Council Meeting Overview 07-02-26

Present: Kaminski, Buckingham, Scheib, Hollenbeck Absent: Small.

Public Comment: 

Mike Muncy – of the beautification committee spoke against spending money to hire a consulting and grant writing firm to update the playground equipment in Knudson Park. Muncy also stated that the Marseilles recreation board has a 3-figure budget and isn’t spending money. Stated they should be spending the money on activities. Muncy also complained about North Street not being fixed. Street Commissioner Scheib can decide what needs to be done.

Jodi and Curt Woodall – Addressed the Council regarding the denial of their variance request by the Planning and Zoning Commission, represented by Attorney Nate Washburn. They stated they were unaware that the variance had been denied. The City Clerk explained that the decision and process had already been communicated to them. They were advised to attend the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting to discuss the matter further.

Kayla May – Spoke against the OSLAD Grant Application for Knudson Park. She also spoke about the City’s lead water lines, water main breaks and the quality of the city water. The City has 2,028 water services with 56 known lead service lines. There are 697 unknowns. The grant to do the inventory has been expended. The City will work on a new grant when it opens. City Engineer Tom Duttlinger explained in more detail to Kayla. It is important to note that the City doesn’t have any lead water mains. Additionally, the lead service lines are not the Cty’s responsibility, they are the homeowner’s responsibility. It is estimated the cost of total replacement will be approximately 8 million dollars. The City has no problem with assisting in the replacement however, the state or federal government needs to fund. This is a nationwide issue.

Steve Angel – of the Nazarene Church questioned the status of the water and sewer service to the church and parsonage. City Engineer Tom Duttlinger explained the status.  

Approved minutes from the council meeting on 06-17-26 Ayes: Kaminski, Buckingham, Small, Hollenbeck, Scheib.  

Commissioner Kaminski – Approved Accounts Payable: $205,015.68 Largest expenses: State of Illinois Treasurer – Commercial and Broadway Intersection $128,599.35. Fehr Graham Engineering and Environmental Services – Source Water Protection Plan 2026 - $4,000.00. BCBS Health Insurance - $35,274,.24. Illinois Public Risk fund – Workers Compensation Insurance - $6,385.00. Nerds on Call/Facet – Computer & Internet IT Service - $4,274.19. Ayes: Kaminski, Buckingham. Nays: Scheib. Approve Operating Budget for 2026-2027. Ayes: Kaminski, Buckingham, Hollenbeck. Nays: Scheib.

Approved Appropriation Ordinance for 2026-2027. Ayes: Kaminski, Buckingham, Hollenbeck. Nays: Scheib.

Adopted Maintenance engineering agreement regarding Commercial Street repaving. Commissioner Kaminski determined there was money in the 2026 – 2027 budget to do this project and not use MFT Money. Ayes: Kaminski, Buckingham, Scheib, Hollenbeck.



Approved Special Events permit for the Marseilles Renaissance Faire. Ayes: Kaminski, Hollenbeck, Buckingham, Scheib.

Commissioner Small – Absent

Commissioner Scheib – Stated that the City is awaiting official IDOT approval to award the Safe Routes to School sidewalk grant project to Davis Concrete, the low bidder. Voiced opposition to using tax dollars for an OSLAD grant to replace playground equipment at Knudson Park. Also expressed satisfaction that the Illinois Street sanitary sewer lining project is moving forward, while reiterating concerns about the costs associated with Broadway Park and City Hall.

Commissioner Buckingham – Approved of a contract for professional consulting services with JSD for Knudson Park. The initial costs of the preliminary design and cost estimate if $4,500.00. Remaining costs, $9,000.00 will only be expended if the City is awarded the grant. Ayes: Kaminski, Buckingham, Hollenbeck. Nays: Scheib.

Authorized advertisement for bids for Illinois Sanitary Sewer and manhole rehabilitation. Ayes: Kaminski, Buckingham, Scheib, Hollenbeck.


Adopted an ordinance amending Marseilles Municipal regarding opening and reading of bids during the day instead of at council meetings. Ayes: Kaminski, Buckingham, Hollenbeck. Nays: Scheib​​.

Mayor Hollenbeck – Stated that he is very proud of Broadway Park and the amenities it provides for residents. He also noted that Marseilles is one of only a few communities of its size that continues to operate a public swimming pool. He announced that a Public Hearing will be held regarding the Housing Rehabilitation Grant application.

The City of Marseilles needs your help!

Because you completed an income survey for the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant, we are requesting your presence at the Public Hearing on:

Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall

200 Riverfront Drive, Marseilles, IL 61341

It is imperative for the competitiveness of this grant and to gain additional points that you attend the hearing. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

The City of Marseilles is preparing to submit a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to secure funding for the asbestos abatement and demolition of the former Washington School.


As with previous grant applications, the City is seeking letters of support from residents, businesses, and organizations that would like to see the building removed. Community support is an important part of the application process.


The City is also exploring the possibility of developing a playground on a portion of the property, providing a recreational space for children on the west side of Main Street.


Letters of support may be mailed to:


Mayor Jim Hollenbeck

City of Marseilles

200 Riverfront Drive

Marseilles, IL 61341

The next free community free lunch is July 18th 11 AM to 1 PM and is sponsored by the Marseilles Nursing Service. 

The following is a list of items requested by the Marseilles Food Pantry. The annual friendly church competition is going on so if you would like to assist you can drop items off at the church of your choice. 

Marseilles Food Pantry requests:

July 5: syrup

July 12: fruit & vegetables cans or individual cups

July 19: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, dressings etc.

July 26: spaghetti o's 

August 2: soups

August 9: pasta and sauces

August 16: Mac n Cheese

The restroom facility for Broadway Park is now operational and will be open during park hours.

Featured Businesses:

Illinois Valley Landscape Supply

2575 US Rt. 6

815-200-4928

Infra-Metals

1601 Broadway St
815-795-5002

Check out the City website for information and events: www.cityofmarseilles.com