SE Illinois News

City of Harrisburg City Council met Nov. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Harrisburg City Council met on November 02, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Harris-Pruett Building located at 107 E. Church Street, Harrisburg, IL.

Mayor John McPeek called the meeting to order. Mayor John McPeek presided over the meeting with Commissioners Raymond Gunning, Roger Angelly, and Cynthia Potter answering roll call. Commissioner Rupert Johnson was absent.

Pastor Chris Wilson of the McKinley Avenue Baptist Church led the group in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve the consent agenda.

Regular Meeting Minutes – October 19, 2023

Check Register and Warrant Reports – October 2023

MC Enterprises, Inc. - $5897.79 - #0923 – Business District

Siegel’s Uniform - $93.69 - #552572-1 – Council Contingency

Gall’s - $578.16 - #025242064 – Council Contingency

Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to authorize the city clerk to advertise for the demolition of 22 S. Vine Street. Seconded by Commissioner Cynthia Potter. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek tabled the discussed regarding home rule. He would like to hold a special meeting, invite the public, and educate everyone on home rule.

Mayor John McPeek presented the 2024 council dates and times. Commissioner Cynthia Potter made the motion to approve the 2024 council dates and times as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Cynthia Potter made the motion to approve Ordinance 1867 for the sale of property at 519 W. Sloan Street. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve Ordinance 1868 for the sale of property at 509 S. Granger. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes, except Commissioner Cynthia Potter abstained. Motion carried.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve Ordinance 1869 for the sale of property at 117 S. Shaw Street. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Cynthia Potter made the motion to approve Ordinance 1870 for the sale of property at 121 W. South Street. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek would like to have minimum bids on the future sale of properties. He suggested looking at each property and deciding on a minimum bid before placing the ad. Commissioner Raymond Gunning suggested donating some property to the high school building trade department.

Commissioner Cynthia Potter stated there were several applicants for the position of Deputy Treasurer. She feels she chose the person with the best qualifications and it will save the city money with her decision. Commissioner Cynthia Potter made the motion to hire Shelia Johnson as the new Deputy Treasurer effective November 16, 2023 at a yearly pay rate of $50,000. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Treasurer Alex Jackson presented the 2023/2024 tax levy. The tax levy will sit out for thirty days in City Hall. This levy will be voted on at the December 07, 2023 council meeting. She stated the levy was increased by .6% for a total of $9,250.00. If you have any questions, please stop by the Treasurer’s Office in City Hall.

Treasure Alex Jackson presented the 2022 PPRT to council which is personal property replacement tax to be distributed to the police pension, fire pension, and district library. This is mandated by a state statute by the State of Illinois. The allocation to the police pension is $37,881.26, fire pension is $24,211.70, and district library is $24,563.79. The total amount distributed is $86,656.75. Commission Cynthia Potter made the motion to approve the 2022 PPRT. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning announced the Fire Department has made 266 fire calls, 8 mutual aid calls, 522 medical calls, and 51 service calls.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve Resolution 23-1102 for the Christmas in the Courtyard street closure. Seconded by Commissioner Cynthia Potter. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek announced that Christmas in the Courtyard is November 30. There is will be free hot chocolate, free pictures with Santa Claus, free carriage ride and many other things to do that night. The annual Lights Parade is December 14 starting at 6:00 p.m. Please stop littering.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Adjourn: 6:11 p.m.

https://www.thecityofharrisburgil.com/minutes