The Carmi City Council Meeting was held on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building at 225 East Main Street for the regularly scheduled 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, Mike Knight, Doug Hays, Jeremy Courson, and Sheila Jo Headlee. Absent: Lance Yearby.
Minutes from the November 20, 2018, council meeting were presented. Motion was made by Alderman Knight and seconded by Alderman Headlee to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL:
- Ordinance No. 1546; An ordinance adopting a policy prohibiting sexual harassment for the City of Carmi. Mayor Pollard stated the only change in this policy was the length of time to file a complaint was increased from 160 days to 300 days by Illinois Department of Human Rights. Alderman Hays made a motion to adopt ordinance 1546 on sexual harassment. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider the reappointment of Robert Duckworth to the Carmi Board of Fire and Police Commission for the term of January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. Alderman Headlee made the motion to reappoint Robert Duckworth for the January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021 term. Alderman Hays seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Ordinance No. 1547; The annual property tax levy for the fiscal year January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018, was presented by City CPA, Keith Botsch. Mr. Botsch stated the taxation amount for the general fund is $96,859, Police Pension fund is $362,835, and Library is $78,800 for a total amount levied of $534,494.00. Mr. Botsch stated at some point, we may have to consider raising taxes for the police pension fund within the next couple of years as it is state mandated. After discussion, Alderman Winkleman made a motion to adopt ordinance 1547, the Annual Property Tax Levy ordinance. The motion was seconded by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Ordinance No. 1548, Abating 2018 Tax Levy for payment series 2011A was presented for adoption. Alderman Hays made a motion to adopt ordinance 1548, Abating 2018 Tax Levy for payment series 2011A. The motion was seconded by Alderman Knight. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Ordinance No. 1549; An ordinance abating Tax Levy series 2011B was presented for approval. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to adopt ordinance 1549, an ordinance abating tax levy series 2011B. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard thanked everyone who participated in the White County Christmas Parade this past weekend, with a special thank you to Lauren Higginson for planning all of the events. He stated, “The weather cleared up and we had a very good crowd for the parade and tree lighting ceremony.” Mayor Pollard reminded the citizens that Carmi is full of nice stores to find that perfect gift for family and friends.
Mayor Pollard welcomed Car Corral, the Polaris and Can-Am dealer from Flora, to their new location here in Carmi. They are now open to the public and plan on having a grand opening at a later date.
The City compost will be closing on Saturdays for the winter starting on December 15, 2018. We have been having some serious issues with the compost site this year and when we re-open, there will be some changes in our procedures. We are continuing to have people leave things that are not approved by the EPA. People are leaving the gate open all of the time when they leave as well as not returning the keys back to the office. We are still working out the details but we may be looking into only being open to the public, supervised 1 to 2 days a week, as well as a monthly charge of $30.00 for a key.
Mayor Pollard reminded citizens to not leave TVs or any electronics at the Newton Wire and Cable Building until we have an electronic recycling day scheduled. As of now, we do not have a date set yet but we could possibly schedule one for either January or February, depending on the weather.
Mayor Pollard reminded everyone running for Alderman, petitions can be turned in to Cynthia Attebury, City Clerk, beginning Monday, December 10, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. You can file your petitions until December 14, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at the City Clerk’s Office.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Winkleman updated the council regarding the Library being compliant with the ADA (American’s with Disability Act). A counter height accessible to those in a wheelchair may have to be installed along with faucets that are able to be used one handed. These changes will be made as necessary.
Business or Comments from Visitors
None.
Closed Session to discuss property issues with possible action to follow:
Motion was made by Alderman Headlee to go into closed session to discuss litigation regarding hospital. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake.
There was no action taken from closed session.
Alderman Winkleman made a motion to return to open session and adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
At 6:35 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
