SE Illinois News

City of Mount Carmel City Council met Sept. 30.

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 council meeting minutes held on September 16, 2024.

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to approve the meeting minutes held on September 16, 2024. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Mayor Judge requested a motion to approve the executive council meeting minutes held on September 3, 2024.

Commissioner Zimmerman motioned, and Commissioner Ikemire seconded, to approve the executive meeting minutes held on September 3, 2024. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Mayor Judge requested a motion to approve the executive council meeting minutes held on September 16, 2024.

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded, to approve the executive meeting minutes held on September 16, 2024. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Judge announced two visitors: the Lions Club and the WVC Student Senate.

Mayor Judge announced that the Boy Scout Troop would be in attendance to advise the council on their recommendation for trick-or-treating. It was decided that trick-or-treating this year will take place on both October 30 and October 31.

Mayor Judge stated that the pool meeting had a good turnout and many great questions were asked. There will be two more pool discussion meetings. The first will be on October 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the city pool, and the second will be on October 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Judge stated that the river camps will be up for bid starting October 22 and going through October 29. The minimum bid is $2,000.00.

Mayor Judge stated the Illinois Department of Transportation has given us a start date of November 18 for the 9th Street project.

Mayor Judge gave condolences, thoughts, and prayers to all affected by the hurricane.

COMMISSIONER REPORTS:

COMMISSIONER TYSON MEADOR – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS

Commissioner Meador reported that the street department has been busy working to replace a culvert at the entrance to North Cherry Hill Drive. They have cleaned out several storm intakes, brush, and trees from recent storms and straightened signs. They have finished the Division Street project.

COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS

Commissioner Ikemire reported that we had $244,625.01 in receipts and $736,915.61 in expenditures.

COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – WATER AND SEWER

Commissioner Meeks reported that the water and sewer departments continue their regular maintenance. They have started disassembling the pool pump house, used the jet truck in several locations, and will flush hydrants this week.

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

Commissioner Zimmerman reported that the Daughters of the American Revolution are selling wreaths again this year in conjunction with Wreaths Across America, a program that places wreaths on Veterans' graves nationwide. You can purchase a wreath for $17.00 until November 1. The wreaths will be placed on December 14. Please contact the Daughters of the American Revolution or come to City Hall to purchase.

Commissioner Zimmerman reported that the fire department had 13 events over the last two weeks. Nest week is Fire Prevention Week. This year, the theme is Smoke Alarms—Make Them Work For You. The fire department will attend several public relations events for this.

Commissioner Zimmerman said the city will have our big trash pick-up starting October 7. Republic Services will not pick up electronics or construction materials.

CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RYAN TURNER

City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner reported that we scored well on the grant we applied for on the Uptown project.

City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner reported that the city is working on insurance premiums. City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner reported that contract negotiations are now finalized.

City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner informed the council of an LED light we have been asked about in a residential neighborhood.

CITY ATTORNEY – DEREK MCCULLOUGH

City Attorney McCullough – no report.

AIRPORT MANAGER – LUIS GARCIA

Airport Manager Garica reported that they are performing general maintenance at the airport and repairing some equipment.

POLICE CHIEF – MIKE MCWILLIAMS

Police Chief McWilliams reported he received approval for a reimbursement on bulletproof ballistic vests for the officers.

Police Chief McWilliams reported the department has applied for a Taser grant. FIRE CHIEF – FRANCIS SPETH

Fire Chief Speth reported the department is waiting to hear back on a grant for the trucks.

Fire Chief Speth reported that two engines, ladders, and one tanker have been tested. They will begin testing the hoses in the next week or two.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB

Public Works Director Gidcumb reminded the city that if they don’t get their large trash items out in time for pick up next week, Republic Services will not go back and pick them up. They will need to purchase a dump ticket and dispose of those items, as the city does not have enough manpower to do so.

WABASH COUNTY E.M.A.

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

BUSINESS MOTIONS

Commissioner Meeks motioned, and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded, to accept the IAMAW union contract for 3 years. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Zimmerman 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 today's meeting. All present voted Aye by voice vote.

The meeting adjourned at 4:26 pm.

https://www.cityofmtcarmel.com/media/13651