Council Minutes 07-17-25
Harrisburg City Council
City Hall
110 E. Locust Street
Harrisburg, Il 62946
July 17, 2025
8:00 a.m.
The Harrisburg City Council met on July 17, 2025 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.
Mayor John McPeek made the following statement: I want to take a moment to address a concern about the new Christmas decorations the city purchased. I am making the decision to purchase items that are well built, sturdy, and will last for years to come. These decorations are an investment in our community spirit, and they help bring people together.
People are proud to see our town festive and welcoming during the holiday season. This also attracts visitors to our town. I understand not everyone may agree with every decision we make, and I appreciate the feedback. However, I also want to share the overwhelming response from our citizens has been positive. My door is always open for respectful conversations, and I value every opinion – even when we may not see eye to eye.
Pastor Lynette Barnett of the First United Methodist Church led the group in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve the consent agenda.
Special Meeting Minutes – June 20, 2025
Warrant Report & Check Register – June 2025
Sentinel Emergency Solutions - $40,012.00 - #40960 – Business District
Holiday Outdoor Décor - $11,677.50 - #23609 - Business District
Electrical Supply Group - $66.00 - #8523 – Business District
Siegel’s Uniforms - $1,189.84 - #605700-1 – Council Contingency
Siegel’s Uniforms - $72.59 - #606314-1 – Council Contingency
Menards - $440.00 - #3761 – Business District
Door Doctor - $17,758.00 - #35646155 – Business District
Tri-State Business - $4,864.00 - #96172 – Business District
Siegel’s Uniforms - $74.99 - #605169-1 – Council Contingency
Siegel’s Uniforms - $178.48 - #603315-1 – Council Contingency
Siegel’s Uniforms - $943.08 - #607175-1 – Council Contingency
Electrical Supply Group - $66.00 - #8523 – Business District
Energy Culvert - $1900.00 - #2025-06-763 – Business District
Shawnee Square, LLC - $30,000 – Business District
Wiggs Excavating - $136,343.54 - #23-268-04 – 2020 DCEO/RLF Watermain Improvement Project
Brown & Roberts, Inc. - $2,032.10 - #2023-268 – 2020 DCEO/RLF Watermain Improvement Project
Brown & Roberts, Inc. - $2,910.60 - #2025-131 – 2020 DCEO/RLF Watermain ROW Work
CM Renovations - $8,772.91 – Business District
Barnes Lumber - $4,397.75 - #567659 - Business District
Barnes Lumber - $1,235.15 - #567556 - Business District
Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Citizen Wes Baynes spoke to council on behalf of United Medical Response. He wanted to clear up a few comments that have been made regarding United Medical Response. He clarified the fees being charged, they are a regional organization, and he discussed a subsidy. The bid that was submitted was for coverage. He stated there would not be a subsidy for one truck if the city ambulance was assisting.
Les Pickering stood before the council and gave a religious speech. He asked everyone to stop passing judgement.
Mayor John McPeek stated there were a few sealed bid openings at City Hall on July 15, 2025. These bids were opened in the presence of Mayor John McPeek, Commissioner Jonathan Brown, Superintendents Jason Haney, Kenny Mayhall, Jacob Palmer, City Clerk Terri Jenkins, and City Treasurer Alex Jackson.
Mayor John McPeek stated the city received one sealed bid for a truck for public property. The sealed bid is as follows: Jim Hayes, Inc. – Ford F250 - $49,533.00
Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to accept the sealed bid from Jim Hayes, Inc. in the amount of $49,533.00 for a Ford F250 truck for the public property department. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
There were two sealed bids for the fence for the new Bark Park. The sealed bids are as follows: Buck Construction - $8,995.00 and Stones Outdoor Services - $17,000.00
Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to accept the sealed bid from Buck Construction in the amount of $8,995.00 for the fencing for the Bark Park. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
There was one sealed bid for the roof project at the water department. The sealed bid is as follows: Lane Erectors: $36,712.00.
Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to accept the sealed bid from Lane Erectors in the amount of $36,712.00 for the roof project at the water department. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
There was one sealed bid for the road construction project at Commercial St. and Sloan Street. The sealed bid is as follows: AR Martin - $287,350.00. Superintendent Kenny Mayhall stated the bid came in much higher than expected. This is a large project which butts up to an IDOT road. He would like to get with Brown and Roberts, Inc. to look at all options and how to get the project completed. The council agrees to work with Brown and Roberts, Inc. and agreed to table this project.
Mayor John McPeek stated the potholes must be filled, and he asked if MFT money can be used for this project. Jim Brown responded that the city must get a section number and develop plans and specs, and this will not be done this year. Mayor John McPeek stated some of the alleys can be done at another time. Jim Brown said the MFT program can be modified, but the city will still have to go through the proper process.
Commissioner Rupert Johnson said the city should stop spending business district funds and the city should not be paying for mowing the cemetery. He said the cemetery was getting mowed with the employees. Commissioner Jonathan Brown said the city did not have to hire additional staff for mowing. Mayor John McPeek said the cemetery was not getting properly mowed. Mayor John McPeek stated the council agreed to bid out the mowing.
Attorney Kolby Smithpeters presented an ordinance regarding the use of E-bikes. This has been an ongoing issue with the city. There are to be no motorized vehicles on the bike path. Illinois has three classes of E-bikes. He discussed each class. The ordinance will read that engines must be off when on the bike path. There is a 15-mph speed limit. The supplier is required to put a sticker on there with the state regulations.
Mayor John will reach out to the owners of the bike stores and provide them with the ordinance along with a memo. The store owners can present the ordinance to the purchaser of the E-bike. It is a shame that there are several people who have no respect for pedestrians or motor vehicles. There should be no motorized vehicles on the bike path. Commissioner Roger Angelly said there are several individuals who own an E-bike and it is their only form of transportation. Mayor John McPeek would like to post speed limit signs. Commissioner Roger Angelly stated there are a lot of regular bikers on the bike path. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve Ordinance 1922. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Attorney Kolby Smithpeters presented an ordinance regarding the fines for animal control. There is an animal running at large problem in the city. The fines are being increased as described in the ordinance that was presented. The fines are being increased by the new ordinance. Commissioner Roger Angelly asked who gets fined. Attorney Kolby Smithpeters stated if a citizen feeds the animals, they are considered the owner. Mayor John McPeek sat in a meeting which addressed the animals at large. Th Friends of Animal Control is working hard on this project. A harsher fine may make the owner become more responsible. The ticket issued will be per animal. Commissioner Rupert Johnson said there is a gray area because of the stray cats. Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated there is no room at the current animal shelter. Everyone agrees this will not fix the problem, there but it might help.
Mayor John McPeek stated the City of Harrisburg is not required to hire an animal control person. The county is responsible for animal control, but the city takes care of it. Commissioner Roger Angelly stated our person has a full-time job and is not available all the time. He suggested hiring a full-time employee for animal control. Commissioner Raymond Gunning suggest having an animal control/parking officer. This can be looked into as this ordinance will not fix the problem. Mayor John McPeek stated the current ordinance reads individuals are only allowed up to four cats. Mayor John McPeek stated the county is building a bigger facility. The council tabled this discussion.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated a police officer has left and another office will become a member of the drug task force. Commissioner Raymond Gunning is requesting names for new hires. Merit Board member Bill Johnston informed the council the Merit Board conducted testing on June 14, 2025. There is a list of three qualified applicants. The names are as follows: Brett Winters, Luke Schimp, and Zach Flannigan.
Merit Board member Bill Johnston informed the council that on June 07, 2025 they conducted testing for a promotion for a sergeant’s position. The qualified officer is Mike Stover.
Mayor John McPeek stated SI Workwear has submitted a TIF Façade grant application. He will be installing a new digital sign. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve the TIF Façade grant application from SI Workwear. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek announced the city has received the deed at 125 W. South Street. The house burned and now we need to clean up the debris that was left on this property. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to authorize the city clerk to advertise for sealed bids for the demolition of 125 W. South Street. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Connie Humm submitted a mobile home application for 208 E. Ford St. The application fee and security deposit have been paid. Fire Chief John Gunning stated she can proceed. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve the mobile home application from Connie Humm on 208 E. Ford Street. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Jonathan Brown stated the annual NPDES fee is due. The $17,500 fee is for FY 2026 billing of sludge and domestic sewage. Commissioner Jonathan Brown made the motion to pay the annual NPDES fee of $17,500 in protest. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes, except Commissioner Rupert Johnson voting no. Motion carried.
Commissioner Jonathan Brown discussed the proposal from Civic Plus. The code book has not been properly updated since 2008. This company will update the code book, ensure that our ordinances are following state statute. The ordinances will be published online for citizens to access.
The fee will be paid in out of the general fund in four phases over a period of eighteen months. The fee to complete the process is $16,070 and the required annual fee is $2,650. All the information has been submitted to Civic Plus to begin the process.
Commissioner Jonathan Brown made the motion to approve the contract with Civic Plus in the amount of $18,720. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes, except Commissioner Rupert Johnson voting no. Motion carried.
Commissioner Jonathan Brown stated it is time for non-contractual pay increases. He has waited to present a pay increase due to contract negotiations and the budget. He and city treasurer Alex Jackson were able to budget .50 for the non-contractual employees. Commissioner Jonathan Brown made the motion to approve the .50 non-contractual pay increase for FY 26 and FY 27 retroactive to May 01, 2025. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes, except Commissioner Raymond Gunning abstaining from the Fire Chief increase. Motion carried.
Commissioner Jonathan Brown reminded everyone to wait on purchasing out of the business district fund. He said some great projects have been completed and new items have been purchased but hold off on making any additional purchases in case there is an emergency.
Commissioner Jonathan Brown asked if the city received the grant money and has the city received the contract for the drug task program. Police Chief Nathan Moore stated the contract has not been signed yet. The officer is only working with the task force one day a week and is still working full-time for the city. He has not received the contract yet.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to hire Brett Winters effective August 16, 2025 at the starting rate per the FOP contract. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried. This new hire is replacing Logan Leverett.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to hire Luke Schimp effective August 16, 2025 at the starting rate per the FOP contract. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried. This new hire is replacing the employee entering the Drug Task Force.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to promote Police Officer Michael Stover as Police Sergent effective July 17, 2025. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to appoint Police Sergeant Zach Popetz to Deputy Chief of Police effective immediately. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Superintendent Jason Haney discussed installing additional cameras at the gate and water office. This is to be on the north side of the building facing east which gets all electrical panels and air conditioner. The other camera is for the new fuel station installed. The last camera is to go on the corner of the water office to show the Veterans Drive entrance gate. If this does not work, a flock camera can be installed for license plate purposes. People have been caught illegally dumping. This will help eliminate that problem. Superintendent Jason Haney suggests putting a camera facing the amphitheater. Mayor John McPeek asked Superintendent Jason Haney to get a proposal for a camera at the amphitheater.
Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to put security cameras up for the Veterans Drive gate, fuel station and water office. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Roger Angelly commended Mayor John McPeek on buying the new Christmas decorations. These will last longer, and he appreciates his efforts.
Commissioner Rupert Johnson made the motion to authorize the city clerk to advertise for sealed bids for the sidewalk projects. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Rupert Johnson held an open discussion with the council regarding the ambulance. He would like to change the ordinance on lift assist from the Fire Department. He does not want to charge the citizens within the City of Harrisburg for lift assistance. The taxpayers already pay the Fire Department and this is double charging. Commissioner Raymond Gunning agrees with not charging for lift assistance. Mayor John McPeek stated Attorney Kolby Smithpeters will draft an ordinance for the next meeting.
Superintendent Kenny Mayhall discussed the Illinois State Routes to School Program. This program is 100% funded and there is no required local match. The projects must be within a two-mile radius of a school campus. The infrastructure projects may include sidewalk improvements. The maximum award per project will be $250,000. He would like to work with Brown and Roberts on this grant. These roads by the schools are falling apart and each intersection must be ADA accessible. If the city receives this grant, the MFT money will go farther. The applications are due by October 13, 2025.
Commissioner Rupert Johnson made the motion to authorize Brown and Roberts, Inc. to begin the application process for the Illinois State Routes to School Program. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek stated his department needs a new skid steer. Their skid steer has finally worn out. Mayor John McPeek made the motion to authorize the city clerk to advertise for sealed bids for a skid street for public property. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek requested the council to change the time of the August 07, 2025 council meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Mayor John McPeek made the motion to change the time of the August 07, 2025 council meeting to 8:00 a.m. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek thanked everyone who attended the July 4th celebration at the amphitheater. There was a huge turnout, the fireworks were excellent, the food trucks did well, and it was a great time. Next year the country will be 250 years old, and the city is looking to do a parade and bigger fireworks show.
In September, we have something planned each weekend. Please attend the Farmers Market. There have been great vendors with a large turnout. The mural will start on July 29, which is great.
The 5th Annual Sasquatch Festival is October 04, 2025 and we are working on it every day. There are fifty-five craft vendors signed up so far.
Police Chief Nathan Moore has a concern that one of the eligible candidates for the police position will not take the position. Attorney Kolby Smithpeters stated it would be okay to offer it to the third eligible candidate. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to hire Zach Flannigan if one of the candidates does not accept the job. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek announced the retirement of John Meadows. He thanked John Meadows for his service, he was a great employee, and he will be missed.
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: 8:54 a.m.