Council Minutes 6-20-24
Harrisburg City Council
City Hall
110 E. Locust Street
Harrisburg, Il 62946
June 20, 2024
8:00 a.m.
The Harrisburg City Council met on June 20, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. at the City Hall located at 110 E.
Locust Street, Harrisburg, IL.
Mayor John McPeek called the meeting to order. Mayor John McPeek presided over the meeting
with Commissioners Raymond Gunning, Roger Angelly, Rupert Johnson and Jonathan Brown
answering roll call.
Pastor Chris Wilson from McKinley Avenue Baptist Church led the group in prayer and the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to approve the consent agenda.
Regular Meeting Minutes – June 06, 2024
D & S Heating & Air - $4800.00 – 061124 – Downtown TIF
Earth Services – 58500.00 - #5128 – Business District
Moran Economic Development - $840.00 - #2394 – TIF
Ray O’Herron - $498.97 - #3200210 – Council Contingency
Saline Co. Highway Dept - $3108.95 - #060124 – MFT
LKB Wellness - $5000.00 - TIF
EJ & Carla Foster – Relinquish Lake Lot – 1st Add, Block 1, Lot 7
Robert Niedzwiedz – Petition Lake Lot – 1st Add, Block 1, Lot 7
Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present
voting yes. Motion carried.
Citizen Cynthia Potter spoke during this meeting. She thanked Mayor John McPeek for the
beautification of uptown including the flower pots, street paving, and pole painting. She
thanked each department for their work. She thanked citizen Tammy Smith for speaking before
council during the last meeting regarding the disorder of the city and holding citizens
accountable for the condition of their property.
She began her discussion by talking about the code book which went into effect in 1975. Section
7 states that it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation in the city to change or
amend by additions or deletions, any section or portion of such code, or to insert or delete pages
or portions thereof, or to alter or tamper with such code in any manner whatsoever which will
cause the law of the City of Harrisburg to be misrepresented thereby. Any person, firm or
corporation violating this section shall be punished as provided in Section 1-2 of the Harrisburg
Municipal Code.
Section 8 states any person violating any of the provision or failing to comply with any of the
mandatory requirements of any provisions of said code or any ordinance of the city is guilty of a
petty offense unless such violation or failure to comply is specifically designated by said code or
such ordinances as a misdemeanor. Any person convicted of a petty offense shall be punished
by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by imprisonment not to exceed 6 months or by both a fine and
imprisonment.
Citizen Cindy Potter discussion various building violations such as uninhabitable
structures/burned/partially destroyed buildings, mobile homes, and dangerous/unsafe buildings.
She discussed violating living in recreational vehicles and other structures. Every dwelling shall
have properly installed sewer lines, water lines, plumbing fixers, vents, and drains, all of which
shall be maintained free from obstruction, leaks, etc.
She discussed nuisance violations to include inoperable or abandoned vehicles on property,
overgrown lots, open burning, stagnant, standing or foul water, land pollution/spill loads. There
have been home in Harrisburg with old asphalt and concrete. Instead of disposing of it properly,
it is being disposed of in an old piece of property in which no one lives.
Citizen Cindy Potter presented data to council from the code enforcer about the work he has
performed in regards to mowing, yard clean up, vehicle towed, and pools complaints. The
second page she presented to them was the expense reports from the code enforcer. The data
does not match up from the data previously presented, even though both sets of data came from
the code enforcer.
She stated it is a proven fact that people will rise up or lower down to whatever the bar or
expectations place before them. I presented this data to “Let the data speak for itself.” Data
speaks louder than words. Data does not lie.
Mayor John McPeek opened sealed bids for the sidewalk projects. There were five sealed bids
for each sidewalk replacement projects. The sealed bids for each project are as follows:
Webster/Homer Street: Berry Construction: $16,530; Pinoy Construction: $10,867; AR Martin:
$9,490; Womack Concrete: $15,972; Hicks Concrete: $13,260. Commissioner Roger Angelly
made the motion to accept the sealed bid from AR Martin Construction in the amount of $9,490.
Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present
voting yes. Motion carried.
1006 S. Land Street: Berry Construction: $9,130; Pinoy Construction: $6,375; AR Martin:
$5,280; Womack Concrete: $8,103; Hicks Concrete: $7,220. Commissioner Raymond Gunning
made the motion to accept the sealed bid from AR Martin Construction in the amount of $5,280.
Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting
yes. Motion carried.
Walnut/Vine Street: Berry Construction: $19,090; Pinoy Construction: $9,500; AR Martin:
$10,893; Womack Concrete: $18,073; Hicks Concrete: $14,160. Commissioner Raymond
Gunning made the motion to accept the sealed bid from Pinoy Construction in the amount of
$9,500. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present
voting yes. Motion carried.
13 S. McKinley Street: Berry Construction: $5,970; Pinoy Construction: $6,900; AR Martin:
$5,799; Womack Concrete: $9,207; Hicks Concrete: $7,440. Commissioner Roger Angelly
made the motion to accept the sealed bid from AR Martin Construction in the amount of $5,799.
Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present
voting yes. Motion carried.
310 N. Sherman Street: Berry Construction: $5,970; Pinoy Construction: $7,475; AR Martin:
$3,875; Womack Concrete: $5,621; Hicks Concrete: $4,820. Commissioner Raymond Gunning
made the motion to accept the sealed bid from AR Martin Construction in the amount of $3,875.
Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting
yes. Motion carried.
Land/Mable Street: Berry Construction: $10,450; Pinoy Construction: $7,803; AR Martin:
$5,984; Womack Concrete: $9,779; Hicks Concrete: $8,960. Commissioner Roger Angelly
made the motion to accept the sealed bid from AR Martin Construction in the amount of $5,984.
Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting
yes. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek opened the sealed bids for the house demolition bids. The sealed bids are
as follows:
415 S. Vine Street: Cooley Excavating: $9,680; Pinoy Construction: $8,800; Stone Outdoor
Service: $7,700. Commissioner Rupert Johnson made the motion to accept the sealed bid from
Stone Outdoor Service in the amount of $7,700. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond
Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
106 E. College Street: Cooley Excavating: $16,720; Pinoy Construction: $12,375; Stone Outdoor
Service: $7,800. Commissioner Rupert Johnson made the motion to accept the sealed bid from
Stone Outdoor Service in the amount of $7,800. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond
Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
25 Sloan Street: Pinoy Construction: $9,600; Stone Outdoor Service: $18,000. Commissioner
Raymond Gunning made the motion to accept the sealed bid from Pinoy Construction in the
amount of $9,600. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with
all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek stated a mobile home application has been submitted, payment has been
made, and Fire Chief John Gunning has inspected the site. Commissioner Raymond Gunning
made the motion to approve the mobile home application from Charles Lukancic at 1315 S.
Ledford Street. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all
present voting yes. Motion carried.
Attorney Kolby Smithpeters spoke with council regarding terminating the agreement with Satori
Enterprises. This company is a consulting firm and the middle man for any solar projects within
Harrisburg. By terminating this contract, this would allow other solar companies to come in and
work with the city without having to go through Satori. There is a 30 day opt out clause in the
contract. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to terminate the agreement with
Satori Enterprises. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with
all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Attorney Kolby Smithpeters discussed with council the new proposal for floating solar with
Third Pillar. Third Pillar will lease the retention pond from the City of Harrisburg. This could
be a great project for the city. This will not affect any water fowl. He needs authorization to
work out the details of the contract with Third Pillar. The city will be paid to use the property.
Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to authorize Attorney Kolby Smithpeters to
begin working out the details and reviewing the contract with Third Pillar. Seconded by
Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes.
Motion carried.
Commissioner Johnathan Brown held an open discussion regarding the current code enforcer.
This has been an issue for a long time. If he is mowing as many yards as he claims, where are
the expense reports. Commissioner Rupert Johnson stated some of the properties belong to the
county. Commissioner Jonathan Brown stated something needs to be done. We need to raise the
bar and hold everyone accountable. His goals as a commissioner are to save the city money,
make the city money and to make the city look good. Mayor John McPeek stated there is a
problem. Commissioner Roger Angelly said some of these locations do not have running
water/sewer. If there is no water/sewer, people cannot live there in accordance to the city
ordinances. He has discussed this with the city attorney. We need to start addressing these
issues.
Mayor John McPeek stated people do not believe in keeping their property clean. Commissioner
Raymond Gunning stated we need to have zero tolerance. Commissioner Rupert Johnson stated
the problem involves poverty. He stated when people cannot afford to eat, how can the city
expect them to clean up the property. Commissioner Jonathan Brown stated that people believe
it is cheaper for the city to mow/clean up rather than do it themselves. We can help some people,
but they have to want to help themselves.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated the city should send the dump truck to an area and let
the citizens fill it up rather than giving citizens dumpsters. Commissioner Jonathan Brown asked
about city wide trash. Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated the city should have city wide
clean-up more than twice a year. Mayor John McPeek stated there is no reason you can’t keep
your property cleaned. Most of these properties discussed are rented. He stated until the city
holds the landlords responsible, nothing will happen. He would like to see the landlords issued
tickets and not the tenant. The landlords do not force the tenant to keep the property cleaned.
Commissioner Jonathan Brown agrees and he believes there are people taking advantage of the
city with the current clean up process. The ordinance is not being enforced.
Commissioner Roger Angelly likes the idea of quarterly clean-up. There was an open
discussion about solutions to clean-up. Commissioner Roger Angelly would like the code
enforcer to come in and talk to council. Commissioner Rupert Johnson said council just can
throw David Williams under the bus. Commissioner Jonathan Brown said he knows several
families who struggle, but they keep the property cleaned. Mayor John McPeek is in favor of
ticketing home owners.
Commissioner Jonathan Brown stated that he and City Treasurer Alex Jackson spoke to Moran
Economic Development about implementing a residential TIF for the city. The county and city
are trying to get businesses within the city. This would help give incentives to help build rental
houses. The downfall is the school district will lose on some tax money, but he would like to
look into the number because he does not want to hurt the school district. However, new living
and improved structures will help the tax base.
The first step is identifying an area to start a residential TIF. Citizens need roofs, build rental
houses, or tear down houses. There has to be some incentives to help improve the city. The
center of the town needs the most help. There are restrictions in creating a residential TIF which
will be addressed. This will help rebuild the designated area. A proposed new business can
bring in 200 employees. We need to work with the school district, let Jake from Moran draft a
map, and begin the process.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated the animal control contract has expired and he would
like to renew the agreement with Liz Mayhall. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the
motion to renew the animal control contract with Liz Mayhall authorizing Mayor John McPeek
to sign the agreement. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken
with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated the fire department needs to hire a firefighter. He said
Rick Mallady will retire in September. Commissioner Roger Angelly asked if Rick Mallady has
turned in a letter of resignation, and that the city cannot bring on a new hire until he has retired.
Mayor John McPeek stated there is no letter and he can come back to work. Commissioner
Raymond Gunning stated he has spoken to Rick Mallady and requested a letter of resignation.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning responded that Rick Mallady will be turning in his letter of
resignation in the next couple of weeks. Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated he is only
requesting the name of a new hire in order to be ready for when Rick Mallady turns in his letter
of retirement. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to request the name for a
new hire firefighter recommendation from the merit board. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert
Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning has an opening for a fire captain. Commissioner Raymond
Gunning made the motion to request a recommendation for a fire captain once the testing is
completed and list is updated. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was
taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Roger Angelly stated his department needs a boring machine. He has spoken to
City Treasurer Alex Jackson about this purchase. Part of the machine will be paid out of the
business district funds so that the equipment can be used throughout the city. The machine must
be available within a week or so of the bid opening. We do not want to wait a year to get the
machine. Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to authorize the city clerk to advertise
for a boring machine. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was
taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek reminded citizens of the upcoming 4th of July fireworks. This year,
fireworks will be held at the Harrisburg Amphitheater, and there will be a DJ, food vendors, and
lemonade shakeup stand. Fireworks start around 9:00 p.m.
Mayor John McPeek encouraged all citizens to clean up their yards. Please stop littering.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner
Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Adjourn: 9:18 a.m.