North Egypt News

City of Mt. Vernon City Council met May 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Mt. Vernon City Council held a Regular City Council Meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 1100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/MtVernonIL.

Pastor Rose Straeter with Broken, Loved, Healed Church led the Invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

ROLL CALL

The roll call showed present: Council Member Joe Gliosci, Council Member Donte Moore, and Mayor John Lewis. Absent: Council Member Ray Botch and Council Member Mike Young.

PRESENTATION OF JOURNALS

The Journal for May 5, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting was presented for approval.

Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to approve the Journal as presented. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

VISITORS/CITIZENS REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE

Eric Makela with the Illinois Department of Employment Security was present and shared information with the Council and citizens regarding the labor market in Jefferson County. He gave the statistics for current employment in payroll jobs and the labor force and also the unemployment rate for 2024 and recent months. He also shared information regarding wages paid by employers located in Jefferson County showing an increase in 2021, 2022, and 2023, stating this strong wage growth is a good indicator of economic robustness for the county. The Council thanked Mr. Makela for the information.

APPROVAL OF CONSOLIDATED VOUCHERS FOR ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable were presented to the Council for approval.

Council Member Donte Moore motioned to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable in the amount of $2,788,218.38. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

BIDS AND QUOTES

Acting City Manager Nathan McKenna presented the Bid Results for Street Maintenance Materials. This is for the in-house work to be done this summer. The City had 4 different packages for the MFT work done this year. The first bid package is for the material needed to do the in-house overlays. Illini Asphalt was the only bidder with a bid of $78,855.58 under the $89,227 that the City had budgeted. Package number four is for the contracted out overlays. ET Simonds was the low bidder on this with a bid of $296,259, also under budget. Recommendation is to accept these bids. Packages 2 and 3 are materials used in the patching machine. JAX Asphalt is usually the bidder on these portions of the MFT bid, but they did not submit a bid this time. The City will rebid these packages.

Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned for Approval of the Bid Results for Street Maintenance Materials for Illini Asphalt in the amount of $78,855.58 and ET Simonds in the amount of $296,259. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Acting City Manager Nathan McKenna presented the Bid Results for the South 45th Street and Route 15 Water Main Relocation Project. The City received two bids for this project and Haier Plumbing was the lowest with a bid of $94,080.00. This bid came in higher than anticipated, as the budgeted amount was $75,000. Staff recommendation is to award this bid due to it needing to be done prior to IDOT starting the work on exit 95. The project is being paid for out of the water fund and the difference would be made up from reserves in the Working Fund Balance.

Council Member Donte Moore motioned for Approval of the Bid Results for the South 45th Street and Route 15 Water Main Relocation Project. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

CITY MANAGER

Acting City Manager Nathan McKenna requested permission to Seek Bids for the Manhole Relining Project 2025. The City has $275,000 budgeted for this project in the sewer fund. There are approximately sixty-six manholes, and it cannot be guaranteed that all will be able to be relined, however the City will complete as many as possible this year with the funds available.

Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to grant permission to Seek Bids For the Manhole Relining Project 2025. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Acting City Manager Nathan McKenna requested permission to Waive Bidding and Relocate the Water Main on Fountain Place. There has been multiple leaks recently on this line. This line is one of the projects listed in next year’s IEPA loan. However, due to the recent leaks,staff is asking to replace a portion of the line now that will be underneath the new roadway. This will avoid any disruption to Manner Poly and negate the need to remove new concrete to replace it next year. Trotter and Sons would complete the work. The estimated cost is $36,700.

Council Member Donte Moore motioned to grant permission to Waive Bidding and Relocate the Water Main on Fountain Place. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Acting City Manager Nathan McKenna requested permission to Accept the Quote from Axon Enterprises and Purchase New Tasers. This quote is to purchase new tasers for the patrol division. The upgraded tasers are more accurate and can be deployed at a greater distance while being more accurate and providing more safety for the officers. The quote is $53,815.65. This was a budgeted item in the Home Rule Tax Fund. Chief Robert Brands was present to answer any questions or concerns of the City Council.

Council Member Donte Moore asked Chief Brands the number to be purchased. Chief Brands stated this is for ten tasers. These are more expensive than the ones in the past because of all of the upgrades, therefore the officers will share as they come on and go off their shift. They are typically under warranty for five years. Chief Brands stated that they did not receive a grant last time that they had applied, however, that is coming up again and they will apply again to be able to purchase additional tasers. Acting City Manager Nathan McKenna stated that this agreement includes replacement cartridges, training and warranty work.

Council Member Donte Moore motioned to grant permission to Accept the Quote from Axon Enterprises and Purchase New Tasers. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Acting City Manager Nathan McKenna requested permission to Purchase Five New Squad Cars Through the State Contract. In order to get these cars this year, the order has to be placed by May 23rd. This is a budgeted item at $365,000 which will cover the car purchase and outfitting the squad cars.

Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to grant permission to Purchase Five New Squad Cars Through the State Contract. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Acting City Manager Nathan McKenna requested permission for Consent of an Assignment of a Miller Lake Lease from Gregory Wagner to Gregory Scott Wagner and Margo A. Wagner.

Council Member Donte Moore motioned to grant permission for Consent of an Assignment of a Miller Lake Lease from Gregory Wagner to Gregory Scott Wagner and Margo A. Wagner. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Acting City Manager Nathan McKenna requested permission for Consent of a Partial Termination of a Miller Lake Lease by Sheila Thompson.

Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to grant permission for Consent of a Partial Termination of a Miller Lake Lease by Sheila Thompson. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Acting City Manager presented for approval of a Subdivision Preliminary and Final Plat for Property Located at 12430 E. Bethel Road. Petitioning Party: Patrick Gee. This is a transaction among family to allow placement of a new home. It was recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission 3-0.

Council Member Donte Moore motioned to grant approval of a Subdivision Preliminary and Final Plat for Property Located at 12430 E. Bethel Road. Petitioning Party: Patrick Gee. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/MOTIONS

Acting City Manager presented an Ordinance Rezoning Property at 1209 S. 9th Street from R-2 to RM-2. Petitioning Party: Janice Jefferson. The Jefferson’s recently demolished a house on the property and intend to place a manufactured home on the property. It was recommended for approval 3-0 by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to approve Ordinance #2025-11, an Ordinance Rezoning Property at 1209 S. 9th Street from R-2 to RM-2. Petitioning Party: Janice Jefferson. Motion seconded by Donte Moore. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Acting City Manager presented an Ordinance Rezoning Property at 901 North Street from R-2 to B-1. Petitioning Party: Julie Boles. This property was zoned B-1 a couple of years ago when Ms. Boles had her law office located on the property. It was rezoned to Residential when she relocated her law office. She has a buyer that is looking to open a business on the property and needs to rezone back to B-1. It was recommended 3-0 by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Council Member Donte Moore motioned to approve Ordinance #2025-12, an Ordinance Rezoning Property at 901 North Street from R-2 to B-1. Petitioning Party: Julie Boles. Motion seconded by Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Acting City Manager presented an Ordinance Rezoning Property at 801 Fairfield Road from R-1 to B-2. Petitioning Party: McMahan’s Nursery. The McMahan’s bought the property years ago at a tax sale and would like to place an off premise sign directing traffic off of Old Fairfield Road to the nursery. The rezoning and conditional sign permit was recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission 3-0.

Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to approve Ordinance #2025-13, an Ordinance Rezoning Property at 801 Fairfield Road from R-1 to B-2. Petitioning Party: McMahan’s Nursery. Motion seconded by Donte Moore. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Acting City Manager presented an Ordinance Granting Conditional Use for an Off-Premise Sign at 801 Fairfield Road. Petitioning Party: McMahan’s Nursery.

Council Member Donte Moore motioned to approve Ordinance #2025-14, an Ordinance Granting Conditional Use for an Off-Premise Sign at 801 Fairfield Road. Petitioning Party: McMahan’s Nursery. Motion seconded by Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Acting City Manager Nathan McKenna presented for First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the Purchase of a New Fire Truck. This is the last item needing approval by the City Council to purchase the new fire truck. The fire truck is due for delivery at the end of the month/first week of June. This will allow us to move forward, finalizing the bank loan with Banterra.

Council Member Joe Gliosci made the motion to suspend the rules and take action on the Ordinance, an Ordinance Authorizing the Purchase of a New Fire Truck. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to approve Ordinance #2025-15, an Ordinance Authorizing the Purchase of a New Fire Truck. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

CITY COUNCIL

City Council Member Donte Moore stated he wanted to thank everyone who attend the Council Meetings online. He asked that the public come to the meetings and be a part of the process. He stated the Council is here to help the public.

MAYOR

Mayor John Lewis presented for the advice and consent of the City Council the Appointment of Lauren Berry to the Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission.

Council Member Donte Moore motioned to accept the Appointment of Lauren Berry to the Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission. Seconded by Council Member Joe Gliosci. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Mayor John Lewis asked the public to keep the three Fairview Heights officers in their prayers that were shot over the weekend.

Mayor John Lewis read a letter from Council Member Ray Botch where he is resigning from the City Council effective June 1, 2025. In the letter, Councilman Botch stated that it had been an honor to serve on the City Council and work to achieve the accomplishments that had been made the last six years. He also stated that this was not a decision that was made easily.

Mayor Lewis summarized all of the accomplishments that Councilman Botch had made over the years. He was a City Manager for the City of Mt. Vernon for 14 years. He then served as City Manager in Westmont, Illinois for 19 years. When Councilman Botch retired, he came back to Mt. Vernon. He volunteered his time and expertise on the Public Utilities Commission as Chairman. Then in 2019, he ran for City Council and became a Council Member. He spent his own money to help improve this City. He bought a new K-9 for the Police Department when there wasn’t money in the budget. He personally funded the Police Citizens Academy. He has donated his council salary back to the City during his tenure. Because of his generous giving of his time and money, the City has decided to name the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) after him. This will now be referred to as the Raymond P. Botch, Jr. Emergency Operations Center. The City was lucky to have him and his expertise working with the City and on this Council. On behalf of everyone here and the City, we thank you and wish you good luck Councilman Raymond Botch.

Mayor John Lewis stated he needed a Motion to Accept the Resignation of Council Member Raymond P. Botch, Jr.

Council Member Joe Gliosci made the motion to Accept the Resignation of Council Member Raymond P. Botch, Jr. Council Member Donte Moore seconded the motion. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

Council Member Donte Moore stated that Councilman Ray Botch was a true leader who always said just continue to do right by Mt. Vernon. Councilman Botch cared about the people of Mt. Vernon, and he always gave his best to the City. Council Member Moore wanted to thank Councilman Botch for his advice, and he appreciates everything he has done for Mt. Vernon and everything he did for him in his growth as a Councilman.

Council Member Joe Gliosci added that he was lucky enough to serve with Councilman Botch for five years. He is a good man who loves Mt. Vernon, and we will miss him.

VISITORS/CITIZENS REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE

None.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Council Member Joe Gliosci motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Council Member Donte Moore. Yeas: Gliosci, Moore, and Lewis. Absent: Botch and Young.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

https://www.mtvernon.com/media/umxjykhr/05192025-regular-city-council-meeting.pdf