City of Mount Carmel City Council met Dec. 2.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Invocation was given by Reverend Tony Hodgson.
Mayor Judge brought the city council meeting to order.
Present on Roll Call: Mayor Joe Judge Commissioners - Tom Meeks, Eric Ikemire, 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 Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Meeks seconded to approve the minutes of the meeting held on November 18th, 2019. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Judge acknowledged Rita Wood with the Mount Carmel Women’s Club, who was in attendance to announce the club has started a new program for people that move into the community and was asking council assistance in helping promote the program. The club is making up baskets to give to those individuals with information and/or free samples from area businesses as well as the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Wood stated the idea behind the baskets is to help welcome people to our community and the club will also try to assist the individuals in getting “settled” in the Mount Carmel area.
Mayor Judge reported the leaf pickup route is unfortunately running behind due to the weather conditions and equipment problems. Mayor Judge stated the leaf pick up crew has been approved to work overtime to get back on track with the service. Mayor Judge explained the last time the service was provided city wide there were two leaf vac units and now there is only one. Mayor Judge stated the leaf vac pickup will continue through the month of December and asked residents to please be patient as the leaves will be picked up, however it might take longer than in years past.
Mayor Judge announced the interview process for Commissioner Rodriguez’s replacement has concluded and the individuals interviewed have been informed the decision for that position will be announced at the December 16th council meeting. Mayor Judge stated the council will convene for executive session to discuss the appointment and after reconvening, the appointment will be approved through regular council session. Mayor Judge affirmed the individual will be seated at the December 30th council meeting.
Mayor Judge reported there are several scheduled activities this week in Mount Carmel; Friday, December 6th is the Christmas Uptown Festival and the Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 7th. Mayor Judge encouraged everyone to please attend all the ongoing festivities during the holiday season.
Mayor Judge announced the Wabash County of Chamber will be hosting an open house on Thursday, December 12th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at their new location in the basement of First Bank at 601 N. Market Street. The chamber welcomes everyone to please attend the event and see their new location.
Mayor Judge reported Mount Carmel Public Utility gave notification that they will be trimming trees in the southwest portion of the City of Mount Carmel; which includes areas south of Eleventh Street and west of Chestnut Street to the southwest limits of the city. Mayor Judge stated others areas included will be locations south of Ninth Street; from West Ninth Street and Bainum Street to west of Willow Swamp Road to south of the Wabash River. Mayor Judge asked residents to please be aware of the utility crews while they are out working.
Mayor Judge announced the City of Mount Carmel has entered into an agreement with Dave and Laura Wilderman to lease the property located at the corner of Market and West Fourth Streets, which was the former location of Vintage Collections. Mayor Judge stated the Wilderman’s graciously entered into the agreement and the city will be maintaining the area as well as using it for various festivities that are held at the Merchants Park.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS:
COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS
Commissioner Meeks reported in the last two weeks the street department has assisted with the leaf vac machine throughout the city and asked residents for their patience with the leaf pickup service; put up the Christmas tree decorations along Market Street; hauled the Santa House uptown to Fourth and Market Streets; cleaned the storm sewer intakes; poured back areas on two roadways; and formed the concrete for the new curbs for the extension of the parking stalls at city hall.
COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS
Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials.
Commissioner Ikemire reported, during the last two weeks, just over $95,000.00 and real estate tax monies were received in receipts for the general fund. Commissioner Ikemire stated the city’s finances are at 611⁄2 percent thus far of the annual budget for revenues in the general fund. Commissioner Ikemire reported he had concurred with City Comptroller Mick Mollenhauer and he is still waiting on the actuarial reports for the police/fire pension funds.
COMMISSIONER JUSTIN DULGAR – WATER AND SEWER
Commissioner Dulgar arrived at the meeting at 5:03 pm and was not present for roll call by City Administrative Assistant Witsman.
Commissioner Dulgar acknowledged Terry Boyer with Donahue and Nick Knapp of Three I Design, who gave an overview of the next step for the new water treatment facility. Mr. Boyer stated the adoption of the preliminary engineering design contract will enable the engineering design to be sent to Illinois EPA in addition to the funding nomination form.
Commissioner Dulgar stated the purpose of the smoke testing and the use of the cameras in the sanitary sewer main lines is to help locate areas, which can have issues especially during heavy rains. Commissioner Dulgar thanked the water maintenance department for all their hard work and efforts over the past weekend during all the heavy rains when some sewer main issues did occur.
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 four runs; conducted training on advanced firefighting; and will be setting up the ladder truck for the Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7th.
Commissioner Rodriguez cautioned residents to please be careful when running heaters in their homes and to use the proper size extension cords when plugging in the heaters.
CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RUDY WITSMAN
City Administrative Assistant Witsman reported city hall is scheduled to have a new phone system installed on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. City Administrative Assistant Witsman asked that residents please be patience if they have problems trying to call city hall.
City Administrative Assistant Witsman reiterated at the last council meeting an engineering agreement was presented to the council from Donahue regarding a new water treatment facility. City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated a council decision was tabled until City Attorney Storckman reviewed the agreement. City Administrative Assistant Witsman acknowledged City Attorney Storckman, who gave her legal approval of the agreement. City Administrative Assistant Witsman presented to the council a motion to accept the engineering agreement with Donahue Engineering to provide engineering services regarding the City of Mount Carmel Water Plant.
CITY ATTORNEY – KELLI STORCKMAN
City Attorney Storckman no report.
CITY INSPECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB
City Inspector Gidcumb absent.
STREET DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENT – DAVE EASTER
Street Department Superintendent Dave Easter reminded residents if they have some type of problem after normal business hours, such as a fallen tree or flooding, to please call the non- emergency police department phone number (262-4114) do not call 911.
POLICE CHIEF – RYAN TURNER
Police Chief Turner reminded residents, with all the holiday packages being delivered, to please look out for their neighbors and to report any suspicious vehicles to the police department.
Police Chief Turner reported eighteen UTV/golf cart permits have been issued. Mayor Judge reminded residents to please register their UTV and golf carts, as the new ordinance is in effect.
FIRE CHIEF – FRANCES SPETH
Fire Chief Speth asked citizens to please be cautious during the upcoming Christmas parade and to please keep children back off the street.
BUSINESS MOTIONS
Commissioner Dulgar motioned and Commissioner Ikemire seconded to accept the engineering agreement with Donahue Engineering to provide engineering services regarding the Mount Carmel Water Plant. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Dulgar seconded to approve the Consent Agenda. All present voted Aye by voice vote. The consent agenda included the paying of all bills bearing the proper signatures and the first reading of the Tax Levy.
Meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m.
Alerts Sign-up