City of Mount Carmel City Council met Jan. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Judge brought the City Council meeting to order.
Present on Roll Call: Mayor Joe Judge, Commissioners – Eric Ikemire, Tyson Meador, Susan Zimmerman
Commissioner Thomas Meeks was reported as absent.
Also Present: City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Judge requested a motion to approve the minutes from the January 5, 2026, council meeting.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to approve the January 5, 2026, meeting minutes. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.
VISITORS
Josh Evans is in attendance for St. Mary’s seeking permission to use the presented route for the 17th annual Rockets Foundation 5K and Kids Fun Run. This is scheduled for February 28, 2026.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Judge reported that the public works crew is monitoring potential snowfall later in the week. He said we will be ready no matter what we receive. With snow in the forecast, he encourages everyone to check on their elderly neighbors and friends.
Mayor Judge stated that we will no longer see the 1% grocery sale tax on our grocery receipts, as the council voted last year not to reinstate that this year.
Mayor Judge reported that he and airport director, Luis Garcia, attended the Core Pipeline Certification last week.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS:
COMMISSIONER TYSON MEADOR – STREETS, CEMETERIES, AND PARKS
Commissioner Meador reported that crews have hauled off scrap for recycling, helped the brush department finish their routes, filled potholes, performed extensive vehicle maintenance, and prepared trucks for snow removal. Crews have also cut back some trees to reach some of our drainage pipes.
COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS
Commissioner Ikemire reported $438,968.70 in receipts and $229,116.72 in expenditures. The majority of the revenue was in sales tax and income tax.
COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – WATER AND SEWER
Commissioner Meeks is absent.
COMMISSIONER SUSAN ZIMMERMAN – FIRE, HEALTH & SAFETY, GARBAGE, CITY HALL, AND CIVIL DEFENSE
Commissioner Zimmerman reported the fire department had 14 runs over the last 2 weeks. These include lift-assist and vehicle-collision incidents.
Commissioner Zimmerman asked that if your trash is not picked up, please call City Hall or complete the online form no later than Tuesday by noon.
Commissioner Zimmerman reported that Republic Services still picks up on holidays, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RYAN TURNER
City Administrative Assistant Turner discussed the matter and asked the council to consider a motion to abate the tax levied as a debt payment on 2025 A bonds and to waive the second reading.
City Administrative Assistant Turner discussed the matter and asked the council to consider a motion to amend Ordinance 2142 to change the verbiage in Ordinance 2130 to TLD Properties LLC.
City Administrative Assistant Turner discussed the matter and asked the council to consider a motion to prepare a request for proposals (RFP) for the sale of 229 W. 1st. Street, commonly referred to as the “Girl Scout Cabin.”
City Administrative Assistant Turner asked the council to consider changing the council meeting to February 16th instead of the 17th. The council meeting will be held on February 16, 2026, at 4:00 pm.
City Administrative Assistant Turner reported that letters for the river camp rentals went out last week.
City Administrative Assistant Turner gave the council updated estimates from ADG on a new roof for City Hall.
CITY ATTORNEY – DEREK MCCULLOUGH
City Attorney McCullough is absent.
AIRPORT MANAGER – LUIS GARCIA
Airport Manager Garcia reported that he has fixed the hangar doors and has been preparing for the predicted snow. General maintenance is also being performed.
POLICE CHIEF – MIKE MCWILLIAMS
Police Chief McWilliams recognized Mary Sweppy, a dispatcher with the Mt. Carmel Police Department, for her life-saving efforts with a call she received back in April of 2025. Fire Chief Speth, along with Mark Seaton, also recommended Mary for this Recognition. Mary has been dispatching since 1990. She is the lead trainer and does an outstanding job for the department and community.
Police Chief McWilliams recognized Officer Dayton Brimm and Sergeant Gilbert Santos for their life saving efforts with a call they attended to in April of 2025, where a female was not breathing. Due to their quick action and efforts, the female was able to make a full recovery. These two are an asset to the department and do a great job for the city. Chief McWilliams also recognized dispatcher Zack Neikirk, who was unable to attend the meeting, for his outstanding life-saving efforts on this call.
Police Chief McWilliams announced that this is his last council meeting. Friday will be his last day of work with the Mt. Carmel Police Department. He is retiring and has accepted a position with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Erin Peach is stepping into the interim chief position. Mayor Joe thanked Chief McWilliams for his 21 years of extraordinary service to the community and congratulated him on his new position. Mayor Judge congratulated interim Chief Peach and is certain she will do a great job for the community.
FIRE CHIEF – FRANCIS SPETH
Fire Chief Speth is absent.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB
Public Works Director Gidcumb reported that work is underway in preparation for the predicted snow.
DAVE DALLAS
Dave has no report.
WABASH COUNTY E.M.A.
Wabash County E.M.A. is absent.
BUSINESS MOTIONS
Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, on Ordinance 2140, to abate tax levied as a debt payment on 2025 A bonds and to waive the second reading. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.
Commissioner Meador motioned, and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded, on Ordinance 2142, to change the verbiage in Ordinance 2130 to TLD Properties LLC. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to put together a request for proposals (RFP) for the sale of 229 W. 1st. Street, commonly referred to as the “Girl Scout Cabin.” All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.
Commissioner Meador motioned, and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded, to approve the consent agenda. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.
Commissioner Zimmerman motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to adjourn today’s meeting. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 4:36 pm
https://www.cityofmtcarmel.com/media/14331
