VOTE Lee M. Fronabarger for City Council
* Ten years experience on City Council
* Four years experience on City Planning Commission
* Carbondale homeowner and taxpayer continuously for over 32 years
* Over 22.5 years of service to Southern Illinois University
* Southernmost Illinois Tourism Board Member representing Jackson County

Let's get CARBONDALE Back on Track for Growth & Progress

Over the past 32 years as a homeowner and taxpayer in Carbondale, have worked to reinvest in and improve the quality of life in Carbondale through volunteer efforts and/or donations for:

 - Carbondale Community Petsafe Dog Park Committee
- Carbondale Main Street Program
- Inclusive Playground at Turley Park
- St Francis Animal Care
- Super Splash Park & Aqua Wall Committee
- Keep Carbondale Beautiful
- Green Earth Inc.
- Bucky Dome Home & Museum
- Touch of Nature Mt Bike Trail
- Varsity Theater Restoration
- Habitat for Humanity
- Toys for Tots Toy Distribution
- SIU Scholarship Funds
- WDBX and WSIU TV
- Boys and Girls Club Fundraisers
- Varsity Theater Restoration
- SIU School of Music

Am strong advocate for:
*Maintaining balanced budget and operating the city in a fiscally responsible manner.

*Diversifying our local economy through economic development and job growth working with Jackson Growth Alliance, SI Now, Illinois Office of Economic Development and Opportunity, Chamber of Commerce, Carbondale Main Street and other regional economic development organizations.

*Work to expand local businesses and attract new businesses to the commercial mix.

*Work with small entrepreneurs in developing their plans to launch a new business or service.

*Nurturing our neighborhoods, continue encouragement of home ownership, and improvement of affordable housing options.

*Promoting quality of life and sustainable living.

*Reinforce efforts for further development of Carbondale as the center of commerce, health care, education, transportation, innovation, entertainment and the arts for southern Illinois and region.

VOTE TUESDAY, APRIL 1
 Lee M Fronabarger 4 Carbondale City Council
Number 4 on the Ballot

Early voting at Carbondale Civic Center on March 17, 19, 21, 26, 27, & 28 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Food and Beverage Tax

In the days leading up to the City Council meeting where the proposed Food and Beverage Tax was to be discussed and voted upon, I did considerable research on which cities in Illinois already had such a tax in effect.  The research revealed that at least 31 cities in Illinois collect such a tax, including Mt. Vernon which has had a 1% tax on all prepared foods and beverages since 2008.  All 31 of these cities have a food and beverage tax of 3% or below, with 18 having a 1% tax.  Bloomington, Normal, and DeKalb, all university towns, have a rate of 2%.  I sent the information from my research to the City Manager and requested it be shared with the rest of the Council and Mayor in our Weekly Packet prior to the meeting, which it was.

I had hoped we would institute a tax no higher than 2% (actually preferring 1%), but ended up being in the minority opinion of the council and mayor.   At 4%, and with the other state and local sales taxes, we now have one of the highest taxes in the State of Illinois on meals.

I have also believed from the beginning it was only fair that all businesses that sell prepared foods and beverages be required to collect the tax, not just restaurants, bars, and hotels as was passed in the ordinance.  Having all businesses that sell prepared foods and beverages collect the tax, like in Mt. Vernon, should provide additional revenues where we could investigate possibly lowering the tax rate from 4%.  Comments and input are welcome on this topic, as we further refine the details of the recently passed ordinance before the tax goes into effect.

While we all would prefer not to have to raise taxes, the truth of the matter is that State of Illinois mandated funding of municipal police and fire pensions have forced cities throughout the state, including several here in southern Illinois, to find new or increased sources of revenues.  Illinois cities must have their police and fire pension systems 90% funded by the year 2040.  Carbondale and other downstate cities have quite a way to go to meet this mandated policy and are exploring various avenues to secure the needed funds by the deadline.

Through recent studies and meetings, like the Downtown Carbondale Redevelopment Plan, residents and officials from both SIU and SIH have voiced the need to revitalize and spruce up the Downtown Carbondale area, as well as the major entryways into the city.  A more attractive Carbondale assists in the recruitment of students, faculty, staff, and medical personnel.  Part of the new tax revenues will be utilized for that very purpose for projects, like streetscaping and a new Multi-Modal Center to replace the outdated and undersized Amtrak station, to achieve redevelopment goals.  Some people view a tax as just a tax, but in this instance, it is a means of reinvesting in your community and making needed improvements.

This Domain name has been changed to:  OurTownCarbondale.com
Thank you.

Open House for the Carbondale Bicycle Master Plan is Wednesday, February 17, from 5p.m. to 8p.m.  A short presentation by the planning team will occur at 6p.m. and 7p.m.(content is the same in both presentations).  Location is at the Carbondale Civic Center.
There will be an opportunity to review materials, talk with the planning team, and provide your feedback on the draft recommendations.

DOWNTOWN CARBONDALE MASTER PLAN

Now is your chance to give your input to the re-development of Downtown Carbondale.
The consulting firm of Houseal-Lavigne, LLC. has been hired to guide the community through the exercise of coming to a consensus of what a vibrant and viable downtown would look like.  Your views, opinions, and ideas on Downtown Carbondale and its future are most welcome. 

Residents of Carbondale and the Greater Trade Area, as well as Business Owners and Property Owners are invited to take just a few minutes to take a survey and/or create a sMap to explain your ideas and thoughts.

Please visit the following project website to complete a survey or map and to keep up to date on upcoming events and workshops.

www.hlplanning.com/portals/carbondale/

Sunny Skies and Large Crowd for Annual Great Cardboard Boat Regatta April 25th at SIU Campus Lake - Home of the Original Cardboard Boat Regatta

Views from the top floor of Five-Story Evolve Building in Downtown Carbondale

Looking south along US 51

Looking north from 5th Floor of Evolve Building



Friendship Plaza view from top floor of Evolve Building looking east.

The new mixed-use Evolve Building in Downtown Carbondale will bring new excitement and activity to the  downtown  area. Building will open for the Fall 2015 semester at SIU.                                                                                 

 

Contact your Illinois State Representative and State Senator

Governor Bruce Rauner is proposing a 50% cut to funds that are shared with Illinois cities from the State Income Tax.  This could mean a loss of $1.2 Million in revenues to the City of Carbondale which would have to be compensated for in increased local taxes.  City government is the form of government that is closest to citizens and there is more day to day interactions than at the state or federal levels. 

Please take the time to contact our Illinois legislators:  Terri Bryant,  Brandon Phelps, Dave Luechtefeld, and Gary Forby.  Tell them to not cut any funding from the sharing of Illinois Income Tax with cities which will only create more hardship in providing services to citizens at the local level.

 



See the Who To Call Chart at bottom of today's Blog.

Illinois Sales Tax News

A new rule that took effect January 1, 2015 expands the definition of out-of-state retailers that must register in Illinois with the Department of Revenue and collect sales taxes.  The new rules dropped the word "internet" and now covers mail-order and similar retailers, along with online sellers.  It has been estimated by the National Conference of State Legislatures that Illinois lost $1 Billion in unpaid sales taxes in 2012.  Quite a large sum that could help the budget woes here in the state of Illinois.  Not sure how much more revenue that would have meant to the City of Carbondale, but every little bit helps in balancing the city budget.

 

Outdoor Aquatics Center Progresses Past Half-Way Mark

Bathhouse and Concessions Building

ABOVE - Zero Depth Entry Pool which will include spray features and toys.






LEFT - Eight-Lane Competition Pool is in far background near tree line which will  accommodate lap swimming and a diving board.
Framing for the Lazy River is in the far left background of photo. 

St. Patrick’s Day “Splash of Luck”

A Fundraising Raffle and drawing is the next part of the ongoing efforts to bring the Super Splash Park Outdoor Aquatic Center to Carbondale. The “Splash of Luck” raffle will run from November 20, 2014 – March 17, 2015 and will feature a number of exciting prizes supplied by area merchants. Tickets can be purchased at several locations including: the Hickory Lodge, the LIFE Community Center, Hickory Ridge Golf Course and other Park District locations. Tickets cost $10 each or can be purchased in groups at a value of 3 for $25, 6 for $50 or 15 for $100.

Raffle ticket holders will be entered into a drawing on March 17, 2015 at Hanger 9 in Carbondale where they could win a variety of prize packages which include:

* A Chicago Hotel Trip: Winners will enjoy a two-night stay at the historic Hilton Hotel on South Michigan Avenue plus round-trip tickets for two on Amtrak from Carbondale and continental breakfast at the hotel.

* See Southern Illinois from the Air: One winner (and up to three guests) will enjoy an airplane tour from the Southern Illinois Airport. Riders will travel within a 25-mile radius of the airport.

* Hot Air Balloon Ride: The lucky winner will float on the breeze over Southern Illinois for 1 hour with a licensed hot air balloon pilot. Package courtesy of Mark Gindlesparger.

* Macy's Fragrance Gift Basket: A winner will enjoy the sweet and spice of life with a his-and-hers fragrance gift basket from Macy's Department Store at the University Mall.

  * Power Up with Lowe’s: A lucky winner will receive a Power Tool Package from Lowe's in Carbondale.

  * Outdoor Kayak Adventure: A lucky winner will be ready for an outdoor adventure with the Old Town Sit-On-Top Kayak - the perfect kayak for a beginner or intermediate paddle. Package provided by Shaffner and Associates.

 * Splash Pass: A winner will receive a one-year pass to the new Super Splash Park in Carbondale courtesy of the Carbondale Park District.

Questions about the “Splash of Luck” fundraising raffle should be directed to the Carbondale Park District at (618) 549-4222.

Construction Exceeds $53 Million Mark Thru November 2014 of Fiscal Year 2015 in Carbondale

Large construction projects on the south and north ends of the Downtown area helped to spur construction growth in Carbondale during the months of 2014 (FY 2015).  More projects are scheduled to get underway in the upcoming months of calendar year 2015.

These two photos of the EvolveAtSIU Building from early December 2014 to middle of January 2015 show the construction progress in the Downtown Carbondale area.  Building is to be ready for the Fall 2015 Semester.

Memorial Hospital of Carbondale Construction Site

Construction Crane at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale being used to move materials in the multi-million dollar project to expand space and services at the hospital.  Weather has cooperated thus far this winter for construction projects in the area.

 

 

Carbondale Community Winter Farmer's Market is open each Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Carbondale Community High School.  Parking lot and entrance is on the Walnut Street side of complex.  Great variety of locally grown and made products.  Enjoy a morning of shopping to help the local economy.

 

 

 

 

Shop Locally To Support Your Community

The 2013 holiday shopping season is upon us and where you shop can have a profound effect upon the local economy and quality of life.  It is important to do your holiday shopping locally in the greater Carbondale community to support the local economy and keep money circulating throughout our local community.

When you shop locally, you are supporting local businesses which provide many jobs to area citizens and college students working to pay their way through school and many of those local businesses are also very generous in supporting local charities and fundraising activities which improve our quality of life in the community.  These unique establishments help define our sense of place and maintain community character, but we too often forget their survival depends on our continued patronage.  Local businesses have a genuine interest in the well-being of our community and want the town to grow and prosper.

Just as important, shopping locally builds the local tax base by generating sales tax revenues for the city which are the primary source of income to cover the yearly operational costs and provide the quality city services citizens have come to expect.

If you do your shopping online, the money does not circulate back into the local economy and the sales tax revenues are lost for local purposes.  When sales tax revenues do not grow or remain low, then property taxes must climb to cover increasing city costs, including State of Illinois mandated funding levels for police and fire pension programs.

So to help and invest in your local community and business community, keep money recycling locally, and generate much needed sales tax revenues for local use, shop locally here in Carbondale this holiday season and throughout the year.

Carbondale Community Farmers Market

The new Carbondale Community Farmers Market offers fresh, local produce and other items each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Walnut Street parking lot of Carbondale Community High School near Giant City Road in the eastern part of Carbondale. Many of the vendors are those who set up at Thomas School for the Winter Farmers Market.  The crowds are growing for this first year market.

Farmers' Market Open for Season

The 38th Year for the Carbondale Farmer's Market is now open for the season on Saturday mornings 8 a.m. to noon. Shop for locally grown and fresh produce, landscape plants, canned goods, crafts and more. Market is located in Westown Shopping Center Parking Lot, just west of Murdale Shopping Center.

ZIP ZIP ZIP

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour is now open and provides a fantastic new outdoor adventure in a Zip Line through the rolling hills of forests here in southern Illinois. Check out their website of: www.shawneezip.com.
This additional outdoor activity will reinforce that southern Illinois is the mecca for outdoor adventures in the Midwest.



***McAlister's Deli***

The new Carbondale McAlister's Deli is now open on the city's east side across from the Mall.  A great selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts, etc. and their famous Sweet Tea.  You won't go hungry after dining at McAlister's Deli.  Bon Appetite!

Boondock's Seafood Co.

A new locally owned Carbondale eatery specializing in seafoods and steaks has opened in the old Houlihans building next to the Holiday Inn Conference Center. Crowds have been packing the place, especially on weekend nights. Yet another expansion of cuisine choices for southern Illinois diners and a great atmosphere too.

Bandana's BBQ

Bandana's BBQ is open for business and has seen a steady stream of diners through its doors. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Carbondale's dining selection and food menu has now been expanded with delicious southern BBQ and side dishes. Enjoy the food!

Carbondale in July

Carbondale Community Farmers Market

The new Carbondale Community Farmers Market offers fresh, local produce and other items each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Walnut Street parking lot of Carbondale Community High School near Giant City Road in the eastern part of Carbondale. Many of the vendors are those who set up at Thomas School for the Winter Farmers Market.

Farmers' Market Open for Season

The 38th Year for the Carbondale Farmer's Market is now open for the season on Saturday mornings 8 a.m. to noon. Shop for locally grown and fresh produce, landscape plants, canned goods, crafts and more. Market is located in Westown Shopping Center Parking Lot, just west of Murdale Shopping Center.

ZIP ZIP ZIP

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour is now open and provides a fantastic new outdoor adventure in a Zip Line through the rolling hills of forests here in southern Illinois. Check out their website of: www.shawneezip.com.
This additional outdoor activity will reinforce that southern Illinois is the mecca for outdoor adventures in the Midwest.

Boondock's Seafood Co.

A new locally owned Carbondale eatery specializing in seafoods and steaks has opened in the old Houlihans building next to the Holiday Inn Conference Center. Crowds have been packing the place, especially on weekend nights. Yet another expansion of cuisine choices for southern Illinois diners and a great atmosphere too.

Bandana's BBQ

Bandana's BBQ is open for business and has seen a steady stream of diners through its doors. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Carbondale's dining selection and food menu has now been expanded with delicious southern BBQ and side dishes. Enjoy the food!

New Farmers Market Established

A new Carbondale Community Farmers Market has been launched and will be selling local produce and other items each Saturday on the parking lot of Carbondale Community High School on Giant City Road in the eastern part of Carbondale.  Many of the vendors are those who set up at Thomas School for the Winter Farmers Market.   Enjoy fresh, local produce and more at this new Saturday shopping event.

Farmers' Market Open for Season

The 38th Year for the Carbondale Farmer's Market is now open for the season on Saturday mornings 8 a.m. to noon. Shop for locally grown and fresh produce, landscape plants, canned goods, crafts and more. Westown Shopping Center Parking Lot, just west of Murdale Shopping Center.

ZIP ZIP ZIP

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour is now open and provides a fantastic new outdoor adventure in a Zip Line through the rolling hills of forests here in southern Illinois. Check out their website of: www.shawneezip.com.
This additional outdoor activity will reinforce that southern Illinois is the mecca for outdoor adventures in the Midwest.

Boondock's Seafood Co.

A new locally owned Carbondale eatery specializing in seafoods and steaks has opened in the old Houlihans building next to the Holiday Inn Conference Center. Crowds have been packing the place, especially on weekend nights. Yet another expansion of cuisine choices for southern Illinois diners and a great atmosphere too.

Bandana's BBQ

Bandana's BBQ is open for business and has seen a steady stream of diners through its doors. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Carbondale's dining selection and food menu has now been expanded with delicious southern BBQ and side dishes. Enjoy the food!

Blog of Sunday April 21, 2013

Farmers' Market Open for Season

The 38th Year for the Carbondale Farmer's Market is now open for the season on Saturday mornings 8 a.m. to noon.  Shop for locally grown and fresh produce, landscape plants, canned goods, crafts and more.  Westown Shopping Center Parking Lot, just west of Murdale Shopping Center.

Thank You

Thanks to the citizens of Carbondale who supported me in my successful return to the Carbondale City Council.  Representing the citizens of Carbondale is of utmost importance to me and  I look forward to working with the community to move Carbondale forward and improve the quality of life here in our town.

ZIP ZIP ZIP

Coming in April, the opening of a fantastic new outdoor adventure in a Zip Line through the rolling hills of forests here in southern Illinois. Springtime will bring the debut of Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tours. Check out their website of: www.shawneezip.com.
This additional outdoor activity will reinforce that southern Illinois is the mecca for outdoor adventures in the Midwest.

Boondock's Seafood Co.

A new locally owned Carbondale eatery specializing in seafoods and steaks has opened in the old Houlihans building next to the Holiday Inn Conference Center.  Crowds have been packing the place, especially on weekend nights.  Yet another expansion of cuisine choices for southern Illinois diners and a great atmosphere too. 

Bandana's BBQ

Bandana's BBQ is open for business and has seen a steady stream of diners through its doors. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Carbondale's dining selection and food menu has now been expanded with delicious southern BBQ and side dishes. Enjoy the food!

Our Town Carbondale

Now Under Construction - Stay tuned.

Farmer's Market Opens for Season

The 38th Year for the Carbondale Farmer's Market opens for the season this Saturday, March 30th from 8 a.m. to noon.  Shop for locally grown produce, canned goods, crafts and more.  Plus there will be musical entertainment to kick the season off. 

City, School, Park District Elections - Tuesday April 9th

Early voting at Carbondale Civic Center Thursday, 3/28 - (9 to 3); Tuesday, April 2 - (9 to 3) and last day is Thursday, April 4 - (9 to 3).

ZIP ZIP ZIP 

Coming in April, the opening of a fantastic new outdoor adventure in a Zip Line through the rolling hills of forests here in southern Illinois.  Springtime will bring the debut of Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tours.  Check out their website of:  www.shawneezip.com.
This additional outdoor activity will reinforce that southern Illinois is the mecca for outdoor adventures in the Midwest.

Bandana's BBQ

Bandana's BBQ is open for business and has seen a steady stream of diners through its doors.  Great food, great service, great atmosphere.  Carbondale's dining selection and food menu has now been expanded with delicious southern BBQ and side dishes.  Enjoy the food!