CLINTON — Clinton resident Seth Redington addressed the city council about an ongoing issue he has pursued in regard to commissioner Dan Ballenger.

“I think the city needs to audit the hours, because I’ve already requested and received them,” Redington told commissioners during the May 7 council meeting. 

In response to a request by Redington about fire department on-call pay, Redington said the city attorney responded the city does not have on-call pay.

Redington said he felt commissioner Ballenger should pay back to the city on-call pay he received while on duty during the Apple ‘n Pork Festival.

He added he felt commissioners should not be able to benefit when making changes in city policies, “until the next election.”

“State statute clearly outlines that,” he said.

 In response, Ballenger announced changes with regard to fire department policy.

“I’ve worked with the city administrator, city attorney and another attorney to get these in place,” he said.

Effective May 1, the commissioner of public health and safety will continue to serve as chief when responding to any fire call above department chief in his status as commissioner.  The commissioner will continue to direct a fire scene in his capacity as commissioner.

“However, and I’m going to clear this up right now,” Ballenger said.  “By Illinois State Statute, by city code, the commissioner is entitled to pay.”

Ballenger said, however, he has decided to accept no pay for his volunteer fire department service.

The city code will reflect a commissioner may remain on the volunteer fire department roster.  Once a commissioner no longer serves on the city council, he still will continue as a member of the fire department.

“And, this is a big change here,” Ballenger added.  “Members shall be considered volunteers and not part-time employees of the Clinton Fire Department.”

He said volunteers will be paid per call rather than hourly.  He also said the volunteer group would file with the state as a nonprofit organization.

In additional business, the city council approved the following reappointments:

• John Hoblit, city attorney, for one year

• Kamren Wilford, city clerk, for one year

• Clint Lichtenwalter, city treasurer, for one year

• Tom Edmunds, city budget officer, for one year

• Steve Lobb, public works director, for one year

• Lloyd Francis, assistant public works director, for one year

Commissioners also approved reappointments and appointments under public health and safety:

• Steven Page, fire chief, for one year

• Taylor Baxter, public health officer

• Kamren Wilford, cemetery sexton, for one year

Residents may now get their annual clean-up vouchers from the city.  Clean-up will run from July 1-August 16.

The council also approved the low bid from J.G. Stewart Contractors for the downtown sidewalk project for $270,211.42; the purchase of 23 building lots in the Park Lane West subdivision for $612,500; a cyber hygiene data sharing contract with CISA; and a contract for city administrator services.