Special Meeting Minutes 03-12-25

Harrisburg City Council

Special Meeting

City Hall

110 E. Locust Street

Harrisburg, Il 62946

March 12, 2025

6:00 p.m.

The Harrisburg City Council met on March 12, 2025 at 6:00 p.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 the roll call.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning led the group in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor John McPeek made the following statement: Our cemetery is more than just a resting place. It is sacred ground that holds the history of our community. It is where our loved ones, our hero’s rest, and it stands as a symbol of remembrance and respect. Today, I want to reaffirm our commitment to maintaining and improving this cemetery, ensuring it remains a place of reflection and honor for generations to come.

Commissioner Rupert Johnson made the motion to give the Public Property department to Mayor John McPeek. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek stated this change will authorize him to oversee the cemetery, public property, and Harrisburg Lake.

Citizen Ryan Pate presented the council will pictures of some damage that was done to the cemetery with a piece of equipment. He believes they should have used a stump grinder rather than getting a piece of machinery stuck in the mud. Commissioner Roger Angelly said those employees chose bad timing due to the weather.

Citizen Ryan Pate stated people do not realize what it takes to maintain the cemetery, and he agrees with weed spraying. It is all about the timing of weed spraying. He said someone will always find something to complain about. Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated he has called other cemeteries and a couple use contractors, weed spray is used, and they also use summer help.

Citizen John Smock stated herbicides sprayed on/around stones are detrimental to headstones. There is an erosion factor to consider. The city needs to look into other resources and employees need to be diligent in their job duties. He suggests outreach programs for the youth, use of IYC, and use all resources. Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated the city can go back to allowing burial companies to come in and dig graves. He believes this could free up staff time. Jacob Palmer stated the reason behind the city doing the grave digging is to keep records properly intact.

Commissioner Roger Angelly said this city has declined in population by about 2,000 citizens. The city needs to be mindful of all their decisions. Commissioner Jonathan Brown said his goal is to always look at all options rather than make decisions without doing research. Commissioner Roger Angelly would like to work with the high school, use earn fair citizens, and he encourages citizens to attend council meeting to give their input.

Citizen Ryan Pate suggested the city could offer an incentive for high school students. If they are good workers then put them on a hire list for future job openings after they graduate. This will teach the youth some employment skills. Commissioner Jonathan Brown and Mayor John McPeek have met with Superintendent Amy Dixon with Harrisburg Unit 3 School District to discuss working with the high school.

Citizen Amanda Alvey from the first circuit probation office spoke to the council. She encouraged the council to utilize citizens who are on probation that need to work off-court supervision hours. She stated these individuals are first time offenders or on court supervision. These individuals are not a risk and they need to work off hours as court mandated. Mayor John McPeek stated he will get with the court supervision office next week.

Mayor John McPeek would like to start advertising and accepting applications for part-time help in the Public Property department. They will help weed eat, mow and other job duties as assigned. Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to authorize the city clerk to advertise for part-time help. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek stated 1017 S. Hobson Street, and 417 S. Ledford Street are ready for demolition. Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to authorize the city clerk to advertise for the demolition of 1017 S. Hobson Street and 417 S. Ledford Street. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Attorney Kolby Smithpeters stated he received the contract to acquire 310 Homer Street. The city will be required to pay the trustee $820.00. Once the paperwork has been filed, this property will be ready for demolition. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to purchase 310 Homer Street. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Jonathan Brown informed the council that he and City Treasurer Alex Jackson held budget meetings this week. He is pleased with the suggestions they received from the chiefs and superintendents. They presented ways to save money, and he will present those ideas to the council when he is finished with the last budget meeting next week. He thanked everyone who made suggestions, and they have made this an easy process in helping to create the new budget.

Commissioner Roger Angelly asked if each department serviced their own equipment. Some departments do service their equipment, but the Fire Department does not have the capability to service the fire trucks. He suggests the city utilizes their mechanic to start servicing vehicles to save money. They are having their lift taken to a garage bay at the Water Department so this can allow vehicles to be serviced.

Commissioner Jonathan Brown thanked the Fire Department for volunteering to help cut limbs at the cemetery. Fire Chief John Gunning told him that he can send his men out to help when needed if they are available.

Mayor John McPeek stated he has an appointment for the Merit Board. This appointment will take the place of Aspen Moss. Mayor John McPeek made the motion to appoint Bill Johnston to the Merit Board for a three-year term. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek made the motion to appoint Jacob Palmer to Public Property at the starting pay of $65,000 a year starting March 13 2025. Attorney Kolby Smithpeters will present  an ordinance during the next meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

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: 6:37 p.m.