The regularly scheduled council meeting was held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street.
Prior to opening the council meeting, Mayor Pollard asked Alderman Winkleman to give the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pollard presided with the following Aldermen present: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, Tracy Nelson, James Totten, Mike Knight, Doug Hays, Jeremy Courson, and Sheila Jo Headlee.
The minutes from the July 6, 2021, council meeting was presented. Alderman Courson made a motion to approve the July 6, 2021, council meeting minutes as presented. Alderman Hays seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The June 2021 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Carmi Light & Water were presented to the council for consideration. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee for approval of the June 2021 Financial Reports. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The vendor invoices for July 2021 for the City of Carmi and Carmi Light & Water were presented for approval. A motion was made by Alderman Winkleman to approve the July 2021 vendor invoices. The motion was seconded by Alderman Totten. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
For Council Consideration, discussion, and possible approval
- Chief of Police, Jason Carter, thanked the council for allowing him the opportunity to hire new police officers to maintain a full force. Officer Matt Long was introduced as the most recent addition to the Carmi Police Department. Officer Long will attend the Police Academy beginning August 23, 2021.
- Chief Carter then introduced Officer Joshua Moore. Chief Carter stated officer Moore had been with the Carmi Police Department for 7 years and was recently promoted to Sergeant. His wife, Kacey, was given the honor of pinning Sergeant Moore with his Sergeant pins.
- Reappointment of Denton Aud to the Library Board to a term from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2024. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve the reappointment of Denton Aud to the Library Board. Alderman Headlee seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call with each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
- Reappointment of Diane Healy to the Library Board to a term from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2024. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve the reappointment of Diane Healy to the Library board. Alderman Totten seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Reappointment of John Stanley to the Library Board to a term from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2024. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve the reappointment of John Stanley to the Library Board. Alderman Totten seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call with each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
- Reappointment of Jessica Williams to the Library Board to a term from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2024. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve the reappointment of Jessica Williams to the Library Board. Alderman Knight seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call with each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
- Mayor Pollard presented Resolution 07.20.21; A resolution to execute an agreement with Brown and Roberts, Inc. for the Water Systems Improvement – 2020- DCEO Portion. A motion was made by Alderman Totten to adopt resolution 07.20.21; A resolution to execute an agreement with Brown and Roberts, Inc. for the Water Systems Improvement – 2020- DCEO Portion. Alderman Blake seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Mayor Pollard also presented Resolution 07.21.21; A resolution for improvement under the Illinois Highway Code (IDOT) Burrell’s Wood Park Roadway Extension and Existing Roadways. This is a resolution to allow the resurfacing of the roadways along with additional roadways in the Burrell’s Wood Park area using Motor Fuel Tax money. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to adopt resolution 07.21.21; A resolution for improvement under the Illinois Highway Code (IDOT) Burrell’s Wood Park Roadway Extension and Existing Roadways. Alderman Knight seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Local Public Agency Engineering Services Agreement for Burrell’s Woods Park Roadways was presented by Mayor Pollard for adoption. This agreement is for Brown and Roberts, Inc. to be the engineer consultant for this project. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Knight to adopt the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Local Public Agency Engineering Services Agreement for Burrell’s Woods Park Roadways. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- David Coston, City Electrical Engineer, then addressed the council with an update on the Light Plant/substations and requesting approval to order switchgear for substation. Mr. Coston had put together a very detail-oriented presentation to give an update on the Light Plant/substations as well as some upgrades which are needed:
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- Mr. Coston reported the trees along the south feeder have been removed and the materials have been purchased and received. Once the remaining tree is removed, line construction can begin. The line crew will begin the work when they are available. Assistance from a contractor will be required due to hot-line work. The City already has the materials on hand.
- The north feeder is in need of replacing some poles. The Line Crew will begin to work on the north feeder when they are available. This will also require assistance from a contractor to do the hot-line work.
- The substation equipment testing has been performed for maintenance. The initial results have been sent to the Line Crew and they are scheduling the necessary repairs.
- The Generac natural gas generator has been installed and connected to a new gas meter. The conduit has been buried underground. Currently work is being done to pull the conductors into the plant and connecting critical load to new automatic transfer switch. The transfer switch will be installed during more moderate temperatures.
- The cooling system improvements have begun with the pouring of a new concrete pad, capping the old radiator pit, etc. The new radiator is set to arrive in August 2021 and will be completed sometime in September 2021.
- The 6th Street substation is in need of replacement breakers as the current ones being utilized are obsolete. Breaker 4 now has to be closed manually. Mr. Coston stated replacement of the breakers had been discussed at a previous council meeting but the purchase price has increased so approval is needed again. If approved by the Council, this work will be done by the Line Crew once the new breakers are received and the temperatures are more moderate.
- The 13.2 kV City Loop extension will consist of utilizing a contractor to install new overhead poles & conductors from Martin and Bayley to the end of Dain Drive due to hot-line work. The underground primary from Edgewood Lane to Dain Drive would also be replaced. The City crews will trench an underground conductor/conduit from Dain Drive to Walmart metering point. This work for this phase would begin when approved by the Council and as scheduling permits. The cost of the total installation would be approximately $275,000 which will be available from the Reserve Fund.
- The upper bus switchgear condition is satisfactory as some of the breakers have been rebuilt. The controls for power output are manually operated rather than automatic like the lower bus. The control components are the original 1958-1970 vintage and are obsolete and unobtainable. This system is not integrated to the plant master control system. Cabinets and breakers are still serviceable, but the control components are not reliable. During repairs, we will lose monthly revenue credits until the system is back in service.
- Various changes to the US Power grid were presented by Mr. Coston as well. Diminishing nuclear and coal plants are expected in the future which will mean the City of Carmi will likely be called upon more often in the future to deal with power shortages.
After the presentation of the information and discussion, Alderman Hays made a motion to allow up to $50,000.00 to be used to purchase the switchgear. The motion was seconded by Alderman Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.” Mr. Coston stated he would address the Council for approval after these updates are completed.
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard offered condolences to the Ron Lamp family. The Street Department is finishing up work at the dog park and a dedication should be scheduled in the near future.
Business or Comments from Visitors
Carmi resident Todd Drone stated he would be attending the Police Academy as well in August.
Adjournment
At 6:16 p.m. Alderman Courson made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
