The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street.
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 December 21, 2021 council meeting were presented. Motion was made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Courson 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
- Resolution 01.04.2022; A resolution authorizing Mayor to apply for Economic Development Administration ARPA Tourism Grant. Mayor Pollard explained that this was a grant that had become available and could be used at the Burrell Park area to help pay for the cost to construct water and sewer lines in the new RV park on the 66 acres. Alderman Winkleman asked what the match was which is 80% federal share, 20% local match. With no further discussion, Alderman Totten made a motion to approve the resolution. Alderman Courson seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- The Engineering Agreement with Brown and Roberts, Inc. CUL-4789, “Maintenance Rehabilitation of Runway and Taxiway: Crack Seal, Emulsified Asphalt Seal Coat and Remarking”, at the Carmi Municipal Airport for Design: cost plus fixed payment of $3,518.19, total amount not to exceed $27,781.61 and Special Services: cost plus fixed payment of $167.97, total amount not to exceed $1,326.40 was presented by Mayor Pollard. Alderman Nelson made a motion to approve this agreement. Alderman Totten seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Engineering Agreement with Brown and Roberts, Inc. for CUL-4789, “Maintenance Rehabilitation of Runway and Taxiway: Crack Seal, Emulsified Asphalt Seal Coat and Remarking” at the Carmi Municipal Airport for cost plus fixed payment of $3613.22, total amount not to exceed $28,532.01. Alderman Totten made the motion to approve the above agreement. The motion was seconded by Alderman Nelson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Resolution 01.05.2022; A resolution to execute agreement with Brown and Roberts, Inc. for water systems improvements – 2020, (IEPA Portion). Mayor Pollard stated this was for the water system improvements on Hillsdale. Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve the above resolution. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) certification of engineering or professional services contracts for loan funded projects: $118,692.25 for planning and design engineering; $95,958.00 for construction engineering. Alderman Courson made a motion to approve the above IEPA certification. Alderman Headlee seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard again reminded the public about the requirements the City expects to be done for building and demolition permits including a fine associated with each which are outlined below:
- Building Permits: They are free and required to prevent property owners from building on the City easements. If a permit is not obtained, we can obtain a court injunction to stop construction and also file a notice of violation on the title. The fines range from $50.00 to $500.00.
- Demolition Permits: They are free and required to ensure the properties are cleaned up within a 90-day time period. The fines range from $50.00 to $500.00 PER DAY until the property is cleaned up appropriately.
The Mayor also wanted to remind the public that all of our parks are under video surveillance. These include Eckerle, Bradshaw, Uptown Memorial Park, Memorial Dog Park and all of Burrell Woods. Any damage or illegal activity will be prosecuted.
Mayor Pollard then turned the floor over to Lance Yearby, President of the Carmi Christmas Elves. Mr. Yearby told about what a successful year the Elves have had with raising around $31,000.00 from the light display. Mr. Yearby explained all of this money is used in White County for the program Kicks for Kids. This program allows children who are in need to receive a new pair of shoes, socks, as well as a t-shirt. He also explained there was a night during the display where the money could be designated for the tornado victims of Mayfield which raised nearly $4,000.00. Mr. Yearby also stated that on Friday night, New Year’s Eve, the drive-thru display was dedicated to the officer from Wayne County who was killed in the line of duty. During that night, $8,500.00 was donated and all of the money went to the family of Officer Riley. Mr. Yearby stated the organization would not be able to do the things it does without the support of the City of Carmi along with the citizens as well. “Our mission is to help the children and people in need in our area,” stated Mr. Yearby. All money raised stays in White County and the Carmi Christmas Elves board is made up of all volunteers.
Adjournment
At 5:50 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
