Motion Passed

https://www.unioncountyil.gov/agenda-minutes/minutes-2025-08-22/