The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street for a public hearing.
Mayor Pollard called the public hearing to order at 5:15 p.m. Keith Botsch, CPA, explained the purpose of the hearing was for possible renewal of the City of Carmi’s Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source). Mr. Botsch stated at the current time, we are paying an interest rate of approximately 4.5%. With the renewal of the bond and with an additional $1,500,000.00 which would be used for electrical updates, the interest rate could be under 2%. The interest rate will be determined after the City’s credit rating has been obtained. Mr. Botsch stated we would be pledging the utility tax and abating said tax which is the current process. The City will be able to keep the same length of time on the bonds and lower the payment. With no further discussion, the bond hearing closed at 5:25 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, Mark W. Blake, Tracy Nelson, James Totten, Jeremy Courson, Mike Knight, Sheila Headlee and Doug Hays.
The minutes from the February 1, 2022 council meeting were presented. Motion was made by Alderman Winkleman and seconded by Alderman Hays to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The January 2022 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments were presented. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee to approve the January 2022 Financial Reports. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The February 2022 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Carmi Light & Water were presented for approval. Alderman Courson made a motion to approve the February 2022 vendor invoices. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
For council consideration, discussion, and possible approval
- Ordinance #1582; An ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) of the City (water and sewer) in an aggregate principal amount of $1,500,000.00 for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding bonds of said City. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve Ordinance #1582; An ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) of the City (water and sewer) in an aggregate principal amount of $1,500,000.00 for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding bonds of said City. The motion was seconded by Alderman Totten. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
- Ordinance 1583; An ordinance authorizing the issuance of Electric Revenue Bonds of the City in an aggregate principal amount of $3,250,000 or in lieu thereof, General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,250,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of improving the electric system within the City and for the funding of certain outstanding bonds of said City. Alderman Hays made a motion to approve Ordinance 1583; An ordinance authorizing the issuance of Electric Revenue Bonds of the City In an aggregate principal amount of $3,250,000 or in lieu thereof, General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,250,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of improving the electric system within the City and for the funding of certain outstanding bonds of said City. The motion was seconded by Alderman Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
- Ordinance 1584; An ordinance outlining the Net Metering Policy for the City of Carmi. Mayor Pollard stated this was an update from the previous Net Metering Policy. City Engineer, David Coston who was present explained the change was the costs shall be capped at $1,500.00 to each qualifying customer interconnecting facilities of 10kW or less. For those facilities greater than 10kW that are deemed to qualify under this policy, all costs associated with the program shall be born by the participant. With no further questions, Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve Ordinance 1584; An ordinance outlining the Net Metering Policy for the City of Carmi. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
Adjournment
At 5:45 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.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
