Illinois Valley Times

City of Marseilles City Council met June 18

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 June 18, 2025.

Pledge of Allegiance was said.

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

Moved by Commissioner Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Small that the minutes from the Council meeting of June 4, 2025 be approved as displayed and placed on file and dispense with reading of the minutes. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None.

Denise Parini asked when her questions will be answered that she submitted at the last council meeting 6/4/2025. Mayor Hollenbeck said he will work on the response. She also asked if the tax exemption was filed for 200 Riverfront Drive. Corporate council said they’re working on submitting the required paperwork. Commissioner Kaminski stated the taxes for 2024 have not been paid, however taxes for year 2023 were paid per the sales agreement. Commissioner Kaminski gave Denise Parini the sales agreement for 200 Riverfront Drive.

Moved by Commissioner Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that the accounts payable for the first half of June in the amount of $314,152.56 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 Small that the payroll for the first half of June in the amount of $98,896.78 be approved and a warrant be drawn on the City Treasury for said amount. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None. Abstain: Commissioner Scheib.

Moved by Commissioner Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Small that the operating budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 be approved. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: Commissioner Scheib.

Commissioner Small announced the Fun Day’s is coming up June 23-29, 2025. She went over a list of events throughout the week. The police department is hosting a bike safety rodeo on July 19th from 10-2 P.M. There are 50 spots available, to sign up fill out a form which is in the lobby of the police department. Officer Budach will be doing the demonstrations and lunch will be offered.

Commissioner Scheib said in recent public comments, both in the council minute and city of Marseilles Facebook the Mayor mentioned he is responsible for a toxic work environment at City Hall and the many thousands of dollars spend on foia related expenses. Commissioner Scheib said the foia expenses in question stemmed from a document that was released last summer to a private citizen. He said the document conducted by a third party found Mayor Hollenbeck created a toxic work environment at City Hall. He said several recommendations intended to prevent future harm to city employees, none of the recommendations have been implemented. He said he asked the council to follow those recommendations, instead he said he was publicly blamed, dismissed and personally attacked. He said he never had access to the documents and offered to sign an affidavit. He said he would like to see the city function in a healthy transparent and lawful manner. Commissioner Scheib asked to install a slow down children at play sign on Wallace Street since people are avoiding Broadway Street due to the park.

Commissioner Buckingham asked everyone to pay their respects to the men and women on the memorial wall. He said to enjoy Freedom Run event and to stay cool during the hot temperatures.

Moved by Commissioner Buckingham seconded by Commissioner Scheib that the city authorizes PPI to repair leaking sewer on Pacific Street at a cost of approximately $65,630.00. 7 sewer lines will be repaired. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Buckingham seconded by Commissioner Small that change order 2 provides a handicap safe area for the handicap swing in the amount of $51,420.00 for Broadway Park be approved. A map of where the handicap swing will be located was passed out. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Buckingham seconded by Commissioner Kaminski that change order #3 provides a handicap accessible bathroom and installation in the amount of $108,432.00 for Broadway Park be approved. Commissioner Small feels the cost is too high for the bathroom. She asked if there are other quotes for the bathroom. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: Commissioner Small and Commissioner Scheib.

Moved by Commissioner Small seconded by Commissioner Kaminski that the City Council adjourns. Ayes: Commissioners Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None

https://www.cityofmarseilles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Minutes-6-18-25.doc.pdf