City of Mount Carmel City Council met May 15.
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, Tyson Meador, 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 May 1, 2023. All present voted by roll vote. Commissioner Meador, Ikemire, Meeks and Zimmerman voted Aye.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Judge stated Patty Courtright is in attendance at tonight’s meeting regarding the moving of a mobile home that is older than fifteen years onto her residence, which is in violation of a city ordinance and the council had tabled a decision at the May 1st meeting. Mayor Judge addressed the council regarding any questions or comments. City Attorney McCullough stated he had reviewed the ordinance and it does not allow a mobile home older than fifteen years to be placed on a lot within the city limits unless it is in a mobile home park. Mayor Judge asked the council if they wished to change the ordinance to allow the placement of the mobile home and hearing no response; Mayor Judge affirmed the ordinance will remain. Mayor Judge informed Ms. Courtright that unfortunately, she cannot place the mobile home on the property.
Mayor Judge acknowledged Allie Bobe with Bobe’s Pizza, who was attendance to announce the collaborating of Bobe’s Pizza with Ginger Ale’s of Olney, IL at the Mount Carmel Bobe’s Pizza location. Allie gave an overview of the collaboration of the two businesses, which will hopefully be completed in July. Mayor Judge reported Bobe’s Pizza has applied for TIF benefits and asked council approval for $13,900.00 in TIF expenditures, which is the amount they are eligible for.
Mayor Judge acknowledged Wes Bell with Robinson Outdoors, who is seeking approval to install a digital sign at the corner of Market and West Ninth Streets, as the council had tabled a decision at the April 17th meeting. After council discussion and an overview of the sign placement by Mr. Bell, approval was granted for the sign.
Mayor Judge acknowledged Michael Hocking, who expressed some concerns to the council. Mr. Hocking asked about all the junk in the creek near his property at West Fifth and Locust Streets. Mayor Judge stated the creek is not city owned property and is part of the adjacent land owner’s property. Mr. Hocking also stated there is a high-pressure gas line sticking out of the ground at West
Fourth and Locust Streets, which possibly needs some sort of protection around it. Mount Carmel Public Utility President David James was in attendance at the meeting and informed Mr. Hocking he would have the issue looked into. Also, Mr. Hocking stated he was notified by Public Works Director Mike Gidcumb regarding his sump pump at 222 West Seventh Street pumping water across the sidewalk and asked if the city could check out the storm sewer drain in the area of the city, as he feels there is issue. Lastly, Mr. Hocking addressed City Attorney McCullough regarding the trash service charge on the water bill and any recourse if the trash is not picked up. City Administrative Assistant Turner interjected and assured Mr. Hocking the city is working with Republic Services on resolving the trash service issue.
Mayor Judge acknowledged Robert Farmer, who asked if there was any updated information regarding the river camps. City Administrative Assistant Turner stated letters were served last week which allows individuals thirty days to vacate; once the lots are vacated the city engineer will mark the lot lines to determine the true legal descriptions and then the lots will be sold through the bidding process.
Mayor Judge congratulated all the Class of 2023 graduates on all their achievements.
Mayor Judge reported the yard abatements are starting to pile up and asked residents to please mow their yards. Mayor Judge stated the city will mail out one nuisance violation letter, per property and after that the city may mow the yard anytime thereafter if the individual is in violation.
Mayor Judge stated the city swimming pool is being filled and hopefully it will be open by Memorial Day weekend. Mayor Judge reported, currently, the pool admission price is $2.50 with the pool parties being $175.00 for two hours. Mayor Judge asked the council if the prices should remain the same or be changed, after discussing the prices, the council decided to increase the admission to $3.00 and the parties to $200.00. Mayor Judge stated the city will also be selling individual pool passes and reservations for pool parties will start tomorrow.
Mayor Judge reminded the E-Cycling event is this Saturday, May 20th at the former Shopko parking lot.
Mayor Judge acknowledged City Administrative Assistant Turner, who presented the following appointments for council approval: the Police Pension Board - Mark Seaton, Jared Price, Kyle Adams, Jeff Besing, and Ryan Turner as city representative to serve a four-year term; the Fire Pension Board - Mark Seaton, Tyler Jefferson. Aaron Brown, Elijah Hadra, and Ryan Turner as city representative for four-year terms; the Ethics Advisory Board - Kelli Storckman, William Easton, Stan Ernest, and Michael McWilliams for a term of four years; the Police/Fire Commission has two positions for reappointment; Cassandra Goldman – a three-year term and Michael Harris – a two year term; and Director of the Senior Citizens Center – Tracy Dunkel for a four-year term. City Administrative Assistant Turner continued with the following appointments: Chief of Police – Michael McWilliams, Fire Chief – Frances Speth, City Manager/City Clerk – Ryan Turner, City Treasurer – Georgia Vaught, Director of Public Works – Michael Gidcumb, Assistant Director of Public Works/City Inspector – David Easter, City Attorney – Derek McCullough, Water Billing Clerk – Heath Reed.
Mayor Judge reported City Administrative Assistant Turner was authorized to accept bids for the fire house roof and two bids were submitted. Mayor Judge opened and read the following bids: David Brown Construction - $39,600.00 and Sharp Solutions - $35,650.00. Mayor Judge asked City Administrative Assistant Turner and Public Works Director Gidcumb to review the bids before they are submitted for council approval at the next meeting.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS:
COMMISSIONER TYSON MEADOR – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS
Commissioner Meador reported, in the past two weeks, the street department worked on Kiddie Land in the city park; filled potholes; cleaned up the brush harbor area; hauled scrap from the street department garage; investigated some sink holes; and worked on the city pool in preparation for the season opening.
COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS
Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials.
Commissioner Ikemire reported, in the last two weeks, sales tax revenues totaled $88,272.00; state income tax totaled $168,748.00; utility tax receipts were $3685.00; state use tax $20,739.00; and replacement tax $103,158.00 with an overall good start for the new fiscal year.
COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – WATER AND SEWER
Commissioner Meeks started all is running smoothly at the water and sewer plants.
Commissioner Meeks reported the water maintenance department has been overseeing the crews that are boring fiber optic lines; used the jet truck to clean out sewer lines; did maintenance at the swimming pool; starting filling the pool; mowed and weedeated at several locations.
COMMISSIONER SUSAN ZIMMERMAN – FIRE, HEALTH & SAFETY, GARBAGE, CITY HALL AND CIVIL DEFENSE
Commissioner Zimmerman reported, over the last two weeks the fire department, responded to ten calls and went over various fire-fighting water supplies/water uses at their bi-monthly meeting.
Commissioner Zimmerman stated there has been some minor issues with the garbage service however, overall, there is a good communication system and response time between the City of Mount Carmel and Republic Services.
CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RYAN TURNER
City Administrative Assistant Turner reported Dan Schonert is seeking approval to build a storage building adjacent to his State Farm Office at 510 N. Market Street. Mr. Schonert expressed interest in purchasing the city owned property at 502 N. Market Street or splitting the lot and purchasing the back portion of the lot. City Administrative Assistant Turner stated that property is eligible for a TIF grant and could be given to Mr. Schonert with TIF funding stipulations. After a brief discussion, City Administrative Assistant Turner stated he will send the information to the TIF attorneys and report back with their recommendation.
City Administrative Assistant Turner reiterated the city had negotiations with the Masons regarding the former Girl Scout Cabin and stated the Masons are now ready to move forward with that agreement, which had the council had already approved. The council agreed to keep the prior agreement that was made with the Masons.
City Administrative Assistant Turner reported a special meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 17th at 12:00 pm, regarding a possible zoning board recommendation, as the zoning board will meet on Tuesday evening.
CITY ATTORNEY – DEREK MCCULLOUGH
City Attorney McCullough reported he is having some issues contacting the owners of the two properties that are needing to be demolished, which has created a delay in the petition for demolition process.
AIRPORT MANAGER – PARIS PENNINGTON
Airport Manager Pennington reported, over the last two weeks, fuel sales were $2047.00 and hangar rent was $1420.00 for a total of $3467.00.
POLICE CHIEF – MIKE MCWILLIAMS
Police Chief McWilliams introduced the city’s newest officer, Hunter Nelson, who is currently being trained by Sergeant Price and Sergeant Adams.
Police Chief McWilliams reported contact was attempted to all known owners of campers on city owned river lots that do not have a lease for the lot with June 11th being the deadline for the vacating of the campers.
Police Chief McWilliams stated there has been some issues with traffic at the city park circle to include people speeding along with golf carts and vehicles driving the wrong way on the one-way loop.
FIRE CHIEF – FRANCES SPETH
Fire Chief Speth stated he will be in contact with Mr. Thompson on the removal of items at the burn center area at Southgate this week.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB
Public Works Director Gidcumb absent.
NEW BUSINESS
City Administrative Assistant Turner reported the Fraternal of Police contract was previously negotiated along with the public works department as well as the fire department and that contract method will be changing due to higher pay scales in surrounding communities, in order to prevent officers leaving the Mount Carmel Police Department for better paying jobs. City Administrative Assistant Turner stated the new contract would include a $2.00 an hour pay raise, per year, over the next three years and the three-year longevity stipend will increase from $500.00 to $1500.00. City Administrative Assistant Turner stated the contract is included within the consent agenda.
Mayor Judge introduced Resolution 696 – Civility Pledge to the council that is being pushed through by the State of Illinois.
Mayor Judge acknowledged Dave Dallas, who stated Howell Paving will begin paving work on Market Street from Ninth to Thirteenth Streets as well as East Sixth Street from Market to Mulberry Streets beginning Monday, May 22nd
OLD BUSINESS
Mayor Judge thanked the swimming pool advisory committee for their time over the last six plus months regarding the city’s best move for the pool. Mayor Judge introduced Josh with Burbach Aquatics, via zoom, who gave an overview of the feasibility study of the pool as well as the proposed new plans for future of the pool. Mayor Judge reported Burbach Aquatics’ proposal is $8.2 million and he stated there are some line items the city can take care of, which would reduce the costs. After discussing the proposal, the council granted approval to allow city officials to move forward with securing financing for the new pool.
Mayor Judge presented Ordinance 2091 – Placement of a stop sign in the city park to the council for approval and requested to waive the second reading. After discussing the stop sign, the council approved the ordinance.
City Administrative Assistant Turner asked the council to review the email/contract he sent out referencing the proposed business district as he will present it at the next council meeting for discussion.
BUSINESS MOTIONS
Commissioner Meeks motioned and Commissioner Ikemire seconded to accept Moran’s suggestion to provide Bobe’s Pizza with TIF funding as $13,9000.00. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioner Meeks, Ikemire, Zimmerman, and Meador voted Aye.
Commissioner Meeks motioned and Commissioner Ikemire seconded to allow Robinson Outdoor to place a sign (digital) at the intersection of Ninth and Market. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, and Meador voted Aye. Commissioner Zimmerman voted no.
Commissioner Meeks motioned and Commissioner Meador seconded to appoint said individuals to Police Pension Board to a four-year term: Mark Seaton, Jared Price, Kyle Adams, Jeff Besing, Ryan Turner. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Zimmerman and Meador voted Aye.
Commissioner Zimmerman motioned and Commissioner Ikemire seconded to appoint said individuals to Fire Pension Board, subjects are to serve a four-year appointment: Mark Seaton, Tyler Jefferson. Aaron Brown, Elijah Hadra, Ryan Turner. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Zimmerman and Meador voted Aye.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded to appoint said individuals to the Ethics Board, subjects are to serve a four-year appointment: Kelli Storckman, William Easton, Stan Ernest, and Michael McWilliams. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Zimmerman and Meador voted Aye.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Meador seconded to appoint said individuals to Police and Fire Commission: Cassandra Goldman – three-year term; Michael Harris – two-year term. All present voted Aye by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Zimmerman and Meador voted Aye.
Commissioner Zimmerman motioned and Commissioner Ikemire seconded to appoint Tracy Dunkel as Director of Senior Citizens Center, term is for four years. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Zimmerman and Meador voted Aye.
Commissioner Meador motioned and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded to appoint the following individuals to the said departments: Chief of Police – Michael McWilliams, Fire Chief – Frances Speth, City Manager/City Clerk – Ryan Turner, City Treasurer – Georgia Vaught, Director of Public Works – Michael Gidcumb, Assistant Director of Public Works/City Inspector – David Easter, City Attorney – Derek McCullough, Water Billing Clerk – Heath Reed. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Zimmerman and Meador voted Aye.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded to approve the Consent Agenda. The consent agenda contained approval of Resolution 697 – Support and Commitment of Funds/Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission; accepting the Fraternal Order of Police Contract 2023-2026; approval of the paying of all bills bearing the proper signatures. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Zimmerman and Meador voted Aye.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Meeks seconded to approve and sign the Civility Pledge as introduced by Mayor Judge. All present vote Aye by voice vote.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Meador seconded to allow city officials to move forward with securing financing for the new swimming pool. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Zimmerman and Meador voted Aye.
Commissioner Ikemire motioned and Commissioner Meeks seconded to accept Ordinance 2091, as written and waive second reading. All present voted by roll call vote. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Zimmerman and Meador voted Aye.
Commissioner motioned and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded to adjourn the meeting. All present voted Aye by voice vote.
Meeting adjourned at 5:24 pm
https://www.cityofmtcarmel.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/11597/05-15-2023_minutes.pdf
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