The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, February 1 ,2022, at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street for a public hearing.
A public hearing was held for the EDA Competitive Tourism Grant Program. Holly Healy, City Administrator, was present to answer any questions regarding the grant for tourism. Mrs. Healy explained it was an 80/20 federal match with the City being responsible for twenty percent. The deadline for the grant has been extended to September but notifications could be sent out earlier to recipients. With no further discussion, the public hearing was closed out at 5:21 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 Aldermen present: Steve Winkleman, Tracy Nelson Mark W. Blake, James Totten, Jeremy Courson, Mike Knight, Sheila Headlee and Doug Hays.
The minutes from the January 18, 2022 council meeting were presented. Motion was made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Knight to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The December 2021 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee to approve the December 2021 Financial Reports. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
The January 2022 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water were presented for approval. Alderman Totten made a motion to approve the January 2022 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water. 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
- TIF Agreement with the White County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) was presented for approval in the amount of $4800.00. They plan to make improvements which will allow the bar/hall area to be more open together. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee to approve the TIF Agreement with the White County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) . The motion was seconded by Alderman Knight. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
- Resolution 02.01.2022; Resolution authorizing an agreement with White County VFW for an existing building renovation project utilizing tax increment financing (TIF). A motion was made by Aldermen Courson with a second by Alderman Headlee to approve Resolution 02.091.2022.
- The lease agreement/intergovernmental agreement with the University of Illinois Extension summary statement of lease terms for the GIFT garden was presented. Mayor Pollard stated this was just a renewal of the current lease. With no further questions, Alderman Totten made a motion to approve the lease agreement/intergovernmental agreement with the University of Illinois Extension summary statement of lease terms for the GIFT garden. The motion was seconded by Alderman Knight. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
- The Police Department Committee will ask the council to approve the purchase of new trucks for the Police Department utilizing the state bid process. Police Chief Jason Carter stated he has begun the state bid process for Dodge Rams as they have cargo boxes on the side. In 2021, the price was $29,000.00. In 2022, the price was $39,000.00 for the same vehicle. Chief Carter said this would be the first year the first Dodge Ram purchased which was a 2014 would be transferred to the City into its rotation of vehicles. It has approximately 95,000 miles on it.
Chief Carter stated he had contacted Thomas Dodge from Northern Illinois and in 2021, they failed to fulfill 15 units at the 2021 prices and stated they had 5 left for $29,247.00 and they would honor that price to the City. These vehicles already had spotlights which is a $450.00 value. Chief Carter stated he is asking for two vehicles to be purchased at $19,000.00 each from the City and the remaining $10,000.00 for each from his DUI Fund. Chief Carter said the 2009 Crown Victoria that Officer Agee is driving has around 92,000 miles and will be sold on Ebay and Officer Agee will in turn take over the vehicle Chief Carter is currently driving. Chief Carter stated by purchasing two vehicles this year, it may be possible to skip purchasing one next year. After a brief discussion, Alderman Hays made a motion to purchase two 2021 Dodge Ram trucks from Thomas Dodge in Northern Illinois. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard stated at the next council meeting there will be a public hearing regarding refinancing of bonds.
Adjournment
At 5:50 p.m. Alderman Courson made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Alderman Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
