SE Illinois News

City of Mount Carmel City Council met Nov. 25.

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 – Eric Ikemire, Tyson Meador Susan Zimmerman, Absent Tom Meeks

Also Present: City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mayor Judge requested a motion to approve the November 12, 2024 council meeting minutes.

Commissioner Zimmerman motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to approve the meeting minutes held on November 12, 2024. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

VISITORS

Mayor Judge announced visitors from Rockin’ Chicken, a new restaurant, coming to Mt. Carmel. They have filled out a TIF application. If approved, these funds will be used for improvements to the Long John Silver’s building on W. 9th Street, property purchase, and start-up fees.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Judge welcomed everyone to the meeting by announcing, “Tis the season.” He reported that the city's Christmas décor is going up.

Mayor Judge stated that the November 23rd recycling day was a huge success. He reports that they took over 5 ½ tons of electronic recycling.

Mayor Judge reported that this Saturday, November 30, 2024, is Small Business Saturday. He encourages everyone to get out and support our local small businesses.

Mayor Judge announced that he and his family will once again hand out Disney books for free on November 30, 2024, at the Senior Citizens Center. He noted that the hours will be from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

Mayor Judge reported that work on 9th Street started today.

Mayor Judge wished everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

COMMISSIONER REPORTS:

COMMISSIONER TYSON MEADOR – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS

Commissioner Meador reported that the street department has been working to pick up leaves and brush. They have begun putting up the Christmas trees and décor, doing normal maintenance, and cutting down a few trees.

COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS

Commissioner Ikemire reported $121,042.66 in receipts and $131,322.98 in expenditures. The accounts appear close to the budget, leaving the city in good financial shape.

COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – WATER AND SEWER

Commissioner Meeks is absent.

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

Commissioner Zimmerman reported a steady flow of people all day for the electronic recycling day. It was a great event for the city.

Commissioner Zimmerman reported that the fire department has responded to 13 calls of service. She reminds the city to ensure they are not plugging any space heaters into extension cords. Those should always plug directly into the outlet. She also reminds the city not to use ovens as heating elements and to make sure you are checking your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.

CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RYAN TURNER

City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner asked the council for permission to remove the tennis court at the city pool as it is not safe or operational. There were no objections to this.

City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner stated that he and Mr. Gidcumb were looking into a new ordinance concerning contractor registration licenses and permit fees. Turner informed the council that the city’s fees are relatively low, and Mr. Gidcumb and City Hall have had several contractors in violation of getting prior approval before starting a project. The ordinance will be for the council to review in the near future.

City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner briefly discussed the tax levy, stating overall taxation is at 4.25%, with the Library corporate levy having the largest increase.

CITY ATTORNEY – DEREK MCCULLOUGH

City Attorney McCullough reported receiving phone calls about the river lots. Dave Dallas and the title company are working to finalize them.

AIRPORT MANAGER – LUIS GARCIA

Airport Manager Garica reported that he and Mayor Judge were in Springfield on November 20 to meet with Hanson Engineering to discuss airport projects, including the hangar project.

POLICE CHIEF – MIKE MCWILLIAMS

Police Chief McWilliams – no report

FIRE CHIEF – FRANCIS SPETH

Fire Chief Speth reported that the department has finished the hose testing, engine pumps have been tested and certified, and the ladder will be tested on December 5, 2024. He also stated that Greater Wabash has purchased a new brush truck that will arrive on December 5, 2024.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB

Public Works Director Gidcumb – no report

WABASH COUNTY E.M.A.

Wabash County E.M.A. is absent.

BUSINESS MOTIONS

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to approve $40,000.00 out of TIF 6 for improvements to the vacant Long John Silvers on W. 9th.Street. Money is to be used for improvements, purchase of property, or start-up fees for Rockin’ Chicken. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners 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 Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Zimmerman motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to adjourn today's meeting. All present voted Aye by voice vote.

The meeting adjourned at 4:33 pm.

https://www.cityofmtcarmel.com/media/13736