The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016 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. The prayer was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pollard presided with the following Aldermen present: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, Keith Davis, Lance Yearby, Sheila Jo Headlee, Jack Lamont, Doug Hays and Mike Knight.
Minutes for the April 19th, 2016 council meeting were presented. Motion made by Alderman Knight and seconded by Alderman Headlee to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider Ordinance No. 1502, Regulating Parking and Idling of Tractors, Semi’s, Semi-Trailers, Vehicles Classified over 1 ton, Trailers, Floats, and Buses and Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof in The City of Carmi, White County, Illinois. Rescinding Ordinance No. 1154. He stated that they added vehicles classified over 1 ton and raised the fine to seventy five ($75) dollars not more than seven hundred and fifty ($750) dollars. Police Chief Jason Carter and Alderman Hays both explained that adding vehicles classified over 1 ton to the Ordinance should help prevent further accidents on Oak Street. Motion made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Knight to approve the Ordinance as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard wanted to report that on April 25th Economic Developer Sandra Irvine, Alderman Sheila Headlee and himself met with Whitney Barbre and Reagan from Tumble Time Cheer and Fitness. He explained to them that Ms. Barbre needs to be on the agenda to discuss her proposal that she handed out during the last council meeting, which was why there was no real discussion about the property. He also explained that the lots the city owns have certain basic requirements which the buyer has to meet before the council can be asked for approval to sell. Mrs. Irvine explained that Ms. Barbre needs to bring them a business plan and the financials on the cost of her building, whether or not Ms. Barbre wants money out of the revolving loan fund, the city still needs those documents to start the process. Ms. Barbre completely understands what is needed now and is working on getting everything together. Before they ended their meeting, Mayor Pollard asked Ms. Barbre if she still wanted to be on tonight’s council meeting agenda, to which she answered “no.”
He also wanted to remind the public about keeping their properties cleaned up and that the city is ticketing for that.
Mayor Pollard stated that playground equipment at Eckerle Park is in the process of being installed.
He also reminded everyone that Opening Day is this weekend (Saturday May 7th, 2016) at Bradshaw Park at 11:00 a.m.
City Clerk Brian Allen wanted to remind citizens that anyone who solicits should have a peddlers permit. If they do not, the police should be called.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Knight stated that the new concession stand is up and open at Bradshaw Park. He added that some campers at Burrell Park recently caught two (2) people trying to break into a city vehicle and he wanted to thank them for that. He also mentioned that the Illinois Extension Giving Garden is being worked on currently.
Alderman Headlee stated that she had a complaint of speeding on Lexington Avenue. She contacted Chief Carter who addressed the issue. She added that she talked to City Supervisor Mike Buckman about the railroad crossing on Stewart Street. Mr. Buckman stated that he has spoken to the railroad and that once Burrell Street is completed, they will shut down Stewart Street and cut out concrete and add asphalt to keep the crossing smooth.
Alderman Davis commented that the city no longer gives water adjustments.
Alderman Yearby wanted to recognize Jerry Applewhite’s family. Mr. Applewhite passed away last week and he has done a lot for the community. He stated that he is working with EMA to continue Mr. Applewhite’s generator donation program for the community.
Business or Comments from Visitors
Police Chief Jason Carter wanted to remind the public that the Middle School’s PBIS 5k Walk/Run is this Friday night (May 6th).
Motion made by Alderman Blake and seconded by Alderman Headlee to adjourn. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes”.
At 5:44 p.m. the council adjourned.
Brian K. Allen, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
