Council Minutes 04-16-26

Harrisburg City Council

City Hall

110 E. Locust Street

Harrisburg, Il 62946

April 16, 2026

8:00 a.m.

The Harrisburg City Council met on April 16, 2026 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 the roll call.

Pastor Jerry Wells from the Dorrisville Social Brethren Church led the group in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve the consent agenda.

Regular Meeting Minutes – April 02, 2026

Schultz Plumbing - #032726 - $4,834.10 – Business District

PDS Trash - #040226 - $19,800.00 – Business District

Sullivan Lawn Care - #4620 - $9,300.00 - Business District

Relinquish Lake Lot – Grisham - 2nd Add, Block 1, Lot 3

Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Citizen Sean Dillard spoke to the council regarding a water bill issue. He stated that he failed to notify the water department that he needed his water disconnected. However, he stated he never received any billing statements or notifications regarding his account. The water was eventually shut off by the water department and the billing continued even after the service was no longer being provided.

There is a breakdown in communication. If mail is returned, then the water department should attempt to contact the customer in other ways, otherwise the customer may accumulate significant debt. The department lacks transparency regarding the continued billing after disconnection for non-payment. This should be disclosed with a clear written agreement stating all conditions. There should be a more clear process for starting and stopping services including consequences.

He understands city employees deal with difficult situations daily; however, professionalism is not an option in public service. Customers should not be met with dismissiveness; laughter and disrespect are unacceptable. City employees represent this community, and their conduct should reflect that responsibility.

He suggested several options for the city to look at and possibly implement. He works with non-profit organizations and unexpected bills are not just a clerical issue but could impact someone’s financial issue. He would like fairness, transparency, and respect. Commissioner Roger Angelly asked for the policies recommended by Citizen Sean Dillard discussed with the council. He stated he will look at these options as some of them may be beneficial.

Commissioner Roger Angelly thanked Citizen Sean Dillard for bringing this to his attention as this was the first time of hearing about this. Commissioner Roger Angelly stated he would have preferred a phone call rather than hearing that it was posted on Facebook. Citizen Sean Dillard thought this should be addressed in council because this could be happening to other citizens.

The council stated there are some unanswered questions about the bids for municipal garbage and waste collection services. The council chose to table this for further clarification.

Mayor John McPeek stated there was a sealed bid opening in city hall on April 15, 2026 for the right-of-way tractor for the Street/Alley Department. Those in attendance were Mayor John McPeek, Superintendent Kenny Mayhall, Superintendent Jason Haney, Working Foreman Robbie Pate, City Clerk Terri Jenkins, and City Treasurer Alex Jackson. The city received three sealed bids. The sealed bids included trade ins for a total price for each of the following:

Little Tractor: $6,414.00

Ag Revolution: $18,600.79

H & R Agri-Power: $19,000.00

Commissioner Rupert Johnson made the motion to accept the sealed bid from Little Tractor in the amount of $6,414.00 for the right-of-way tractor for the Street/Alley Department. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek stated there was a sealed bid opening in city hall on April 15, 2026 for the 2026 police model SUV Ford Explorer. Those in attendance were Mayor John McPeek, City Clerk Terri Jenkins, City Treasurer Alex Jackson, Superintendent Kenny Mayhall, Superintendent Jason Haney, and Working Foreman Robbie Pate. The city received one sealed bid from Jim Hayes, Inc. in the amount of $43,715.00 which includes license plate and title fees.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to accept the sealed bid from Jim Hayes, Inc. in the amount of $43,715.00 for the 2026 police model SUV Ford Explorer. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek presented a resolution for the Business District agreement with D & D Electric at 15 Poplar Street. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve Resolution 26-0416 with D & D Electric. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek stated the redevelopment agreement was ready to be signed with D & D Electric. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to authorize Mayor John McPeek to sign the Business District Redevelopment Agreement with D & D Electric at 15 Poplar Street. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek presented a resolution for the Business District agreement with Hathaway Rentals, LLC at 607 Commercial Street. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve Resolution 26-0416A with Hathaway Rentals, LLC. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek stated the redevelopment agreement was ready to be signed with Hathaway Rentals, LLC. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to authorize Mayor John McPeek to sign the Business District Redevelopment Agreement with Hathaway Rentals, LLC at 607 Commercial Street. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek presented a TIF resolution Stones Outdoor Services at 1001 N. Webster Street. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve Resolution 26-0416B with Stones Outdoor Services. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek stated the redevelopment agreement was ready to be signed with Stones Outdoor Services. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to authorize Mayor John McPeek to sign the Business District Redevelopment Agreement with Stones Outdoor Services. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek stated the council will go into executive session to discuss collective bargaining.

Mayor John McPeek stated the council will go into executive session to discuss personnel.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated Fire Chief John Quisenberry inspected the proposed mobile home application to the council. The mobile home will be installed at 1325 S. Holland Street. He has inspected the site, fees have been paid, and they are ready to proceed. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve the mobile home application for 1325 S. Holland Street. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Attorney Kolby Smithpeters informed the council that the owner of 417 W. Walnut Street wants to deed the property over to the city. The house needs to be torn down. There are no mortgage or liens against the property. There are some back taxes that the homeowner is going to get paid. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to authorize Attorney Kolby Smithpeters to proceed with preparing the paperwork for 417 W. Walnut Street. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to approve Ordinance 1912 for the sale of surplus property located at 125 W. South Street. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve Ordinance 1913 for the sale of surplus property located at 310 Homer Street. 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 approve Ordinance 1914 for the sale of surplus property located at 605 Jackson Street. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Police Chief Nathan Moore discussed the proposed contract with A.R.M.S. Attorney Kolby Smithpeters has reviewed the contract and stated the city is good to proceed. The police department is having issues with the current software. This proposed software will meet the needs of the police department, and it is about $3,000 cheaper. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve the A.R.M.S contract as presented. 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 authorize Mayor John McPeek to sign the A.R.M.S contract. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Police Chief Nathan Moore discussed the secondary employment policy with the council. The changes will allow a police officer to work a part-time job. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Attorney Kolby Smithpeters reviewed the changes and informed Police Chief Nathan Moore the changes are okay. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to amend the secondary employment policy as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek made the motion to authorize the city clerk to advertise for a truck for the Public Property Department. 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 authorize the city clerk to advertise for a proposed splash pad. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried. Mayor John McPeek stated this project is funded by a grant.

Mayor John McPeek reminded everyone of the upcoming public hearing meeting being held on April 30, 2026 at 7:45 a.m. for any questions, comments, or concerns about the new budget.

He stated all the tornado sirens are properly working. He said IDOT will be installing new stop lights throughout the summer.

He announced the upcoming events:

            Movie Night – City Amphitheater – May 08 sponsored by Kotner Title

            Farmers Market starts April 18, 2026

            Public Property Department planted flowers in the uptown pots and around town

            July 4th – Parade starts at 1:00 p.m. and events at the amphitheater to follow

Mayor John McPeek made the motion to go into executive session to discuss collective bargaining and personnel. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Adjourn: 8:25 a.m.

Reconvene: 9:56 a.m.

Mayor John McPeek made the motion to return to open session. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

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.

Mayor John McPeek stated there is no action for collective bargaining or personnel.

Mayor John McPeek made the motion to adjourn to April 30, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Adjourn: 9:57 a.m.