The Carmi City Council held the regular monthly council meeting in City Hall on November 19, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
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 Alderpersons present: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, Tracy Nelson, Lacey Bradshaw, Mike Knight, Doug Hays, and Sheila Headlee. Absent: Jeremy Courson.
The minutes from the November 4, 2024 council meeting were presented. Motion was made by Alderperson Hays and seconded by Alderperson Bradshaw to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
The October 2024 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments were presented for approval. Alderperson Headlee made a motion to approve the Financial Reports with a second by Alderperson Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
The vendor invoices for November 2024 were presented for authorization and approval for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments. Alderperson Winkleman made a motion to approve the vendor invoices for November 2024 with a second by Alderperson Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
For council consideration, discussion, and possible approval
a) Resolution 11.21.2024; A resolution to appointment Allison Cozart as the Assistant City Attorney with administration of the oath of office. City Attorney, Greg Stewart, addressed the council regarding Ms. Cozart joining the law practice at Conger and Elliott. Mr. Stewart said Ms. Cozart was already proving to be a great asset to the firm and she will be assisting him handling the City of Carmi matters. Alderperson Headlee made a motion to approve Resolution 11.21.2024 with a second by Alderperson Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.” City Attorney Stewart administered the oath of office to Ms. Cozart.
b) Megan Newman, executive Director Chamber of Commerce, seeking permission to close Cherry Street, Third Street, Elm Street, Main Cross and Robinson Street for the Christmas Parade on November 30, 2024 at 5:30. Mrs. Newman said the route would be the same as it was last year and line up for the parade would begin around 4:30.
c) Resolution 11.19.2024; A Resolution allowing street closures for the Annual Christmas Parade to be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Alderperson Bradshaw made a motion to approve Resolution 11.19.2024 with a second by Alderperson Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
d) Keith Davis, Carmi Elks Lodge #152, addressed the council regarding a special event liquor licenses for We Love White County Stampede which will be held on February 8, 2025. Mr. Davis stated the Elks Lodge would be submitting the application for a special event liquor licenses as well as obtaining the proper insurance and obtaining the state permit. Alderperson Hays made a motion to grant Keith Davis, Carmi Elks Lodge #152, a special
event liquor licenses. The motion was seconded by Alderperson Knight. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
e) Resolution 11.20.2024; A resolution estimating the tax levy for the City of Carmi, IL. Mayor Pollard said this is to announce the Illinois Truth in Taxation which must be passed at least 20 days prior to passage of the tax levy ordinances.
The following was read by Clerk Attebury:
Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase for the City of Carmi.
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for the City of Carmi for 2025 will be held on December 17th 2024, at 5:15 p.m. at the Carmi Municipal Building. Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Cynthia Attebury, City Clerk, 225 E Main St., Carmi, Il 62821 Tel: 618-384-2001.
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2023 were $710,920. The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2024 are $796,458. This represents a 12.03% increase over the previous year.
III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2023 were $0. The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt services and public building commission leases for 2024 are $0. This represents a 0% increase over the previous year.
IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2023 were $710,920. The estimated property taxes to be levied for 2024 are $796,458. This represents at 12.03% increase over the previous year.
After the reading of the above, Alderperson Headlee made a motion to approve Resolution 11.20.2024. The motion was seconded by Alderperson Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
f) Possible approval of Carmi Public Library Budget for 2025. Alderperson Winkleman made a motion to approve the 2025 Carmi Public Library Budget for 2025. Alderperson Hays seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
g) Possible approval of Carmi Public Library 2025 Holiday Schedule. Clerk Attebury explained the Library receives the same days off as the City but they utilizes theirs differently than the City. Alderperson Winkleman made a motion to approve the Carmi Public Library 2025 Holiday Schedule. Alderperson Headlee seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
h) Moran Economic Development, LLC Invoice for TIF Administration $190, payable from TIF 2. Alderperson Hays made a motion to approve the Moran invoice for $190. Alderperson Winkleman seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
i) Ordinance 1646; An ordinance Repealing Ordinance No. 747, 972, and 1434 – Establishing Rates for Service calls for Carmi Light and Water Customers after normal working days/hours. Alderperson Hays said this ordinance was being updated in order to cover after-hours calls. A brief discussion was held with Alderperson Hays eventually making a motion to approve Ordinance 1646. Alderperson Headlee seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard reminded the residents of the trash schedule for Thanksgiving week. He also wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderperson Winkleman stated the new roof was being put on the library.
Business or Comments from Visitors
None.
Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with action to follow:
None.
Adjournment
At 5:50 p.m. Alderperson Hays made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderperson Bradshaw. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
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Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
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Jeff Pollard, Mayor
