SE Illinois News

City of Mount Carmel City Council met Sept. 2.

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, Susan Zimmerman

Also, Present: City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mayor Judge requested a motion to approve the August 18, 2025, council meeting minutes.

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded, to approve the August 18, 2025, meeting minutes. All present voted by roll call. Commissioner Meador is absent. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, and Zimmerman voted aye.

VISITORS

Melissa Smith was in attendance to discuss and get permission for the Community Prayer Walk taking place this coming Saturday, September 6th.

Don Mains was in attendance to receive permission for the Lions Club Candy Days to be on October 10th and 11th this year.

A Craze Softball representative was in attendance to discuss a Helmet Shake fundraiser they would like to have.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Judge reported that the community started fundraising and donating to the Glendale Park. Rotary has raised funds through its annual project programs, and new swing sets have been ordered. Later in the summer or early fall, the basketball court will be sealed. Donations are still being accepted at City Hall.

Mayor Judge announced that the City of Mt. Carmel is applying for the OSLAD (Open Space Lands Acquisition & Development) Grant. We are applying for this grant for the pool project, as well as looking at hopefully receiving a grant for a dog and skate park in the Lincoln Park area.

Mayor Judge stated that we had Boy Scouts, Chet and Duke, in attendance to offer suggestions on the city's trick-or-treating. Per their recommendation that we have two nights, the council set October 30th & 31st from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm as trick-or-treating hours.

COMMISSIONER REPORTS:

COMMISSIONER TYSON MEADOR – STREETS, CEMETERIES AND PARKS Commissioner Meador is absent.

COMMISSIONER ERIC IKEMIRE – FINANCE AND SENIOR CITIZENS

Commissioner Ikemire reported $51,215.85 in receipts and $84,291.20 in expenditures. COMMISSIONER TOM MEEKS – WATER AND SEWER

Commissioner Meeks reported that the wastewater treatment plant has been performing normal day-to-day operations. As mowing has slowed down, crews are catching up on some preventative maintenance on the equipment.

Commissioner Meeks reported that water and sewer maintenance crews continue to work on a lot of water leaks and main breaks. Crews will start flushing the fire hydrants this week.

Commissioner Meeks reported that the water plant is running smoothly.

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

Commissioner Zimmerman reported that the fire department has had several calls over the last two weeks. Commissioner Zimmerman reminded the council that, as it is dry outside, everyone should be mindful of burning laws. Please use fire pits and keep them properly contained.

Commissioner Zimmerman stated that the significant city trash pick-up is set for the week of October 6th. She reminded the council that all mattresses and boxsprings have to be wrapped in plastic; no building or construction materials, electronics, or appliances will be picked up. Please make sure you have all items out for pick-up by 6:00 am on October 6th, as the trucks will only go through the route once.

CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – RYAN TURNER

City Administrative Assistant Turner stated they are continuing to look at bids for City Hall. None of the bids were turned in on time. He hopes to have more to report at the next meeting.

City Administrative Assistant Turner stated that the council needs to put the dirt work for the new aquatic center out to bid. Once the dirt work is completed, the engineering company will take over and manage more of the project. He thanked HLR for helping us with a USDA grant to get funds for water pipes for the pool.

City Administrative Assistant Turner said that there will be a list of dates/holidays when the dump will be closed. There is a good chance if there is a holiday weekend, the dump will be closed.

CITY ATTORNEY – DEREK MCCULLOUGH

City Attorney McCullough reported that he met with Public Works Director Mike Gidcumb about some dilapidated properties. He is waiting to get some title work back on a couple of the priority properties.

AIRPORT MANAGER – LUIS GARCIA

Airport Manager Garcia reported that he did maintenance work on the tractor and has been weed eating and making the facility look great.

POLICE CHIEF – MIKE MCWILLIAMS

Police Chief McWilliams has no report.

FIRE CHIEF – FRANCIS SPETH

Fire Chief Speth is absent.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – MIKE GIDCUMB

Public Works Director Gidcumb discussed the South Gate property. Mr. Turner asked the council to consider a motion. There was a bid of $25,000.00 from Tony Delgado (TLD Properties). The council voted on the acceptance of this bid as well.

WABASH COUNTY E.M.A.

Wabash County E.M.A. is absent.

BUSINESS MOTIONS

Commissioner Meeks motioned, and Commissioner Ikemire seconded, to subdivide South Gate Property – Permit 082720251. All present voted by roll call. Commissioner Meador is absent. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Ikemire motioned, and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded, to accept a $25,000.00 bid to purchase South Gate Property. The high bid was by TLD Properties. All present voted by roll call. Commissioner Meador is absent. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Zimmerman motioned, and Commissioner Ikemire seconded, to approve the consent agenda. All present voted by roll call. Commissioner Meador is absent. Commissioners Meeks, Ikemire, and Zimmerman voted aye.

Commissioner Zimmerman motioned, and Commissioner Meeks 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/14096