SE Illinois News

City of Mount Carmel City Council met July 8.

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 Meador motioned, and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded, to approve the meeting minutes held on June 24, 2024. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Judge reported that things are moving along in the pool project. The city is currently considering referendum processes for a public vote on November 5. Burbach Aquatics will help us with the process and the needed paperwork to get this ready.

Mayor Judge thanked everyone who supported the Fantastic 4th events. He stated the fireworks show was great and thanked J & M Fireworks for their continued commitment to Mt. Carmel.

Mayor Judge thanked Gary Arnold Jr. and his family for all of their work on the 4th of July Parade. It was a great parade and very well attended.

Mayor Judge stated that Sunday was Rotary Corn Day. The Rotary Club of Mt. Carmel served over 1,700 meals.

Mayor Judge expressed his thanks for the food donated to the Wabash County Senior Citizens and thanked Kerry Yarbor and her family for their countless hours of work making the fish fry a success.

Mayor Judge stated that July 20 is our annual Touch a Truck event. This is a great event for youth of all ages. If you would like to participate, please contact Mark Seaton or Chief McWilliams.

COMMISSIONER REPORTS:

COMMISSIONER TYSON MEADOR – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS

Commissioner Meador reported that over the last two weeks, the street department has cut down trees, sprayed and prepared for the chip-and-seal project, helped with 4th of July events, and continued general maintenance.

COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS

Statement of Receipts and Expenditures – See attached agenda with financials. Commissioner Ikemire reported that our revenue is $73,629.16 and expenditures are $111,775.55.

Commissioner Ikemire thanked Mayor Judge and Dave Easter for their help with the Senior Citizens Fish Fry.

COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – WATER AND SEWER

Commissioner Meeks stated that the water department has repaired water main breaks, installed a new water line, insulated all frost-free test hydrants, read several meters, used the jet truck to clear a sewer main, responded to three emergency shut-offs, and continued daily maintenance.

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

Commissioner Zimmerman said there will be a quilt raffle and a dessert auction at the Touch a Truck Event.

Commissioner Zimmerman reported that the Fire Department is busy as they have had a lot of public relations opportunities the last couple of weeks.

Commissioner Zimmerman reported that Fire Chief Speth appreciated everyone following the rules and being safe over the 4th of July weekend. There were no incidents or issues at the stadium for the fireworks.

Commissioner Zimmerman stated that the city is going to review garbage rates as we are in the process of a new contract with Republic Services. There will likely be a rate increase shortly.

CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RYAN TURNER

City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner reported on TIF applications for Meador Enterprises, DBA as Southgate Furniture, and Moran Economic Development. Representatives from both businesses spoke to the city about their intentions and plans for the TIF funds.

City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner reported on the second reading and specifics of Ordinance 2107.

CITY ATTORNEY – DEREK MCCULLOUGH

City Attorney McCullough – no report.

AIRPORT MANAGER – LUIS GARCIA

Airport Manager Garica reported that they are mowing and keeping up the general maintenance at the airport.

POLICE CHIEF – MIKE MCWILLIAMS

Police Chief McWilliams reported the events for the Fantastic 4th went well.

Police Chief McWilliams addressed a speeding complaint that someone had brought to him. He asked that if there are complaints, in order to handle them properly, please personally take them to the police department.

Police Chief McWilliams reported that the department has 3 new officers in testing and is still looking for a full-time dispatcher.

FIRE CHIEF – FRANCIS SPETH

Fire Chief Speth is absent.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB

Public Works Director Gidcumb is absent.

WABASH COUNTY E.M.A.

Wabash County E.M.A. Representative Rhonda Banks is absent.

BUSINESS MOTIONS

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Meeks seconded, to allow Burbach Aquatics to write a referendum for the November election and assist the city in preparing all forms. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Meeks and Commissioner Ikemire seconded the authorization of a $20,000.00 expenditure from TIF for Meador Enterprises. All but Commissioner Meador, who abstained from voting, voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded, to approve $50,000.00 TIF funds for Hometown Aces. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Meeks motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to accept Ordinance 2107 as written regarding video gaming revenue distribution for recreational funding. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

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

The meeting adjourned at 4:27 pm

https://www.cityofmtcarmel.com/media/13561