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Carbondale, Illinois

Carbondale public meetings in 2025

39 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Thu Dec 18, 2025

Sustainability Commission

Commission will elect a new chair and vice‑chair for the next term

The Sustainability Commission will hold its annual election of a chair and vice‑chair, approve the 2026 meeting calendar, and discuss the plant inventory and a new SIU/TON director. The meeting also includes reports from the Sustainability Coordinator and an update on the former Koppers Wood Treatment Site.

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Thu Dec 18, 2025

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

Board to conduct interviews for lateral entry police officer

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners will meet to interview candidates for a lateral entry police officer position in a closed session. The board will also review the 2026 meeting calendar.

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✓ Decided: Board unanimously approved 2026 meeting calendar and other motions

The Board approved the minutes from the October 23, 2025 meeting. It entered executive session to conduct oral interviews for a lateral entry police officer, then returned to open session. The Board also approved the proposed 2026 meeting calendar. All motions passed with unanimous approval.

Thu Dec 11, 2025

Foreign Fire Insurance Board

Board to approve multiple equipment and furnishing purchases for Fire Station #2

The Foreign Fire Insurance Board will consider several purchase requests submitted by department members. Items include equipment and tools, station furnishings, duty apparel, kitchen furnishings, fitness equipment, and miscellaneous items. The board will vote on whether to authorize these acquisitions for the fire station. No dollar amounts or contracts are listed in the agenda.

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✓ Decided: Board approves multiple equipment purchases, tables several others

The Foreign Fire Insurance Board approved several equipment and training purchases, each with a unanimous 6-0 vote. Requests for flashlights, voltage detectors, an airhorn, and an infrared sauna were tabled. The meeting also approved the prior minutes and the treasurer's report, both unanimously.

Wed Dec 10, 2025

Carbondale Public Library Board

Board approves $152,689.57 payment for library roof and HVAC project

The Carbondale Public Library Board will approve the November 12, 2025 meeting minutes and settle outstanding bills through January 14, 2025. It will authorize a $152,689.57 payment to J&L Robinson for the library roof and HVAC project. The board will also adopt revised Borrower’s Card and Nonresident Fee policies. Additional items include discussion of building maintenance and the five‑year plan.

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✓ Decided: Approved $152,689.57 payment for library roof and HVAC project

The board unanimously approved the November 12, 2025 meeting minutes, the pending bills through Jan. 14, 2026, and a $152,689.57 payment to J&L Robinson for the roof and HVAC work. It also changed the 2026 November board meeting date to Nov. 18 and adopted revised Borrower’s Card and Nonresident Fee policies.

Thu Nov 20, 2025

Sustainability Commission

Commission will discuss city budget allocations and elect new chair and vice chair

The Carbondale Sustainability Commission will meet on November 20, 2025. Members will vote on the annual election of the chair and vice chair. The commission will discuss the city budget, including community group funding, energy sovereignty funding, and the overall budget. Reports will be presented on the Sustainability Coordinator’s progress and the former Koppers Wood Treatment Site.

budgetgovernancesustainabilityelectionsreports
Wed Nov 19, 2025

Planning Commission /Zoning Board of Appeals

Planning Commission to review rezoning requests for 441 East Willow Street

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two rezoning and permit requests for the Eurma Hayes Center and one rezoning request for Westwood Rentals, LLC. The body will also discuss and vote on a recommendation for the Capital Improvement Program.

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✓ Decided: Commission recommended City Council approve Eurma Hayes Center rezoning and permit

The Planning Commission amended the applicant’s name to Elizabeth Erin Ashley for PC 26‑07 and unanimously recommended City Council approve the rezoning. It also unanimously recommended City Council approve a special‑use permit for the same site (PC 26‑08) and a rezoning for Westwood Rentals (PC 26‑04). The commission sent the Capital Improvement Program recommendations and the 2026 meeting calendar to City Council, both passing by unanimous voice vote.

Wed Nov 19, 2025

Planning Commission /Zoning Board of Appeals

Zoning Board to consider parking variance for Westwood Rentals, LLC

The Carbondale Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to review a request for a variance regarding minimum off-street parking requirements. The board will also approve minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting.

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Wed Nov 12, 2025

Carbondale Public Library Board

Library board to approve roof repair costs and 2026 meeting schedule

The Carbondale Public Library Board will review financial reports and approve payments for a roof and HVAC project. The board will also set its meeting dates for 2026 and approve a revised insurance policy.

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✓ Decided: Approved $424,026.90 payment for library roof and HVAC project

The board unanimously approved bills payable through Dec 10, 2025 and a $424,026.90 payment to J&L Robinson for the roof and HVAC project. It accepted the October 2025 financial report and approved a revised insurance policy for the personnel handbook. Two skylight curb repair adjustments were tabled, and the board set the scheduled closing days and meeting dates for 2026.

Wed Oct 29, 2025

Planning Commission /Zoning Board of Appeals

Request to amend Title 15 to allow emergency services training facilities in AG district

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on PC 26-02, a request by Carbondale Community Development staff to amend Title 15 of the Carbondale Revised Code to create a land‑use category for emergency services training facilities in the AG (General Agriculture) district. The commission will also open a call for projects under the Capital Improvement Program. Routine items include approval of the August 13, 2025 minutes, citizen comments, and the introduction of new Ex‑Officio member Councilperson Dawn Roberts.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission approved text amendment for emergency services training use

The commission approved a text amendment to Title 15 of the Carbondale Revised Code to create a land‑use category for emergency services training facilities in the General Agriculture district. The motion passed with a 6‑2 vote (Yes: Brown, Schilling, Love, Lilly, Sheffer, Litecky; No: Shukites, Allee). The minutes from the August 13, 2025 meeting were also approved.

Thu Oct 23, 2025

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

Board holds closed interview session for entry-level and lateral police officers

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners will hold a closed session to conduct oral interviews for entry‑level and lateral entry police officer candidates. The open session will include approval of the September 18, 2025 meeting minutes and a discussion of the 2026 meeting calendar. Additional items include citizen comments, staff updates, and board comments before adjournment.

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✓ Decided: Board approved a closed meeting to conduct police officer oral interviews

The Board approved the minutes from the September 18, 2025 meeting. It also approved holding a closed meeting to conduct oral interviews for entry‑level and lateral‑entry police officer candidates. Finally, the Board voted to return to the open session after the closed meeting.

Tue Oct 21, 2025

Police Pension Fund Board

Police Pension Board to review 2026 COLA increases

The Carbondale Police Pension Board will discuss annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increases effective January 1, 2026. The board will also review disability applications and benefit requests for surviving spouses and retirees.

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Tue Oct 21, 2025

Firefighters' Pension Fund Board

Firefighters' Pension Fund Board to review annual COLA increase and audits

The Board of Trustees will discuss the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase and review several actuarial and audit reports. The meeting includes a benefit application for Robert E. Miller and a funding request for the municipality tax levy.

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✓ Decided: Board approved $810,086 tax levy request and other financial actions

The board approved the July 15 minutes and accepted the Treasurer's Report with $601,553.29 in expenses. It suspended a $180,000 recurring cash withdrawal, moved $400,000 to Illinois Funds, and accepted Fire Chief Rob Miller's benefit application. The board also approved the annual COLA pension increase, prepared a tax‑levy letter requesting $810,086, and authorized fiduciary liability insurance not to exceed a 3% increase over $3,298.

Thu Oct 16, 2025

Sustainability Commission

Commission will vote to approve the August 21 2025 meeting minutes

The Sustainability Commission will consider citizen comments, presentations, and reports from its officers and subcommittees, including the monthly progress report from the Sustainability Coordinator and a report on the former Koppers Wood Treatment Site. The meeting also includes approval of the August 21, 2025 meeting minutes and routine announcements.

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Thu Oct 9, 2025

Foreign Fire Insurance Board

Foreign Fire Insurance Board to review equipment and furnishing purchases

The Foreign Fire Insurance Board will discuss the purchase of equipment, tools, apparel, and furnishings requested by department members. The board will also follow up on previously approved requests regarding a storage building and a concrete pad at a SE hydrant.

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✓ Decided: Board approved several rescue and station equipment purchases, tabled flashlights

The board approved the minutes from the prior meeting and the treasurer’s report, each with a 6‑0 vote. It approved purchases of chainsaws, rescue harnesses, water rescue gear, a stand‑up freezer, a mini fridge, handheld vacuums, and a Bluetooth lockbox. The $2,000 purchase of flashlights was tabled. All approvals were unanimous (6‑0).

Wed Oct 8, 2025

Carbondale Public Library Board

Board will consider the Fiscal Year 2027 levy request

The Carbondale Public Library Board will approve September 10, 2025 meeting minutes and bills payable through November 12, 2025. It will accept the September 2025 financial report and discuss the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and levy request. Additional items include updates on building maintenance, staffing, and community survey plans.

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✓ Decided: Board approved a 4.25% increase to the FY 2027 levy

The Carbondale Public Library Board unanimously approved the FY 2027 levy increase of 4.25%. It also approved the September 10, 2025 board minutes, the current bills payable, and the September 2025 financial report. The board authorized building closures for the HVAC and roof project and adopted a patron email survey running Nov 3–Dec 8, 2025. Five‑Year Planning Committee minutes from September 2 and 8 were also approved.

Wed Sep 24, 2025

Planning Commission /Zoning Board of Appeals

Zoning Board to consider solar energy system variance for Vine Church

The Carbondale Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to review a variance request regarding solar energy system setbacks. The board will also approve minutes from previous meetings.

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Thu Sep 18, 2025

Sustainability Commission

Sustainability Commission to discuss site remediation and new member updates

The Carbondale Sustainability Commission will meet to approve minutes, receive reports on the Former Koppers Wood Treatment Site, and discuss recommendations for city action. The meeting agenda includes updates regarding a new councilmember and progress reports from the sustainability coordinator.

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Thu Sep 18, 2025

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

Board holds closed session to interview police officer candidates

The Carbondale Board of Fire and Police Commissioners will conduct a closed meeting to hold oral interviews for entry‑level and lateral entry police officer positions. It will also certify the 2025 final promotional eligibility lists for Fire Captain and Assistant Fire Chief. The board will approve minutes from the August 21, 2025 meeting, hear citizen comments, and receive staff updates before adjourning.

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✓ Decided: Board approved minutes, opened police interview session, certified fire promotion list

The Board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from August 21, 2025. It authorized a closed meeting to conduct oral interviews for entry‑level and lateral entry police officer candidates. The Board also certified the 2025 final promotional eligibility lists for Fire Captain and Assistant Fire Chief.

Wed Sep 10, 2025

Carbondale Public Library Board

Board will accept a trustee resignation and elect a new treasurer

The Carbondale Public Library Board will consider several routine items, including approval of recent meeting minutes and financial reports. New business includes accepting the resignation of Trustee Barbara Levine and holding an election for the library treasurer. The board will also address patron behavior before adjourning.

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✓ Decided: Patron banned six months and required to pay door repairs

The Library Board unanimously approved the August 13, 2025 meeting minutes, the pending bills through October 8, 2025, and the August 2025 financial report. It accepted the resignation of Trustee Barbara Levine and elected Julian Pei as Treasurer. The board also banned a patron for six months and ordered payment for door repairs after a violent incident.

Thu Aug 21, 2025

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approved minutes and authorized closed meeting for police officer interviews

The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 8, 2025 meeting. It also approved a closed session to conduct oral interviews for entry‑level and lateral entry police officer candidates. After the closed session, the Board unanimously voted to return to the open session and then adjourned the meeting.

Wed Aug 13, 2025

Planning Commission /Zoning Board of Appeals

Planning Commission to review food truck venue and Comprehensive Plan update

The Carbondale Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding a new business request and the city's long-term planning. The body will consider permits for a food truck venue and continue testimony on the Comprehensive Plan update.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommends approval of Still Woods Bar special use permit

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 28, June 11, and June 25 meetings. It voted to recommend that City Council approve the special use permit for Still Woods Bar (PC 26-01). It also voted to recommend City Council approve the Comprehensive Plan update (PC 25-13). All votes were unanimous.

Wed Aug 13, 2025

Carbondale Public Library Board

✓ Decided: Board unanimously approves naloxone vending machine for library

The Carbondale Public Library Board approved a naloxone vending machine to be placed in the library, adopting the District 95 Literacy Initiative resolution, and imposed a 90‑day ban on a disruptive patron. The board also approved the July 9 meeting minutes, the current bills payable, and the July financial report, all with unanimous votes. No action was taken on the Fast Forward Libraries strategic‑planning agreement.

Thu Aug 7, 2025

Foreign Fire Insurance Board

✓ Decided: Board approved $15,000 bid for Lake of Egypt fire rescue boat

The board approved the prior meeting minutes and the Treasurer's Report showing a $40,000 balance. It approved several equipment purchases, including a $15,000 bid for a Lake of Egypt fire rescue boat, and tabled a $2,000 purchase of flashlights.

Tue Jul 15, 2025

Police Pension Fund Board

✓ Decided: Board approved continuation of Trey Harris's disability pension benefit

The board approved the minutes from the April 15, 2025 meeting and a $719.10 payment to the board attorney. It accepted the treasurer's report and voted to continue Trey Harris's disability pension benefit. Trustees elected a new slate of officers and affirmed that the board will pay for trustees' training. Membership applications for three Tier II officers were also approved.

Tue Jul 15, 2025

Firefighters' Pension Fund Board

✓ Decided: Board pauses $180,000 cash withdrawal and approves new firefighter memberships

The board approved the minutes from the April 15, 2025 meeting. It voted to pause a recurring $180,000 cash withdrawal from the FPIF Global Cash Movement for August. The board accepted the Treasurer’s Report and approved $578,799.97 in expenses, including payroll. It also approved membership for three probationary firefighters—Joseph Draper, Devin Biffar, and Connor McBride.

Wed Jun 25, 2025

Planning Commission /Zoning Board of Appeals

✓ Decided: Planning Commission adjourned; no formal actions taken

The commission continued the public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan update and discussed economic development, housing, and zoning issues. No approvals, denials, or other substantive actions were recorded. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

Wed Jun 18, 2025

Foreign Fire Insurance Board

✓ Decided: Board approves equipment, TV, hats and bond; tables $2,000 flashlights

The board approved the prior meeting minutes and the treasurer’s report showing a $43,587 balance. It approved purchases of a Stihl trimmer, CMC rigging bag, Stihl backpack blower, a 65” TV, bucket and sun hats for personnel, and a $100 renewal of the treasurer’s bond, each with a unanimous 6‑0 vote. The $2,000 purchase of flashlights was tabled. All votes were unanimous.

Wed Jun 11, 2025

Planning Commission /Zoning Board of Appeals

✓ Decided: Planning Commission unanimously recommends rezoning and two solar permits

The Commission approved a recommendation to City Council to rezone parcel 15-17-327-023 from Planned Unit Development to General Agriculture (PC 25-10). It also unanimously recommended approval of special use permits for Arena Knight 1 Solar (3.8 MW) on parcel 15-17-376-013 (PC 25-11) and for Arena Knight 2 Solar (3.0 MW) on parcels 15-17-376-013 and 15-17-327-023 (PC 25-12), each with stipulated conditions. All three items will be presented to City Council on July 8, 2025 for final approval.

Wed May 28, 2025

Planning Commission /Zoning Board of Appeals

✓ Decided: Commission directs staff to revise draft Comprehensive Plan for June 25 review

The commission approved the minutes from the March 26th and May 14th, 2025 meetings by unanimous voice vote. It then approved a motion directing staff to respond to public comments, revise the draft Comprehensive Plan, and present the updated draft at a special meeting on June 25th, 2025 (Yes 7, No 0). The meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

Wed May 14, 2025

Planning Commission /Zoning Board of Appeals

✓ Decided: Planning Commission postponed three hearings to June 11, 2025

The commission voted to postpone the hearings for PC 25-10, PC 25-11, and PC 25-12 until the June 11, 2025 meeting. The motion was made by Mr. Sheffer, seconded by Mr. Carrier, and passed unanimously with a 7‑0 vote. No other actions were taken.

Wed May 14, 2025

Carbondale Public Library Board

✓ Decided: Board unanimously approved HVAC and roof project bid and new non-resident fee policy

The board accepted the base bid from J&L Robinson for the library’s HVAC and roof project, rejecting all alternate bids. It also adopted a new non-resident library card fee structure for property owners and renters. Additionally, the board approved closing the First Mid Bank and Trust account, and banned a patron from the library for one year. All motions passed with unanimous votes.

Thu Apr 17, 2025

Foreign Fire Insurance Board

✓ Decided: Board elected new 2025 officers, including Chairman Bradford

The board approved the prior meeting minutes and the treasurer's report showing a $59,143.52 balance. New board members were appointed and the 2025 officers were elected. Several equipment and apparel purchases were approved, while two flashlight and rescue‑pit ladder purchases were tabled.

Tue Apr 15, 2025

Police Pension Fund Board

✓ Decided: Board approved Guy Draper’s 60‑month service credit transfer to SERS

The board accepted the March 17 minutes and approved the treasurer’s report showing a fund market value of $60,908,751. It forewent recouping a $2,883.73 overpayment to a deceased spouse and approved several benefit and service contracts, including a disability benefit for Daniel Rice, a $26,436.04 service‑credit transfer for Guy Draper, actuarial services for $6,800, auditing services for $7,400, and monthly survivor benefits of $5,586.53 for Wendy Emmett.

Tue Apr 15, 2025

Firefighters' Pension Fund Board

✓ Decided: Board approved $576,804.53 in expenses, including $555,629.38 payroll

The board accepted the Treasurer’s Report and approved expenses of $576,804.53, with $555,629.38 for payroll. Steve Myers was added as an FPIF account representative. Jay Crippen was re‑elected and nominated as President, and Steve Myers was nominated as Secretary. The board also approved the 2025 audit with Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP and actuarial services from MWM Consulting at $3,400.

Tue Apr 15, 2025

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board certified the assessment results promoting a police sergeant.

The board approved the March 20, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It authorized a closed session to conduct oral interviews for entry‑level firefighter and police officer positions, also unanimously. The board voted to return to the open session. Finally, the board certified the assessment center results, promoting a police sergeant, with all votes in favor.

Wed Apr 9, 2025

Carbondale Public Library Board

✓ Decided: Board unanimously approved April bills payable and March financial report

The board approved the minutes from the March 12 meeting unanimously. It also approved the bills payable through May 14, 2025 and accepted the March 2025 financial report, each with unanimous votes. No new business or decisions on the roofing and HVAC project were made.

Wed Mar 26, 2025

Planning Commission /Zoning Board of Appeals

✓ Decided: Planning Commission adopts 1.5‑mile extraterritorial boundary recommendation

The commission approved the February 26th minutes by unanimous voice vote. It then adopted staff’s recommendation to establish a 1.5‑mile extraterritorial boundary, maintaining the city’s eastern boundary into Williamson County and leaving the western boundary unchanged. The motion passed with a 7‑yes, 0‑no vote. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

Thu Mar 20, 2025

Sustainability Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved prior minutes and scheduled an April 5 tree‑planting event

The Sustainability Commission approved the February 20, 2025 meeting minutes. Members finalized plans for a tree‑planting event on April 5 at 8 a.m., tasking staff to create a flyer and add it to the city calendar. The meeting was then adjourned after a motion and second.

Thu Mar 20, 2025

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approved closed meeting to interview entry-level police officer candidates

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 20, 2025 meeting. It also approved holding a closed meeting to conduct oral interviews for entry‑level police officer candidates. After the closed session, the board voted to return to the open session, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:51 a.m.