Mayor Mike Inman issued a proclamation Monday, naming September 18 as Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce Day. The chamber was formed 90 years ago on September 18, 1936.
Inman said the chamber's purpose is 'to promote the growth and success of the local business community.' He congratulated the group on its collective efforts to enhance the community quality of life by providing nine decades of leadership, advocacy, partnership, and service. Chamber executive director Steve Brody said this week is Chamber of Commerce Week in Illinois.
In other business at Monday's City Council Committee of the whole meeting, aldermen discussed a proposed resolution setting salaries for those elected next spring. Effective May 1, the mayor's annual salary will be $50,500 and will increase to $56,825 by 2030. The city clerk's annual salary will be $50,500 in 2027 and increase to $56,825 by 2030. Aldermen elected next year will have their salaries set at $1,825 annually in 2027 and increased to $2,025 by 2030. The city treasurer's annual salary will increase to $7,800 in 2027 and increase to $8,690 by 2030.
Petitions to run in the spring election are available in the city clerk's office. They are to be filed from Oct. 19.
Aldermen also heard quarterly reports from four city departments. Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann said Oakwood Cemetery has received an Illinois Extension grant to create a rain garden to illustrate ways to recycle rainwater. She said an ADA lift has been installed at the cemetery office.
The sewer plant treated 329 million gallons of water from May through July. Ohrtmann said a lot of this was due to excessive rainfall. She said one day saw seven inches of rainfall in 24 hours. The water department distributed 176 million gallons of water and dealt with 11 boil orders, six water main breaks, and five hydrant replacements.
The quarter saw 935 hours of street maintenance, 480 hours of storm sewer maintenance, and 449 hours of urban forestry. Ohrtmann said Gloria Diggs has been promoted to city forester.
Inman said $215,000 in grant money was received by the Macomb Public Transit Department. The department reported 46,896 cumulative bus passengers and 3,879 van requests for the April through June federal quarter. New software has been installed for van passenger requests, and five jobs have been filled.
Police Chief Todd Tedrow said 4,204 calls for service were received from May through July, and officers made 173 arrests. There were 55 theft cases and 26 burglaries. Officers requested 43 mental health evaluations and reported 17 suicidal subjects. K-9 Jax had seven deployments resulting in eight arrests. There were two taser involvements, one with a laser display and another with darts fired..
Fire Chief Dan Meyer said 513 calls were received from May through July. There were 12 fires, 263 medical assistance requests, and 88 fire inspections. Firefighters checked 17 car seats and installed 16 smoke alarms. and two firefighters are working with senior citizens in preventing falls.
Lt. Ethan Taylor was invited by the Freedom Flag Foundation to visit New York City and tour the 9/11 Museum. The Macomb department was given a special flag illustrating elements of September 11, 2001, including steel remnants from the World Trade Center. Meyer said these items will be used at schools during talks in October.
