City of Harrisburg City Council met April 30.
Here is the minutes as provided by the council:
The Harrisburg City Council met on April 30, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Room, City Hall, in Harrisburg, Illinois.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning led the group in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor John McPeek presided over the meeting with Commissioners Raymond Gunning, Roger Angelly, Rupert Johnson and Ron Morse answering roll call.
Mayor John McPeek stated that Commissioners Raymond Gunning and Ron Morse requested this Special Meeting.
Commissioner Ron Morse requested that Council entertain Ordinance 1774. Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to accept Ordinance 1774. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to appoint Larry Greer as the Water/Sewer Superintendent. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Ron Morse made the motion to accept Ordinance 1775. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes except Commissioner Rupert Johnson and Mayor John McPeek voting no. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek let the citizens know that the changes for Ordinance 1775 reads, the City Attorney “may” be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Council. If there is a failure by the Mayor to appoint a City Attorney with consent of the council, then the City Council may appoint and fill the City Attorney position by a majority vote of the Council.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion that Kolby Smithpeters and Robert Wilson be engaged, appointed and serve as City Attorneys. Mayor John McPeek said that he has been on City Council for 16 years. He has worked with five different mayors and what this Council is doing to Todd Bittle is absolutely horrible. He hopes the citizens know that he is behind Todd Bittle 100% and he understands that Council wants to go in a different direction. Todd has done absolutely nothing wrong and this Council has never worked with Todd. They do not know his background and the job he did. Mayor John McPeek appreciates Todd Bittle, everything he did, his staff and he feels for his family. Seconded by Commissioner Ron Morse. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes except Commissioner Rupert Johnson and Mayor John McPeek voting no. Motion carried.
Commissioner Ron Morse made the motion that Chapter 2 Article II Section 2-39 of the Harrisburg Municipal Code be enacted to show that we have discharged the City Attorney Todd Bittle. We would not be into this had we not been taken to court. We are trying to cover ourselves in the event that we go back. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes except Commissioner Rupert Johnson and Mayor John McPeek voted no. Motion carried.
Commissioner Ron Morse discussed the proposal for setting the salaries for the Superintendents and appointed personnel. The Commissioners have presented their requested and Commissioner Ron Morse is going to propose this, but this will not be done as a package. It should be done individually. Commissioner Raymond Gunning said these include the yearly pay raise given to non-contractual employees.
Commissioner Ron Morse made the motion the Water and Sewer Superintendent be paid annually $75,000.00. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes except Mayor John McPeek voted no. Motion carried.
Commissioner Ron Morse made the motion the Street and Alley/Public Property Superintendent be paid annually $75,000.00. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes except Mayor John McPeek voted no. Motion carried.
Commissioner Ron Morse made the motion the Police Chief be paid annually $75,000.00. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Ron Morse made the motion the Fire Chief be paid annually $75,000.00. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes except Commissioner Raymond Gunning abstained and Mayor John McPeek voted no. Motion carried.
Commissioner Ron Morse made the motion the Treasurer be paid annually $75,000.00. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes except Mayor John McPeek voted no. Motion carried.
Commissioner Ron Morse made the motion the City Clerk be paid annually $60,000.00. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes except Mayor John McPeek voted no. Motion carried.
Mayor McPeek read a comment which was on the Agenda stating that City Council has scheduled special meetings at 8:00 a.m. to accommodate his work schedule. He would like it be noted that former Commissioner Richard Harper scheduled the last 8:00 a.m. meeting. The City Council agree all meeting should be in the evening
Todd Bittle thanked Mayor John McPeek for setting forth his name a City Attorney. He wants the citizens to know that he was happy to server them over the last 13 years. He served under six different Mayors and multiple Councils. He never had any objections with the work that he did. He hopes everything work out for the Council going forward and in the future. He states he thinks the Council has violated the City Code and made a mistake in how he was discharged or appointing the City Attorney, but they have Counsel now and they can work it out with them.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning thanked Kolby Smithpeters. The Council was summonsed to court and they only had an hour to prepare. The four councilmen had no representation as the City Attorney was representing the Mayor. Kolby Smithpeters gladly stepped in and within thirty minutes he represented us well. Commissioner Raymond Gunning appreciates every effort that he gave to the four councilmen.
Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
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