The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, July 5, 2017, 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, Lance Yearby, Sheila Jo Headlee, Doug Hays, and Mike Knight. ABSENT: Jack Lamont.
Minutes from the June 20, 2017, council meeting were presented. Motion made by Alderman Blake and seconded by Alderman Hays to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider Ordinance #1528: An ordinance approving TIF#2 redevelopment agreement #4 between the City of Carmi and the Carmi Elks Lodge. Keith Davis, representative from the Elks, was present and reported the front of the building would be pressure washed, removal of wood on the front and replace with possible stone/metal, possible awning, and new signage. All of the materials and labor will be done by local contractors and vendors. The estimated date for the project to be complete is August 13-14, 2017. Motion made by Alderman Headlee to approve Ordinance #1528: An ordinance approving TIF#2 redevelopment agreement #4 between the City of Carmi and Carmi Elks Lodge. Seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
The Mayor thanked Holly Healy and the Chamber of Commerce for all of their hard work in putting the fireworks display together. Everyone that I have seen today has complimented on how good of a show we had.
I want to apologize for the inconvenience on Main Street for the next few weeks. Last year, with grant money from IMEA, we purchased some old-time street lights like the ones located in the park. It has taken us a year to get a permit from IDOT to install these on Main Street and they wanted some additional street lights put in as well. Over the next few weeks, we will be installing new wire, street lights, and concrete. This project is being funded through the TIF program. The old lights will be removed and we are getting new LED lights like the ones located in front of the high school. The decorative old-time lights do not put out the IDOT required amount of lighting so we will have a new LED light, old-time light, new LED light etc. on both sides of street. It will go from the Carmi City Building all the way down to Church Street, on both sides of the street. We do not stock any of the old street lights so when one goes out, it will be replaced with a new LED street light.
We realize we have had an issue with the pump at Burrell’s Woods pond. We have a new one ordered that is for lake, pond, etc. instead of what we have been using.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Hays: Reported the Police Radar trailer is out and is in use. So far, the response has been very positive. We already have several locations scheduled for it to go to next. Chief Carter will be reviewing the data for safety needs etc.
Alderman Blake: Reported the fireworks were the best he has ever seen and I have been helping the Fire Department for over 30 years.
Alderman Yearby: Encouraged everyone to contact their state representative and local representative regarding the proposed tax increase for Illinois. It will affect all of us either personal wise, business wise, etc.
Alderman Headlee: Residents have been receiving letters from toll booths stating they owe money and they have never visited the location. Please take those letters to the Police Department so they can be addressed.
Business or Comments from Visitors
None.
Motion made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Blake to adjourn. Motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
At 5:42 p.m. the council adjourned.
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
