Road Improvements Planned
At its regular meeting on May 13, 2026, Martinsville City Council approved a resolution to use Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds to lay hot patch asphalt on Cumberland Street from the York intersection to Washington Street, along doing some work to correct rutting, especially on the south side of the intersection.
County Engineer Dallas Richardson spoke to the council regarding the plan to use MFT funds, noting that the road could be closed during the daytime for up to two days during construction.
Appropriations Discussion
The council discussed the upcoming appropriations ordinance. Budget and Finance Committee Chair Ashley Wilhoit explained the current state of the appropriations. It was noted that the completed appropriations ordinance would be complete and discussed at the June 10 meeting. The ordinance will then be put on display and a Public Hearing will be held before the regular meeting on June 24.
Taser Lease
Police Chief Ryan Slater spoke to the council about leasing new Tasers for the police department. Slater said he has deployed a Taser four times during the five years the department has had them.
Slater explained that the department’s current X26P model Tasers are no longer manufactured by Axon Enterprise. He added that the company is offering a buy-back credit for the final year of the department’s current lease, amounting to approximately $1,000.
The two available replacement models are the Taser 7 and Taser 10. Slater said the lease includes training and replacement cartridges at no additional cost.
After reviewing quotes, the council asked Slater to obtain revised pricing including the buy-back credit and corrected tax amounts.
Summer Help
The council decided to hire two Martinsville youths for summer help. It was noted that the workers will mostly do mowing and trimming work.
Gas Supply Improvements
Mayor Bob Lovell reported that, in connection with the expansion of iD Castings, a gas riser will need to be moved and replaced.
To meet increased demand, the city plans to gradually raise system pressure from 37 psi to 60 psi in incremental stages.
Improvements will also require replacement of the gas supply line north of Interstate 70. Approximately 12,000 feet of four-inch line will be installed north of town. Engineers plan to reduce the line to three inches beneath the interstate before returning to four inches on the opposite side.
Lovell said engineers are confident in the design, while Gas Department Superintendent Todd Shaffner expressed some reservations. Lovell also noted that five to six additional certified gas technicians would be brought in to assist with leak surveys during the transition.
The estimated project cost is approximately $500,000. Officials noted the larger supply line would also accommodate potential future development on the city’s north side.
Approaches
Mayor Lovell mentioned having been asked about the City’s policy on approaches. He noted that a resident is planning to build a new driveway and asked if the city would help offset the cost. It was noted that in Marshall, the property owner pays for the labor and the City pays for the concrete.
Dallas Richardson suggested using permitting to set construction and inspection criteria.
Additional Comments
Lovell also reported that Central Illinois Land Bank is pursuing grant funding to purchase abandoned homes. He said the grant application could total nearly $1 million if awarded.
The mayor also said a completed planning and development report prepared by University of Illinois students is now available for review. One of the primary recommendations, Lovell noted, involved establishing zoning regulations.
Lovell additionally reported that Crabapple trees had been selected for Washington Street, Dogwood trees for York Street, and Lilac trees for Mill Street. When asked, Lovell confirmed the lilacs selected are trees rather than bushes.
