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Recap of March 5th Council Meeting
The Council approved the Minutes from council Meeting of 02-19-25. Ayes Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Small, Buckingham. Nays Scheib.
Commissioner Kaminski – Approved of the bimonthly Expenses of $87,342.00 Harrison Towing & Service - Repairs MPD Squad car $5,579.47 Water Products – Couplings/Curb Stops $4,164.16 Ayes Kaminski, Small, Buckingham, Hollenbeck. Nays Scheib.
Approved payroll in the amount of $87,021.29 Ayes Hollenbeck, Kaminski, Small, Buckingham and Scheib. Approved financial audit proposal from Hopkins and Associates $20,900.00 for fiscal year 24-25. Audit will be done in May. Ayes Kaminski, Small, Buckingham, Hollenbeck. Nays Scheib.
Approve payment to Phalen Steel $90,022.76 for work at 200 Riverfront Drive. Ayes Kaminski, Small, Buckingham, Hollenbeck. Nays Scheib.
Commissioner Small – Reminded residents if there are issues that need to be brought to the police department's attention or the City to please call and report it. Social media is not the proper forum for reporting.
Approved Special Events Permit for the Marseilles Firefighters Association Annual Cruise Night on July 19th Ayes Kaminski, Small, Scheib, Buckingham, Hollenbeck.
Approved Special Events Permit for 3K Bunny Run to be held April 19th, 2025. Ayes Kaminski, Small, Buckingham Scheib, Hollenbeck.
Commissioner Scheib - Statement on Transparency and Public Engagement in the City of Marseilles
I have a serious concern about the City of Marseilles not allowing public comments on its official Facebook page. This decision not only limits free speech but also stops me, as an elected commissioner, from responding to statements made on that page. I have no say in what gets posted or how information is shared. It seems like posts are being made without oversight or clear guidelines.
A City Facebook page should be used to share information that directly relates to Marseilles. However, I have noticed that it sometimes comments on issues in other towns or businesses outside our community. This is not appropriate. The focus should always be on Marseilles and its residents.
I love this City and its people. I see and talk to residents every day while delivering mail, and I know many families personally. That's why l feel it is my duty to speak up about concerns regarding how the City is being managed by a small group of people
Elected officials are supposed to serve the people. but in many cases. some leaders have more information than others or make decisions without including everyone. Important projects, such as 200 Riverfront and Timbers Edge, have moved forward with little transparency.
We need to do better. As public officials, we work for the people. Here are three simple ways we can improve: Hold Public Meetings: The City should regularly ask residents for their opinions and keep them informed.
Hire a Full-Time City Engineer: Instead of using a consultant, the City should hire a dedicated engineer to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure all projects are handled properly.
Change the form of government: The commission form of government is antiquated and given to trouble.
The people of Marseilles deserve honesty and fairness. and leadership that puts them first. I urge my fellow officials to focus on what is best for the community and work together to create a government that truly serves its citizens.
Commissioner Scheib - Heard from Katie Troccoli from Here and Again. Katie spoke and condemned Mayor Hollenbeck for having reservations about making a financial donation after Pete Hall one of her volunteers was on social media and stated that Marseilles is the most corrupt town in Illinois. Katie stated that Pete was exercising his right to free speech. Pete had also booked bands for the entire summer before determining if there was any money to pay for them. Mayor Hollenbeck agreed but stated free speech doesn’t protect you from consequences of your actions. Moving forward events need to be discussed with the Recreation Board to give consent and any financial assistance. We can’t have a citizen going out and booking events and then expecting the City to pay for them money. Money should have been discussed first. The mayor had also received a complaint a couple months ago from the Marseilles Fundays Committee that Pete had booked bands for Fun Days without consulting with the committee. The mayor told Pete he had to cancel the Fun Days entertainment he booked because the Fun Days Committee already had bands booked. No decision was made as to financial donation by the City.
ESDA Director Nate Schaefer addressed the council and submitted his resignation citing an issue with an unknown City employee. Schaefer stated there were other issues but never elaborated.
Residents Tom Goodin & Ray Anderson addressed the council regarding the waterway ditch on Pacific and the weeds. They were advised City now has permission to maintain the area so it will be better this year.
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