City of Mount Carmel City Council met May 1.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Invocation was given by Reverend Kevin Gammon.
Mayor Judge brought the City Council meeting to order.
Present on Roll Call: Mayor Joe Judge Commissioners – Tom Meeks, Eric Ikemire, Justin Dulgar, Susan Zimmerman
Also, Present: City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner, City Attorney Derek McCullough
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 April 17, 2023. All present voted by roll vote. Commissioner Meeks, Ikemire, Dulgar and Zimmerman voted Aye.
Commissioner Meeks motioned and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded to approve the minutes of the special meeting held on April 28, 2023. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioner Meeks, Ikemire, Dulgar and Zimmerman voted Aye.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Judge acknowledged Public Works Director Mike Gidcumb, who addressed the council regarding the placement of a mobile home by Patty Courtright at 901 E. 5th Street. Public Works Director Gidcumb stated, unfortunately, the city ordinance does not allow a mobile home that is older than fifteen years to be moved to a new location within the city limits. Ms. Courtright stated she has already purchased the mobile home and paid the movers, as she currently has an older mobile home that she lives in at the same address. Public Works Director Gidcumb stated the ordinance would have to be rewritten rather than an exception be made for the placement of the mobile home. After discussing the request, the council decided to table a decision until the May 15th meeting in order to allow the city attorney to review the ordinance.
Mayor Judge thanked Commissioner Justin Dulgar for his commitment to the City of Mount Carmel over the last eight years and stated it has been a pleasure serving with him to make the city better. Mayor Judge presented Justin with a plaque as well as a key to the city honoring his service from 2015 to 2023. On a personal side, Mayor Judge also presented Justin with a framed addressed business envelope from the Dulgar Chevrolet Dealership, which was owned by Justin’s grandfather’s and whom Joe’s father did business with through the Hoffee Brothers Chevrolet Dealership in Albion.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS:
COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS
Commissioner Meeks reported, in the past two weeks, the street department completed the parking lot extension at the city park; finished the work at police shooting range; completed the parking area on Hinde Street for use by the Little League; mowed several city-owned properties; filled several potholes; and installed the baby changing station in the restroom at the city park.
COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS
Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials. Commissioner Ikemire had no report regarding finance and senior citizens.
Commissioner Ikemire thanked Justin for his time over the last eight years as he has enjoyed serving with him on the council and wished him all the best in his future endeavors.
COMMISSIONER JUSTIN DULGAR – WATER AND SEWER
Commissioner Dulgar thanked everyone in the community and stated it was a great eight years with lots of accomplishments. Commissioner Dulgar extended his appreciation to his fellow council members and stated he is extremely grateful for having been elected twice.
COMMISSIONER SUSAN ZIMMERMAN – FIRE, HEALTH & SAFETY, GARBAGE, CITY HALL AND CIVIL DEFENSE
Commissioner Zimmerman thanked Justin for taking her under his wing as well as guiding her and she extended her appreciation for all he has done.
Commissioner Zimmerman reiterated she along with a few of the firemen attended the FDIC International Conference in Indianapolis and they have brought back some interesting ideas for the fire department.
CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RYAN TURNER
City Administrative Assistant Turner no report.
CITY ATTORNEY – DEREK MCCULLOUGH
City Attorney McCullough no report.
AIRPORT MANAGER – PARIS PENNINGTON
Airport Manager Pennington absent.
POLICE CHIEF – MIKE MCWILLIAMS
Police Chief McWilliams no report.
FIRE CHIEF – FRANCES SPETH
Fire Chief Speth no report.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB
Public Works Director Gidcumb no report.
OLD BUSINESS
Mayor Judge stated this meeting constitutes the second reading of Ordinance 2090 – Regulation of low-speed electric and gas bicycles. The ordinance was presented to the council for approval.
BUSINESS MOTIONS
Commissioner Zimmerman motioned and Commissioner Ikemire 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 Dulgar motioned and Commissioner Ikemire seconded to approve Ordinance 2090 – regulation of low-speed electric and gas bicycles. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Dulgar, and Zimmerman voted Aye.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Judge stated he would like to recess this meeting to reorganize the council at this time.
Mayor Judge asked Justice Overstreet to come forward for the swearing in of the new council. Justice Overstreet stated he was honored to be at the council meeting and it has always been a privilege to come to Mount Carmel. Justice Overstreet extended his congratulations to Mayor Judge as well as the council members.
Justice Overstreet swore in Joe Judge in as Mayor of the City of Mount Carmel. Justice Overstreet swore in the new council: Commissioners Susan Zimmerman, Tom Meeks, Eric Ikemire, and Tyson Meador
Mayor Judge presented the new council, and thanked everyone who was in attendance as well as those tuning in at home this evening. Mayor Judge thanked the people of Mount Carmel for entrusting him with the great responsibility as well as the privilege of having the confidence in his vision, and for choosing him as mayor. Mayor Judge also thanked his family and friends for their support over the past twelve years while he has served on the city council. Mayor Judge paid a tribute to his wife, Missy, who has always been a tower of strength and also thanked his daughters for their support. Mayor Judge continued by stating, as we begin a new chapter today in our city, it is important to take a moment and reflect on how we arrived here. Mayor Judge stated over the last four years the stop sign areas along Market Street were re-done with islands and decorative stop signs; city hall was relocated to its new location and a new addition was added; new restrooms were constructed at the city park as well as a new shelter house and new playground equipment; and many new businesses were started. Mayor Judge stated, in the capacity of serving as mayor, he is a member of the board of directors of the Illinois Municipal League, which has afforded him the opportunity to work closely with state and federal officials. Mayor Judge added many sidewalks were replaced throughout the city; the public works system was implemented; city hall operations were reorganized; a new water plant, led by Commissioner Dulger, is being constructed; the new public works office was opened in the Witsman Complex building; did not raise the city’s tax levy two years in a row; and many more projects that are below ground that are not seen but are used every day. Mayor Judge thanked the service clubs in Mount Carmel; the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club along with many other groups that partner with the city to help make the goals a reality. Mayor Judge thanked Rod Rodriguez for his time on the city council as well as for continued support of the City of Mount Carmel and also thanked Chandler Madden for his time on the city council. Mayor Judge extended thanks to Ryan Turner for his leadership on the day to day operations of the city; to Mike Gidcumb for leading the public works group; to Chief Frances Speth for leading the fire department; Chief Mike McWilliams for leading the police department; to Georgia Vaught, Judy Landingham, Kristy Bray for running the day to day operations at city hall; to the city commissioners for their dedication to the residents of the City of Mount Carmel; and everyone else that he might have missed mentioning. Mayor Judge thanked Rudy Witsman, his coach as well as his mentor, who gave his time not only to the city in several roles but for the time he took with Ryan, Eric, Justin, and himself to help develop us into the leaders we all are today. Mayor Judge welcomed Tyson Meador to the council and stated the new council has met to discuss the next four years for the goals as well as needs for each city department. Mayor Judge gave an overview of those plans as follows: the water treatment plant will continue with the new plant construction; a feasibility study will be done for upgrades at the wastewater plant; the replacement of certain vehicles at the fire department; and will continue to improve all parks in the city. Mayor Judge announced at the May 15th council meeting the Swimming Pool Advisory Committee will give a presentation on the new pool complex and will ask the city council to give authorization to move forward on funding. Mayor Judge reiterated the city is working with Moran Development on implementing a new business district in order to create a district where funds may be used to remodel businesses; building new business; offer grants to draw new restaurants and businesses within that district, which will be the backbone for the city’s new economic plan. Mayor Judge stated the public works department will be working on more roads, alleys, sidewalks, water lines and sewer lines than ever before. Mayor Judge affirmed the city will be working with the federal and state governments on funding in order to build a stronger Mount Carmel for the future and to accomplish this without raising taxes. Mayor Judge stated it is an honor and privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder working with these fellow extraordinary people as well as the extraordinary people of the community, however, the progress invites new challenges and opportunities. Mayor Judge affirmed this city has what it takes to meet the challenges head on, which can be done as one Mount Carmel and a better economy will be built than the one that was left behind before the pandemic; an economy that includes our neighbors regardless of their zip code. Mayor Judge emphasized our city services will be responsive, cost effective, and provide better communication while under his leadership as mayor and together a better city will be built through a common purpose. Mayor Judge thanked everyone again for giving him the opportunity to lead as the next chapter of the city begins.
Commissioner Zimmerman motioned and Commissioner Meador seconded to adjourn the meeting. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
Meeting adjourned at 4:37 pm
https://www.cityofmtcarmel.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/11596/05-01-2023_minutes.pdf
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