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City of Mount Carmel City Council met April 28.

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 from the April 14, 2025, council meeting.

Commissioner Meador motioned, and Commissioner Ikemire seconded, to approve the April 14, 2025, meeting minutes. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

VISITORS

Mayor Judge had a special guest today. His 13-month-old grandson, Waylon, gaveled in the meeting.

Mayor Judge announced the arrival of visitors from the American Legion and Yellow Box Partners, LLC.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Judge reported that at 2:00 p.m. today, bidding took place for the construction of the hangar at the airport, as well as snow removal equipment. He stated there were no local bidders. One bid was disqualified as it was not in on time. There was a bid from Johannes Construction that is being taken under advisement.

Mayor Judge reported that the 2025–2026 fiscal year budget is now finalized.

Mayor Judge reminded the city that yards should be mowed and cleaned up. There will be notices sent out soon if your grass needs attention.

COMMISSIONER REPORTS:

COMMISSIONER TYSON MEADOR – STREETS, CEMETERIES, AND PARKS

Commissioner Meador reported that crews have worked to remove the shelter house and the concrete this past week.

Commissioner Meador reported that crews have also worked on plans to fill potholes, completed ditch work, planted grass, run tile, cleaned up at the ball fields, and cleaned the street department building. Additionally, they have started mowing at the cemeteries.

COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS

Commissioner Ikemire thanked Mayor Judge and Ryan Turner, along with all department heads, for their work on the budget. He reported that in the last two weeks, we received $283,140.91 in receipts and spent $236,964.95 in expenditures. We have exceeded our revenue budget, currently at approximately 106% of our budgeted amount.

COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – WATER AND SEWER

Commissioner Meeks reported that crews worked to maintain the levee pumps, assisted with meter readings, and have been working on mowing and general maintenance.

Commissioner Meeks reported that the new water plant is running smoothly.

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

Commissioner Zimmerman reported that the fire department had a total of 17 different events in the last two weeks. They helped with a safety day at the park for the 4th-grade classes. The department was able to utilize the old city pool building for holding some training exercises.

Commissioner Zimmerman reported that the mosquito truck is now out.

Commissioner Zimmerman reported that the electronic recycling day will be on May 3.

CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RYAN TURNER

City Administrative Assistant Turner discussed and requested a motion for Ordinance 2124. This is for the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget.

City Administrative Assistant Turner discussed and requested a motion for Resolution 714, involving a TIF application for the Super 8.

City Administrative Assistant Turner discussed and requested a motion for Ordinance 2125, which involves an agreement between the City of Mt. Carmel and Yellow Box Partners, LLC.

City Administrative Assistant Turner discussed and requested a motion for Ordinance 2126, which involves an agreement with AEA for the purchase of land outside the city limits.

CITY ATTORNEY – DEREK MCCULLOUGH

City Attorney McCullough reminded citizens to clean up their yards, should they get a notice from his office or the city inspector. Mr. McCullough stated that a fine of up to $500.00 a day can be assessed for the violation. Mr. McCullough also reminded individuals that illegal burning can result in a $750.00 fine for restitution, should the fire department be dispatched to extinguish the fire, plus any associated court costs.

AIRPORT MANAGER – LUIS GARCIA

Airport Manager Garcia reported that those who use Mt. Carmel Airport are excited about the new hangar facility being built. Mr. Garcia stated that the airport is running smoothly and typical maintenance is being performed regularly.

POLICE CHIEF – MIKE MCWILLIAMS

Police Chief McWilliams reported and followed up with Mr. McCullough's comments to remind individuals that burning furniture is not allowed.

McWilliams stated that police recently participated in a reading program at the Mt. Carmel Elementary School.

McWilliams stated that the police department and other emergency services worked well when searching for a missing male subject. The subject fell down an embankment and was unable to return to his feet. McWilliams reminded individuals that railroad property is private, and individuals should walk on or around the railroad tracks.

McWilliams stated that the police department participated in a tabletop incident command scenario with other agencies. He noted the training went well and was very productive.

FIRE CHIEF – FRANCIS SPETH

Fire Chief Speth Absent

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB

Public Works Director Gidcumb-no report

WABASH COUNTY E.M.A.- No Report

Wabash County E.M.A. is absent.

BUSINESS MOTIONS

Commissioner Meeks motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to adopt Ordinance 2124 and adopt the 2025-2026 budget as written. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Zimmerman motioned, and Commissioner Ikemire seconded, to accept Super 8’s TIF application with an award of $9,500.00. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Meeks seconded, to agree with Yellow Box Partners, LLC, to develop 20 acres owned by the city. The contract is for a three-year period to acquire the property under the provisions of Ordinance 2125. Waive the second reading. All present voted by roll call. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Meeks motioned, and Commissioner Meador seconded, to accept Ordinance 2126, which would enter into an agreement with AEA for the purchase of land outside the city limits. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, Meador, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Meador 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 today's meeting. All present voted Aye by voice vote.

The meeting adjourned at 4:25 pm.

https://www.cityofmtcarmel.com/media/13976