Carbondale Reporter

City of Marion City Council met April 28.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

Mayor Absher called the public hearing to order at 5:00 P.M. He asked Treasurer Lance Roye to explain the budget process. Treasurer Roye talked about the process of preparing the budget and explained that changes have been made to streamline the process. He told the Council time was saved by not meeting with every department head. He said the city has budgeted for a surplus of $37,000 for the coming year and budgeted expenditures have decreased $80 million due to the Sports Complex. Hearing no comments or questions, Mayor Absher closed the budget hearing at 5:03 P.M.

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

A Marion High School marketing student led the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Denise Couty, owner of the Log Cabin Tavern, addressed the Council regarding the video gaming push tax. She told the Council she thinks the tax will hurt the city and send customers to visit casinos instead of local establishments.

Mayor Absher gave her some feedback regarding the push tax ordinance which was passed in 2021. He told her that he finds no economic benefits from video gaming for residents, only for business owners. He said it is a privilege for terminal operators to have video gaming terminals in Marion. He told Ms. Couty and the audience he is not happy with video gaming and there is some support on the Council in favor of prohibiting it.

Marion High School teacher Doctor Farner and three of her marketing students presented their findings from The Great Goldfish Taste-Off. They presented information they gathered while conducting the tastings. They told the Council that there were 1,200 votes received, and that ten regular and some limited-edition flavors were sampled by the voters. Cheddar Blast was the winner. The students distributed bags of the winning flavor to the Council and others.

Horner Shifrin President Steve Donahue, Associate Vice President Brian Ziegler, and Project Manager Joe Zdankiewicz were in attendance to present awards for the Marion Square Project to the Council. Mr. Donahue told the Council and audience Horner Shifrin entered the Marion Square Project into the American Council of Engineering Companies Engineering Excellence Awards. The project won an Honor Award, the Judge's Choice Award for transportation, and an award for best graphics. He extended his thanks to the city for being able to work on the project.

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

TREASURER'S OFFICE

Resolution 2025-06 Authorizing Revision of FY25 Annual Budget

Treasurer Lance Roye explained the FY25 annual budget was compared to actual expenditures and revenue. If any department has overspent the budget, the budget is amended to account for the over-expenditure. Also, if any revenues that have substantially increased over the budget, the budget will be amended. Exhibit A in the packet lists the budget line items that were increased. This is required because the city cannot spend more than was budgeted. This is done each year by resolution.

Commissioner Patton made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-06 authorizing revision of the FY 25 annual budget. Commissioner Barwick seconded the motion.

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

Ordinance 4033 Adopting the FY26 Annual Budget

Commissioner Patton made a motion to approve Ordinance 4033 adopting the FY26 annual budget. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

Treasurer Lance Roye explained the budget process to the Council and audience. He told them he and Chief of Staff Cody Moake review each department's budget and meet with the heads of the larger departments and their commissioners. In early April, the budget is posted for public viewing. He told them there is a $37,000 budget surplus this year. The total city expenditures will be just under $80 million.

Mayor Absher said the budget process is a long, tedious process with a lot of guesswork.

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

Ordinance 4035 Authorizing a Loan Agreement with First Southern Bank for Seven Police Vehicles

Commissioner Patton said the city contacted several banks to see if they were interested in financing police vehicles. Treasurer Lance Roye requested bids from five banks and received bids from four of them. First Southern Bank offered a five-year term at a 2.65 percent interest rate.

Police Chief David Fitts said each of these vehicles are replacing vehicles with 120,000 plus miles. He thinks Jim Hayes, Inc. may want to bid on purchasing the retired vehicles from the city.

Commissioner Patton made a motion to approve ordinance 4035 authorizing a loan agreement with First Southern Bank for seven police vehicles. Commissioner Barwick seconded the motion.

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

Ordinance 4036 Authorizing a Loan Agreement with First Southern Bank for a 2025 Ford F-250 for the Fire Department

Commissioner Patton said the loan for the Ford F-250 is also with First Southern Bank. It is a five-year term at a 2.65 percent interest rate.

Commissioner Patton made a motion to approve Ordinance 4036 authorizing a loan agreement with First Southern Bank for purchasing a 2025 Ford F-250 for the Fire Department. Commissioner Barwick seconded the motion.

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

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Purchase New Ford F-250 from Vogler Ford

Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the purchase of a new Ford F-250 from Vogler Ford, a budgeted item. This is replacing the 2002 F-250 that was in service at the Fire Department and was transferred to EMA. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

Commissioner Barwick stated that bids were received from Jim Hayes, Inc. and Vogler Ford. Vogler's bid was a little cheaper at $47,869.

Hearing no questions, Mayor Absher called for the vote.

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

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Purchase New Radio Repeater System for Marion High School and Marion Junior High School Commissioner Barwick made a motion to approve the purchase of a new radio repeater system to be installed at the Marion High School and the Marion Junior High School. The total cost for both repeaters is $34,839.82 and will be split between the City of Marion and Marion Unit 2 school district. This is a budgeted item. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

Mayor Absher asked if the cost will be split evenly and if there is an intergovernmental agreement in place. Police Chief David Fitts said the cost will be split evenly and there is not an agreement yet. Chief Fitts told the Council this system is necessary because when officers are inside both schools, they are unable to communicate with dispatch and this presents a safety issue.

Hearing no questions, Mayor Absher called for the vote.

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

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Estimate from Skuta Construction for a Sewer Main Extension Along Jefferson Street to be Paid with Available Hub TIF Funds

Commissioner Stoecklin made a motion to approve an estimate from Skuta Construction for a sewer main extension along Jefferson Street; to be paid using available Hub TIF funds. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

Mayor Absher stated the estimated cost of this work is $24,425.00.

Hearing no questions, Mayor Absher called for the vote.

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

IDOT Resolution 2025-07 for an 8" Water Main Along and Under IL Route 37 at Longstreet Road

Commissioner Stoecklin made a motion to adopt IDOT Resolution 2025-07 for constructing, occupying, and maintaining an eight-inch water main along and under Illinois Route 37 at Longstreet Road for Pro-Tek Communications. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

Horner Shifrin Engineer Brian Ziegler explained Pro-Tek has a small service line on their side of IL Route 37. They have worked it out with the Water Department so they can access a larger main on the west side of the road.

Mayor Absher called for the vote.

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

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MUNICIPAL PLANNING

Ordinance 4034 Amending a Redevelopment Agreement with JM Vision, LLC

Mayor Absher said Ordinance 4034 is amending a TIF Redevelopment Agreement for the new building on Jefferson Street.

Chief of Staff Cody Moake told the Council that in the initial application, the developer asked for $175,000 in rehabilitation costs. He had to add on to the building which increased his redevelopment costs. This ordinance amends the redevelopment agreement increasing the total amount eligible for reimbursement up to $423,000.

Mayor Absher made a motion to approve Ordinance 4034 amending a redevelopment agreement with JM Vision, LLC. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

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

Resolution 2025-08 Pledging the City's Support for a Pedestrian Crosswalk Project at the Intersection of Route 13 and Halfway Road

Mayor Absher stated that Resolution 2025-08 is pledging support for the pedestrian crosswalk that was discussed at the previous council meeting. The city's portion of the costs will be $19,830. The total project cost is approximately $600,000.

Mayor Absher made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-08 pledging the City's support for a pedestrian crosswalk project at the intersection of Route 13 and Halfway Road. Commissioner Webb seconded the motion.

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

Traffic Study and Grant Application Agreement with Crawford, Murphy, and Tilley Chief of Staff Cody Moake told the Council that due to the construction underway and more to come in the STAR Bonds area, the city has recognized there will be traffic issues due to the increase in visitors to the area. The city recognizes the need for a traffic study. There was a traffic study performed about three years ago by Crawford, Murphy, and Tilley and the city is asking them to update that study. They will also complete an application on the city's behalf for safety money through a federal grant program that would allow for the anticipated need for a roundabout at the intersection of Williamson County Parkway and Walton Way. The study will also take into consideration the impact of traffic on the north side of Route 13, specifically the impact of travel to and from the sports complex. The development team has agreed to split the cost of the traffic study and the grant application with the city. The city's portion of the costs will be paid from the STAR Bonds administrative funds.

Commissioner Webb made a motion to approve a traffic study and grant with Crawford, Murphy, and Tilley; cost to be split with Millennium Destination Development. Commissioner Patton seconded the motion.

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

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Purchase Mobile Outdoor Stage for Use by Civic Center

Mayor Absher told the Council the city received a bid from Byassee Music and Sound for a mobile outdoor stage to be used for outdoor concerts. Purchasing a stage will keep the city from renting one for events and should pay for itself with nine or ten uses. Chief of Staff Cody Moake said the stage could be trailered to other locations, if necessary, and can be stored in the building that was purchased from Doug Bradley.

Mayor Absher made a motion to approve the purchase of a mobile, outdoor stage for use by the Civic Center and the Pavilion from Byassee Music and Sound for a total of $34,644.55.

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

Ordinance 4037 Approving Department Head Appointments for Fiscal Year 2026

Mayor Absher explained each fiscal year the Council must appoint the department heads. Since there are no changes, he decided to forgo reading the ordinance.

Mayor Absher made a motion to approve Ordinance 4037 approving Department Head Appointments for Fiscal Year 2026. Commissioner Barwick seconded the motion.

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

Approve Non-Bargained Employee Salary Adjustments for Fiscal Year 2026 as Presented in the Budget

Mayor Absher explained that approving non-bargained employee salary adjustments is part of the annual budget process. He said the city tries to keep up with cost-of-living increases.

Mayor Absher made a motion to approve non-bargained employee salary adjustments for Fiscal Year 2026 as presented in the budget. Commissioner Stoecklin seconded the motion.

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

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

Commissioner Stoecklin - Public Property

Commissioner Stoecklin read the Water Department report since last meeting. He asked two water-related trivia questions this evening.

Commissioner Barwick - Public Health & Safety

Commissioner Barwick had no report.

Commissioner Patton

Commissioner Patton thanked the Treasurer's office staff and Chief of Staff Moake for preparing the budget.

Commissioner Webb - Streets & Public Improvements

Commissioner Webb reported that the Street Department continues the Spring Clean Up and has filled three large dumpsters so far. They continue to pick up brush from the recent storms. They have been working on street repairs in Summerfield and repairing sidewalks on Jefferson Street. He said they are running a crew in the spring cleanup areas to pick up limbs. The streets have been surveyed, and they are waiting on the engineer's estimate for the asphalt overlay program.

Mayor Absher - Public Affairs

Mayor Absher reported the Boyton Street Community Center renovation is close to completion and the Senior Citizens Center project is going well and looking good.

Mayor's Chief of Staff Cody Moake reported that the Union Street Art Fair will be on the Square and in the alleys this Saturday. There will be several vendors and live music. Saturday night West Frankfort High School will have their promenade on the Square.

MISCELLANEOUS

Marion resident Carmen Allen Adeoye reported an issue with an intersection on Court Street.

CLOSED/EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Absher stated he did not have a need for executive session this evening and asked if any of the Commissioners had a need for executive session. Hearing no need for executive session he entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting.

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 6:49 P.M. 

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