STAUNTON – The regular meeting of the Staunton City Council was called to order at 7 p.m. on Monday with all members being present.

Mayor Fred Stien informed the council of a letter of resignation from Marilyn Herbeck.

In her letter, Herbeck submitted her resignation from the collector’s position effective September 14.

Herbeck has accepted a position at Community Memorial Hospital in the Human Resources department.

Herbeck said she had enjoyed her time as the collector but that she is looking forward to her new position.

The collectors job is an appointed one by the council. The city clerk’s job is an elected one.

Herbeck said she has not decided whether she will rerun for the clerk’s job or not.

Meanwhile, she said that she is committed to those who elected her and will continue to serve them as the city clerk.

Herbeck’s last day will be August 28 but the remaining days she will use the remainder of her vacation and personal days.

The council accepted her resignation.

The council will be accepting applications for full time and part time clerical positions to perform the duties which were previously performed by the collector.

Lori Grandone will be temporarily reassigned to city hall and Janet Hall who will be working additional hours to cover the duties of city collector until permanent duty assignments can be made.

The council will be advertising for those positions.

A letter from the Macoupin County Clerk was also received. The letter stated the CPI for the 2007 real estate taxes will be 2.5 percent.

Council member Fred Lotter informed the council that he sent a letter of apology to the Staunton School District for accusing the district of illegally using city water for watering the athletic fields.

Lotter told the council the hydrant was on a meter but a backflow valve needs to be installed.

The council then agreed to purchase a new durapatcher and accessories for the cost of $6,250.

Council member Bart Yakos told the council the current durapatcher’s title had been lost by the company that sold it and was selling the new one to the city at a reduced cost.

The cost of a new durapatcher is approximately $50,000.

Council member Bob Schwandner informed the council that two doors on the concession stand at the ball parks are rotted and need to be replaced.

The council agreed to purchase two new doors from R.P. Lumber at a cost of $360.

The council was supposed to hire a new police officer, but Council member Jim Sloan said interviews were still being done and a candidate should be chosen by the next council meeting.

The council then went into executive session at 7:15 p.m. to discuss the city clerk and collector positions.