City of Mt. Carmel City Council met Oct. 17.
Here are 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 (virtual), Susan Zimmerman
Also, Present: City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner, City Attorney Brady Waldrop
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Judge requested a motion to approve the minutes of the last council meeting.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded to approve the minutes of the meeting held on October 17, 2022. All present voted by roll vote. Commissioner Meeks, Ikemire, Dulgar and Zimmerman voted Aye.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Judge acknowledged Josh Mortland, who was in attendance to discuss the project that he was working on in the 600 block of Market Street. Mortland stated that he commissioned an artist to paint a picture of Don Liddle on the side of a building he owns. Mortland stated this was a good way to celebrate Liddle’s Major League Baseball achievements. The council expressed their appreciation for his endeavor. Administrative Assistant Turner advised the Mortland filled out an application for the Mt. Carmel façade grant, and further stated that Mortland qualified for reimbursement up to $1000.00. Mortland was advised to present a copy of the bill to Administrative Assistant Turner for reimbursement.
Mayor Judge acknowledged Maggie Blyer from Wabash Valley College’s Student Senate. Ms. Blyer requested the Student Senate to be allowed to host a fundraiser to support the college’s food pantry. Ms. Blyer requested the WVC Student Senate be allowed to stand at designated street corners to collect funds from passing motorist. The council approved Ms. Blyer’s request and told her to get with Administrative Assistant Turner to work out the details.
Mayor Judge introduced a new program to the council. Mayor Judge introduced a program called SHIP (Small House Improvement Program). Mayor Judge stated the funds would come from the ARPA funds awarded to the City during the COVID pandemic. Mayor Judge will ask for formal approval at the October 31, 2022 meeting. The grant is to help those in need, make updates to their home.
Mayor Judge opened two sealed bids for the City owned property located at 131 N. Chestnut Street in Mt. Carmel. Both bids were submitted by Juan Downing. Downing bid $1,500 and $2,500 for the said property. The bid was moved to the consent agenda and passed.
Mayor Judge introduced Airport Manager Paris Pennington. Pennington gave a report on the Mt. Carmel Municipal Airport. Pennington stated Titan Fuel is the new fuel provider for the airport. Pennington stated he recently removed a large tower as directed by the FAA. Pennington stated that fuel sales for this fiscal year has already hit over $41,000. Mayor Judge mentioned the TIPS program is coming up. TIPS will review projects for the airport for the next ten years.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS:
COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS
Commissioner Meeks reported, in the past two weeks, the street department has been busy transporting a large amount of dirt. The dirt was given to the City by a citizen building a lake. The street department has been busy removing trees and stumps. Commissioner Meeks stated the street department put in new signs for the cross-walk located on Chestnut Street.
COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS
Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials.
Commissioner Ikemire stated over the last two weeks general revenue of $372,906 taking the general fund to over $2.1 million. This represents 61 percent of the budget revenue. Commissioner Ikemire stated the City is in good financial shape. Commissioner Ikemire stated the Mt. Carmel Municipal Airport has funds just over $230,000. Sales tax receipts were reported to be over $110,000 and ahead of budget.
COMMISSIONER JUSTIN DULGAR – WATER AND SEWER
Commissioner Dulgar reported new electrical panels have been installed at three lifts stations for the sewer department. Commissioner Dulgar also stated that there is continuous talk between Rural Wabash Water and the City on providing a back up water supply for both entities. Tracy Swanson will draft a contract between the two parties to review before a formal agreement is brought back to counsel.
COMMISSIONER SUSAN ZIMMERMAN – FIRE, HEALTH & SAFETY, GARBAGE, CITY HALL AND CIVIL DEFENSE
Commissioner Zimmerman reported, during the last two weeks, the fire department responded to seven runs.
Commissioner Zimmerman stated in the Fire Department has been busy with fire safety week. Commissioner Zimmerman stated the Mt. Carmel Fire Department recently held an open house. She would like to thank everyone who attended the event. Commissioner Zimmerman stated the fire department conducted fire drills at all area schools. Commissioner Zimmerman stated the Mt. Carmel Fire Department also completed the yearly hose testing and hazmat training.
Commissioner Zimmerman stated that large trash item week is actually one day. She stated that if someone has been missed, please contact City Hall.
Commissioner Zimmerman went on to state, leaf season is upon us. Commissioner Zimmerman reminded individuals to put leaves near the curb for pickup, not in the roadway or gutters.
CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RYAN TURNER
City Administrative Assistant Turner requested the approval of Resolution 694. This resolution memorializes the new employee handbook that was previously voted upon. Commissioner Meeks made a motion to approve the resolution. Commissioner Ikemire seconded to approve Resolution 694. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioner Meeks, Ikemire, Dulgar and Zimmerman voted Aye.
City Administrative Assistant Turner then held the first reading of Ordinance 2078 that addresses the new trash rates. The new trash rate would begin on December 20, 2022 and run until July 19, 2023. Another trash rate will be issued on July 20, 2023 with no expiration date.
CITY ATTORNEY – BRADY WALDROP
City Attorney Waldrop stated he did not have a report.
POLICE CHIEF – MIKE MCWILLIAMS
Police Chief McWilliams reported that the Mt. Carmel Police Department conducted public relation events with Pre-K students and other local students. Chief McWilliams stated the department has been busy handling calls, but nothing out of the ordinary.
FIRE CHIEF – FRANCES SPETH
Fire Chief Speth reported he got with the Mayor Judge and Commissioner Zimmerman regarding a fire ban order. Chief Speth stated that they decided it would be best to place Mt. Carmel under a no burn order. Chief Speth stated he spoke with other local fire chiefs and they have decided to place a county wide no burn order.
Chief Speth stated the fire department has received three SCBA’s through a small equipment grant. Once the firemen are trained, the items will be placed in service.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB
Public Works Director Gidcumb absent.
BUSINESS MOTIONS
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded to approve the Consent Agenda. The consent agenda contained approval of the paying of all bills bearing the proper signatures. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Dulgar and Zimmerman voted Aye.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Meeks seconded to adjourn the meeting. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
Meeting adjourned at 5:21 pm
https://www.cityofmtcarmel.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/11527/10-17-22_minutes.pdf
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