Illinois Valley Times

City of Marseilles City Council met Aug. 6

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 August 6, 2025.

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

Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Moved by Commissioner Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that the minutes from the Council meeting of July 16, 2025 be approved as displayed and placed on file. Motion by Commissioner Scheib seconded by Commissioner Small to amend the minutes. New language, Commissioner Scheib stated that he has asked for an investigation into the release of the Rogers HR Report to a member of the public.

Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck.

Nays: None.

Chris McKinnon thanked the council for tabling the one hauler garbage ordinance. Chris said he would like to see the meetings recorded.

Denise Parini addressed the council regarding tax exemption issues at 200 Riverfront Drive. Denise requested that the council place a motion on the next agenda to approve reinstating the Middle East Memorial Wall donation boxes. Corporate councilor explained the current joint agreement for the memorial wall. She further suggested creating a new contract, as one of the original parties is no longer involved. Pete Hall said he will be selling his home in Marseilles and thanked the people of Marseilles for great memories. Jeff Owens asked if the speed bumps currently located on Broadway Park could be relocated to the beginning of the park. He also requested moving the stop sign to the beginning of the park and adding a painted crosswalk along with a warning sign. Jeff presented a picture to the council regarding the repairs on Ryall Street. He asked why there is a break in the curb and why the city did not extend the curb and sidewalk an additional 10 feet to allow for an accessible sidewalk. Jeff asked for an update on Rutland Street painting. Jeff asked how the city determines which streets are selected for repair or replacement. Brad Miller asked why individuals from outside of town are submitting numerous FOIA requests and expressed concern that this is costing Marseilles taxpayers a significant amount of money.

Moved by Commissioner Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that the accounts payable for the last half of July in the amount of $285,761.16 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 Schieb.

Moved by Commissioner Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that the payroll for the last half of July in the amount of $93,470.25 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.

Commissioner Small said the Marseilles firemen’s car show will be held August 9, 2025 at 5 P.M. – 9 P.M. She reminded residents to clean up their grass clippings after mowing.

The police department did a traffic study on Tolin Street. Chief Gordon reported that his department patrolled the area for 2 hours and 43 minutes, with an average speed of 19 miles per hour and a maximum speed of 24 miles per hour. He stated that the department will be increasing police presence in the area. Commissioner Small thanked her department for all their hard work on National Night Out. Commissioner Small read a statement, expressing that she enjoys witnessing her department’s growth and hearing employees affirm that she is exactly where she belongs as a commissioner.

Commissioner Scheib had the City Clerk open and read sealed bids for the 2025 street resurfacing program. There were 3 sealed bids presented, lowest bid will be awarded at the next council meeting on 8/20/25.

Commissioner Scheib asked who placed the Republic garbage newsletter in the water and sewer bills. Mayor Hollenbeck said he authorized the insert in the water bills.

Commissioner Scheib stated that he requested the city attorney to provide a FOIA redaction policy. Commissioner Scheib said he spoke with the Streets Department head, and they will be painting handicapped parking spots at 200 Riverfront Drive.

Commissioner Buckingham said the swimming pool has a loss of $8,675 but will remain open until Labor Day. Commissioner Buckingham stated that he is not taking sides but hopes both parties will drop the current pending lawsuit involving Commissioner Scheib, the City of Marseilles, Mayor Hollenbeck and City Hall employees.

Moved by Commissioner Buckingham seconded by Commissioner Small that the 4th and final payment to Conley Excavating in the amount of $132,389.50 for Broadway Park be approved. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck.

Nays: Commissioner Scheib. The city is still responsible for paying for the handicap swing and the restroom, even thought the motion states “final payment”. Final payment requires approval from the State of Illinois in order to receive the grant funds. The restroom and handicap swing will be paid for and installed later.

Moved by Mayor Hollenbeck seconded by Commissioner Kaminski that Ordinance 1889, an ordinance granting a conditional use permit for 390 Lincoln Street be adopted. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None.

City Engineer Mike Etscheid said the sealed bids from Universal Asphalt, Advanced Excavation, and D Construction for the 2025 street program were over the estimated amount. Mike said he will tabulate the sealed bids, and the contractor will be awarded at the next council meeting. Mike suggested removing the speed bumps on Broadway Street and painting a yellow crosswalk.

Moved by Commissioner Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Small that the City Council adjourns at 7:12 P.M. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None.

https://www.cityofmarseilles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Minutes-8-6-25.docx.pdf