Martinsville City Council held its regular meeting at 7pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at Martinsville City Hall. All members of the council were present for roll call.
Flushing Hydrant Replacements
Council discussed the possible replacement of inoperable flushing hydrants, including an offer from the Martinsville Fire Protection District Board to help pay for the work.
The discussion raised broader concerns about the condition of the city’s aging water infrastructure, the cost of contracted repairs, and the possibility of widespread service interruptions.
Water Department Superintendent Corey Cook presented information about a proposal from B&T Drainage, Inc., to replace flushing hydrants, including one near Vine and York streets and two on Elm Street.
Cook expressed concern about the cost of the proposed work, particularly the expense of using specialized equipment to temporarily stop water flow during repairs.
He said an individual replacement hydrant could be purchased through Utility Pipe Sales for approximately $2,889, substantially less than the total cost of contracted installation. However, contractors have access to specialized line-stopping equipment that the city does not own.
Water Outages and Isolation Valves
An alternative would be for city employees to replace the hydrants themselves. However, Cook explained that doing so could require a planned water outage affecting much of Martinsville.
Although some portions of the city could be isolated using existing valves, other areas would lose service while repairs were completed. The work could also require a boil order and subsequent water testing before normal service resumed.
Mayor Robert Lovell expressed opposition to widespread water interruptions and suggested that the city consider replacing and installing additional isolation valves before proceeding with hydrant replacements.
Long-Term Infrastructure Considerations
Council members also discussed whether purchasing used line-stopping equipment might be a worthwhile investment. Such equipment could allow city employees to complete certain repairs without shutting down larger portions of the water system.
Officials questioned whether spending substantial amounts on individual hydrant replacements would be the best use of available funds if larger sections of the distribution system eventually need replacement.
Council member Chris Davidson emphasized that these are flushing hydrants, not conventional fire hydrants designed to deliver the larger volumes of water required for firefighting.
The city plans to gather additional information about line-stopping equipment and review its water distribution map to identify possible locations for new isolation valves before returning to the issue.
Full-Time Parks and Recreation Employee
The Martinsville City Council discussed the possibility of hiring a full-time parks and recreation employee, including the cost of the position, potential funding sources and responsibilities beyond routine park maintenance.
Estimated Costs and Funding
Mayor Robert Lovell reported that Martinsville on the Move could potentially contribute approximately $20,000 annually toward the position, including $10,000 from the Linn Foundation and $10,000 from Changing Hands Resale Shoppe.
City Collector Jana Spires prepared an estimate of the annual cost of employing a full-time worker at $20 per hour. Including salary, employee health insurance, life insurance, the city’s contribution to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and a cell phone allowance, the estimated annual cost would be approximately $60,033. Providing health insurance for one dependent would add approximately $21,288, while coverage for two or more dependents could bring the total annual cost to approximately $86,000.
Lovell suggested that the city explore ways for the position to generate enough revenue to support itself. Possibilities discussed included organizing basketball and pickleball leagues, hosting tournaments, operating concessions and installing coin-operated batting cages. Council member Chris Davidson expressed skepticism about whether residents would pay to use some of those facilities.
Park Maintenance and Staffing Needs
The discussion also addressed the amount of labor currently required to maintain the city’s parks. Council members questioned how many hours two employees would need to handle mowing, trimming, collecting fallen limbs, maintaining flower beds and other landscaping work. It was noted that the city has added park facilities over the years, increasing maintenance demands.
Existing part-time and seasonal workers provide some assistance, but their hours are limited. Martinsville on the Move currently funds up to 100 hours for one worker, whose responsibilities include maintaining landscaped areas and assisting with seasonal decorations. Council members noted that some areas require attention again before work on other areas can be completed.
The possibility of contracting some landscaping and maintenance work at a lower cost was also raised.
Expanded Responsibilities
Lovell emphasized that a full-time position could involve considerably more than mowing and groundskeeping. A parks and recreation employee could organize community events, coordinate recreational programs, assist with the annual block party and holiday decorations, maintain facilities and help with snow removal during winter months. Such responsibilities could provide year-round work while reducing demands on other city employees and volunteers.
Council member Wendy Isbell suggested that Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding might be available to help cover employee wages associated with park improvements. Lovell indicated that the city would investigate available grant opportunities and eligibility requirements.
While acknowledging that the city is not yet ready to establish the position, Lovell expressed optimism that a sustainable funding arrangement could be developed. He said he intends to speak with Robinson Mayor Mike Shimer and Scott Smith of Charleston to learn how their communities established and funded parks and recreation programs.
Mayor Comments
Mayor Lovell stated that he had been misinformed about bidding on properties. It was his impression that if the city bid, it would win, and put a minimum bid on all three properties. However, the city was outbid on all three properties.
The mayor also noted that the soapbox derby was a success. “A lot of people wish they would have built a car,” said Lovell. “I suspect there’ll be a lot more cars next year. I’ve already heard from a couple guys who are already shopping for parts and pieces”
Council Comments
Wendy Isbell mentioned that residents were very happy with the Poppy Lane
Isbell also mentioned damage to the storm drain at the corner of Vine & Mill streets.
Additional Actions
The council approved the following actions:
- Minutes of the regular meeting held September 23
- Minutes of the Parks Committee meeting held September 23
- Bills in the amount of $495,302.04
- Treasurer’s Report for September 2026
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