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Marion, IL

Marion public meetings in 2021

25 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 27, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council to review regional economic agreement and pension contributions

The council will consider an intergovernmental economic development agreement with the cities of Herrin and Carterville. Agenda items also include approving police and fire pension contributions for FY23. Additionally, the council will discuss a draft ordinance regarding aggravated public nuisance.

economic developmentpolicebudgetpensionspublic affairs
✓ Decided: Council approves $220K Civic Center sound system upgrade

The Marion City Council approved several items, including a $220,375.59 sound system upgrade for the Civic Center, pension contributions for police and fire, two new dispatcher hires, an intergovernmental agreement with REDCO, an engineering agreement for sidewalk work, and a $100 tax levy. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

1102 Tower Square Plaza, Marion
Mon Dec 13, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council considers TIF agreement and $50,000 for homeless response

The Marion City Council will discuss a residential TIF redevelopment agreement with JECC, LLC and an IDOT resolution for road improvements. The council also considers allocating $50,000 in ARPA funding to the Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless. Additionally, the agenda includes several staff appointments and street sewer project bids.

zoningbudgethousingpoliceinfrastructureappointmentseconomic-development
✓ Decided: Council approves MOU with Marion Center Project for ballpark acquisition

The City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Marion Center Project, supporting their acquisition of Rent One Park and extending the sales tax incentive from 2037 to 2042. The council also approved several other items including a $50,000 ARPA allocation for homeless services, a new Business Development Director position, and a storm sewer repair contract. All votes were unanimous with Mayor Absher absent.

Thu Dec 2, 2021 · 16:30

City Council

Marion City Council to discuss $9,479 change order for City Hall asbestos abatement

The council will receive notification regarding the 2021 tax levy, which is set at $100 total city-wide. The meeting also includes a discussion and potential approval of a change order for asbestos abatement in the City Hall Project.

taxesbudgetcity-hallconstruction
✓ Decided: Council approves $9,479 asbestos abatement change order

The City Council approved a $9,479 change order for additional asbestos abatement at the City Hall project, after contractors discovered previously hidden asbestos under carpet. The council also announced the 2021 property tax levy of $100 per property, which will be considered on December 27, 2021. No other substantive decisions were made.

1102 Tower Square Plaza, Marion
Mon Nov 22, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Council considers redevelopment agreements and enterprise zone expansion

The council will discuss ordinances for two redevelopment agreements and an expansion of the Williamson County Enterprise Zone. They will also consider authorizing the Mayor to execute Opioid Settlement Participation documents.

redevelopmententerprise-zoneeconomic-developmentpublic-affairsopioids
✓ Decided: Council approves opioid settlement participation, TIF amendments, enterprise zone expansion

The City Council unanimously approved four items: the consent agenda; Ordinance 3759 amending a TIF redevelopment agreement with Daniel Tondini to list his other companies as developers; Ordinance 3760 adding land near Creal Springs to the Williamson County Enterprise Zone for a meat packing plant; and Ordinance 3761, a Residential TIF redevelopment agreement with Monica Neice, with a correction changing 'Village' to 'City.' The Council also authorized the Mayor to execute Opioid Settlement Participation documents, joining settlements with distributors and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, with litigation against other defendants continuing.

1102 Tower Square Plaza, Marion
Mon Nov 8, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council to consider funding for Westminster Road project

The Marion City Council will consider several economic development proposals including land annexation, rezoning, and new subdivisions. The council will also discuss infrastructure funding for the Westminster Road project and street maintenance payments.

zoninginfrastructureeconomic-developmentbudgetpublic-works
✓ Decided: Council approves annexation and rezoning on West Main Street

The Marion City Council approved the annexation and rezoning of portions of parcels 06-22-200-004 and 06-22-200-005 on West Main Street to L-1 Light Industrial. The council also accepted two new subdivisions, allocated Rebuild Illinois funds to the Westminster Road project, and approved several other routine items including a salt purchase, a property purchase, and a health insurance renewal.

Mon Oct 25, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Council to discuss water and sewer line replacements in Crab Orchard

The City Council will consider hiring two new staff members for the Police Department. The agenda also includes a contract with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service regarding water and sewer lines and quotes for natural gas aggregation.

policepublic-worksutilitiesinfrastructuretif
✓ Decided: Council approves $16M water/sewer contract with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The Marion City Council approved a contract with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to design and replace water and sewer lines throughout the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, a $16 million project paid by the federal government. The Council also approved hiring Jovontae Coleman as a Patrol Officer and Mary Kathleen Griffith as a Records Clerk for the Police Department, both starting November 1, 2021. A 48-month natural gas aggregation contract with Constellation at $.486 was approved for City gas accounts. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

1102 Tower Square Plaza, Marion
Mon Oct 11, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council considers property purchases and police personnel hires

The Marion City Council will consider several personnel hires for the Police Department and Hub Recreation Center. The agenda also includes proposed property purchases and awards for public works projects. Additionally, the council will discuss ordinance 3754 regarding amusement taxes.

policepropertypublic-worksbudgettaxes
✓ Decided: Council approves video gaming push tax ordinance 3754

The City Council approved Ordinance 3754, enacting a $0.01 per push/pull tax on video gaming terminals, effective November 1 but not enforced until pending lawsuits are settled. The council also approved several contracts and property purchases, including hiring a new patrol officer and awarding bids for water and sewer projects.

Mon Sep 27, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council to discuss TIF district and several redevelopment agreements

The Marion City Council will consider establishing a new TIF district and approving multiple redevelopment agreements. The agenda also includes a proposed budget increase for Tower Square Renovations and various personnel hires.

zoningeconomic-developmentbudgetpolicepublic-workshousing
✓ Decided: Council approves $1.5M Tower Square renovation budget and $989K bid

The Marion City Council approved increasing the Tower Square renovation budget from $1.25 million to $1.5 million and accepted the $989,000 general contractor bid from Samron Midwest Contracting. The council also approved the low bid of $173,306.06 for the Otis Street Watermain project, promoted Officer Bradley Thornton to Detective, and approved multiple redevelopment agreements and property purchases. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

Mon Sep 13, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Council to consider Taco Bell special use permit and City Hall project bids

The Marion City Council will review several infrastructure bids for the First Southern Bank/City Hall project and the old water treatment plant. The meeting includes votes on zoning requests for a drive-thru at 928 W Main St and various residential TIF redevelopment agreements. Additionally, the council will consider multiple personnel hires for local libraries and recreation centers.

zoninginfrastructurepublic-workseconomic-developmenthiring
✓ Decided: Council approves $3.83M bid for City Hall project, plus related contracts

The Marion City Council approved the general contractor bid of $3,827,800 from Smith Hafeli, Inc. for the First Southern Bank/City Hall project, including four alternate bids. It also approved a $133,250 asbestos abatement bid from General Waste Services, air monitoring services from Farmer Environmental, and a five-year project labor agreement with the Egyptian Building Trades. The council approved demolition and asbestos removal bids for the old water treatment plant, a new elevated storage tank bid, and several zoning and TIF agreements.

Mon Aug 23, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council to discuss $20,300 undercover vehicle purchase

The Marion City Council will consider several personnel hires for the police department, HUB Recreation Center, and Civic Center. The council will also review a resolution supporting federal funding for a small business incubator in the Citadel Building. Additionally, the agenda includes the purchase of an undercover vehicle using seized drug funds.

policehiringbudgetbusinessrecreation
✓ Decided: Council approves police promotions, undercover vehicle, and incubator support

The Marion City Council approved several police department items, including the purchase of an undercover vehicle, the promotion of Sergeant Justin Dwyer to Lieutenant, and the promotion of Officer William Huddleston to Sergeant. They also approved hiring Joshua Haynes as Sports and Fitness Coordinator, a part-time Treasurer's Office employee, and adopted Resolution 2021-22 supporting the Watermark Auto Group Foundation's grant application for the Citadel Building renovation. All votes were unanimous.

Mon Aug 9, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

City Council to consider new police lieutenant position and squad car financing

The Marion City Council is reviewing several personnel appointments and departmental updates. Proposed items include hiring school security officers, promoting police staff, and authorizing a loan for new patrol vehicles.

policebudgethiringpublic-safetylocal-government
✓ Decided: Council approves police hires, promotions, and squad car financing

The Marion City Council unanimously approved several police department actions, including hiring a dispatcher and two school security officers, promoting Officer Jason Watts to Sergeant, creating a Lieutenant position, and authorizing a borrowing agreement with Banterra Bank to finance four squad cars. The council also adopted a resolution for Market Street Hall project costs. All votes were 5-0.

Mon Jul 26, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council to discuss police vehicle purchases and Greenway funding

The Marion City Council will consider several expenditures, including $133,500 for new police vehicles and a $100,000 contribution to the Crab Orchard Greenway project. The agenda also includes personnel changes at the Hub Recreation Center and the Police Department, along with various infrastructure upgrades.

policebudgetinfrastructurepublic-workseconomic-developmentrecreation
✓ Decided: Council promotes Sgt. Jody Wright to Assistant Police Chief Designee

The Marion City Council unanimously approved the promotion of Sergeant Jody Wright to Assistant Police Chief Designee at $85,000 per year, effective August 2, 2021, to fill the vacancy created by Assistant Police Chief Tina Morrow's retirement in October. The council also approved multiple budgeted purchases, including three Ford Explorers for $133,500, a replacement bucket truck for $42,500, and a $63,900 control panel upgrade for the Schreiber plant. Several ordinances were passed, including one regulating yard sales and another allowing Sunday package liquor sales from noon to 10:00 P.M.

Mon Jul 12, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council to award bid for Industrial Park Lift Station

The Marion City Council will consider several personnel appointments and service invoices. The agenda also includes a bid award for the Industrial Park Lift Station and a resolution regarding a Community Development Block Grant.

policepublic-worksappointmentsbudgetrecreation
✓ Decided: Council awards $301,150 lift station bid, approves hires and promotions

The Marion City Council approved several items, including a $301,150 bid for Industrial Park Lift Station improvements, a $13,934 addition to Animal Control, and a new dispatcher hire. They also accepted a resignation and made staffing changes at the Hub Recreation Center, and adopted a resolution supporting a CDBG grant application. All votes were unanimous.

Mon Jun 28, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council considers asphalt overlays and redevelopment agreements

The Marion City Council is considering several personnel hires for the police, street, and recreation departments. The agenda includes reviewing bids for an asphalt overlay program and various economic development ordinances. The council will also discuss a $5,000 donation for Independence Day events.

asphaltpolicedevelopmentbudgetinfrastructure
✓ Decided: Council approves $995,613 asphalt overlay bid and several hires

The Marion City Council unanimously approved the low bid of $995,613.18 from E.T. Simonds for the 2021 Asphalt Overlay Program. They also approved hiring a new police officer, two full-time and one part-time dispatcher, and an accounting technician, along with several economic development items and a $5,000 donation to the Knights of Columbus.

Mon Jun 14, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council discusses property purchases and economic development loans

The council will consider several property acquisitions and economic development agreements. They are also reviewing bids for the Van Buren sewer project and financing for new police communication equipment.

economic-developmentpublic-workspolicehousingpropertybudget
✓ Decided: Council approves property purchases, loans, and sewer project

The Marion City Council unanimously approved the purchase of 1115 Midway Court for $20,000 and 1206 W. Concord for $18,000, as well as economic development loan agreements with Whimsy (Ordinance 3731) and Brynnlayne Properties (Ordinance 3732). They also approved a $130,691 bid from JM Jones, Inc. for the North Van Buren Street Sanitary Sewer Extension, security cameras for the Wastewater Treatment Plant from ProTek for $10,225.86, and a lending agreement with Banterra Bank for new police communication equipment (Ordinance 3733). The meeting included a State of the City address with reports on finances, infrastructure, and public safety.

Mon May 24, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council considers $5 million line of credit and police equipment purchases

The Marion City Council will consider several financial and infrastructure items, including a new $5 million line of credit with Banterra Bank. The agenda also includes proposals for police equipment purchases and engineering agreements for street intersections. Additionally, the council will review various personnel hires across city departments.

financepolicebudgetinfrastructurepublic-workszoninghiring
✓ Decided: Council approves $1.25M Tower Square Plaza improvements

The Marion City Council approved multiple spending items, including $1.25 million for Tower Square Plaza improvements, a $26,000 bid for HVAC repairs at the Hub Recreation Center, and a $5 million line of credit renewal with Banterra Bank. The council also approved several personnel actions, including promotions and a new hire, and authorized purchases for police radios and a crisis response system. All votes were unanimous except for one abstention on the consent agenda.

Mon May 10, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council considers funding for South Market Sewer Extension

The council will discuss several infrastructure projects, including an asphalt overlay program and sewer main repairs. They will also consider staff hires for the police department and recreation center. Additionally, the agenda includes a project agreement for City Hall renovations.

infrastructureasphaltbudgetpublic-workspersonnel
✓ Decided: Council approves $1.115M asphalt overlay program and $760K sewer lease

The Marion City Council approved the 2021 asphalt overlay program funded by MFT, road and bridge, and gas tax funds totaling $1,115,000. It also approved a lease funding agreement with U.S. Bank for $760,000 for the South Market Sewer Project and Industrial Park Lift Station improvements, with Commissioner Patton voting no. Several other routine items were approved, including a road striping paint purchase, a school security officer hire, and a Civic Center office build-out.

Mon Apr 26, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council to discuss 2021-2022 annual budget and sewer rate changes

The Marion City Council will consider establishing the 2021-2022 annual budget and reappointing department heads. The agenda also includes a vote on increasing sewer rates for debt service and reviewing several redevelopment agreements.

budgetzoningsewerdevelopmentpublic-works
✓ Decided: Council upholds denial of home salon in R-1 zone

The Marion City Council voted unanimously to affirm the Zoning Board's denial of Julie McAlpin's special use permit to operate a hair salon from her home at 1806 West Warren Street, citing R-1 zoning restrictions. The council also approved several ordinances, including a sewer rate increase, a budget revision, and the 2021-2022 budget, all by unanimous votes.

🏢 Building at this address: 4 m tall
Mon Apr 12, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council to consider fire department fees and redevelopment agreements

The Marion City Council will consider several personnel hires for the police, street, and public works departments. The agenda also includes proposed ordinance changes regarding fire department fees and a new TIF redevelopment agreement.

zoningpolicefirebudgeteconomic-developmentpublic-works
✓ Decided: Council approves new fire truck, hires police and public works staff

The Marion City Council unanimously approved several personnel hires, including a new patrol officer, school security officer, and public works staff, and authorized the purchase of a new ladder truck expected in Fall 2022. The council also approved ordinances for a subdivision, a TIF redevelopment agreement, increased fire department non-resident fees, and resolutions supporting show bookings and a grant application. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

Mon Mar 22, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council to consider a bid for building demolition on West Main Street

The Marion City Council will review a bid for the demolition of a residential building at 1306 West Main Street. The council will also consider hiring two part-time staff members for the Hub Recreation Center.

demolitionrecreationpersonnelpublic-works
✓ Decided: Council approves $9,850 demolition bid for 1306 West Main Street

The Marion City Council approved the low bid of $9,850 from Neat Cut to demolish a residential building at 1306 West Main Street. The consent agenda was approved as presented. The council also recognized Girl Scouts Week and heard a request for sponsorship of the Young Hearts with Goals and Purpose Banquet. The meeting went into executive session for real estate and personnel matters, then adjourned.

Mon Mar 8, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council to consider several economic development ordinances

The council will discuss various ordinances regarding property sales, TIF amendments, and roadway changes. The meeting also includes reviews of police equipment purchases and water line repairs.

zoningpolicebudgeteconomic-developmentpublic-works
✓ Decided: Council approves 5 ordinances, radio purchase, water line bid

The Marion City Council approved five ordinances covering a roadway vacation, a TIF amendment, a land sale, a redevelopment agreement, and a property purchase, all by unanimous 4-0 votes with the mayor absent. It also approved a $24,970 purchase of 22 portable radios for the Police Department and a $10,719 bid for a water line replacement. All actions were approved as presented with no discussion or opposition.

Mon Feb 22, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

City Council to consider South Market Street water main improvement bid.

The Marion City Council will review several items including infrastructure bids and personnel hires. The agenda includes ordinances for selling fire department trucks and amending video gaming regulations.

waterinfrastructurepolicefirepublic-worksgaming
✓ Decided: Council awards water main bid, hires IT tech, approves truck sales

The Marion City Council approved several items, including awarding a $59,553.21 contract to Scott Escue Construction for the South Market Street Water Main Improvements Project, hiring Reilly Dickerson as a full-time IT Technician II at $16.50 per hour, and authorizing the sale of two fire trucks. The council also approved an ordinance amending video gaming regulations to split permits into two categories and increase net licenses by four. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

Mon Feb 8, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council to review pension contributions and development agreements

The council will consider annual contributions to the Police and Fire pension funds. The agenda also includes several redevelopment agreements, TIF inducements, and property sales. Additionally, the meeting covers various ordinance amendments and municipal equipment purchases.

pensiondevelopmentbudgettiffordinancepublic-works
✓ Decided: Council approves hotel tax, search warrants, and property sales

The council approved all agenda items unanimously, including a new aeration blower purchase, pension contributions, and ordinances on hotel/motel taxes and administrative search warrants. It also approved the sale of surplus properties and several development agreements.

Mon Jan 25, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Marion City Council to consider redevelopment agreement for Little Nashville Cafe

The council will consider several personnel hires and infrastructure projects, including a sewer rehabilitation engineering agreement. Agenda items also include the sale of surplus properties and a $21,250 REDCO contribution. An update on the city's mural program is also scheduled.

economic-developmentpublic-workspersonnelbudgetproperty
✓ Decided: Council approves sewer rehab engineering agreement, hires staff

The Marion City Council approved a $215,000 engineering agreement with Clarida & Ziegler Engineering Co. for a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project, which includes televising 42,500 feet of sewer lines and design work. The council also approved hiring Tomas Ortega for the Street Department, Nick Keller as a part-time temporary intern, a redevelopment agreement with Little Nashville Café, Inc., and the sale of two surplus properties to Shane Walker. An Information Technology position was tabled after the candidate declined the offer.

Mon Jan 11, 2021 · 17:30

City Council

Council considers loan for 300 Tower Square Plaza renovation

The Marion City Council will discuss engineering agreements for intersection designs and the Tower Square improvement project. The agenda also includes tax abatement resolutions and ordinances regarding TIF amendments and property sales in the Robert L. Butler Industrial Park. Additionally, the council will review several personnel promotions across city departments.

infrastructureeconomic-developmentbudgetpublic-works
✓ Decided: Council approves loan for First Southern Bank building purchase

The Marion City Council approved a loan agreement with First Southern Bank to finance the purchase and renovation of 300 Tower Square Plaza. The council also approved several other items, including a police promotion, a fire department construction payment, engineering agreements for intersection and Tower Square designs, TIF amendments, and a property sale ordinance. All votes were unanimous.