The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street for the regular City Council Meeting.
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, Lacey Bradshaw, Mike Knight, and Jeremy Courson. Absent: Doug Hays and Sheila Headlee
The minutes from the July 11, 2023 council meeting were presented. Motion was made by Alderman Courson and seconded by Alderman Winkleman to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
The June 2023 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments were presented for approval. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve the June 2023 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments. The motion was seconded by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
The July 2023 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments were presented for approval. Alderman Courson made a motion to approve the July 2023 vendor invoices. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
For council consideration, discussion, and possible approval
A. Request road closure at North Main Cross from Main Street to Robinson Street for the Farm To Table Event to be held October 12, 2023. Mayor Pollard explained this was the same event that Patrick Scates has hosted for the past few years. Alderman Blake made a motion to approve the road closure as stated above. The motion was seconded by Alderman Knight. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
B. Hosting event for the 2024 Solar Eclipse. Mayor Pollard discussed the upcoming eclipse in 2024 and how the epicenter was very close to our area. He stated, “The City has been working with the Kelly Northcott and Lacey Harms from the Chamber to begin the planning of this event.” The Mayor stated we have also had a consultation with the Eric Group, who puts on major events all throughout Southern Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. The Eric Group has drawn up a contract for the City of Carmi. They will act on the City’s behalf as the event planner. They require a $20,000 deposit which is due immediately upon the execution of the agreement. One hundred precent (100%) of the deposit will be credited to the talent booking fees and other services performed by The Eric Group on
behalf of the Organizer. At this time, the Mayor is requesting approval to enter into a contract with The Eric Group to plan the eclipse festival. After a brief discussion, Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve the $20,000 to enter into an agreement with The Eric Group. The motion was seconded by Alderman Knight. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
C. Approval to purchase light poles from Bridgewell Resources for $22,972.00. Mayor Pollard stated that typically we order the poles as needed but with the delay in receiving them and the freight charges that have continued to go up, the City would be better off placing a couple of big orders per year and not have to pay freight on each individual order. With no further questions, Alderman Blake made a motion to purchase the light poles from Bridgewell Resources for $22,972.00. The motion was seconded by Alderman Nelson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
D. Pay request: Brown and Roberts, Inc. for Burrell’s Woods Park Roadway Construction Engineering. Invoice #1 – Billing period 6/1/2023 to 6/30/2023 in the amount of $4,031.70. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve the pay request to Brown and Roberts, Inc. for the Burrell’s Woods Park Roadway Construction Engineering for $4,031.70. The motion was seconded by Alderman Knight. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
None.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Winkleman stated the alley leading to the post office drop box was in need of repaving as well as having some light poles that were leaning replaced. City Supervisor, Brad Attebury, will be notified to inspect the area.
Alderman Nelson stated on the corner of Jessup and Kearney, there is a drain in the road that has sunk down leaving a hole in the road. The City Supervisor will also inspect this area.
Business or Comments from Visitors
None.
Closed Session to discuss personnel with action to follow:
None.
Adjournment
At 5:46 p.m. Alderman Courson made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
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Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
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Jeff Pollard, Mayor
