Special Meeting Minutes - 07/02/26

Harrisburg City Council

Special Meeting

City Hall

110 E. Locust Street

Harrisburg, Il 62946

July 02, 2026

8:00 a.m.

The Harrisburg City Council met on July 02, 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 roll call.

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

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

Sullivan Lawn Care - $4,650.00 - #5078 - Business District

Sullivan Lawn Care - $4,650.00 - #5114 - Business District

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

There was an open discussion regarding the mini excavator. The motor has gone out in the Public Property mini excavator. Superintendent Jacob Palmer has talked to Little Tractor about a leasing option.

Commissioner Rupert Johnson stated he has gotten some information about putting a new motor in the current excavator. The motor and installation will cost around $8,000 - $10,000. There were discussions regarding borrowing an excavator until a decision is made, leasing a machine, a new machine, doing installation of the motor in-house, or allowing Extreme Welding do the installation if a new motor is purchased.

The council discussed digging graves. Superintendent Jacob Palmer said the Street/Alley does not have the right size bucket to dig a grave. The grave needs to be dug with a smaller bucket such as a 36” bucket. Commissioner Roger Angelly suggested buying a smaller bucket. Commissioner Roger Angelly suggested using a two-foot bucket and buckets can be rented.

Superintendent Kenny Mayhall said he will try to get a smaller bucket to dig the graves. Superintendent Jacob Palmer suggested giving the grave digging back to the funeral homes. Mayor John McPeek stated the city makes money by digging the graves. Commissioner Rupert Johnson said the funeral homes will incorporate the price into their fees and some families cannot afford the cost of a burial as it is. The council agreed to continue to dig graves, and Commissioner Roger Angelly said he will help if needed.

Commissioner Roger Angelly’s concern about installing a new motor was there is no way to know if the motor is the only problem with the excavator. He said there could be many things wrong with it, and he hates putting money into something that needs additional repairs. He suggested Dean Reid look at the equipment and allow him to give his opinion on what needs to be done before making any decisions. Commissioner Roger Angelly stated maintenance is important when it comes to equipment. Superintendent Jacob Palmer assured the council the equipment is being maintained and on schedule.

Commissioner Jonathan Brown asked if the department needed a brand new one. He stated if it is not used that much, can a used one be purchased. Commissioner Rupert Johnson stated the city does not have the funds to buy a new one. Superintendent Jacob Palmer said he does not know everything that is wrong with the current excavator.

The council decided not to enter into a lease agreement with Little Tractor at this time. Superintendent Jacob Palmer will call and get a new motor ordered, and Superintendent Kenny Mayhall’s department will help with dig graving until the excavator is ready for use.

Commissioner Roger Angelly made the motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Adjourn: 8:25 a.m.