City Council Meeting
City of Carmi
February 3rd, 2015
The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, February 3rd, 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, Kenny Carter, Keith Davis, Sheila Jo Headlee, Doug Hays, Jack Lamont and Mike Knight.
Minutes for the January 20th, 2015 council meeting were presented. Motion made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Lamont to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider purchasing approximately eleven (11) acres of property on First Street from the corner next to the Light Plant to the old ice factory over to the river. He stated that the land would be used to construct a storage building to house two (2) fire trucks and other equipment. The land would be purchased at seventy five thousand dollars ($75,000) which can be paid in two installments within (2) year budgets. The owner paid ninety five thousand dollars ($95,000) for the property and is not interested in selling to anyone else. Some property taxes have been paid by a corporation and the owner will be paying back the corporation. Mayor Pollard explained that it is an all or nothing purchase. He also said that the old trash dump has been reclaimed which has been taken care of. If the council decides to not purchase this ground, they need to look at purchasing a piece of property on that side of town. Alderman Hays asked if the owner gave the mayor a time frame of when he wanted to sell the property. Mayor Pollard answered that he has been talking to him for about a month and that he did not really give him one. The property is six thousand eight hundred and eighteen dollars ($6,818) an acre. Alderman Knight stated that the city is not really losing any tax revenue if they purchase the property. The property would be great dumping ground for old concrete. Alderman Winkleman asked if the owner would allow more than two (2) years payments. Mayor Pollard answered that he believed he would and would discuss that with the owner. Alderman Hays commented that the council should table the decision and give the Alderman a chance to look at the land and see if they can stretch out payments more than two (2) years. Motion was made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Winkleman to table the discussion until the next council meeting. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard stated that he has been in contact with Illinois State Representative David Reis about state funding for a new fire station. They are just in the very early stages of the project. Mr. Reis has asked that Mayor Pollard get the total cost and send him all of the information. They have located some property and have been working with Carmi Lumber on the blue prints and as soon as they are ready the city will be asking for bids. When he has the total cost needed he will be sending all of the information to David Reis.
Mayor Pollard also wanted to ask any of the aldermen if they wanted to attend the Guardian Center Annual Banquet. It will be held on March 19th at 6:00 p.m. at the Windsor Oaks in Grayville. The city donation covers eight (8) seats and if any alderman is interested in going they need to contact Mayor Pollard by the end of February.
He then stated that the council needs to be thinking about if they want to rebid the mowing services again this year or leave it with the contractors who did it last year. Alderman Winkleman asked how much the city spent last year for the mowing contracts. Mayor Pollard answered that he was not sure but he will get everything together before they vote on it. Alderman Knight commented that the repair bills were much lower last year than the previous years. Mayor Pollard stated that the city attorney, Greg Stewart, suggested re-bidding and giving a four (4) year contract to whomever wins bid.
Mayor Pollard then asked city supervisor Mike Buckman to give an update. He stated that they have laid five thousand (5,000) feet of water line has been laid in the past few months. They also videoed some sewer lines that have been a problem in the past. They are creating a new flush book for sewer lines because they have not been on a regular schedule the last few years. The breakers were replaced at the ABB building and will be good for about five (5) years. City and Oilfield Electric switched lines out at the Edgewood Subdivision. New streetlights are in and are ready to be installed. The golf cart crossing materials are in and ready to be installed as well. Culverts, storm drains, railings and new bridges have all been installed around town and several street repairs have also took place. Fairground Road repair has just settled and but will be repaired. The Bradshaw Park Softball Field is being completed. They are getting prices for ditch cleaning. They have the maps of all hydrants, water meters, and light poles are all on computers now. Mr. Buckman said that new road at Industrial Drive is being completed. There is a new culvert being installed at the railroad crossing on First Street. There will be a weekly meeting with all the heads of electrical department once a week at 1:00 p.m. They also met with emergency management this week. He is waiting to hear from IDOT about the banners hanging over Main Street and Oak Street. Alderman Winkleman asked were the buildings would be moved to at the softball field. Mr. Buckman answered that he was not sure.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Knight thanked First Bank for their support at Bradshaw Park.
Alderman Winkleman stated that the 100th Year Celebration for the Carmi Public Library is being planned.
Alderman Davis said that he has looked at a 2006 Chevy Truck with forty one thousand (41,000) miles for six thousand dollars ($6,000). It only had one (1) owner and he thinks it would be a good purchase for the city. Mayor Pollard added that Van Scott in the Water Wells would need the new truck to replace the one he currently is driving, due to continued repair costs.
Alderman Carter informed the council that everything is going well at the airport and that the city has recently took over the upstairs viewing area.
Business or Comments from Visitors
None.
Motion was made by Alderman Knight and seconded by Alderman Davis to go into closed session for the purpose of discussion personnel and property issues with no action to follow. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes” except for alderman Winkleman who casted a no vote.
At 7:37 p.m. council went into closed session.
Motion made by Alderman Winkleman and seconded by Alderman Davis to return to open session and adjourn. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
At 8:01 p.m. the council adjourned.
Brian K. Allen, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
