Illinois Valley Times

City of Marseilles City Council met Aug. 20

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 20, 2025.

Roll call showed the following present: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, and Buckingham. Absent: Mayor Hollenbeck.

Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that the minutes from the Council meeting of August 6, 2025 be approved as displayed and placed on file and dispense with the reading of the minutes. Motion by Commissioner Scheib seconded by Commissioner Buckingham to amend the minutes. New language, Per ordinance Commissioner Scheib had the City Clerk open and read sealed bids for the 2025 street resurfacing program. Ayes: Commissioner Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski. Nays: None.

Public Comment:

Per Commissioner Scheib’s request, the minutes shall state, “Cheryl O'Brien request for an extended time, my motion to extend, and Commissioner Buckingham a second, with the Chair and Attorney Cantlin rejecting the motion”

Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that the accounts payable for the first half of August in the amount of $149,373.06 be approved and a warrant be drawn on the City Treasury for the said amount. Ayes: Commissioner Small, Buckingham, and Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski. Nays: Commissioner Schieb.

Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Small that the payroll for the first half of August in the amount of $95,659.12 be approved and a warrant be drawn on the City Treasury for said amount. Ayes: Commissioner Small, Buckingham, and Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski. Nays: None. Abstain: Commissioner Scheib.

Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Small that the financial audit from Hopkins and Associates be approved. Ayes: Commissioner Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski. Nays: None.

Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski that the financial audit proposal from Hopkins and Associates in the amount of $22,000 be approved. Ayes: Commissioner Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski. Nays: None.

Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski seconded by Commissioner Small that it be authorized to advertise for sale of property on 142 Lincoln Street and 209 Lincoln Street.

Ayes: Commissioner Small and Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski. Nays: Commissioner Scheib and Commissioner Buckingham.

Commissioner Buckingham asked how much the buildings were appraised for. Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski stated that 209 Lincoln Street was appraised at $270,000 and 142 Lincoln Street at $145,000. Commissioner Buckingham said he voted no because when a new council is elected, the board may want to move back to 209 Lincoln Street and 142 Lincoln Street. He said he would like to lease out the two buildings until the next election.

Moved by Commissioner Small seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that Resolution 2025-14, a resolution authorizing purchase of policy vehicle be adopted. Ayes: Commissioner Small, Buckingham, and Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski. Nays: Commissioner Scheib.

Commissioner Scheib stated he loves the police department but voted no because the city is broke.

Commissioner Small said the police department is hosting training this week. She noted it is beneficial to have the space available to host surrounding towns, while also saving money by not sending officers to outside locations.

Commissioner Scheib said on October 1, 2025, the city will open bids for Lincoln Street construction. He also mentioned he would like to update ordinance 36.16 regarding the contractor bond having to be twice the amount of the bid. He said it will cost 1-3% and he said he believes following the city ordinances are worth 1-3%. He said he asked Attorney Cantlin to the lower that cost moving forward. He said he would like to continue to open bids at city council meetings.

Commissioner Scheib in response to Mayor Hollenbeck’s letter to the residents of Marseilles, he would like an independent 3rd party to conduct an investigation in the activities of the city government.

Moved by Commissioner Scheib seconded by Commissioner Small that the 2025 street resurfacing program be awarded to Universal Asphalt in the amount of $137,224.44 be approved. Ayes: Commissioner Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski. Nays: None.

Commissioner Buckingham said the swimming pool will close on Labor Day.

Commissioner Buckingham asked why the Middle East Memorial donation boxes are not on the agenda to be voted on. Attorney Cantlin said they are still looking into protecting the City from any potential liability. She said Commissioner Kaminski set up a meeting with both sides to meet early September to go over accountability of the funds received.

Moved by Commissioner Buckingham seconded by Commissioner Scheib that the proposal from Advanced Informational Mapping System for GIS services in the amount of $49,350.00 be approved. Ayes: Commissioner Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Pro Tem Kaminski. Nays: None.

Moved by Commissioner Small seconded by Commissioner Buckingham that the City Council adjourns at 6:23 P.M. Ayes: Commissioner Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, and Mayor Hollenbeck. Nays: None.

https://www.cityofmarseilles.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Minutes-8-20-25.docx-1.pdf