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Minutes: City Council Meeting of June 1, 2021

The Carmi City Council met for the regularly scheduled meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Chamber Council at 225 East Main Street on June 1, 2021

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, Mike Knight, Doug Hays, Jeremy Courson, and Sheila Jo Headlee.   

The minutes from the May 18, 2021, council meeting were presented.  A motion was made by Alderman Hays to approve the May 18, 2021, council minutes.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Totten.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.” 

For Council Consideration, discussion and possible approval:

  1. Mayor Pollard introduced Patrick Scates who is requesting a possible road closure of Main Cross Street between Main and Robinson Street on October 7, 2021, for the Farm to Table Dinner Event.  Mr. Scates said the event was first held in 2019 and had a great turn out.  Unfortunately, last year the Corn Day activities were cancelled due to Covid-19.  Mr. Scates said in 2019 they raised approximately $4500.00 which was donated to the 4-H club.  This year, he plans to donate the proceeds to the FFA.  With no further discussion, Alderman Winkleman made a motion to allow the road closure of Main Cross Street between Main and Robinson Street on October 7, 2021 for the Farm to Table Dinner Event.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Knight.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
  2. Resolution 06.01.2021; A resolution to “re-route traffic” for the Kiwanis Club Annual Corn Days celebration to be held on October 8th through October 10, 2021.  Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve Resolution 06.01.2021; A resolution to Re-route traffic for the Kiwanis Annual Corn Days Celebration held October 8th through October 10, 2021.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
  3. Ordinance #1573: An ordinance Amending Ordinance #1426, being an ordinance prescribing rates and charges for water sold and furnished by the City from its municipal water works and distribution system (tap fees) was presented.  Mayor Pollard stated the materials to tap on are costing the City more than we are currently charging.  This ordinance will allow the City to break even for tap on fees. Alderman Totten made a motion to approve Ordinance #1573, An ordinance amending ordinance #1426, being an ordinance prescribing rates and charges for water sold and furnished by the City from its municipal water works and distribution system (tap fees).  The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
  4. Ordinance #1574; An ordinance authorizing the City of Carmi of White County IL to borrow funds from the state of Illinois EPA public Water Supply Loan Program.  This is for the Hillsdale project.  Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve Ordinance #1574, an ordinance authorizing the City of Carmi of White County IL to borrow funds from the state of Illinois EPA Public Water Supply Loan Program.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Courson.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
  5. Ordinance #1575; An ordinance authorizing any new water service added onto the City of Carmi must have a minimum of 40 feet water main access per Illinois EPA.  Alderman Totten made a motion to approve Ordinance #1575; An ordinance authorizing any new water service added onto the City of Carmi must have a minimum of 40 feet water main access per Illinois EPA.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
  6. The Light Plant is due for the RICE NESHAP testing.  This allows the City of Carmi to be in compliance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) as well as United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).  The cost of this testing is $24,100.00.  Alderman Hays made a motion to approve the RICE NESHAP testing.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Headlee.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman presenting answering “yes.”
  7. Mayor Pollard presented the IDOT Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Carmi for maintenance of the traffic control devices.  This agreement will be in effect for 10 years.  Alderman Courson made a motion to approve the IDOT Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Carmi for maintenance of the traffic control devices.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
  8. Chief Jason Carter addressed the council seeking approval to hire a police officer due to the resignation of Sargent Brad Spence.  June 12th will be his last day.  Chief Carter stated Sargent Spence will be assisting in weekend coverage as well as other local law enforcement officers.  Chief Carter stated Matt Long has been hired and will begin the Police Academy on August 23rd.  He will replace Sargent Spence but the City will need to hire another officer to replacement Officer Huber.  Sargent Spence will continue working for the City in the Parks Department.  With no further discussion, Alderman Hays made a motion to approve the hiring of a new police officer.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard

 Mayor Pollard reminded everyone the swimming pool is open Monday thru Friday from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m.  “You can contact the pool manager, Cindy Colman, either on Facebook or at 618-382-8411 to book any pool parties.”  Mayor Pollard reminded the public that Burrell Woods campground does not have a reservation system; it is first-come, first-serve.  If there are any vehicles parked on or holding a campsite, they will be towed at the owner’s expense.  The next drag racing event at the airport will be this weekend, June 5th.  We will be  welcoming a team from Florida to our community.  The gates open at 1:00 p.m. for the participants and 2:00 p.m. for spectators.  Admission is $10.00 and children under 12 are free.  The last race was a success with the team from Mississippi.  There were over 160 spectators to enjoy the food and entertainment.  Mayor Pollard encouraged the public to download either Nixle at link.local.Nixile.com/register or the City of Carmi APP from your play store on your phone (iPhone or android).  This is the easiest way to receive all the City information regarding events, road closures, etc.

Reports from Standing Committees

Alderman Winkleman stated the Library Board met early this afternoon.  They are having trouble with the fire alarms going off.  Mrs. Dennis has contacted the company and they could not find a problem with them.  She will be contacting other vendors who service fire alarms.  Alderman Nelson wanted to thank the City for removing the dead trees in the median of College Boulevard.

Business or Comments from Visitors

Chief of Police Jason Carter stated there would be a Walk, Run or Stroll 5K event held on June 25, 2021 beginning at 6:30 p.m. starting at the Elks.  More information will be provided at a later date.

Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with no action to follow:

None.

Adjournment

At 5:55 p.m. Alderman Courson made a motion to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Headlee.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk

Jeff Pollard, Mayor