The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, January 7, 2020, 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, Sheila Jo Headlee, Mike Knight, and Doug Hays.
The minutes from the December 17, 2019, council meeting were presented. Motion was made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Blake 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
- Restaurant Liquor License Application Class B; to create a new class B license for restaurant only for Mr. Jalapeno Inc. located at 1340 IL Hwy 1, Suite D. Mayor Pollard stated this was a new Mexican restaurant which was going in the strip mall near Walmart. There are currently no restaurant Class B licenses are available. Alderman Winkleman asked what the fee for a Class B licensure was. Mayor Pollard stated it is $1000 per year. The restaurant plans to open within the next couple of weeks. After a brief discussion, Alderman Headlee made a motion to create a new class B license for restaurant only for Mr. Jalapeno Inc. The motion was seconded by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call with seven (7) yes votes (Blake, Nelson, Totten, Knight, Hays, Courson and Headlee) and one (1) no vote (Winkleman).
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Winkleman stated he had been approached today regarding who pays for the street lights in front a residence. Mayor Pollard stated the City takes care of the street lights but security lights are the responsibility of the resident. Alderman Winkleman stated several were out. He will contact the Light and Water office with a list of street lights which need to be replaced.
Alderman Totten stated he was contacted by an elderly resident who lives in Edgewood East regarding a stop light at the entrance to Edgewood by Cook Funeral Home. Mayor Pollard informed Mr. Totten this is a state highway and we do not have the authority to implement a stop light but thee resident could contact the State of Illinois regarding this.
Business or Comments from Visitors
Lance Yearby, President of Carmi Christmas Elves, Inc. thanked the City of Carmi and Aldermen for their participation in the Christmas Lights of Hope event. Mr. Yearby stated 2,277 cars went through the display with a total amount of $14,456. In comparison with the City of Evansville Indiana’s Ritzy Fantasy of Lights, they averaged approximately $1.00 per person based on population and cars that went through the display. The Christmas Lights of Hope averages out to approximately $3.00 per person using the same formula. Mr. Yearby stated this is a huge accomplishment for the first year. He stated he has been contacted by business as well as individuals inquiring about sponsorship for next year. He stated the new catalogs should be available in the spring. If anyone is interested in sponsorship, please contact a board member; which consists of Cynthia Attebury, Amber Ackerman, Kristin Knight, as well as himself.
Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with action to follow:
None.
Adjournment
At 5:45 p.m. Alderman Headlee made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
