The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers
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, and Doug Hays. Absent: Mike Knight
The minutes from the March 2, 2021, council meeting were presented for approval. A 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 answering “yes.”
The February 2021 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments were presented for approval. Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve the February 2021 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
The March 2021 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments were presented for approval. Alderman Totten made a motion to approve and authorize the March 2021 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
For council consideration, discussion, and possible approval
- TIF Façade Improvement Grant for Josh Harms, Harms Construction. A TIF Façade Improvement Grant application for $8000.00 was received from Harms Construction. He is constructing an 1800 square foot addition to his existing building. Alderman Blake made a motion to approve the TIF Façade Improvement Grant for Harms Construction. Alderman Totten seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Resolution 03.16.21: A resolution authorizing an agreement with Josh Harms DBA Harms construction for an existing building expansion project utilizing tax increment financing. Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve Resolution 03.16.21; authorizing an agreement with Josh Harms DBA Harms Construction. The motion was seconded Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- TIF Façade Improvement Grant for Carmi Taekwondo Center. An application for the TIF Façade Improvement Grant for new exterior doors and windows up to $5,000. Alderman Totten made a motion to approve the TIF Façade Improvement Grant for Carmi Taekwondo Center. Alderman Hays seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
- The bids for the Waste Water Treatment tractor were presented to the Council in their packets. Mayor Pollard stated four bids were received, two from John Deere, one from Bobcat, and one from H and R Agri-Power. The bid from H and R Agri-Power and one bid from John Deere does not have the hydrostat transmission but rather the shuttle transmission. The bids submitted were as follows:
- H and R Agri-Power $24,400.
- Bobcat $27,690.56
- John Deere 5055E: $21,800.
- John Deere 4052R: $24,545.00
- A discussion was held regarding the warranty and the horsepower of each bid submitted. Alderman Blake made a motion to purchase the John Deere 5055E tractor from Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners located at Norris City for $21,800. The motion was seconded by Alderman Totten. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
- Mayor Pollard stated the City needed to decide whether to buy a new street sweeper or stop sweeping altogether. He stated “The sweeper we have now was purchased in 2008 and for the last 8 years, it has been pieced back together.” Brad Attebury, Foreman of the Street and Alley Department, feels if we do not buy one, there will be certain times a year where we will need to rent one, i.e. Corn Day and in the fall for leave removal, etc. The price of a new sweeper a few years ago was approximately $190,000. The pricing to rent one would be $1,000 daily, $3000 weekly or $9,500 monthly. Mayor Pollard stated the sweeper would have to be put up for bids. Alderman Winkleman asked about the vacuum type sweeper which would take care of the leaves. Alderman Nelson asked about the trade-in value of our current sweeper which at this time, we are unsure what that would be. Mr. Len Wells stated he believed there was a grant available from USEPA we could look into as well. Alderman Hays stated he did not like the idea of the City not having a street sweeper as it helps keep our City clean. After a lengthy discussion, Alderman Hays made a motion to accept bids for both a street sweeper as well as a vacuum-type machine, with Brad Attebury giving the required specifications of the units. The motion was seconded by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard stated the City of Carmi has purchased a vehicle for Larry Hite, Fire Chief. The Current Dodge Durango he is driving was a hand-me down from the City Policy Department over 10 years ago and has multiple mechanical issues. The City purchased Sargent Craig Poole’s squad vehicle for $10,500, which included all the lighting etc.
Mayor Pollard wanted to let the public know that in their next electric bill, there will be a notice stating what can and cannot be flushed into the City of Carmi’s Sewer System.
As a reminder, we will be having another electronic recycling event on March 27th from 9 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Newton Wire and Cable Building located on Third Street. No early dumping will be allowed and violators will be prosecuted.
Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with possible action to follow:
At 5:56 p.m., Alderman Headlee made a motion to enter into closed session to discuss property issues with possible action to follow. Alderman Hays seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Adjournment
At 6:22 p.m. Alderman Headlee made a motion to return to open session and 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
