Carbondale Reporter

City of Marion City Council met Nov. 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Marion held in the Council Chambers at 5:30 P.M. Mayor Absher called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. The City Clerk called the roll, and the response was as follows:

PHYSICALLY PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB, AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Absher led the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments this evening.

CONSENT AGENDA

Commissioner Stoecklin made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB, AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

NEW BUSINESS

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Hire Jacob Burzynski as a Patrol Officer at the Agreed Upon Rate per the Collective Bargaining Agreement

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the recommendation of the merit board, Commissioner Barwick, and Chief Fitts to hire Jacob Burzynski as a patrol officer at the agreed upon pay rate per the collective bargaining agreement with a hire date of December 9, 2024. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB, AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

Police Chief Fitts told the Council Mr. Burzynski was recently in the United States Air Force stationed in Dover, Delaware. He was not able to attend tonight's meeting but will be in town this weekend.

Hire Bryan Walsh as a Patrol Officer at the Agreed Upon Rate per the Collective Bargaining Agreement

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the recommendation of the merit board, Commissioner Barwick, and Chief Fitts to hire Bryan Walsh as a patrol officer at the agreed upon pay rate per the collective bargaining agreement with a hire date of December 10, 2024. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB, AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

Police Chief Fitts introduced Mr. Walsh to the Council. He told them Walsh was in the United States Marine Corps and is currently working security at Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg. He will attend the academy Champaign in January. Mr. Walsh thanked the Council for the opportunity.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Order Two New Fire Engines from Banner Fire Equipment, Inc for $2,100,000 Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the order of two new fire engines from Banner Fire Equipment for a total of $2,100,000; delivery is expected approximately three years from the order. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB, AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

Mayor Absher explained by the time these fire engines are completed, the engines they are replacing will be thirty years old. Commissioner Barwick added that the pricing will be locked in at today's pricing. Chief Barnett said there is an escape clause in the contract should the city need to cancel the order. He said the plan is to help benefit another fire department with the older trucks if everything works out. He said the trucks are in great shape, but they have to order repair parts for them from eBay.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MUNICIPAL PLANNING

FY25 TIF Grant Applications Received through November 22, 2024

Mayor Absher said there is a short list of TIF grant applications this time.

Mayor Absher made a motion to approve the FY25 TIF grant applications received through November 22, 2024. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB, AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

Commissioner Patton - Accounts & Finances

Commissioner Patton had no report.

Commissioner Barwick - Public Health & Safety

Commissioner Barwick read the October Police Department report. He reported 1,598 dispatched calls; 1,818 911 calls; 3,925 non-emergency calls; and 150 ambulance calls. He read the October Fire Department report and reported seventy-four incidents.

Commissioner Stoecklin - Public Property, Civic Center, Pavilion

Commissioner Stoecklin read the Water Department report since the last council meeting. He asked two water themed trivia questions. He reported the city maintains 1,445 fire hydrants. He also reported the city maintains an average of 3.45 million gallons of water daily which can serve the city for forty-two hours with no restrictions. He reminded everyone the Christmas parade is Sunday night.

Commissioner Webb - Streets & Public Improvements

Commissioner Webb reported the Street Department has been setting up the ice rink and Christmas decorations. They have been doing some paint striping, signage work, and street sweeping. They have also been getting trucks ready for snow. He said all is good at the Cemetery.

MISCELLANEOUS

Matt Farrell addressed the council regarding cannabis sales. He asked the council to repeal the current ordinance prohibiting cannabis sales in city limits.

CLOSED/EXECUTIVE SESSION

5:55 P.M.

Mayor Absher made a motion to go into executive session under the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss a property matter under the following exemption (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6)). Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB, AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

6:43 P.M.

Commissioner Webb made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session and resume the Regular Meeting. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB, AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

Commissioner Webb made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Commissioner Barwick seconded the motion.

ON ROLL CALL VOTE COMMISSIONERS PATTON, BARWICK, WEBB, AND STOECKLIN AND MAYOR ABSHER ALL VOTED YEA.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:44 P.M.

https://cityofmarionil.gov/agendas-minutes/