West Frankfort council discusses electric rates, parking problems near Morthland College

By Bruce A. Fasol

Two discussions dominated the Tuesday night meeting of the West Frankfort City Council. The city is changing it’s provider for electricity for municipal buildings/sites. Quotes from four providers were discussed by the council and Mayor Tom Jordan.

One representative, Dave Restivo representing Integrys Energy Services Inc. made a presentation to the Council as he delivered his rate quotes. This was allowed because there seemed to be question on Restivo’s part in what the city wanted quoted from his company. he represents the current provider and said he “hated to lose a contract.”

However, Restivo’s quotes were questioned at various points. Mayor Tom Jordan sharply repudiated Restivo’s claim that he didn’t know what the city wished in the way of a bid submission. Mayor Jordan reminded Restivo of the previous telephone conversations the two had, and said,” I believe you knew exactly what we wanted.” When Restivo tried to cast doubt on the competitors, namely Ameren and Liberty Power, the discussion became some what contentious. Eventually, Mayor Jordan cut off the Integrys representative and called for a vote. Commissioner Tara Fasol-Chambers made the motion to accept the bid of the lowest bidder- Liberty Power. That bid would lock in pricing to the city of .04098 for kilowatt hours both peak ( 7am-10pm) and non-peak hours. That bid was accepted unanimously by the Council.

Also, a discussion was held concerning parking near Morthland College. The council framed the discussion of the problems encountered with the thought that growth at the College was a nice “pronblem” to be dealing with as a city. The problem stems from parking on the west side of Emma Street, near the Bantera Bank. Those exiting the bank parking lot are finding visibility compromised by cars parked on the west side and with room enough to allow two cars to safely pass. The west side of the street, next to the bank is a current no-parking zone. The council debated everything from ticketing cars, painting curbs and checking signage to reinforce the parking ban in that area.

Police Chief Shawn Talluto said that he has visited the site and talked to college President Dr. Timothy Morthland. He reported that Banterra Bank had offered use of their lot on the south side of Elm Street. It was stressed that all parties were working well together to alleviate concerns. Morthland College occupies the former church building at the corner of Oak and Emma streets.

The council also approved an ordinance expanding the Fire and Police Merit Board from three members to five. That ordinance will take effect in July. Mayor Tom Jordan explained that this would- in two years- allow the next council to name their own “team” and have some time to do so after being seated. Terms were accpeted, ending in 2015. At that time, terms would be staggered with both two years and three year terms.

In other business the Council:

– approved a roadblock to help the Red Cross for April 27th

-approved three building permits including one for First Baptist Church for a garage

– paid bills totaling $ 122,445.46