City Council Meeting
City of Carmi
April 21st, 2015
The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, April 21st, 2015 at 7:00 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 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, Jack Lamont, Doug Hays and Mike Knight.
Minutes for the April 6th, 2015 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.”
March 2015 Financial Reports were presented. Motion made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Winkleman to approve the financial reports as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
April 2015 Vendor Invoices were presented. Motion made by Alderman Winkleman and seconded by Alderman Carter to approve the vendor invoices as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider changing the council meeting time from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Motion made by Alderman Lamont and seconded by Alderman Blake to approve the council meeting time as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard then asked the council to consider the appointment of Rick Absher to the Library Board to a term from May 5, 2015 to June 30, 2017 to fill the vacancy of Laura Saunders. Motion made by Alderman Winkleman and seconded by Alderman Headlee to approve the appointment as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes”.
Mayor Pollard then presented contractor bids for mowing and maintenance of city property. Two (2) bids were turned in turned in from Patrick Owen for four hundred and twenty seven ($427) dollars and from Daniel Allen for one thousand and ninety ($1,090) dollars. Alderman Lamont asked if the city could add new property to the contract or if they would have to mow them themselves. Mayor Pollard stated that they would mow them themselves and then bid them out when they accumulated more properties like the FEMA properties. Alderman Lamont stated that the city saved over three thousand ($3,000) dollars in the parks department from bidding out these properties last year. Motion made by Alderman Davis and seconded by Alderman Knight to approve the 4 year contract from Patrick Owen as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider the proposed name change and amendment to the by-laws of the Carmi Volunteer Fire Company. He stated that they want to change the name from Carmi Volunteer Fire Company to Carmi Fire EMA Department. The Amendment to Article One Section Four states that the “Fire Chief shall have the responsibility of submitting his recommendations to the Mayor and the city council for their approval of those individuals deemed qualified and experienced to be appointed by the fire chief to the office of assistant chief, secretary, or treasurer. All subsequent vacancies shall be filed accordingly.”
Mayor Pollard explained that right now they have an election every year to see who is going to be the assistant fire chief and the secretary treasurer. He said that it was brought to his attention last year about the way it was done. They wanted to do something about it at that time but nothing could be done about it then. Mayor Pollard suggested making the terms four (4) years for fire department heads. He explained that if they change this whoever wanted to be assistant chief, secretary, or treasurer, they would have to sign a sheet. The fire chief would then bring it to the council who would then go into a closed session to interview everybody. Then as a group the council would decide who would best fit in that position. Alderman Davis stated that members want to leave it the way by-laws were before because they know who can fight fires and who cannot. They felt like it was done behind their back. Daniel Ballard believes that the by-laws were never changed by the council. He also stated that Fire and EMA separation of departments is a bad idea. The Fire Chief does not need to be in charge of EMA. Alderman Hays stated that the departments were combined because of workers compensation and during Mayor Port’s administration. Mayor Pollard stated that finances for EMA are spent out of the city’s general fund. The council agreed to table this issue until a further meeting. Motion was made by Alderman Davis and seconded by Alderman Carter to table the proposed name change and amendment to by-laws until further notice. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes” with Alderman Blake Sustaining from the vote.
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard stated that motor fuel tax projects that were not completed last fall will be starting back up within the next two (2) weeks. He also stated that the city will be hosting another electronic recycling event again this Saturday, April 25th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Newton Wire and Cable Building on Third Street.
Mayor Pollard then said that he personally spoke with the head manager of Republic Trash. He informed him of the city’s concerns of not picking the trash up on time. He also passed along the numerous complaints that the city has had from the citizens of Carmi. The manager assured him that he would address the matter and get it taken care of. As far as the council goes, if this problem continues the only solution is to look at breaking the contract with Republic Trash and to seek bids from another company. The city’s extension expires July 31st 2017.
He added that sealed bids will be opened on April 28th for a new roof on the Waste Water Disposal Plant and will be presented at the next council meeting for approval. He also stated that the city is currently seeking price quotes (not bids) for the new Fire Station to give them an idea of costs to be presented to David Reis’s office for state funding.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Hays wanted to thank the Fire Department for their professionalism and promptness to the Stocke house fire.
Alderman Lamont stated that the mosquito sprayer is being worked on and they are waiting to see if they can repair it or if they need to buy a new one.
Alderman Headlee said that she is working on ordinances for nuisance. She is looking at ordinances for salvage yards in the city limits. The city needs to revamp the salvage yard ordinances to eliminate eye sores in the city. Mayor Pollard stated that she needs to highlight the ordinance for City Attorney Greg Stewart.
Alderman Carter wanted to thank Greg Brown for the upkeep of the airport. He also wanted to thank Mike Buckman, the Mayor and the Council. He also stated that he has enjoyed his time serving on the city council.
Business or Comments from Visitors
Mrs. Bunting asked if there was an update on Phoenix’s situation. Mayor Pollard stated that they have been paying and trying to get caught up.
Motion was made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Davis to adjourn. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
At 7:37 p.m. the council adjourned.
Brian K. Allen, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
