City of Mount Carmel City Council met Oct. 23.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
Invocation was given by Reverend Tony Hodgson.
Present on Roll Call: Mayor Bill Hudson Commissioners – Eric Ikemire, Joe Judge Justin Dulgar, Rod Rodriguez
Also, Present: City Administrative Assistant Rudy Witsman, City Attorney Kelli Storckman
Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Hudson brought the city council meeting to order.
Mayor Hudson acknowledged the City of Mount Carmel Airport Manager Chad Hill, who presented to the council an overview of the all activities at the airport during the past few months and gave a brief verbal summary, as well. Chad stated the jet fuel project should be fully operational by mid- November, which will be a bonus for the city. Chad reported the back part of the main hangar is in the process of being repaired from the wind damage in July. Chad stated a meeting was held regarding the purchase of snow removal equipment for the airport, which will be paid for with grant money the city received. Chad reported all the lighting at the airport has been switched to “LED” except for the runway and taxiway lighting. Chad stated the end of the runway lights were damaged by lightening back in April. A claim has been filed with the insurance company and once the insurance money is disbursed, the conversion process of the runway and taxiway lightening to “LED” will hopefully begin. Chad also reported the bid letting for the repaving of airport road will be held in January. Chad announced a Military Recruitment Aviation Day will be held on June 9th 2018 at the airport with several activities planned for the event. Lastly, Chad reported he is working on a business plan for the airport and will be working with the Mount Carmel Area Economic Alliance as well as the Lawrence County Industrial Council. Chad thanked Mayor Hudson and the council for giving him the opportunity to serve as the airport manager and thanked City Administrative Assistant Rudy Witsman and Former Airport Manager Ken Wood for their help in making the transition a smooth one.
Mayor Hudson acknowledged Reverend Terry Weavil, who invited the council to attend the celebration at Trinity United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 12th, which will be the kick-off for the 2018 Bi-Centennial Celebration for the City of Mount Carmel.
Mayor Hudson acknowledged Market Street MTC Group Spokesman Terry Beckerman, who was seeking council permission for the group to construct a new stage at the amphitheater and to prepare the south wall of the amphitheater for a new mural. Terry stated the work would be performed by volunteers and the funds needed for the project would be made available through fundraising. The council decided to table a decision until the next meeting as another individual had written the council regarding the construction of a stage at the amphitheater.
Mayor Hudson gave accolades to the police department, the first responders, the water rescue team, the fire department and the ambulance service for their expedience at the Wabash River Bridge rescue today.
Mayor Hudson reported the maroon and gold flags along Market Street have replaced with red flags in observance of Drug-Free Awareness and Red Ribbon Week.
Mayor Hudson read a note from Mr. Todd Gill thanking the city and their workers for their help and assistance at the ballfield during the hosting of two Wabash Mission Softball Tournaments.
Mayor Hudson reported semi-trucks hauling coal from the Friendsville Coal Mine on Highway 15 west of Mount Carmel will be traveling through the city via West Ninth and Walnut Streets possibly until the end of this year as Duke Energy’s coal train unloading system will be out of service for maintenance.
Mayor Hudson announced Trick or Treating hours will be 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Halloween - Tuesday, October 31st. Mayor Hudson reported some of the area trunk or treat activities will be held over the coming weekend and asked citizens to please be careful while driving through the city during the activities.
Commissioner Reports:
Commissioner Eric Ikemire – Streets, Cemeteries And Parks
Commissioner Ikemire reported in the last two weeks the street department continued the mowing of city properties; performed yard abatements; cleaned out intakes; serviced equipment; worked on removing the signal light and poles at intersection of Sixth and Market Streets; and poured concrete pads in the same area.
Commissioner Joe Judge – Finance And Senior Citizens
Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials.
Commissioner Judge reported the airport is self-sustaining as its revenue mainly comes from the cash rent of the farm land plus any grant monies that are received. Commissioner Judge stated the airport is a good asset for the city.
Commissioner Judge reiterated the city’s revolving loan fund was terminated, per the State of Illinois. Commissioner Judge reported the city has been informed by the Illinois Department of Commerce that the revolving loan fund ending balance of $347,536 will be made available to the city for up to two eligible Community Development Block Grant projects between January 1st, 2018 and December 31st , 2020. Commissioner Judge stated the terms and criteria of what the grant monies may be used for are very specific.
Commissioner Justin Dulgar – Water And Sewer
Commissioner Dulgar reported the water treatment plant will be draining and cleaning the sediment basins as part of its regular scheduled maintenance.
Commissioner Dulgar reported the Wabash Valley Regional Water Commission met on October 11th and voted unanimously to move forward with the search for a 65% - 35% matching federal loan grant to fund a new water treatment facility. Commissioner Dulgar stated if the commission is awarded this type of grant; 65% of the facility would be paid for via loan and 35% would be paid for by the federal government. Commissioner Dulgar announced the next Wabash Valley Regional Water Commission meeting will be held at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, November 14th at the City of Albion.
Commissioner Dulgar stated the waste water plant has been assisting Mount Carmel Public Utility with the clearing and cleaning up of trees and brush outside of the plant.
Commissioner Rod Rodriguez – Fire, Health & Safety, Garbage, City Hall And Civil Defense
Commissioner Rodriguez reported in the last two weeks the fire department responded to six runs; a business meeting was held on October 9th and a safety meeting will be held tonight. Commissioner Rodriguez stated the Allendale Fire Department wished to thank everyone who helped support their fundraising dinner.
Commissioner Rodriguez reported mosquito spraying has stopped for the year.
City Administrative Assistant – Rudy Witsman
City Administrative Assistant Witsman reported he had a meeting with the financial advisor, Mr. Tim King regarding the funding of the work that needs to be done at the wastewater plant. City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated Mr. King is drawing up a proposal to be sent to the local lending institutions for the financing of the project.
City Administrative Assistant Witsman reported within the consent agenda is the approval of the FOP Contract. City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated the FOP contract is the same as the firefighters and machinist union contract; a seventy-five cent pay increase the first and second years and a fifty-cent increase for the third year. City Administrative Assistant Witsman reported the contract will run through October 28th, 2020.
City Attorney – Kelli Storckman
City Attorney Kelli Storckman no report.
City Inspector – Mike Gidcumb
City Inspector Gidcumb absent.
Business Motions
Mayor Hudson and the Council approved the Consent Agenda, as presented in the agenda dated October 23rd, 2017. The consent agenda contains the approval of the FOP Contract for 10/29/17 – 10/28/20; approval of the minutes for the council meeting held on October 9th, 2017 and the approval of paying all bills bearing the proper signatures.
Meeting adjourned at 5:31 p.m.
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