SE Illinois News

City of Harrisburg City Council met June 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Harrisburg City Council met on June 06, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the City Hall located at 110 E. Locust Street, Harrisburg, IL.

Pastor Jerry Wells from Dorrisville Social Brethren Church led the group in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor John McPeek called the meeting to order. Mayor John McPeek presided over the meeting with Commissioners Raymond Gunning, Roger Angelly, Rupert Johnson and Jonathan Brown answering roll call.

Mayor John McPeek took a moment to clarify a few things regarding some incorrect information being said or posted on Facebook. The City of Harrisburg Council and Saline County Board are two different entities. While we try to work together for the betterment of our community, we are separate forms government entities. The City of Harrisburg does not have voting privileges during a Saline County board meeting nor does the Saline County board have voting power during a city council meeting.

He stated that he has received several complaints about the proposed purchase of the Clearwave Building. This decision was made by the Saline County board, not city council. Please address your concerns, opinions, or complaints to the Saline Board. The number is 618-252-6905.

Mayor John McPeek discussed the difference between the General Fund and Water/Sewer Funds. While both funds are controlled by the City, the money is in two separate accounts. The General Fund is responsible for Police, Fire, Streets, Roadways, Sidewalks, City Hall, and other public services. Tax dollars, marijuana money and other sources fund those services in the General Fund.

The water/sewer department is completely a stand-alone entity that cannot receive tax dollars or any other form of revenue. Their only source of revenue is through the water and sewer bills. The ambulance is not funded, now or ever, by water or sewer fund. The ambulance is funded through the General Fund.

Mayor John McPeek said the changes that occurred May 01, 2024 did not come easy for this council. A study was completed by the Illinois Rural Water Associations. They gave us recommendations on how to best handle the increase received from Saline Valley Conservancy. At no time, did this council want to lower the minimum or change the rates, but the City of Harrisburg had to make these changes based off the 33% increase passed on to the city by Saline Valley.

There were three meetings in which the citizens had the opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns or come up with a better solution as a result of the increase from Saline Valley. The agendas are posted 48 hours in advance, and are on the city website and John McPeek in the city clerk’s office for review. Citizens could have attended the following meetings before the decision was made: March 21st, March 26th, and April 4th. This topic was discussed at all those meeting and Clark Cameron from Illinois Rural Water was here to present the water study.

He believes the citizens don’t understand that the City of Harrisburg purchases water from Saline Valley and the city does not receive free water. In order for the water/sewer department to continue to operate by the City of Harrisburg, it is imperative to generate enough revenue for materials, fuel, equipment, and employees to run an efficient department. Water and sewer funds can only be used for water and sewer services. The city has updated the water system and will continue to do so in order to provide the best service possible.

Mayor John McPeek asked that if you ever have questions, concerns, comments, or even complaints, please do not take it to Facebook. Please come to a council meeting or call his office. He is always available to help, but bashing the city, the council members or employees on Facebook does not help the situation. There is a reason for these council meetings, it’s for open communication, to make decisions for the City of Harrisburg, and to address citizen questions and concerns.

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

Regular Meeting Minutes – May 16, 2024

Check Register and Warrant Reports – May 2024

Daniel’s Landscaping - $6951.87 - #373 – Business District

Daniel’s Landscaping - $3220.91 - #374 – Business District

Daniel’s Landscaping - $5090.22 - #378 – Business District

Daniel’s Landscaping - $3633.86 - #380 – Business District

Revoke Lease Lots:

Foster – 1st Addition, Block 1, Lot 7

Henderson – 2nd Addition, Block 1, Lot 3

Tucker – 4th Addition, Lot 27

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

Citizen Kathy Bush spoke to council regarding the animal control situation in Harrisburg. She has formed a volunteer group to help with adoptions and rescues. She said changes need to be made. There are a lot of aggressive dogs in this town which prevent citizens from feeling safe to walk their own dogs. Animals are running loose, not being taken care of properly, have little to no food, water or shelter. She asked if the police department can get involved and issue tickets.

She said the animal control officer needs some help sometimes. Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated the animal control officer received 86 calls since January 2024, and out of those calls she responded to 77 which is a lot. She does work a full-time job during the day, so she does her best to respond in a timely manner. He said he is definitely open to having a meeting between the animal control officer, citizen Kathy Bush and her group, along with the Chief of Police.

Citizen Sharon Vandenberg approached council about the crack pipe she found in her yard while outside with her dogs. She gave the crack pipe (which was in a sealed bag) to Police Chief Nathan Moore. She said there is a lot of drug use in her neighborhood. She can’t go outside due to this issue.

Citizen Daniel Beal held an open discussion with council regarding the current water and sewer rate changes. He would have liked to seen the increase in phases instead of all at one time. Council stated that Saline Valley has gradually increased the price to Harrisburg, and Harrisburg had not been passing it along to the Harrisburg citizens. The city held off on changing the rates as long as it could. Commissioner Jonathan Brown stated the council looked at all options before making the decision to change the rates. Commissioner Roger Angelly informed the citizens that most town are already at the 2,000 minimum and some towns are at 1,000 gallons. Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated the changes made only affect those who use over 2,000 gallons and should not be affecting senior citizens because most of them do not go over the minimum usage.

Another citizen asked if there was a guarantee the rates will not go up next year. Mayor John McPeek said unfortunately there is no guarantee. The city has received a letter stating Saline Valley will continue to raise the rates to the city. There is no contract set in place to guarantee the price of water from Saline Valley. Commissioner Roger Angelly stated the city has looked at other options for their water source. There was a complaint that notifications should have been sent out prior to the change. Commissioner Roger Angelly apologized for not getting notifications sent out.

Citizen Tammy Smith discussed the condition of the city with the burned houses, dilapidated buildings, and squatters. She would like to see the property owners held accountable for the condition of their property. Commissioner Rupert Johnson stated there is only one code enforcer. He stated code enforcement should be its own department with three employees and equipment. He stated most of the people who live in these conditions are poor.

Citizen Tammy Smith stated that just because a person is poor does not mean they can’t keep things clean and picked up. There is no excuse for the way these yards look. Commissioner Jonathan Brown road around with the code enforcer. He agrees that the property owners should be held accountable, be issued a ticket, and work with the city to clean up these properties. Commissioner Raymond Gunning said there should a zero tolerance for this issue. There are codes and they should be enforced.

Mayor John McPeek stated the city did not receive any bids for the sale of property.

Mayor John McPeek and council discussed the property at 600 S. Webster. This citizen does not have proper water/sewer at this location. He is currently living in a small container type building. This does not meet the ordinance for a tiny home nor did he complete a site plan or application for a tiny home. Commissioner Jonathan Brown would like to see a ticket issued to this home owner. What the code enforcer is currently doing is not working, so let’s try something else. We need to have the code enforcer work with the police and fire department on this issue. Commissioner Rupert Johnson said he had instructed the code enforcer to write a ticket to this homeowner just today. Commissioner Rupert Johnson also stated he told the code enforcer to start writing tickets.

Commissioner Jonathan Brown asked why this individual received two dumpsters and where will these dumpster fees be paid from. Commissioner Rupert Johnson said the fees will be taken out of his budget. Commissioner Rupert Johnson said it is cheaper to pay for dumpster than for his men to clean up the property. Commissioner Roger Angelly disagreed. He stated the men are already working so why couldn’t they have cleaned up the property.

Mayor John McPeek would like to see a ticket issued at 600 S. Webster. Commissioner Rupert Johnson said these landlord can barely get their rent money, have to go to court to get an evictions, and now they want to issue a ticket to someone who can’t get paid rent. He said it is not right for the city to write tickets to the landlord.

Commissioner Jonathan Brown said the city has a code book that each department has been working on to get updated. The code enforcer should issue code violation tickets. He suggested raising the ordinance fees for these violations. Commissioner Roger Angelly said the city needs to start somewhere to get this problem under control. Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to issue a ticket to 600 S. Webster Street. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek stated Attorney Kolby Smithpeters needs authorization to begin legal proceedings to tear down 1129 S. Ledford Street. Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to authorize Attorney Kolby Smithpeters to begin the legal process to demolition 1129 S. Ledford Street. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek stated Attorney Kolby Smithpeters has contacted the owner and she has agreed to give the city 105 E. Rose Street via deed in lieu. Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to authorize Attorney Kolby Smithpeters acquire 105 E. Rose Street by deed in lieu. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek stated the Christian Community Compassion Center has submitted the Transitional Housing Application for the two homes on their property. An inspection has been completed, they have paid the fee and are ready to proceed. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve the Transitional Housing Application from the Christian Community Compassion Center. Seconded by Commissioner Jonathan Brown. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mike Roberts with Brown and Roberts, Inc. informed council the grant application for the roundabout is ready to be submitted. This grant consists of the roundabout, sidewalks, and entrances along Small Street and Veterans Drive. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to authorize Mayor John McPeek to sign and submit the HSIP Grant. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning would like to have a fence installed around the police evidence department building on Veterans Drive. This would allow cars that have been impounded to be properly secured. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to authorize the city clerk to advertise for sealed bids for a fence at the police evidence building on Veterans Drive. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Police Chief Nathan Moore stated his department has a squad car that has not been in use for several years. They have advertised the car for sale, attempted to donate the car, and it does not run. He would like to take the car to a scrap yard. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to authorize Police Chief Nathan Moore to dispose of the 1998 Ford Crown Victoria. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated there was no need to discuss disposal of LESO equipment.

Commissioner Roger Angelly and Superintendent Jason Haney discussed with council the intergovernmental agreement regarding NARP. Superintendent Jason Haney stated this is a phosphorus study which is mandated by the IEPA. Payment will be at 20% completion intervals. The total for price for this study is $85,000 Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to authorize Mayor John McPeek to sign the NARP agreement with Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Rupert Johnson announced the road construction is underway on Dorris Heights Road and the uptown parking lot. Please be patient during this time.

Commissioner Jonathan Brown thanked the Street/Alley Department for their hard work during the last storm along with the police department. There are still a lot of limbs the street department is picking up. He said he doesn’t think departments get thanked enough for their hard work to the city.

Mayor John McPeek thanked everyone for attending the Memorial Day Service. The cemetery looked the best it has in years. On June 15 and 16, there will be demolition derby hosted by Top Notch at the fairgrounds. On June 15, there will be Christian music at the amphitheater from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

He reminded citizens of the upcoming July 4th fireworks which will be held at the city amphitheater. There will be a DJ from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There will be lemonade shake-up stand and possibly be a food truck. Please stop littering.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to go into executive session to discuss collective bargaining. Seconded by Commissioner Jonathan Brown. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Adjourn: 7:17 p.m.

Reconvene: 7:36 p.m.

Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to return to open session. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek called the meeting to order. Mayor John McPeek presided over the meeting with Commissioners Raymond Gunning, Roger Angelly, Rupert Johnson and Jonathan Brown answering roll call.

Mayor John McPeek stated there is no action regarding collective bargaining.

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

Adjourn: 7:37 p.m.

https://www.thecityofharrisburgil.com/minutes