The Carmi City Council met for the regularly scheduled meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Chamber Council at 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, Mike Knight, Doug Hays, Jeremy Courson, and Sheila Jo Headlee.
The minutes from the April 20, 2021, council meeting were presented. A motion was made by Alderman Winkleman to approve the April 20, 2021, council minutes. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
City Attorney, Greg Stewart, was present and administered the oaths of office for Alderman to Tracy Nelson, Steve Winkleman, Sheila Headlee, and Doug Hays; Cynthia Attebury, City Clerk, and Jeff Pollard, Mayor.
For Council Consideration, discussion and possible approval:
- Resolution 05.04.2021; A resolution renewing the employee’s safety incentive program for the period of April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 was presented for approval. Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve resolution 05.04.2021; a resolution renewing the employee’s safety incentive program. The motion was seconded by Alderman Totten. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- TIF Agreement for Jansen Auto Group, LLC was presented for a parking lot resurfacing project. Alderman Totten made a motion to approve the TIF Agreement with Jansen Auto Group, LLC. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Resolution 05.05.2021; A resolution authorizing an agreement with Jansen Auto Group, LLC for a parking lot resurfacing project utilizing TIF funds. A motion was made by Alderman Hays to approve the resolution. Alderman Courson seconded the motion.
The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- City Attorney, Greg Stewart, was present to discuss building permits and demolition permits. Mr. Stewart began by referencing the zoning ordinance from 2007 which states what permits the City of Carmi requires. Section 10-1-2 states that a permit is required to construct, alter, remove, demolish a building or structure for either residential or businesses. The building permit as well as the demolition permit are available thru the City Clerk’s office and there is not a fee for the permitting process. Mr. Stewart also stated it is a violation of the ordinance to plant trees and shrubbery on or near the city right of way, under power lines, or over or near utility services without first filing a permit with the City Clerk. Mr. Stewart stated “The permitting process is required before the shovel hits the dirt. It is easier to make sure there are no power lines, sewer lines, etc. prior to putting in a new garage, etc.” On the demolition permits, the applicant is allowed six (6) months to complete the demolition. The penalties for failure to obtain a permit as stated in section 10-1-2 shall be deemed to be a violation of the zoning ordinance. The city clerk will notify the violator in writing. If the violator fails after ten (10) days’ notice to correct the violation, the City of Carmi can proceed with legal restitution. The fines range from not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense. Mr. Stewart stated that each day the violation is not corrected, it is an additional offense. Mr. Stewart concluded by reiterating the importance of obtaining a building or demolition permit before the work is done.
- A draft ordinance for the previously tabled nuisances and livestock ordinance within the City of Carmi was presented for discussion. There are more and more animals being brought into the City. Greg Stewart stated Holly Healy had done most of the leg work on the draft and it is very specific as to what would be allowed. Mayor Pollard opened the floor for discussion regarding what changes in the ordinance the Aldermen wanted. Alderman Totten stated for the chickens, he could not really come up with a good reason to not allow them and for the rabbits, the children in 4-H use them for projects. Mayor Pollard stated the ordinance would not be voted on tonight but would be presented at next council meeting.
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard stated he wanted to apologize for the muddy mess right now at Burrell Woods. “While we were running electric and water to the 66 acres, mother nature decided not to cooperate.” He stated when the project is completed, just on the other side of the bridge will be 5 new tent camping spots with electric and water.
This Saturday, May 8th, will be Opening Day at Bradshaw Park, weather permitting. The ceremony will start at 11 a.m.
Saturday will also be the first street racing event at the airport. The gates will open at 1:00 p.m. for participants and 2:00 p.m. for spectators. The gate admission for this event will be $10 and it may vary from event to event.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Winkleman stated the Kiwanis will be holding Corn Day this year. Alderman Headlee wanted to know when the next recycling event would take place. Mayor Pollard stated we usually have one in the fall.
Business or Comments from Visitors
Chief of Police Jason Carter stated for the drag racing, there is a separate entrance for the spectators. There will be signage along the roadway. He also stated the City is still accepting applications for a law enforcement officer.
Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with no action to follow:
At 6:05 Alderman Headlee made a motion to exit regular session and enter into closed session to discuss personnel and property issues. The motion was seconded by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Adjournment
At 6:36 p.m. Alderman Headlee made a motion to exit closed session, return to regular session and adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
