The Carmi City Council met Monday, September 2nd, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street, Carmi, Illinois.
Prior to opening the Council meeting, Mayor Pollard asked Alderman Steve Winkleman to give the invocation. The prayer was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pollard presided with the following Aldermen present: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, Keith Davis, Kenny Carter, Sheila Jo Headlee, Doug Hays, Jack Lamont and Mike Knight.
Minutes for the August 18th, 2014 Council Meeting were presented. Motion made by Alderman Knight and seconded by Alderman Lamont to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard presented Mr. John Acree of Lamac Engineering to address council providing information for the bids from Kieffer Brothers for the sewer and street project at West Industrial Park. Mr. Acree stated that the bids are under budget and both were approved on Friday, August 29th from the EDA. Both contracts were awarded to the Kieffer Brothers. Mr. Acree said that the low bid for the streets and sewer was eight hundred and ninety six thousand, three hundred and ninety seven dollars ($896,397). The sanitary sewer low bid was one hundred forty thousand, six hundred and seventy six dollars ($140,676). He added that they needed council action to approve both of those contracts. Mayor Pollard asked the council to approve and accept the Kieffer Brothers bid for the sewer project at West Industrial Park. Motion made by Alderman Winkleman and seconded by Alderman Lamont to approve the bids as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.” Mayor Pollard then asked the council to approve and accept the Kieffer Brothers bid for the street project at the West Industrial Park. Motion made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.” Mr. Acree then talked about extending the water lines, since the job came in under budget. Alderman Lamont asked where the extension of the water line would be placed. Mayor Pollard answered that it is out in the East Industrial Park where they are putting the new road in. He added that they didn’t put in a new line from where the old railroad tracks are up to where Marshalls Electric is at. Mr. Acree said that the water line is only about four (4) inches and that they plan to make it eight (8) inches and have fire protection all through the location. Mayor Pollard commented that if the EDA approves it, then he would agree to go ahead and add the additional water line. Several Aldermen agreed with this. Mr. Acree informed the council that the water line on Roser Dr. is put in and working as well as the water line for L & L Industrial. Maintenance work on roads will be started in October of 2014.
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider Mr. Glenn Coleman, of the Webb-Hay House, request of alley closure and use of outdoor music for three (3) wedding receptions. Mr. Coleman said that there are three (3) private events scheduled for September 13th, September 20th, and September 27th and that they are all weddings. He added that acoustic music, a PA system and a DJ will all be used at these events. Mayor Pollard stated that his major concern is how long to allow them to play music since it will be outside. Mayor Pollard added that the current liquor ordinance has a last call at 11:30 p.m. and you must be off the premises at 12:00 a.m. Mr.
Coleman said that they planned to play music until 11:00 p.m. Alderman Hays stated that he feels like the alley closure is a no brainer because of the safety issue and added that they looked at the sound ordinance, which is very old and outdated with no specific times. Mr. Coleman commented that he is very conscious of his three (3) neighbors and that they do not have these events every day. They will also turn all the speakers away from the residences. Police Chief Jason Carter stated that he feels the need for a change to the current liquor ordinances. He said that it is not fair right now and that he cannot pick and choose where he is going to enforce them at and that something has got to be done one way or the other. Alderman Knight asked Mr. Coleman what hours he was planning on closing the alley. He answered from 10:00 a.m. to Midnight. Motion was made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Davis to close the alley from 10:00 a.m. to Midnight for the three (3) Saturday weddings as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.” Motion was then made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Lamont to allow music to be played at the three (3) wedding receptions to 11:00 p.m. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider the rescheduling of the Monday, October 6, 2014 council meeting to Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. in order to avoid a conflict with the Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner. Motion was made by Alderman Blake and seconded by Alderman Headlee to approve the rescheduling of the meeting as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard stated that after making the announcement during the last meeting about taking reservations for camping at Burrell’s Woods for the Halloween activities, Chamber Director Holly Healy informed him that all of the spots have been reserved. She has also started a call list if someone ends up cancelling.
He added that they have also been working on the pond at Burrell’s Woods. This weekend is a Harvest Festival starting at 5:00 p.m. and it will feature more acoustic music.
He commented that everyone who has a smart phone will be able to access The City of Carmi smartphone app. It is now available on the Google Play Store and the Apple Store. All you have to do is go in and download it to your phone. This will help the city communicate with the public to let them know about boil orders and storm warnings. The app also has a list of restaurants and can tell you how to get around town if you do not know how. City Clerk Brian Allen added that customers can now pay their utility bill online on the website.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Knight stated that the ditch at Bradshaw Park is eroding and the storage building foundation is eroding. He added that the culvert needs fixed and replaced at Bradshaw Park. The farmer planting field is planting too close which is causing a lot of silt to come onto the ball fields. The rock and sand has been moved from the pony league field as well.
Business or Comments from Visitors
Richard Cook asked who designed the app for the City of Carmi. Mayor Pollard answered that it was Bluebridge from Indianapolis. Mr. Cook asked if they knew why they need access to all of his personal contacts and his entire phone memory in order to install the app. Mayor Pollard said that he did not have that problem with his phone when he set it up.
Motion made by Alderman Winkleman and seconded by Alderman Lamont to go into closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel and property issues with no action to follow. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
At 6: 03 p.m. council went into closed session.
Motion made by Alderman Winkleman and seconded by Alderman Carter to return to open session and adjourn. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
At 7:32 p.m. council adjourned.
Brian K. Allen, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor