Martinsville City Council held its regular meeting Wednesday, July 8, 2026. All council members were present.
Public Comment
During public comment, Mark Steenbergh spoke to the council about the unpaved section of Monroe Street.
Steenbergh said the road had recently been graded, smoothing its surface and filling the potholes with dirt. However, he said the dirt turns to mud when it rains and is splashed out of the potholes by passing vehicles. He asked whether the city could fill the potholes with rock soon.
Steenbergh added that when he moved to Martinsville in 1994, the road was supposed to be completed. He also raised concerns about vehicles speeding on Monroe Street. In addition to the returning potholes, he said residents now have a problem with dust.
Mayor Robert Lovell said he would check with Street Supervisor Jesse Snearley. Lovell noted that the city will have asphalt millings available from the resurfacing of Cumberland Street, which could be used on Monroe Street.
Appropriations Ordinance
The council approved its annual appropriations ordinance for fiscal year 2026–2027.
No comments were made during the public hearing held at 6:45 p.m., before the regular meeting.
Roof Repair at 19 W. Cumberland St.
Mayor Lovell explained that the property housing Changing Hands Resale Shoppe, located in the former City Hall at 19 W. Cumberland St., consists of three connected buildings. Two of the three roofs need to be replaced.
Lovell said Martinsville Roofing had noted that the city received approximately 30 years of service from the existing roof.
The council approved a $15,788 bid from Martinsville Roofing to replace one of the roofs. The quote includes replacement of the plywood decking. Lovell said a bid for the second roof is expected to be presented for approval at the next meeting.
Councilman Harley Craig said he wanted to go on the record with his concern about the expense of maintaining city-owned rental properties.
“This is the type of thing that worries me about owning buildings and renting them out cheaply, because we have big bills like this with no income coming in on them,” Craig said.
Communications Proposal
The council discussed a communications services proposal submitted by Atomic DK Studio. Councilman Chris Davidson, who had not attended the previous meetings when the proposal was presented, asked for the mayor’s opinion.
Lovell said he believed the city should first look for a grant writer who could obtain funding to help cover the cost of the position.
The Budget and Finance Committee scheduled a meeting for Friday, July 24, to discuss the city’s budget constraints.
Disclosure: Atomic DK Studio is the owner and publisher of the Clark County Post.
Other Comments
Mayor Lovell said he had located a Ram 3500 equipped with a Cummins diesel engine for $37,988.
Council members discussed potential disadvantages of a diesel truck for the city’s intended use, including interrupted regeneration cycles and clogged emissions equipment. The council expressed a preference for a gasoline-powered truck, and Lovell said he would continue looking.
Councilman Travis Hill said Bob Jenkins had asked whether the city had received payment for sidewalk repairs associated with the installation of a mobile home. Lovell said the responsible party had agreed to pay without contesting the matter, but that he would need to check with City Collector Jana Spires to determine whether payment had been received.
Council members discussed a tree in the service alley off East Ohio Street that has reportedly caused problems with a sewer main. The council questioned whether removing the tree would be the city’s responsibility because it is located within a service alley that is part of the city’s right of way.
Harley Craig said he had been contacted by the Eastern Illinois Amateur Radio Club about relocating a radio repeater from Greenup to Martinsville.
Lovell said he wanted to ensure the repeater would not interfere with other equipment on the city’s water tower. Craig noted that the club is scheduled to meet July 27 at 6 p.m.
Davidson said the fire protection district board is interested in voting on financial assistance for the replacement of one or more nonfunctioning flush hydrants.
District representatives are reportedly waiting for the city to identify its highest-priority hydrants and provide their locations and estimated replacement costs. Council members indicated that there may have been a communication breakdown, with some stating that Water Superintendent Corey Cook had previously provided the requested information.
Additional Actions
The council also approved:
- Minutes of the June 24, 2026, regular meeting
- The June 2026 treasurer’s report
- Payment of bills totaling $55,097.53
