City of Carmi
The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, August 18th, 2015 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 for a moment of silence for the Meriwether family and asked Alderman Winkleman to give the invocation. The moment of silence and prayer was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pollard presided with the following Aldermen present: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, Lane Yearby (speaker phone), Sheila Jo Headlee, Jack Lamont, Doug Hays and Mike Knight. Alderman Davis was absent due to surgery.
Minutes for the August 4th, 2015 council meeting were presented. Motion made by Alderman Knight and seconded by Alderman Hays to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
July 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.”
August 2015 Vendor Invoices were presented. Motion made by Alderman Winkleman and seconded by Alderman Knight to approve the vendor invoices as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard then asked the council to consider the Special Use Mobile Home Permit No. MH.15.02 request by Eric Williams for a 2008 Clayton 16’x 76’ single wide trailer at 712 Foley Drive. Motion made by Alderman Lamont and seconded by Alderman Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
He then presented John Marley with McKinstry to address the council about potential funding for water infrastructure. Mr. Marley stated that McKinstry can find around a twenty five percent (25%) energy savings when they analyze things. He stated that he looked at the 2014 City of Carmi audit and found that there were more expenses than revenue under the water department. He then explained to the council an alternative funding source to build capital funds for infrastructure. Mr. Marley stated that this is called Energy Savings Performance Contracting. It is the only way to generate guaranteed savings and it also dissolves the traditional construction procedures. McKinstry has been in business for fifty-five (55) years and they have never had a job go bad. They will always tell the council the truth and they will not pitch a project nor be unrealistic. Twenty-five percent (25%) of their businesses has been in the same financial shape as the City of Carmi. They excel at finding money to pay for their services.
Mayor Pollard presented Heather Price to request the council to approve the purchase of Lot 17 in the Carmi West Industrial Park for a taco restaurant. Mrs. Price stated that she has been working on this project for two (2) years. If they can move forward on the lot, they will use the same contractor out of Effingham that Clint Taylor is using for Taylor Eye Care. They are hoping to buy the lot from the city for twenty eight thousand dollars ($28,000) so that they can move forward with their project. She stated that they are hoping to be open by spring. Mayor Pollard stated that the water and sewer are already there. The restaurant will be called “Taco Factory.” Motion made by Alderman Knight and seconded by Alderman Hays to approve Heather Price’s request to purchase Lot 17 in the Carmi West Industrial Park for twenty eight thousand dollars ($28,000). The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Greg Brown then addressed the council with details on the new ball park being built on Stewart Street. He stated that they have cleared out the tree lines and the ditch on the west side of the property. The new ball park will feature a new softball field for the middle school girls, a football field or soccer field, a large parking area, and a concession stand with restrooms that are ADA approved. He explained that they are not soliciting donations and that it will be called the “Archie Brown Memorial Park”. It will not be a public use park; it will only be used by the school system.
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard wanted to remind everyone that Chamber Director Holly Healy will be taking reservations for the Halloween festivities at Burrell’s Woods on Monday August 31st starting at 9:00 a.m. The Chamber number is 618-382-7606.
He informed the council that on September 12th, the airport will be hosting another fly in starting at 11:00 a.m. The public is invited to enjoy the events that they have planned that day.
He added that invitations will be going out for the 70th Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner on Monday October 5, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.
Finally, Mayor Pollard stated that the City Water Tower will be pressure washed and cleaned on August 31st.
City Engineer David Coston then gave a small report. Mr. Coston stated that IMEA will not change rates next year. He stated that they tested all of the generators at the power plant, which is called URGE Testing. Mr. Coston stated that all eight (8) generators will be given credit from IEMA. He also stated that number seven (7) and number (14) are black start engines, meaning that they will run when there is no power at the plant and during testing performed well.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Knight stated that the remodel at the airport is completed and the tennis court at Bradshaw Park is completed as well. He informed the council that the Boy Scouts will be performing a service project at Burrell’s Woods next month. They will mainly be improving the privacy barriers in the bathrooms. He stated that there has been some more vandalism at Burrell’s Woods and that there has been more juvenile activity there after 9:00 p.m. Alderman Knight recommended a curfew be put on the parks for the public to stop these activities. He added that Dr. Taylor has put a sign on his lot where his business will be built.
Alderman Yearby stated that currently the power plant is being cleaned up.
Business or Comments from Visitors
None
Motion made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Blake to adjourn. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
At 6:31 p.m. the council adjourned.
Brian K. Allen, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
