The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. via conference call due to inclement weather.
Prior to opening the council meeting, Mayor Pollard asked Alderman Winkleman to give the invocation.
Mayor Pollard presided with the following Aldermen present: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, Tracy Nelson, James Totten, Sheila Headlee, Jeremy Courson, Mike Knight, and Doug Hays.
The minutes from the Special Council Meeting of January 28, 2021, were presented for approval. A motion was made by Alderman Totten and seconded by Alderman Winkleman to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
The minutes from the February 2, 2021, council meeting were presented for approval. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Courson to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
The January 2021 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments were presented for approval. Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve the January 2021 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments. The motion was seconded by Alderman Totten. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
The February 2021 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments were presented for approval. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve and authorize the February 2021 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments. The motion was seconded by Alderman Knight. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
For council consideration, discussion, and possible approval
- Discussion and possible approval of replacing the garage door on the City-owned hanger. Mayor Pollard stated the hanger had previously been utilized by Parachutes over Carmi. The hanger is in need of a new door before being rented to a new tenant. Two quotes for the door have been received. Crawford Door and Lock submitted a quote for $40,753. Powerlift Hydraulic Doors submitted a quote for $24,020. After a brief discussion, Alderman Totten made a motion to accept the bid for a garage door from Powerlift in the amount of $24,020. The motion was seconded by Alderman Nelson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
- TIF Façade Improvement Grant for the Carmi Fitness Center. An application for a TIF Façade improvement grant for $5,000 was presented for painting, wall façade repair and treatment, exterior doors, windows, exterior lighting and roof repair which is visible from the street. Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve the TIF Façade Improvement grant. The motion was seconded by Alderman Nelson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
- A pay request for Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission in the amount of $40,000 for the grant administration for the Industrial Drive project was presented. A motion was made by Alderman Totten to approve the $40,000 pay request for Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Alderman Knight. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
- A pay request for Brown and Roberts in the amount of $11,256.38 for the final payment on the Industrial Drive project was presented for approval. A motion was made by Alderman Winkleman to approve the pay request to Brown and Roberts for $11,256.38. The motion was seconded by Alderman Totten. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
- Resolution 02.16.2021: A resolution for Improvement under the Illinois Highway Code for MFT (motor fuel tax) funds was presented. Mayor Pollard stated this resolution is to approve funds for the entire repaving of Main Street parking areas starting at Ninth Street to the Wabash Bridge. The cost to the City of Carmi for the repaving project is $46,000 which can be paid from the MFT funds. A motion to approve resolution 02.16.2021 was made by Alderman Headlee. The motion was seconded by Alderman Knight. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard thanked all the Departments that have been out working in the brutal cold weather to restore power and clean the roads and sidewalks. “Everyone has done an excellent job and it is appreciated.”
In the next few weeks, we will be asking to pass a resolution for Rebuild Illinois in the amount of $345,000 which we have received from the state. The funds are placed in our motor fuel tax fund for infrastructure of the roads. Mayor Pollard stated if this money is not used, it will have to be returned to the State of Illinois. The City of Carmi will be doing road projects to utilize these funds.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Nelson thanked the City workers for restoring the power during the recent power outage as well as their work during the snow storm. Alderman Totten said the City crews had done an excellent job cleaning the streets and sidewalks.
Business or Comments from Visitors
Jc Tinsley from WROY/WRUL asked how the City came to acquire the recent vehicle for animal control. Mayor Pollard stated Linda Aud, Animal Control Officer, had been driving her personal vehicle with the City of Carmi paying for repairs to the vehicle. However, over time, this vehicle has had more mechanical problems to the point of not being repairable. The recent van was purchased locally from Rice Motor’s for the Animal Control Officer. Mayor Pollard stated Mrs. Aud will utilize the vehicle in the same manner as the foreman for the City do.
Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with action to follow:
None.
Adjournment
At 5:46 p.m. Alderman Headlee made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
