Special Minutes 01-20-26

Harrisburg City Council

Special Meeting

City Hall

110 E. Locust Street

Harrisburg, Il 62946

January 20, 2026

8:00 a.m.

The Harrisburg City Council met on January 20, 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 the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated Fire Chief John Gunning’s last working day is February 15, 2026 and his retirement date is July 29, 2026. Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to accept the Fire Chief’s resignation of July 29, 2026. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Jonathan Brown asked if the Fire Chief was using vacation and personal time. He asked if the Fire Chief would be using sick time. Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated the council allowed Rick Mallady to use sick time. Commissioner Raymond Gunning said he would get paid one way or another, so it doesn’t make a difference. The city clerk stated he will remain on health insurance through July. Commissioner Jonathan Brown wanted to make sure the new fire chief would not be hired until after July. Commissioner Raymond Gunning agreed.

Arik Woolard spoke on behalf of the firefighters. They thanked Fire Chief John Gunning for over 35 years of service and wish him well on his future ventures. They would like to congratulate Captain Quisenberry on his promotion. The union does not see a need to advertise the position of Fire Chief until it is first offered to John Quisenberry. The position of Police Chief was not advertised, and it was offered to and accepted by a HPD senior officer. In order to be fair, they are asking for the same treatment. The union is supporting John Quisenberry to be the next Fire Chief when Fire Chief John Gunning has officially retired.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated the council agreed to hold an interview process. Commissioner Jonathan Brown thought it was for new hires and not for promotions. Commissioner Raymond Gunning wants it to be fair for anyone who wants to apply. The firefighters wanted the council to know they support John Quisenberry as the next Fire Chief. Commissioner Raymond Gunning said he will take that into consideration.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to authorize the city clerk to advertise for the Fire Chief position. The applications can be picked up at City Hall and must be returned no later than 3:00 p.m. on March 02, 2026. Commissioner Jonathan Brown asked if the hire was for July? Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated yes and there will be an interview process. This would be fair.

Commissioner Rupert Johnson said that it is only for new hires. Commissioner Raymond Gunning said the Fire Chief would be a new hire. Commissioner Rupert Johnson disagreed. Commissioner Rupert Johnson said there is no need to advertise. Mayor John McPeek said they should promote within.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning retracted his motion. Commissioner Raymond Gunning thanked the Fire Chief.  He has been with the city since 1987. He has spent 37+ years with the city. Congratulations.

Commissioner Roger Angelly asked stated the city could advertise if the Assistant Fire Chief declines the position of Fire Chief. Mayor John McPeek the council could appoint John Quisenberry effective August 01, 2026. Fire Chief John Gunning stated historically the person who was promoted to Fire Chief was the Assistant Chief. Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated John Quisenberry had some concerns and issues, it wouldn’t hurt to have additional people on the list of new hires.

Commissioner Raymond Gunning made the motion to appoint John Quisenberry as the Assistant Fire Chief effective February 16, 2026 with his pay to be according to the contract. Seconded by Commissioner Rupert Johnson. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.

Mayor John McPeek swore John Quisenberry in as Assistant Chief.

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: 8:13 a.m.