SE Illinois News

City of Mt. Carmel City Council met May 6. 

Here is the minutes as 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 Former City of Mount Carmel Mayor George Woodcock, who stated four gentleman who had previously served as mayor were in attendance at the council meeting; Rudy Witsman, Tom Meeks, William Hudson and himself.

Mayor Hudson stated the Villas of Hollybrook, which is a $8.1 million project, is slated to be completed this summer and will be a great asset to the City of Mount Carmel.

Mayor Hudson reported the Ace Hardware Store and Sheldon’s Pharmacy, which are to both be housed inside the Buehlers Buy-Low Grocery Store, should be opened in July.

Mayor Hudson stated the concrete work for the new stage area at the Merchants Park has been completed; the canopy was delivered this morning and all the construction work is slated to be finished by the end of May. Mayor Hudson is anticipating many concerts, Church Services as well as several other entertainment events to be held at the Merchants Park.

Mayor Hudson reiterated construction is ongoing at the Warrior Village II, which will house incoming athletes at Wabash Valley College.

Mayor Hudson reported West Berwick Golf Course is open to the public and the “state of the art” renovations to the pro shop are almost complete.

Mayor Hudson stated the painting of the city’s swimming pool started today and hopefully the weather will cooperate to allow the paint to cure.

Mayor Hudson reported he was no further updates regarding a new McDonalds restaurant being built at the former Dersch Energy Convenience Store on the corner of East Ninth and Market Streets. Mayor Hudson stated however, the McDonalds owners are required to have a new facility by January 2020 or they will lose the franchise.

Mayor Hudson thanked all the departments for staying under budget and thanked City Comptroller Mick Mollenhauer for his work with the departments to keep them within budget.

Mayor Hudson thanked Commissioners Eric Ikemire, Joe Judge, Justin Dulgar, Rod Rodriguez for their service to the council and to the City of Mount Carmel. Mayor Hudson thanked City Administrative Assistant Rudy Witsman, City Attorney Kelli Storckman, City Inspector Mike Gidcumb, Street Department Superintendent Dave Easter, Police Chief Ryan Turner, and Fire Chief Frances Speth for their service, as well and stated it has been a pleasure to work with each of them.

COMMISSIONER REPORTS:

COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS

Commissioner Ikemire thanked Mayor Hudson for his service for the past twelve years to the City of Mount Carmel and expressed the privilege of working with him the last four years.

Commissioner Ikemire no report.

COMMISSIONER JOE JUDGE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS

Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials.

Commissioner Judge no report.

COMMISSIONER JUSTIN DULGAR – WATER AND SEWER

Commissioner Dulgar thanked Mayor Hudson for all he has done for the city as well as for his prior service at Water and Sewer Commissioner.

Commissioner Dulgar no report.

COMMISSIONER ROD RODRIGUEZ – FIRE, HEALTH & SAFETY, GARBAGE, CITY HALL AND CIVIL DEFENSE

Commissioner Rodriguez thanked Mayor Hudson and expressed his appreciation for the mayor’s service to the City of Mount Carmel. Commissioner Rodriguez stated he is honored to have worked with him for the past twelve years.

Commissioner Rodriguez reported no report.

CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RUDY WITSMAN

City Administrative Assistant Witsman thanked Mayor Hudson for his service and stated it has indeed been a pleasure to work the mayor and the council, as well as the previous council. City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated he was appointed to his position a little more than ten years ago with Tom Meeks serving as mayor. City Administrative Assistant Witsman expressed his appreciation as serving as administrative assistant and looks forward to working with Mayor Joe Judge as the city moves forward in potential growth and prosperity.

CITY ATTORNEY – KELLI STORCKMAN

City Attorney Storckman thanked Mayor Hudson and expressed her appreciation for being appointed as city attorney under his service. City Attorney Storckman stated Mayor Hudson has served as a very caring and community-oriented mayor.

City Attorney Storckman no report.

CITY INSPECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB

City Inspector Gidcumb thanked Mayor Hudson and expressed his pleasure of working with the mayor and council over the past many years.

City Inspector Gidcumb no report.

STREET DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENT – DAVE EASTER

Street Department Superintendent Dave Easter thanked Mayor Hudson and the council for their service to the City of Mount Carmel.

Street Department Superintendent Dave Easter no report.

POLICE CHIEF – RYAN TURNER

Police Chief Turner thanked Mayor Hudson for his service to the council as well as to the community and stated the mayor’s caring and concern for the city is very much appreciated.

Police Chief Turner no report.

FIRE CHIEF – FRANCES SPETH

Fire Chief Speth stated the City of Mount Carmel has been blessed to have the service of Mayor Hudson as well as the council and it has been an honor to work with them as fire chief.

Fire Chief Frances Speth no report.

After each of the council reports, Mayor Hudson acknowledged Commissioner Judge, who stated on behalf on the council and himself, they wished to thank Mayor Hudson for his eight years of service as mayor and his four years as Water Commissioner. Commissioner Judge presented Mayor Hudson with gifts of gratitude for his service on behalf of the council and the city employees. Mayor Hudson expressed his appreciation for the gifts and thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting. Mayor Hudson also welcomed all visitors and guests at the meeting and extended a “thank you” to Circuit Judge Michael Valentine, who was in attendance to conduct the swearing in of the new council. Mayor Hudson also thanked his family for being at the meeting and for supporting him throughout his terms on the council. Mayor Hudson stated he chose to run for commissioner and then later for mayor because he wanted to help make Mount Carmel a better place. Mayor Hudson thanked all the people who have served during his administration including the council as well as each city employee who all helped with the achievement of those plans for the city. Mayor Hudson expressed his gratitude while stating he will greatly miss working with each and every individual. Mayor Hudson stated City Administrative Assistant Witsman is a great asset to the City of Mount Carmel, while the mayor and the council take the credit, Mr. Witsman is working behind the scenes keeping the city going. Mayor Hudson wished the best of luck to the new council and reminded them that they were elected to serve this great city as well as all of its citizens. Mayor Hudson emphasized they should work to make the city better every day. Mayor Hudson extended God’s Blessings to everyone and to the great City of Mount Carmel that is called “home”.

BUSINESS MOTIONS

Mayor Hudson and the Council approved the Consent Agenda, as presented in the agenda dated May 6th, 2019. The consent agenda included approval of the minutes for the council meeting held on April 22nd, 2019 and approval of paying all bills bearing the proper signatures.

NEW BUSINESS

Judge Michael Valentine swore in the new council: Commissioners Tom Meeks, Eric Ikemire, Justin Dulgar, and Rod Rodriguez. Judge Michael Valentine swore Joe Judge in as Mayor of the City of Mount Carmel.

Mayor Judge welcomed everyone to the council meeting and thanked them for attending. Mayor Judge congratulated his colleagues on their newly appointed council positions and thanked City Administrative Assistant Witsman for his service as well as his guidance. Mayor Judge thanked Commissioners Rodriguez, Dulgar and Ikemire for their service and support to the council. Mayor Judge welcomed Commissioner Tom Meeks to the council. Mayor Judge stated he is looking forward to what can be accomplished by the council over the next four years. Mayor Judge thanked his wife, his daughters, his parents, his friends, his family and those who are with him in spirit for their love and support. Mayor Judge stated he is honored and humbled to serve the great City of Mount Carmel as mayor while looking forward to working with each commissioner and city employee as well as the citizens for the betterment of the city. Mayor Judge thanked Bill Hudson for his twelve years of service to the City of Mount Carmel and the city’s entire staff for their support as well as their continued dedication to their jobs. Mayor Judge stated the last few years have been economically challenging for all of us and the city has successfully trimmed expenses while maintaining the same quality of service the citizens have been accustomed to. Mayor Judge stressed as the new council moves forward it will continue to capitalize on new opportunities; will finish the projects that are in the “pipeline”; see new opportunities started and confirm the issues that lie ahead. Mayor Judge stated as mayor he is committed to ensuring that new jobs in Mount Carmel mean new jobs for the residents of the city. Mayor Judge further stated the city will work to help grow our current business partners through expansion of their businesses and to assist any new company that chooses to locate in Mount Carmel. Mayor Judge affirmed there is much work to do in creating an affordable city government; in bringing city hall to the twenty-first century; and in changing the ways services are delivered to the citizens and businesses will require hard work by himself as well as the council. Mayor Judge emphasized he knows the city’s great work force is up to this task. Mayor Judge stated he is privileged to lead the fine men and women who keep us safe; take care of our streets; provide water and sewer services; provide senior citizen services; provide recreational programs to our children; and who do all the things that are vital to the operations of the city. Mayor Judge affirmed by taking his oath today, he has made a solemn vow of committing himself to work hard for the city and its citizens. Mayor Judge thanked the citizens for the privilege as serving their mayor and again thanked the commissioners for serving with him the next four years on the council. Mayor Judge stated he thoroughly believes we live in the best city in the State of Illinois; and entrusts the council as well as the city staff shares in his belief. Mayor Judge affirmed by working together we can continue to keep our city beautiful; progressive and safe; as well as a great place to live, to be proud of and to call home.

Mayor Judge announced his reappointments: City Clerk/Administrator Rudy Witsman, City Treasurer Georgia Vaught, City Attorney Kelli Storckman, Chief of Police Ryan Turner, City Inspector Mike Gidcumb, Airport Manager Chad Hill.

Commissioner Meeks announced his appointment of Dave Easter as Street Department Superintendent.

Commissioner Ikemire announced his appointments as the Finance and Senior Citizens Commissioner: Budget Officer Mick Mollenhauer and Senior Citizens Manager Traci Dunkel.

Commissioner Ikemire thanked Street Department Superintendent Dave Easter for making his position as commissioner an easier task over the past four years and also thanked for Mr. Easter for his hard work as well as his efforts in maintaining the street department.

Commissioner Dulgar announced his reappointments: Water Treatment Plant Lead Operator Keith Reed, Wastewater Plant Lead Operator Josh Peach, Water and Sewer Maintenance Manager Bill Reed.

Commissioner Rodriguez announced his reappointment: Fire Chief Frances Speth

Commissioner Dulgar motioned and Commissioner Ikemire seconded to approve the following appointments: City Clerk – Rudy Witsman, City Treasurer – Georgia Vaught, City Attorney – Kelli Storckman, Chief of Police – Ryan Turner, City Inspector – Mike Gidcumb, Airport Manager – Chad Hill, Budget Officer – Mick Mollenhauer, Senior Citizens Manager – Tracy Dunkel, Street Department Superintendent – Dave Easter, Water Treatment Plant Lead Operator – Keith Reed, Water/Sewer Maintenance – Bill Reed, Sewer Plant Lead Operator – Josh Peach, Fire Chief – Francis Speth. All present voted Aye by voice vote.

Meeting adjourned 5:42 p.m.

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