SE Illinois News

City of Mount Carmel City Council met Aug. 9.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

Mayor Judge brought the Special City Council meeting to order.

Present on Roll Call: Commissioners – Eric Ikemire Tom Meeks, Tyson Meador, Susan Zimmerman

Also, Present: City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Judge opened the meeting with a statement about the city pool's current conditions. The pool is 87 years old, and the bath house, pump house, and pool vessel do not meet regulation codes. He stated that with Ordinance 2108, we are asking the public to help pay for the new aquatic facility with this referendum while pursuing grants and other ways to raise funds.

Mayor Judge stated that this season, with the water leaks, we have spent a lot of money. We are using over 30,000 gallons of water and at least 44 gallons of chlorine daily to meet the state requirements for water clarity.

Mayor Judge stated that IDPH (Illinois Department of Public Health) has performed its annual inspection of the pool and verbally stated that it will not issue us an operating permit for the 2025 season, pointing out the importance of this ordinance.

Mayor Judge addressed comments he has heard on the size of the new facility, stating that it would be 8,000 gallons smaller than the current pool in terms of water holding capacity. Regulations and codes do not allow us to build a facility like our current one.

Mayor Judge asked the council to entertain a motion to proceed with Ordinance 2108.

Mayor Judge stated that the city has met with Hanson about the Reil (Runway end identifier lights) project at the Mt. Carmel Municipal Airport. They have put together a five-year project timeline that would help the airport grow substantially. This project involves lighting at the end of the runways for visuals, as we are a visual airport.

COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS

Commissioner Zimmerman shared a statement touching on her many years of memories and working at the iconic city pool stating the pool has been an essential part of her life. Commissioner Zimmerman stated that sometimes change must occur. She shared the importance of having an entertainment venue in the city to attract visitors. She closed by sharing that she will cherish her memories at the city pool, but a new facility will bring new moments to be created.

Commissioner Meador said he hears many communities complain about the lack of entertainment. He said that if we fail to pass this, the community will lose a great community resource center.

CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RYAN TURNER

City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner stated that the Reil project will cost the city more than we want, but the Airport is profitable and has more than enough funds to cover our costs. The projected cost is $133,000.00. With the grant, we would get all but $50,000.00 covered.

CITY ATTORNEY – DEREK MCCULLOUGH

City Attorney McCullough is absent.

AIRPORT MANAGER – LUIS GARCIA

Airport Manager Garica is absent.

POLICE CHIEF – MIKE MCWILLIAMS

Police Chief McWilliams is absent.

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 Meeks motioned, and Commissioner Ikemire seconded, to move forward with Ordinance 2108 at this second reading. An ordinance providing for and requiring the submission of a proposition of issuing not to exceed $3,500,000.00 General Obligation Bond. The City of Mt. Carmel will ask voters if they are for or against the proposed bond. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to allow Hanson to move forward with the Reil project at the Mt. Carmel Municipal Airport, which will cost the city $50,000.00. All present voted by roll vote. Commissioners 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 12:18 pm

https://www.cityofmtcarmel.com/media/13611