City Council

City Council Meeting April 14, 2026 1. Roll Call Councilmembers present Councilmember Nancy Maxwell, Councilmember Dawn Roberts, Councilmember Brian Stanfield, Councilmember Nathan Colombo, Councilmember Clare Killman, Councilmember Adam Loos, Mayor Carolin Harvey Councilmembers absent Meeting called to order at 6:10 PM. 2. Public Comments Members of the public addressing the City Council included Sandy Litecky, James Cooper, Jr., Jacob Buchman, Chan Patel, Lekhraj Ahuja, Brian Beavers, and Ginger Rye Sanders. 3. Council Comments, General Announcements, and Proclamations Councilmember Roberts encouraged citizens to keep an eye on the agendas so that they can share their input on agenda items before the Council takes action on them, as opposed to after the fact. She commended the SIU School of Theater and Dance vocalists who performed before the meeting, and shared her thoughts after attending "Iran Beyond the Headlines" at the Varsity Theater. Later, she expressed support for keeping public comments on City business and shutting down personal attacks. Councilmember Killman responded to a public comment and urged the Mayor to consider comments like those to be ruled out of order. Councilmember Colombo thanked the Mayor and Staff for their involvement and engagement with the Southern Illinois Film and Television Workforce Training Program. Councilmember Loos responded to a public comment regarding the cannabinoid tax, concurred with Councilmember Killman's remarks on keeping public comments to matters that the City is able to address, and further, he suggested an amendment to the liquor code to allow grocery stores to sell hard liquor instead of beer and wine only. Councilmember Roberts supported the addition of liquor sales by grocery stores as a discussion item on the agenda. 1. Proclamations for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Kamille Smith-David Day, National Crime Victims' Rights Week, Arbor Day Mayor Harvey proclaimed the month of April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the City of Carbondale. Mayor Harvey proclaimed April 15, 2026, as Kamille Smith-David Day in the City of Carbondale. Mayor Harvey proclaimed April 19-25, 2026, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week in the City of Carbondale. Mayor Harvey proclaimed April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of Carbondale. 4. Public Hearings and Special Reports 1. Public Hearing on the Proposed FY 2027 City Budget The Proposed FY 2027 Budget for the City of Carbondale was placed on display for public inspection on March 27, 2026. The Budget presents a financial and operational plan for the City during the period of May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, based on Community Goals and Council priorities. The notice of Public Hearing was published Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the Southern Illinoisan newspaper. A budget overview and budget highlights were included in the budget transmittal letter that is attached to the agenda item. Mayor Harvey declared the Public Hearing open at 6:55 p.m. Jasper Futch commented on the cut of funding to agencies and organizations. Jasper specified three specific pathways to provide funding for this purpose, and the restoration of funding was encouraged. Leah Maciell inquired if other youth organizations aside from the Boys and Girls Club might receive support, what actions the Community Housing Trust could take to help reduce homelessness, and asked if the City would be able to offer grant writing assistance to community agencies that are not receiving funding. Donald Monty remarked that the budget does not communicate why the proposed Assistant City Manager position is needed, nor does the budget detail the reason for eliminating funding for community agencies and organizations. Further, he remarked that updates to the narratives in the Capital Improvements budget were needed. Samaria Gosa, speaking on behalf of Mr. Haqq, for Attucks Community Services, shared details about the history of funding and services for the organization. She requested a return to pre- COVID funding levels. Ginger Rye Sanders, speaking on behalf of Women for Change, remarked that the needs for services are at an all-time high; noted that many organizations are already looking for grant funding; and the City has the staffing and abilities to assist with finding funding. Darnecia Moultrie remarked on the decline of Carbondale, the loss of hope in the community, and concurred with Ginger Rye Sanders Mayor Harvey declared the Public Hearing closed at 7:18 p.m. 5. Consent Agenda Edie Arnell asked for additional details about the Consent Agenda. 1. Approval of Minutes from the Special City Council Meeting of March 20 and the Regular City Council Meeting of March 24, 2026  2. Approval of Warrant 1534 for Period Ending 03/27/2026 in the amount of $2,256,910.98 3. Approval of Wells Fargo Warrant for the Period Ending 02/28/2026 FY 2026 Warrant #WF 02/2026 in the Amount of $94,189.45 4. Resolution Dedicating Funds from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund to Cover the City's Portion of Construction Costs for CIP ST2501 — Rehabilitation of Poplar Street From West Oak Street to West Mill Street, West Cherry Street from South Illinois Avenue to South Oakland Avenue, and College Street From Forest Avenue to South Illinois Avenue 5. A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter Into a Professional Services Agreement with Design Works for the Development of Pre-Approved Building Plans for Net-Zero Energy Infill Development 6. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Residential Tax Increment Financing Agreement with Odyssey Rentals LLC for a Redevelopment Project at 405 South Ash Street 7. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Residential Tax Increment Financing Agreement with Odyssey Rentals LLC for a Redevelopment Project at 406 West Walnut Street 8. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Residential Tax Increment Financing Agreement with Oak and Almond Properties, LLC for a Redevelopment Project at 706 West Main Street 6. General Business 1. Review and Discussion of the Proposed FY 2027 Budget and Five Year Capital Improvement Program Councilmember Killman requested additional information regarding the re-creation of the Assistant City Manager position, what the role and responsibilities would be for that position, and noted that she would like to look at doing away with paid parking. She also noted that she would like to set up a meeting to look at additional cuts. Councilmember Maxwell expressed frustration about the elimination of funding for community organizations, commented that organizations are doing work without funding, and stated that this was unacceptable. Councilmember Roberts asked to see the results of the stormwater survey referenced in the budget; Public Works Director Hardin responded. She itemized specifics that she would like answered about the proposed Assistant City Manager position. She also expressed interest in looking at the elimination of downtown parking meters and having that discussion on an upcoming agenda. Councilmember Loos shared his recollection of the receptiveness of the City Council to the proposed stormwater utility fee. Mayor Harvey noted that a grant writing workshop would be at the Carbondale Public Library on April 20. She reminded everyone that this time last year, notice was made about the loss of funding. Donald Monty asked the Finance Director about the General Fund balance. He noted that the budget document assumes that all things are going to happen and that a small budget deficit probably would not be the end of the world. Christine Lesinski, in response to the referenced stormwater sewer tax, noted that removal of stormwater would not be a great idea, asked where it would go, and whether it could be collected and reused. 7. Executive Session 8. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was declared adjourned at 7:53 p.m. _______________________________ _______________________________ Jennifer R. Sorrell, City Clerk Date