Minutes 08-21-25
Harrisburg City Council
City Hall
110 E. Locust Street
Harrisburg, Il 62946
August 21, 2025
8:00 a.m.
The Harrisburg City Council met on August 21, 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.
Pastor Jerry Wells from the Dorrisville Social Brethren Church led the group in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve the consent agenda.
Regular Meeting Minutes – August 07, 2025
Saline County Highway Dept. - $16,417.35 - #080125 - MFT
Moran Economic Dev. - $1,190.00 - #2766 – TIF
Security Alarm Corp. - $22,730.03 - $229174 – Business District
Security Alarm Corp. - $7,816.03 - #233138 – Business District
Terry Johnson - $48.72 - #0725 – Business District
Seigel’s Uniforms - $70.00 - #610014-1 – Council Contingency - FD
Sentinel Emergency - $448.00 - #44421 – Council Contingency - FD
Artsco - $12,250.00 - #2 Final Mural - DCEO Energy Transition Grant
FSBCC - $156.87 - #321 – Council Contingency – PD
Hammacher Schlemmer – $1,367.79 - Business District
Siegel’s Uniforms - $1,554.80 - #609456-1 – Council Contingency – PD
Siegel’s Uniforms - $1,704.71 - #609455-1 – Council Contingency – PD
Ray O’Herron - $98.39 - #3233037 – Council Contingency – PD
Ray O’Herron - $102.72 - #3252044 – Council Contingency – PD
Ray O’Herron - $194.33 - #3252197 – Council Contingency – PD
Ray O’Herron - $421.00 - #3252044 – Council Contingency – PD
Ray O’Herron - $327.66 - #3252044 – Council Contingency – PD
Tison & Hall Concrete - $12.00 - #128788 – TIF
We The People Roofing & More, LLC - $10,000 - #081825 – Business District
Harrisburg Hardware - $6.31 - #5168 – Business District
Harrisburg Hardware - $20.67 - #5129 – Business District
Wilson Kitchen Cabinets - $4,000.00 - #25-1033 – Business District
Relinquish Lake Lot – L. Potts – 4th Add, Lot 11
Petition Lake Lot – V. Horton - 4th Add, Lot 11
Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Citizen Nathan Hayes spoke before the council regarding a letter he received from Mayor John McPeek who is also the liquor commissioner. Citizen Hayes asked Mayor John McPeek if he had the information they had discussed. Mayor John McPeek stated citizen Hayes would need to submit a FOIA to the police secretary to obtain any records. Citizen Hayes stated many of the phone calls to the police department come from him or his employee’s requesting assistance. He has proof showing where he has asked for police patrols. The local law enforcement is welcome to do walk throughs of his establishment and parking lot.
He stated residents have called the police on his business and those calls have been false complaints. The council all had the letter to which citizen Hayes was discussing. Mayor John McPeek stated the Chief of Police gave him the report and the police did respond on the date in question. Citizen Hayes stated his employees did not serve underage individuals.
He stated he never received the first notice regarding unlawful gun fire. He requested a copy of that letter. The letter regarding the gunfire was read aloud. Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated gun shell casings were found in the parking lot of his business. He discussed an alleged fight, and he stated it was not on his property. He stated these are just allegations.
Citizen Hayes stated his establishment has been broken into four times and no arrest has been made. Commissioner Raymond Gunning asked if he has video footage. Citizen Hayes said he gave any evidence to the police department.
He discussed donating money to his community. He said everyone is welcome to his bar if you have respect for yourself and others. He asked if other establishments such as Morello’s, Pub or Centerfield have ever received letter regarding any incidents. Mayor John McPeek stated that those establishments have not received letters. He asked why his establishment is the only one receiving letters. He feels like it is hostile, defamation, targeting, harassment, discrimination, and hate. He feels like he is being punished for alleged incidents. Mayor John McPeek said he sent the letter based on the information he received from the police department.
Mayor John McPeek also stated he received a message from a woman who was beat up in the parking lot of JoJo’s, has photos, she was taken to the hospital, she did not file a police report, but the emergency room did file a report. Her head was gashed open. Citizen Hayes said a group of ladies did attack her and the attacker is on the list of individuals not allowed in his bar. Mayor McPeek stated that is the reason you get letters because these types of incidents.
Citizen Hayes asked if other reports have been given to the mayor. Mayor John McPeek said he has not received reports regarding any issues at Morello’s. Mayor John McPeek said he just does not want any fighting or underage drinking. He urged Citizen Hayes to always check ID’s and card everyone who walks in. Mayor John McPeek said he does not want to shut down the business, but he wants peace and please check IDs. Commissioner Raymond Gunning suggested citizen Hayes call the sheriff’s department asking for individuals to be removed from his property. He said dispatch is for everyone involved in law enforcement.
Mayor John McPeek said anytime there is an incident or underage drinker, please call law enforcement. Citizen Hayes asked if the city would remove the warning because he thinks this is a paper trail to get him out because of a new incoming bar. He said he will sell if he is not welcome in Harrisburg. Mayor John McPeek said he is welcome in Harrisburg, but no fighting or underage drinking. If he finds out it is happening in other bars, he will address the issue and send them a letter.
Citizen Hayes said someone was shot at the pub, three ambulances at Centerfield, and he is confused why there was no warning sent to them. Mayor John McPeek said he did not receive a report about those incidents.
Commissioner Roger Angelly stated a sit-down meeting could resolve some of the issues. He wants to have a business in Harrisburg. Citizen Hayes said he does not want a business in Harrisburg. He asked if the city would remove the warnings. Mayor John McPeek said he will have a conversation with citizen Hayes.
Citizen David Peckinpaugh addressed the homeless issues in his neighborhood. He said there are numerous homeless camps set up. They have received two citations for having an illegal structure. They receive one yesterday, the homeless individual cussed out the police office and threw the ticket on the ground. They are throwing trash in the ditch, and the water department is cleaning it up. This area is on Club Street and National Street.
The owner is allowing these homeless individuals to live on that property. They were properly removed from another property, but now they are staying on this lot. They have stolen shopping carts which have been retrieved. There is trash everywhere. Citizen Peckinpaugh has a business in that area, and it is going to be hard to operate his business with the area looking so bad.
Mayor John McPeek stated the public property superintendent has picked up trash, the owner has picked up trash, but they need to leave the area. Commissioner Jonathan Brown suggests giving the citation to the property owner. These individuals had the incident with the Medicine Shoppe dumpster.
Citizen Peckinpaugh suggests making changes to the current ordinance. Mayor John McPeek said there is an ordinance stating you cannot live in a camper or tent. Attorney Kolby Smithpeters said if the landowner gives people permission to live on the property, there is nothing that can be done. He said the city has an ordinance stating no tents or campers are a livable space.
Attorney Kolby Smithpeters states that if you issue a ticket for trash to the landowner, you will have to prove it was their trash. Commissioner Roger Angelly would like to address the issue with the property owner. There is no running water or electricity on these lots the homeless individuals are attempting to live on. He suggests creating the necessary ordinance. Attorney Kolby Smithpeters said he will look into the issue and see if an ordinance can be created. Commissioner Jonathan Brown said if the ordinance is being violated, the property owner should receive the citation. Commissioner Rupert Johnson said the ordinance will not address the homeless problem.
Fire Chief John Gunning said these individuals relocate to different locations, but the problem is when the landowner gives them permission to stay on the property. Mayor John McPeek said the council and city attorney will look at the ordinances and try to come up with a solution. Commissioner Roger Angelly said we need to address the homeless problem. He wants to find out what we can do, and we cannot have businesses being hurt by the homeless matter. Mayor John McPeek said it is a problem in our surrounding counties as well. He has talked to other mayors about homelessness issues.
Mayor John McPeek stated there was a sealed bid opening for the sidewalk projects at City Hall on Tuesday August 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. The following individuals were in attendance: Mayor John McPeek, City Clerk, City Treasurer, and Superintendent Kenny Mayhall.
The sealed bids for the sidewalk projects are as follows:
Hayes Construction: $26,800.00
AR Martin: $15,973.00
Commissioner Rupert Johnson made the motion to accept the sealed bids for the sidewalk projects from AR Martin in the amount of $15,973.00. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Fire Chief John Gunning informed the council that the mobile home installation at 208 E. Ford Street is completed and is eligible for their deposit refund of $500.00. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve the deposit refund for 208 E. Ford Street in the amount of $500.00. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek stated OOTD, LLC has completed their TIF Façade project and is eligible for their reimbursement of $5,000.00. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to approve the Façade reimbursement to OOTD, LLC for $5,000.00. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek stated he should have more information about the Provalus project in the future and tabled this discussion.
The city is still waiting for the third contract for the drug task force program; therefore, the council tabled this discussion until Attorney Kolby Smithpeters can review the third contract.
City Treasurer Alex Jackson discussed the Illinois Loan Debt Recovery Program with the council. This program will allow the city to recoup any debt owed to the city such as water bills.
Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to authorize City Treasurer Alex Jackson to proceed with the Illinois Loan Debt Recovery Program. Seconded by Commissioner Jonathan Brown. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Fire Chief John Gunning presented an application for a mobile home from Joey and Tina Younger. He has inspected the site; application fee and deposit have been paid. They are ready to proceed. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to accept the mobile home application from Joey and Tina Younger. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek presented the parking lease agreement between the city, county, and Presbyterian Church. This agreement states the city, and county will be allowed to use the lot in exchange for the upkeep of the lot. The city and county will take turns each year snow plowing the lot. The church is requesting additional maintenance to the parking lot. It is suggested to meet with the church and county to determine the scope of the maintenance. The council tabled this discussion until talking to the other parties involved.
There was an open discussion regarding the current animal control ordinance. The ordinance needs to be revised and include more strict guidelines. Attorney Kolby Smithpeters has been reviewing the laws regarding animals running at large. He will have more information for the council at a later date.
Mayor John McPeek stated the council will go into executive session to review the executive session minutes from January 2025 through May 2025.
Mayor John McPeek stated the council will go into executive session to discuss property acquisition.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning announced the police department has a retired squad car that he would like to donate to Spillertown. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to donate the retired squad car to Spillertown. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Mayor John McPeek reminded the citizens of the upcoming events:
Sasquatch Movie Night at the city amphitheater – September 06 starting at 7:00 p.m. with
Popcorn being sponsored by Legence Bank.
Sasquatch Jeep Run – September 13. Early registration is at City Hall, or you can register
the day of the event at the Elks Lodge starting at 8:30 a.m.
Sasquatch Soccer Tournament – September 14, 2025 at Taylor Field. Registration starts at
Noon and play begins at 1:00 p.m.
Sasquatch Golf Tournament – September 27 at Shawnee Hills Country Club. The
Tournament is full but come out and enjoy the day with us.
Sasquatch Friday Night Kick Off Event – October 03 at the Deer Shed. He will have live
Music and outdoor games.
5th Annual Shawnee Sasquatch Festival – October 04
Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to go into executive session to review executive session minutes from January 2025 through May 2025 and property acquisition. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Adjourn: 8:47 a.m.
Reconvene: 9:15 a.m.
Mayor John McPeek made the motion to return to open session. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote 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.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to open the following executive session: January 16, 2025, February 06, 2025, February 20, 2025, March 06, 2025, April 03, 2025, and April 30, 2025; however, May 15, 2025 will remain closed. Seconded by Commissioner Roger Angelly. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
There was nothing to discuss regarding property acquisition.
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: 9:16 a.m.