City of Mount Carmel City Council met June 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Invocation was given by Reverend Tony Hodgson.
Present on Roll Call: Mayor Joe Judge Commissioners - Tom Meeks, Eric Ikemire, Justin Dulgar, Rod Rodriguez
Also, Present: City Administrative Assistant Rudy Witsman, City Attorney Kelli Storckman
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Judge requested a motion to approve the minutes of the last council meeting.
Commissioner Dulgar motioned and Commissioner Ikemire seconded to approve the minutes of the meeting held on June 3rd, 2019. All present voted Aye by Voice Vote.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Judge brought the city council meeting to order.
Mayor Judge acknowledged Reverend Tony Hodgson, who announced a Freedom Celebration Prayer Rally will be held on Wednesday, July 3rd, beginning at 7:00 pm at the Merchants Park. Reverend Hodgson stated a “George Washington and the Faith of Our Founding Fathers Presentation” will be part of the prayer rally and in the case of inclement weather the event will be held at Heartland Worship Center.
Mayor Judge stated the Fantastic Fourth Celebration will begin on Tuesday, July 2nd and will end on Sunday, July 7th. Mayor Judge asked council approval for the closure of the 300 Block of Market Street for the “Touch a Truck” event, which will be held on Saturday, July 6th from 9:00 am to Noon. Mayor Judge reported the event will host fire trucks, police cars, first responder vehicles, construction trucks, race cars and other various vehicles.
Mayor Judge addressed the council regarding leaf season this coming fall and to consider the possibility of purchasing a new leaf vac unit. Mayor Judge reiterated at a council meeting last year a self-enclosed unit, which only requires two operators was presented for discussion. Mayor Judge stated he would like council approval for Commissioner Meeks and Street Department Superintendent Dave Easter to investigate a similar unit as the city’s street sweeper unit is “aged” and this particular type of unit could be used for street sweeping as well as leaf vacuuming. Mayor Judge reported this type of unit could be a great asset to the city and could be very useful to the street department. Mayor Judge stated the city’s policy on picking up leaves last year was a “nice gesture but did not fill the need”.
Mayor Judge acknowledged Ed McPherson of McPherson Properties, who was seeking council approval to build a billboard structure on the vacant lot by Buehlers Buy-Low on West Ninth Street. Mr. McPherson stated he has contacted the State of Illinois regarding the signage as West Ninth Street is a state highway and had submitted the required documentation to City Inspector Mike Gidcumb. The council voted to approve Mr. McPherson’s request.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS:
COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS
Commissioner Meeks reported he was approached by First Baptist Church regarding some of its youth members, who are wanting to perform volunteer work for the city. Mayor Judge stated on June 28th the Trio Group will be painting playground equipment at the city park and those youth members could assist with the painting.
Commissioner Meeks stated in the last two weeks the street department cleaned intakes; filled potholes; mowed parks and ballparks; cleaned the boat ramp; installed new stop sign islands at Third and Market Streets; laid sod at the Merchants Park; and sprayed weeds on the levee.
COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS
Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials.
Commissioner Ikemire stated the city’s finances are doing well and the general fund balance is holding steady. Commissioner Ikemire reported the water fund as well as the sewer fund are also doing well. Commissioner Ikemire stated the Motor Fuel Tax Fund has a $465,000 balance, however the upcoming the oil chip/seal program monies will be taken out of that fund. Commissioner Ikemire noted the swimming pool opened on Memorial Day weekend and the year to date total receipts are almost $400.00 higher than last year.
Commissioner Ikemire reported the WC Cafeteria and Senior Center will be open on Friday, July 5th.
COMMISSIONER JUSTIN DULGAR – WATER AND SEWER
Commissioner Dulgar stated the water treatment plant performed the routine cleaning of the sediment basins and the clarifier. Commissioner Dulgar reported Water Treatment Plant Lead Operator Keith Reed, Mayor Joe Judge, City Administrative Assistant Rudy Witsman and himself met with Three I Design, Donohue and Tracy Swanson regarding the final report for a possible new water treatment plant. Commissioner Dulgar stated the meeting was very informative and there will be other scheduled meetings with the final report being concluded in September.
Commissioner Dulgar reported the water maintenance department backwashed the filters and refilled the swimming pool; repaired broken water main lines; replaced water hydrants; performed smoke testing on sewer line; and used a camera truck belonging to the City of Fairfield to checkout sewer issues on Walnut Street.
COMMISSIONER ROD RODRIGUEZ – FIRE, HEALTH & SAFETY, GARBAGE, CITY HALL AND CIVIL DEFENSE
Commissioner Rodriguez reported in the last two weeks the fire department had five runs and held a refresher training course on CPR with the Wabash County Ambulance Service.
Commissioner Rodriguez thanked everyone who supported the high school boys’ golf team at the Walk Up Wednesday on June 12th. Commissioner Rodriguez reiterated the high school girls’ tennis team will be offering lunch at the June 19th Walk Up Wednesday and encouraged everyone to support them as well.
Commissioner Rodriguez announced the Eleventh Annual Wicked Wheels Car Show will be held on Saturday, July 6th at Wabash Valley College. Commissioner Rodriguez reported this is the seventh year that the fire department and police/sheriff department along with himself will be grilling with all the proceeds being donated to the Shop with a Cop/Fireman Program.
CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RUDY WITSMAN
City Administrative Assistant Witsman addressed the council regarding different types of signage at various locations throughout the city. City Administrative Assistant Witsman reiterated a request had been made regarding the placement of stop signs at East Fourth and Golden Aces Way. City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated there are currently no stop signs at the intersection and the request was for stop signs to be placed on the east/west sides of Fourth Street. City Administrative Assistant Witsman added another request was made for one side of the street around Poplar Court to be “No Parking”, as it is difficult to maneuver when vehicles are parked on both sides of the street. City Administrative Assistant Witsman also asked for direction from the council about the elimination of “Yield” signs at different intersections throughout the city. City Administrative Assistant Witsman asked the council to take these requests under advisement until the next council meeting and at that time possibly prepare a proposal regarding the requests.
City Administrative Assistant Witsman reported there has a been a continuing drainage problem at the intersection of West Seventh and Chestnut Streets. City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated there is an inlet on the northeast side that has deteriorated and has eroded. City Administrative Assistant Witsman reported he had contacted Kieffer Brothers Construction regarding the issue as it would be a major undertaking to fix the problem. City Administrative Assistant Witsman presented to the council the estimate in the amount of $25,660.00 from Kieffer Brothers Construction for the repairs which included the labor, materials, equipment and the anticipation of replacing a twenty- four-inch pipe. After council discussion, a motion was approved for Kieffer Brothers to make the repairs.
City Administrative Assistant Witsman presented two bids for the trash collection service to the council; one bid was from Republic Services and one from Advanced Disposal. City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated both entities attended the required meeting in which the trash collections requirements were reviewed. Mayor Judge opened the bid from Republic Services first; the residential rates for a three-year contract on monthly service for year one is $12.25, year two is $12.62, year three is $13.00. Mayor Judge opened the bid from Advanced Disposal and their first- year bid was $22.51, year two was $23.16, and year three was $23.85. Mayor Judge stated the bids will be reviewed by the council and a determination will be made when council reconvenes on Monday, June 24th at 4:00 pm.
CITY ATTORNEY – KELLI STORCKMAN
City Attorney Storckman absent.
CITY INSPECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB
City Inspector Gidcumb absent.
Mayor Judge spoke on City Inspector Gidcumb’s behalf regarding the Greathouse Creek area and Oak Meadows Subdivision flooding issues. Mayor Judge stated he and City Inspector Gidcumb walked the Greathouse Creek from the subdivision area almost to Highway One South. Mayor Judge reported there is lots of brush grown up in the water way but the water is flowing and stated he was amazed of how deep as well as wide the creek is especially in the former Shopko area. Mayor Judge acknowledged City Administrative Assistant Witsman, who stated he was contacted by the subdivision developer, Shad White and he would look into the possibility of clearing some brush on the north side of the bridge area in the subdivision. Mayor Judge affirmed the investigation of the issues for that area would continue.
Mayor Judge also spoke on City Inspector Gidcumb’s behalf regarding city owned properties on Market Street. Mayor Judge stated the city currently owns three vacant lots; one in the 500 Block of Market Street next to State Farm Insurance and individuals are interested in building a new facility on the property. Mayor Judge reported a group of individuals are interested in the former Hadley’s location in the 400 Block of Market Street and the former Warren Building location, also in the 400 Block of Market Street is available for purchase. Mayor Judge stated, hopefully in the near future there will be some new businesses in those locations along Market Street.
STREET DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENT – DAVE EASTER
Street Department Superintendent Dave Easter clarified the sod the street department installed at the Merchants Park was donated by the Rotary Club and was not purchased by the city. Street Department Superintendent Easter thanked the Rotary Club, on behalf of the city, for the donation.
POLICE CHIEF – RYAN TURNER
Police Chief Turner reported the police department is looking to partner with the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Olney Police Department on a major upgraded reporting system. Police Chief Turner stated the police department’s current system is twenty years old and can no longer be updated. Police Chief Turner reported Wabash County 911 has agreed to fund the beginning of the overall $100,000.00 process. Police Chief Turner stated the portion for city police department, sheriff’s office and 911 office would be over $47,000.00. Police Chief Turner added the State of Illinois is mandating reporting be done electronically, which is another reason for the upgrade. City Administrative Assistant Witsman clarified the partnering with Richland County and the City of Olney is a cost saving venture for all involved. Police Chief Turner acknowledged 911 Coordinator Kyle Smith, who stated the new system is not just a replacement it is a total upgrade for the police officers as well as the dispatchers. 911 Coordinator Kyle Smith added to take advantage of the quoted price; a decision must be made by June 26th. After a lengthy discussion, the council decided to reconvene the meeting on Monday, June 24th at 4:00.
FIRE CHIEF – FRANCES SPETH
Fire Chief Speth no report.
BUSINESS MOTIONS
Commissioner Meeks motioned and Commissioner Ikemire seconded to approve the application from McPherson Properties to install a billboard at 1327 West Ninth Street. All present voted Aye by roll call vote.
City Administrative Assistant Witsman presented two bids for the trash collection service to the council; one bid was from Republic Services and one from Advanced Disposal. City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated both entities attended the required meeting in which the trash collections requirements were reviewed. Mayor Judge opened the bid from Republic Services first; the residential rates for a three-year contract on monthly service for year one is $12.25, year two is $12.62, year three is $13.00. Mayor Judge opened the bid from Advanced Disposal and their first- year bid was $22.51, year two was $23.16, and year three was $23.85. Mayor Judge stated the bids will be reviewed by the council and a determination will be made when council reconvenes on Monday, June 24th at 4:00 pm.
CITY ATTORNEY – KELLI STORCKMAN
City Attorney Storckman absent.
CITY INSPECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB
City Inspector Gidcumb absent.
Mayor Judge spoke on City Inspector Gidcumb’s behalf regarding the Greathouse Creek area and Oak Meadows Subdivision flooding issues. Mayor Judge stated he and City Inspector Gidcumb walked the Greathouse Creek from the subdivision area almost to Highway One South. Mayor Judge reported there is lots of brush grown up in the water way but the water is flowing and stated he was amazed of how deep as well as wide the creek is especially in the former Shopko area. Mayor Judge acknowledged City Administrative Assistant Witsman, who stated he was contacted by the subdivision developer, Shad White and he would look into the possibility of clearing some brush on the north side of the bridge area in the subdivision. Mayor Judge affirmed the investigation of the issues for that area would continue.
Mayor Judge also spoke on City Inspector Gidcumb’s behalf regarding city owned properties on Market Street. Mayor Judge stated the city currently owns three vacant lots; one in the 500 Block of Market Street next to State Farm Insurance and individuals are interested in building a new facility on the property. Mayor Judge reported a group of individuals are interested in the former Hadley’s location in the 400 Block of Market Street and the former Warren Building location, also in the 400 Block of Market Street is available for purchase. Mayor Judge stated, hopefully in the near future there will be some new businesses in those locations along Market Street.
STREET DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENT – DAVE EASTER
Street Department Superintendent Dave Easter clarified the sod the street department installed at the Merchants Park was donated by the Rotary Club and was not purchased by the city. Street Department Superintendent Easter thanked the Rotary Club, on behalf of the city, for the donation.
POLICE CHIEF – RYAN TURNER
Police Chief Turner reported the police department is looking to partner with the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Olney Police Department on a major upgraded reporting system. Police Chief Turner stated the police department’s current system is twenty years old and can no longer be updated. Police Chief Turner reported Wabash County 911 has agreed to fund the beginning of the overall $100,000.00 process. Police Chief Turner stated the portion for city police department, sheriff’s office and 911 office would be over $47,000.00. Police Chief Turner added the State of Illinois is mandating reporting be done electronically, which is another reason for the upgrade. City Administrative Assistant Witsman clarified the partnering with Richland County and the City of Olney is a cost saving venture for all involved. Police Chief Turner acknowledged 911 Coordinator Kyle Smith, who stated the new system is not just a replacement it is a total upgrade for the police officers as well as the dispatchers. 911 Coordinator Kyle Smith added to take advantage of the quoted price; a decision must be made by June 26th. After a lengthy discussion, the council decided to reconvene the meeting on Monday, June 24th at 4:00.
FIRE CHIEF – FRANCES SPETH
Fire Chief Speth no report.
BUSINESS MOTIONS
Commissioner Meeks motioned and Commissioner Ikemire seconded to approve the application from McPherson Properties to install a billboard at 1327 West Ninth Street. All present voted Aye by roll call vote.
Meeting recessed at 5:49 p.m. and will resume June 24, 2019 at 4 p.m. at City Hall.
MEETING RECONVENED
Monday, June 24, 2019, 4:00 p.m.
Present at the meeting: Mayor Joe Judge, Commissioner Eric Ikemire, Commissioner Justin Dulgar (Commissioner Tom Meeks and Commissioner Rod Rodriguez absent.)
Also, Present: City Administrative Assistant Rudy Witsman
Mayor Judge brought the council meeting to order, which was resumed from Monday, June 17th.
Mayor Judge stated this meeting was continued to discuss the trash contract, which was tabled at the previous council meeting. Mayor Judge opened the meeting to those present for input or comments. Commissioner Ikemire stated in his previous four years as the street department commissioner, the most issues and complaints he received were regarding the trash pickup service. Commissioner Ikemire affirmed however this last year, the trash pickup service had improved and anticipates the next three years of the contract that the improved service will continue. Commissioner Dulgar echoed Commissioner Ikemire’s comments and agreed the trash service had improved in the past year. Mayor Judge reported within the past year the Republic Services Sumner Facility has been under different management in turn the trash service for this area has improved and he anticipates the city’s improved partnership with Republic Services will continue. City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated the proposed contract is for three years, however a four- and five-year renewal option was included within the contract. Republic Services Representative Kenny Depasse stated the city does not have to commit to the renewal option at this time, however the council should take under advisement they may exercise that option any time in the next three years, if the time should arise. City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated if the council does choose to leave the four/five-year renewal as optional, the proposed cost at that time of renewal could be a substantial increase. Mayor Judge stated he is very pleased with the electronics recycling proposal option that was included within the contract and anticipates the council will look into exercising that option at a later date. Mayor Judge asked for a motion to approve the three-year contract for trash service with Republic Services.
City Administrative Assistant Witsman reported the other item on the agenda that was tabled from the June 17th council meeting was the 911 software package. City Administrative Assistant stated he had spoken with Police Chief Ryan Turner prior to the meeting and it was decided to postpone the upgrade at this time as other options are being researched.
BUSINESS MOTIONS
Commissioner Dulgar motioned and Commissioner Ikemire seconded to approve the bid from Republic Services to continue trash collection for the City of Mount Carmel. All present voted Aye by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks and Rodriguez were absent.
Meeting adjourned at 4:11 p.m.
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