City of Mt. Carmel City Council met Oct. 5.
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 September 21st, 2020. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Judge acknowledged Shawn Storckman, who was in attendance to introduce himself as a candidate for Wabash County Commissioner. Mr. Storckman stated he is very appreciative of the work the city council does and believes the community is on strong footing by taking great strides in the right direction. Mr. Storckman stressed, if elected as county commissioner, he looks forward to strengthening the relationship with Wabash County and the City of Mount Carmel by working together to build a better community. Mr. Storckman thanked the council for their time and for allowing him to speak at the meeting.
Mayor Judge acknowledged Don Mains, with the Mount Carmel Lion’s Club, who thanked the council for allowing the collection of donations at the designated street corners on Friday, October 9th and Saturday, October 10th. Mr. Mains asked the council if the club could also collect funds on Monday, October 12th at the intersection of Thirteen Street and College Drive from 7:00 am to 10:00 am. The council expressed concerns for the collection due to heavy school/work traffic on weekdays and suggested the club collect donations on Saturday, October 17th instead.
Mayor Judge announced the October 13th zoning board meeting has been cancelled by the applicant.
Mayor Judge asked council approval to move forward with a proposed future project on Golden Aces Way near the city dump site and the Junior Aces Football Field. Mayor Judge stated he is investigating a few opportunities for possible development in that area.
Mayor Judge thanked everyone who has donated to the Rotary Club Park Project. Mayor Judge reported the Rotary Club still has not reached its goal but everyone’s contributions are greatly appreciated. Mayor Judge stated donations are still being accepted and may be made directly to the Mount Carmel Rotary Club or anyone wanting the 501C Tax Benefit may donate to the Enhancement of Life in Wabash County at First Mid Bank located at 400 N. Market Street.
Mayor Judge reiterated he had presented the potential future use of the Girl Scout Cabin to the council for consideration. Mayor Judge stated a decision needs to made to either repair the cabin by installing a new roof, guttering, fascia and soffit or deciding a different use for the cabin. Mayor Judge reported City Administrative Assistant Witsman has received a bid for the roof repairs. City Administrative Assistant Witsman interjected by stating the bid in the amount of $7069.00 is from Linson Construction, who is a licensed installer. Mayor Judge asked council approval for the repairs as the cabin may then be used at this time for a city hall auxiliary building for storage of the contents from the old city hall building. After a brief discussion, the council gave approval for the repairs.
Mayor Judge stated with the Conservation Lake Club cancelling its Trunk or Treat event and after speaking with the Eagles Club on how they have conducted their Trunk or Treat events in prior years; the Mount Carmel Rotary Club along with the Eagles Club have decided to host a Trunk or Treat Event in the city park on Friday, October 30th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Mayor Judge reported the park will be closed to thru traffic; parking will be available at the Mabel Courter Youth Center; the trunk or treat tables/displays will be appropriately spaced apart to meet the IDPH guidelines; all candy, which will be in bags, will be handed out at one centralized location to each trick or treater by the police and fire departments. Mayor Judge also announced Trick or Treating within the community will be held on Saturday, October 31st, Halloween Night, from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Mayor Judge reminded residents to please turn their porch lights on if they wish to receive trick to treaters and please be safe by following the CDC/IDPH guidelines.
Mayor Judge reiterated at a prior council meeting bids were offered for the old city hall property as well as several vacant lots that are owned by the city. Mayor Judge acknowledged City Administrative Assistant Wtisman, who reported only one bid for the old city hall property at 219 N. Market Street was received and he presented the bid to Mayor Judge to read to the council. Mayor Judge reported the bid is from Offense Ministries Incorporated in the amount of $23,900.00 and is contingent on successful negations of a shared parking agreement. Mayor Judge acknowledged
Mike Neikirk, who was in attendance representing Offense Ministries. Mr. Neikirk stated the ministry is a new religious non-profit corporation that was formed and it is the intent to renovate as well as preserve the building. Mr. Neikirk further stated the ministry will do its best, if the bid is accepted, to make the city proud. Mayor Judge asked council approval for City Administrative Assistant Witsman and himself to work with Mr. Neikirk on the finalization of the bid.
Mayor Judge stated at the last council meeting Tim Raibley with the Acme Group had presented a new city logo to the council for consideration. Mayor Judge asked council for approval for the recommendation of the new logo from the Acme Group, which will be phased in over time.
Mayor Judge congratulated Commissioner Madden as this is his last city council meeting as a single man and wished him good luck on the upcoming wedding.
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 and city properties; poured concrete at West Third and Walnut Streets after the water main repairs; ran the street sweeper to clean up some of the city streets; cut down and cleaned up the trees; replaced several stop signs throughout the city; installed a new culvert; replaced the stop sign at Fifth and Market Streets that was broken; patched potholes in alleyways; and painted equipment at the city park. Commissioner Meeks stated he has received several compliments regarding the upgrades to the basketball courts at the city park.
COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS
Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials.
Commissioner Ikemire reported the city’s finances are on target with the budget and holding steady year to date. Commissioner Ikemire stated overall the tax revenues and gaming revenues are doing well so-far this fiscal year. Commissioner Ikemire commented the city has also started receiving cannabis tax revenues. Commissioner Ikemire reported the police department recently issued the 160th UTV permit and those monies go into the police fund as well as the cannabis revenues.
COMMISSIONER JUSTIN DULGAR – WATER AND SEWER
Commissioner Dulgar reported the crew at the water treatment plant cleaned the sediment basins as part of the routine maintenance. Commissioner Dulgar stated the West Third Street Water Tower was drained and cleaned in the past two weeks with the same maintenance work starting on the Risley Avenue Water Tower tomorrow. Commissioner Dulgar reported the draining and cleaning work is part of the maintenance contract with Suez.
Commissioner Dulgar reiterated at the last council meeting the approval of $50,000.00 was granted for the rebuilding of the primary and final clarifiers at the wastewater plant to buy time until it is feasible to do a full replacement. Commissioner Dulgar reported two quotes were received for the rebuilding; one from DPS Equipment Services in the amount of $44,700.00 and a second from Process Equipment Repair Services in the amount of $55,000.00. Commissioner Dulgar stated DPS Equipment Services was awarded the bid and Lead Operator Josh Peach has been in contact with the company to finalize the contract for the project.
Commissioner Dulgar stated in the coming months he will be presenting to the council for discussion infrastructure plans, the water treatment plant, and the finalization of water rate increases.
COMMISSIONER CHANDLER MADDEN – FIRE, HEALTH & SAFETY, GARBAGE, CITY HALL
AND CIVIL DEFENSE
Commissioner Madden stated in the last two weeks the fire department responded to eleven runs.
Commissioner Madden reported work is wrapping up with the city hall expansion and the landscaping should be finished this week. Commissioner Madden stated Kieffer Brothers Construction has done a great job with the project.
Commissioner Madden stated the Fall Clean-Up Week started today and reminded residents that Republic Services will not pick up mattresses/box springs unless they are completely wrapped in plastic. Commissioner Madden emphasized it is the individual’s responsibility to remove items not picked up in a timely manner.
Commissioner Madden announced the Electronics Recycling Day has been set for October 24th at the former Shopko parking lot located at 1520 West Ninth Street. Commissioner Madden reported the City of Mount Carmel is teaming up with Wabash County Farm Bureau and CJD E-Cycling from Edwardsville with the event taking place between 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Commissioner Madden noted there is a minimal charge for televisions and/or computer monitors, etc. Commissioner
Madden stated the event is being sponsored by First National Bank along with Citizens National Bank of Albion. Mayor Judge interjected by stating only two semi-trucks will be at the electronics recycling day and once the trucks are filled the event is done. Mayor Judge encouraged citizens to please take advantage of this event and to arrive early to ensure the disposal of their items.
Commissioner Madden reported this week is Fire Prevention Week and the fire department has scaled back on the activities at the local schools due to COVID-19. Commissioner Madden stated the fire department will be having mandated fire drills on Thursday at three area schools, however the department cannot have the regular presentation and the showing of the fire trucks.
Commissioner Madden reminded citizens to check their smoke detectors to make sure they are in proper working condition with good batteries and have a family exit plan in case of a fire.
Commissioner Madden reiterated, due to the dry weather conditions, please keep a close eye on recreational fires and do not leave the fires unattended.
CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RUDY WITSMAN
City Administrative Assistant Witsman reported contained within the consent agenda is the approval of the FOP agreement with the police department. City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated the contract agreement has always been for three years, however this year a four-year contract was agreed upon with a five percent pay increase for the first and second years with the third/fourth years being a four percent increase.
City Administrative Assistant Witsman stated petitions are available for all those who wish to run for the seat that Mr. Chandler Madden was appointed to. City Administrative Assistant Witsman reported the term is for two years for anyone who wishes to try their hand as a city councilman.
CITY ATTORNEY – KELLI STORCKMAN
City Attorney Storckman absent.
CITY INSPECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB
City Inspector Gidcumb absent.
STREET DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENT – DAVE EASTER
Street Department Superintendent Easter no report.
POLICE CHIEF – RYAN TURNER
Police Chief Turner reminded residents, with the “toilet papering” starting this month to please be mindful of people’s property and to not damage other’s property. Police Chief Turner asked residents to please be safe and leave their golf cart lights on while out “toilet papering”. Mayor Judge interjected by stated there has a been several complaints about underage golf cart and UTV drivers. Mayor Judge emphasized for residents to please be mindful of allowing underage individuals to drive the golf carts/UTVs because if caught, they will be ticketed and the golf cart owner will lose their right of driving the golf cart or UTV on city streets. Police Chief Turner stated all complaints of underage drivers should be directed to the police department.
FIRE CHIEF – FRANCES SPETH
Fire Chief Speth absent.
BUSINESS MOTIONS
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Dulgar seconded to give the Mayor authority to move forward and negotiate on behalf of the city regarding a possible project using city property adjacent to Golden Aces way. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
Commissioner Meeks motioned and Commissioner Madden seconded to approve the new city logo that was presented by the ACME Group at the last city council meeting held on 9/21/2020. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
Commissioner Meeks motioned and Commissioner Madden to accept the bid from Linson Construction to tear off old roofing and install a metal roof, gutters, downspouts and fascia board on the Girl Scout Cabin. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Madden seconded to approve the Consent Agenda. The consent agenda included approval of the FOP Agreement and approval of the paying of all bills bearing the proper signatures. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Dulgar seconded to go to executive session to discuss an individual for employment and related compensation as provided for by Illinois Compiled Statutes 5 ILCS 120/2.C (1). All present voted Aye by roll call vote.
Regular session of the council meeting recessed at 5:30 pm for executive session.
Commissioner Meeks motioned and Commissioner Ikemire seconded to conclude the executive session and return to regular session. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
Executive session ended at 6:25 pm with no decision being made at this time. Regular session resumed with all council members present.
Meeting adjourned at 6:26 pm
https://www.cityofmtcarmel.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/8499/10-05-20_minutes.pdf
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