The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street for the regularly scheduled 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 in attendance: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, Tracy Nelson, James Totten, Jeremy Courson, Mike Knight, Sheila Headlee, Doug Hays, and City Attorney Greg Stewart.
The minutes from the August 2, 2022 council meeting were presented. Motion was made by Alderman Totten and seconded by Alderman Hays to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The July 2022 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments were presented for approval. Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve the July 2022 Financial Reports. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
The August 2022 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments were presented for approval. Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve the August 2022 vendor invoices. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
For council consideration, discussion, and possible approval
- Refinancing of the revolving loan buyout. Mayor Pollard stated the loan had matured for the revolving loan buyout and needed to be refinanced. Alderman Winkleman asked how much the loan was for and Mayor Pollard stated around $247,000. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Courson to refinance the loan. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard then introduced Wade Carty who wished to address the council regarding the trash service issues. Mr. Carty said he had been a life-long resident of Carmi and would just like to ask some questions regarding the recent change in trash service. Mr. Carty posed the question as to why he was being “forced” to have trash service from the City. Greg Stewart, City Attorney, explained to Mr. Carty that back in 1991 when the compost closed, there was an ordinance formed and put in place by the City Council requiring each household that had electric service to also have trash service. Mr. Stewart explained that the City took bids for trash service in 1991 as well as the recent contract. Mr. Carty also asked how much the bill went up throughout the length of the new contract with Bulldog Services as he understood it to be substantial. Alderman Hays reported what the increase in price would be each year of the contract. Mr. Carty also wanted to know if the City received money for the trash service. Mayor Pollard explained that the City does receive money for doing the tracking and billing of the trash customers and that amount is approximately $1.50 per customer. Mr. Stewart went into great detail regarding how the law is written to protect the residents of the City because if we did not require residents to have trash service, there would be more trash sitting all over town. Mr. Carty stated the garbage truck had been leaking garbage when it made his route. Mayor Pollard explained to Mr. Carty that if that happens again, to please call the office as we are in constant contact with Bulldog Trash Services. Mr. Carty thanked the council for taking the time to hear his concerns and he appreciates everything the City does.
Adjournment
At 5:55 p.m. Alderman Courson made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
