City of Mt. Carmel City Council met Aug. 10.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Judge brought the City Council meeting to order.
Present on Roll Call: Mayor Joe Judge Commissioners - Tom Meeks, Eric Ikemire, Justin Dulgar, Chandler Madden
Also, Present: City Administrative Assistant Rudy Witsman
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 July 27th, 2020. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Judge acknowledged Mary Miller, who is running for congress in the Illinois 15th Congressional District. Ms. Miller introduced herself and gave an overview of her background as well as her political stance. Ms. Miller encouraged all to please contact her with any questions or concerns.
Mayor Judge acknowledged John Clancy, who was seeking council approval for a “Lone Ranger Day” event to be held in the fall. Mr. Clancy stated he would assist the city with the organizing of the event. The council took Mr. Clancy’s request under advisement.
Mayor Judge stated he hopes to announce by the next council meeting all the anticipated improvements at the city park.
Mayor Judge reported school will be starting this week and emphasized that residents should please be aware of the school children as well as the school busses. Mayor Judge stated to please practice safety for the sake of the school children. Mayor Judge reported a prayer vigil was held at the Merchant’s Park for the schools, the teachers, the children as well as the administration and he is in hopes that all goes smoothly for everyone returning back to school. Mayor Judge asked for prayers for everyone involved with the school district as this is a very stressful time.
Mayor Judge thanked Street Department Superintendent Dave Easter and Street Department Employee Chris Dunkel for travelling to Springfield as the city acquired two much needed dump trucks at a substantially reduced rate through the federal surplus program.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS:
COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS
Commissioner Meeks reported in the last two weeks the street department continued to mow city parks, properties and the levees; swept loose gravel off the streets that were chip and sealed; patched potholes in streets and alleys; replaced the axle on one of the department’s trailers.
Commissioner Meeks stated the chip/seal of streets is finished and the fog seal will be applied this Thursday, weather permitting.
COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS
Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials.
Commissioner Ikemire stated the general fund is down slightly from where it had been trending, which is a timing issue with incoming of funds. Commissioner Ikemire reported the sales tax revenues are the highest they have been since 2014 and state income tax revenues are trending in a good position as well. Commissioner Ikemire stated the city’s finances are doing much better overall than anticipated, due to COVID 19.
COMMISSIONER JUSTIN DULGAR – WATER AND SEWER
Commissioner Dulgar reported a high surface pump quit working at the water treatment plant but should be back in-service next week and a new mower was purchased for the plant, as well.
Commissioner Dulgar stated, due to the tank mixer being down at the Risley Avenue Water Tower, hydrant flushing in that area of the city will be ongoing. Commissioner Dulgar reiterated the tank mixer will be repaired or replaced in the fall when the water tower is drained. Commissioner Dulgar stated the water tower is drained every two years as part of the routine maintenance agreement.
Commissioner Dulgar reported some preliminary decisions were made regarding the proposed new water treatment plant. Commissioner Dulgar stated the engineering company accepted bids from two companies for filters systems. Commissioner Dulgar reported the WesTech bid was accepted due to having the lower bid as well as the smaller “footprint”, which allows the facility to be more compact and in turn saves on construction cost. Commissioner Dulgar continued by stating originally the intent was to five offices in the new facility for the superintendents and/or lead operators of each department. Commissioner Dulgar reported in efforts to cut more cost, those offices will not be included in the new design.
Commissioner Dulgar stated the water maintenance department has been performing its routine maintenance. Commissioner Dulgar asked residents to please be patience with the maintenance crew especially during these very hot days.
Commissioner Dulgar reported work is ongoing with the anerobic digestor project at the wastewater plant which should be completed within the next two to three months. Commissioner Dulgar stated the clarifiers at the wastewater plant will need to be rebuilt or replaced and he will be presenting that project/expense to the council in the future for discussion.
COMMISSIONER CHANDLER MADDEN – FIRE, HEALTH & SAFETY, GARBAGE, CITY HALL AND CIVIL DEFENSE
Commissioner Madden reported in the last two weeks the fire department responded to sixteen runs. Commissioner Madden stated two individuals passed the testing for the volunteer fireman positions.
Commissioner Madden stated the new addition to city hall is progressing with the new flooring being laid this week; the ceiling/lighting as well as the heating and air system are complete. Commissioner Madden reported the fixtures in the new restrooms and the dirt/concrete work in the back area of the new addition still need to be completed.
Commissioner Madden reiterated school starts this week and asked citizens to please watch their speed; stay off their cell phones; watch out for stopped school busses; do not pass stopped busses from either direction. Commissioner Madden stated Police Chief Turner will be increasing patrols in the school zones during the first few weeks of school.
Commissioner Madden reminded residents, especially after all the recent rains, to please eliminate any standing water in their yards to help alleviate mosquitos.
CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RUDY WITSMAN
City Administrative Assistant Witsman reported this meeting constitutes the first reading of the “BYOB” ordinance. City Administrative Assistant Witsman asked the council to review the ordinance and to direct any changes or comments to City Inspector Mike Gidcumb or himself, as the second reading as well as the possible passage of the ordinance will be at the next council meeting.
City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated within the consent agenda is a resolution for an application for the Downstate Grant Program for Premium Fitness and the authorization of an agreement with Maria and Troy Jacobs DBA Rosati’s, which allows $30,000 to be used from the TIF fund to assist with the remodeling of the former Hogg Heaven Restaurant.
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 Easter stated the streets that were chip/sealed will also be fog sealed and asked citizens to please be patient as the process is weather permitting. Street Department Superintendent Easter reported the fog seal is scheduled for this Thursday however, the streets have to be completely dry for the fog seal to work. Street Department Superintendent Easter stated everyone’s cooperation and patience is greatly appreciated.
POLICE CHIEF – RYAN TURNER
Police Chief Turner absent.
FIRE CHIEF – FRANCES SPETH
Fire Chief Speth absent.
BUSINESS MOTIONS
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Madden seconded to approve the Consent Agenda. The consent agenda included approval of Resolution 672 – Premium Fitness – Application Grant Program; approval of Resolution 673 – authorizing an agreement with Maria and Troy Jacobs DBA Rosati’s; approval of the paying of all bills bearing the proper signatures. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
Meeting adjourned at 5:25 pm
https://www.cityofmtcarmel.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/8495/08-10-20_minutes.pdf
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