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Minutes: City Council Meeting of April 6, 2021

The Carmi City Council met for the regularly scheduled meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Chamber Council at 225 East Main Street.

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, James Totten, Mike Knight, Doug Hays, Jeremy Courson, and Sheila Jo Headlee.   

The minutes from the March16, 2021, council meeting were presented.  A motion was made by Alderman Hays to approve the March 16, 2021, council minutes.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Courson.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.” 

For Council Consideration, discussion and possible approval:

  1. TIF Façade Grant:  Carmi Fitness Center.  Chris Pollard with Carmi Fitness Center is requesting a TIF Façade grant for 319 N. First Street (the old Stein’s building). He is requesting help with exterior paint, windows, doors, lighting and signage.  His estimated total costs for the work is $12,000.  This grant would be for up to $5,000.  In requesting this Façade grant, Carmi Fitness Center is relinquishing the grant previously approved for the 318 N. First Street address (their current location).  There has not been any money paid to Mr. Pollard for this grant.  Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve the TIF Façade Grant for Carmi Fitness Center (new location).  The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.” 
  2. TIF Façade Grant: Daniel Kearns for 201 N. Walnut Street.  Mr. Kearns is requesting a grant up to $5,000 match while planning to spend $15,000 of work including paint, wall façade repair and treatment, exterior doors and windows.  Mr. Kearns and his wife are planning to begin a ministry, Waiting for Baby Bird. Discussion was held regarding a previous façade grant for this location but no money was ever distributed to the previous owner.  The building will be used for group meetings and possibly holding conferences as well.  This will be a not-for-profit status, because the property is on the property tax roll and will be eligible for TIF assistance.  Alderman Courson made a motion to approve the TIF Façade Grant for Daniel Kearns at 201 N. Walnut Street. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
  3. TIF Agreement for Jason Belford.  Mr. Belford has purchased the old Tate’s Bait Barn property from Mark Tate located at 510 East Main Street.  Mr. Belford plans to clean up the remainder of Mr. Tate’s items as well as the cleanup of the concrete.  Mr. Belford plans to spend approximately $16,000 and is requesting $5,000 in funds.  Alderman CITY COUNCIL Totten made a motion to approve the TIF agreement with Jason Belford.    The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
  1. Reappointment of Keith Hoskins as Trustee on the Police Pension Fund Board for a two (2) year term effective June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2023.  Mr. Hoskins is up for reappointment to the Police Pension Fund Board.  Alderman Hays made a motion to approve the reappointment of Mr. Hoskins to the Police Pension Fund board for a two (2) year period effective June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2023.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
  2. Discussion and possible approval of a street sweeper.  Mayor Pollard stated the City of Carmi has a contract with Sourcewell which is a company who takes care of the state bidding process for governmental entities, similar to how a police vehicle is purchased.  Two different options of street sweepers were presented.
  1. Elgin Pelican Sweeper.  Option 1 would cost $197,547.20 with a 2.45% interest rate and a monthly payment of $3501.59 for 60 months.  Option 2 would cost the same with an interest rate of 2.63% and a monthly payment of $2,738.33 for 60 months with a balloon payment of $50,0000 due at month 61. This is the type of sweeper the City currently owns.  This allows for a $15,000 trade-in value for the current street sweeper as well as a Sourcewell discount of $6,307.80.
  2. Elgin vacuum truck type vacuum.  Option 1 would cost $231,750.22 with a 2.45% interest rate, payment of $4,107.85 for 60 months.  Option 2 would be the same cost with a 2.63% interest rate, payment of $3,347.31 for 60 moths with a balloon payment of $50,000 due at month 61. This allows for a $15,000 trade-in value for the current street sweeper as well as a Sourcewell discount of $7,492.28.

Mayor Pollard discussed the different payment options of each.  Alderman Courson stated he had talked with Brad Attebury, Foreman of Street and Alley Department, who stated his preference would be for the truck-type vacuum as it would do a better job and would eliminate the need for a dump truck to haul the debris.  A discussion was held regarding the implications of purchasing this equipment on the budget.  Alderman Headlee said there is a contingency of $2 million built in to the budget so that would not be an issue.

After discussion, Alderman Courson made a motion to purchase the Elgin vacuum truck, for the price of $231,750.22.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Totten.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”                                                                                                                                                                                             

Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard

The compost site will open this Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon for the season.

The City Pool will also be open this year.  If all goes well, we should be ready to open it by Memorial Day.  Mayor Pollard stated, “We are seeking applications for certified lifeguards.  All applications can be submitted to the Light and Water Office.”

Mayor Pollard announced the City has received a $550,000 Public Infrastructure Grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.  This will allow for the replacement of waterlines in the Hillsdale area.  This will provide approximately 1900 feet of new waterline and 56 new water meters.  The grant includes construction, materials, and grant administration.  The City will pay the engineering fees.  The grant was written by Brown and Roberts, Inc.  The grant application included sewer lines as well but this portion of the grant was not approved.  DECO made the grant announcement on April 5th.  The paperwork along with formal City Council approval will be handled in the near future.

Reports from Standing Committees

Alderman Winkleman asked if there was an EPA grant for the street sweeper which Len Wells had mentioned at last council meeting.  Mayor Pollard stated he will have City Administrator, Holly Healy, check into this.  Alderman Winkleman attended the Library Board Meeting prior to the council meeting.  Alderman Winkleman stated there continues to be a leak in the ceiling from the AC unit.  Mayor Pollard will have Brad Attebury talk to Tim Pollard of Seiler Heating and Air who originally installed the unit.  

Alderman Nelson said there was a tree at the end of College Boulevard in the median that he believes is dead.  Mayor Pollard stated he would look into it.

Alderman Courson stated Carmi Summer Recreational Opening Day will be held on Saturday, May 8th.

Business or Comments from Visitors

Chief of Police Jason Carter stated CWCHS is planning a homecoming parade for Friday, April 16th.  As soon as the route is decided, he will notify the press.

Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with no action to follow:

None.

Adjournment

At 6:00 p.m. Alderman Headlee made a motion to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Courson.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

 Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk

Jeff Pollard, Mayor