Illinois Valley Times

City of Marseilles City Council met Jan. 15

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of the City of Marseilles met in the City Chamber of City Hall at the hour of 6:00 P.M. on January 15, 2025.

Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Roll call showed the following present: Mayor Hollenbeck, Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, and Buckingham. Absent: None.

Public hearing regarding General Obligation Bond not to exceed $395,000.

Tom Duttlinger was asked to read a memo City Engineer Mike Etscheid wrote. The memo explained what the bond money will be used for. Funds will be used towards Safe Routes to School Grant, Osland Grant, $100,000 towards streets, and Rutland Street project. Cheryl O’Brian asked if the bond money would go into a separate fund. Cathi McMickens would like to see the city grant funds awarded the actual amount spent on the project, no overspending. Commissioner Buckingham asked if any of the grant funds will be used on 200 Riverfront Drive. Public Heading closed at 6:15 P.M.

Moved by Commissioner Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Small that the minutes from the Council meeting of January 2, 2025 be approved as displayed and waive a reading of the minutes. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: Commissioner Scheib.

Mayor Hollenbeck addressed the audience regarding public comments. He asked for a calm and respectful meeting.

Cathi McMickens apologized for saying the word dang at the last meeting. Cathi said the word public service is a position of trust and asked the council not to abuse their positions.

Scott Ford Damnjanovic let the council know he signed an NDA with Constellation earlier in the day. Asked Commissioner Small and Commissioner Kaminski to meet him after the council meeting to talk.

Moved by Commissioner Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Small that the accounts payable for the first half of January in the amount of $89,152.65 be approved and a warrant be drawn on the City Treasury for the said amount. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: Commissioner Scheib.

Moved by Commissioner Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that the payroll for the first half of January in the amount of $99,600.32 be approved and a warrant be drawn on the City Treasury for said amount. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None.

Commissioner Scheib asked when communications started with Constellation. Had FOIA paperwork showing it was in 2023.

Moved by Commissioner Schieb seconded by Commissioner Kaminski that Resolution 2025-1, a resolution for maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code be adopted. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Schieb seconded by Commissioner Small that pay estimate #1 to Universal Asphalt in the amount of $79,450.65 for the 2024 Street Program be approved. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Schieb seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that pay estimate #2 to Universal Asphalt in the amount of $196,823.60 for the 2024 Street Program be approved. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Buckingham seconded by Commissioner Small that pay estimate #2 to Conley Excavating in the amount of $101,860.65 for Broadway Park be approved. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck.

Nays: Commissioner Schieb.

Mayor Hollenbeck addressed a question from a previous meeting regarding a “water contamination lawsuit” listed on a legal bill. The city was asked to join a AAAFoam suit.

After reviewing the request with Attorney Cantlin they decided not to join. Also, answered a previous question regarding issues with the drinking water. The IEPA was in Marseilles following around a few employees to verify the city is properly testing the drinking water.

Moved by Commissioner Small seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that the City Council adjourns at 6:40 P.M.. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None.

https://www.cityofmarseilles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Minutes-1-15-25.doc.pdf