SE Illinois News

City of Mount Carmel City Council met June 24.

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mayor Judge requested a motion to approve the minutes of the last council meeting.

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to approve the meeting minutes held on June 10, 2024. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Judge announced a visitor from Buckeyes proposing a plan for their 4th of July events. They requested to rope off 5 parking spots to help with the expected overflow.

Mayor Judge announced Chamber Director Lesley Hipsher, who was in attendance to propose the plan for Ag Days and the necessary street closures.

Mayor Judge acknowledged visitor John Clancy, who attended to discuss the development of an arts council he wishes to see in Mt. Carmel.

Mayor Judge stated that as the weather gets hotter, we should make sure we are checking on our elderly family and neighbors. He also stated that you should make sure you are checking on your outdoor animals.

Mayor Judge reported that things are going well at the city pool this summer. He has given the city council the final rendering and final estimate on the cost of the new aquatic center project. He stated that upon meeting with different departments, it was found the new pool will need to go where the current pool is due to water lines in the parking lot. He stated there are grants available and that there would also be a fundraiser to name different parts and activities at the new pool to help with the cost.

Mayor Judge said several things are going on for the 4th of July weekend. The Chamber of Commerce has done a great job advertising all of the events on its Facebook page and website.

COMMISSIONER REPORTS:

COMMISSIONER TYSON MEADOR – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS

Commissioner Meador reported that over the last two weeks, the street department has continued working on Division Street. They are spraying weeds and sweeping streets. They also assisted the water department with a water main break and a storm sewer that is out at North Park.

COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS

Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials. Commissioner Ikemire reported that our revenue is $287,930.00 and expenditures are $259,979.00.

COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – WATER AND SEWER

Commissioner Meeks stated the water department has pumped and cleaned a storm bypass tank and continues to perform general maintenance where needed.

Commissioner Meeks stated that the sewer department has been busy fixing three water leaks, using a jet truck to purge two sewer lines, and performing general maintenance.

COMMISSIONER SUSAN ZIMMERMAN – FIRE, HEALTH & SAFETY, GARBAGE, CITY HALL AND CIVIL DEFENSE

Commissioner Zimmerman reported that the fire department has had 13 incidents in the last couple of weeks, including two house fires. They are having training on traffic incidents this week.

Commissioner Zimmerman reported that we are continuing mosquito spraying, and the brush crew is busy trying to catch up.

CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RYAN TURNER

City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner said he and a few council members will tour a solar project in Newburgh this Wednesday.

City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner talked briefly about Ordinance 2107, which allows the city to take income from one fund and move it to a fund solely for the capital pool project.

CITY ATTORNEY – DEREK MCCULLOUGH

City Attorney McCullough reported that a lawsuit regarding a leaseholder at one of the city river camps had been settled, and the leaseholder will be off the property by the middle of July.

City Attorney McCullough stated the city has 3 deeds to properties that we have acquired. He believes those properties have sold.

AIRPORT MANAGER – LUIS GARCIA

Airport Manager Garica reported they have been doing regular maintenance and mowing at the airport.

POLICE CHIEF – MIKE MCWILLIAMS

Police Chief McWilliams reported that Officer Nelson has been appointed the new K9 Handler to replace Officer Hopper. The City of Charleston has a state-certified training program that Officer Nelson is enrolled in. This is a six-week training program for the officer and the K9.

Police Chief McWilliams stated that the department is looking to hire new officers. They have been conducting physical and written tests and interviewing 4 quality applicants. We currently have 2 open spots and are considering hiring 3 officers due to their pending retirement at the beginning of 2025.

FIRE CHIEF – FRANCIS SPETH

Fire Chief Speth – is absent.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB

Public Works Director Gidcumb gave maps and directions on where the asphalt paving will be completed. They will be paving from July 8 – July 10.

Public Works Director Gidcumb stated he will have more information on the chip and seal project next week.

Public Works Director Gidcumb stated that Dallas Engineering has river camps, lots 1-11 lotted off.

WABASH COUNTY E.M.A.

Wabash County E.M.A. Representative Rhonda Banks said the training over the past weekend was a success.

BUSINESS MOTIONS

Commissioner Meeks motioned, and Commissioner Ikemire seconded, to accept Buckeye’s plan for the 4th of July events. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to accept Dallas Engineering’s proposed River Road plots owned by the City of Mt Carmel. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Meeks motioned, and Commissioner Ikemire seconded, to approve the consent agenda. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded to adjourn the meeting. All present voted Aye by voice vote.

The meeting adjourned at 4:32 pm

https://www.cityofmtcarmel.com/media/13556