The Carmi City Council met Monday, November 17, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. via conference call due to Covid-19.
Prior to opening the council meeting, Mayor Pollard asked Alderman Winkleman to give the invocation
Mayor Pollard presided with the following Aldermen present on the call: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, James Totten, Sheila Jo Headlee, Mike Knight, and Doug Hays. Absent: Tracy Nelson
The minutes from the November 3, 2020, council meeting were presented. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Totten to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
For council consideration, discussion, and possible approval
- Façade Improvement Grant – Amber Ackerman-Knight. Holly Healy, City Administrator, stated she had received a façade improvement grant application from Amber Ackerman-Knight for the 103 West Main Street property, formerly the Downtown House of Prayer. Mrs. Healy stated Mrs. Knight is requesting a $5,000.00 matching grant which will go toward paint, exterior doors, windows and frames as well as exterior lighting. Alderman Knight made a motion to approve the Façade improvement grant application for the 103 West Main Street property for $5,000.00. The motion was seconded by Alderman Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard stated the Carmi Light and Water lobby will remain closed until further notice. Mayor Pollard also stated he had been in contact with chamber director, Kelly Northcott, just prior to the meeting regarding the Christmas Parade and tree lighting. Due to Governor Pritzker’s latest mandate, unfortunately the parade and tree lighting have been canceled. Mrs. Northcott will be posting the schedule for Santa to be in his house this holiday season.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Mark Blake thanked everyone for their calls, texts, and prayers. He stated he is home and recovering.
Business or Comments from Visitors
Carmi resident Jessica Williams called in asking for permission to address the Mayor and the City Council. She stated she lived next door to the 602 West Main Street. She stated she had contacted the City offices with complaints regarding the appearance of the property and the ordinance. She stated there are 2 unused cars and a camper sitting in the yard. She stated every week she has to pick up trash that has blown into her yard and this property is an eye sore for the City of Carmi and its residence. City Administrator Holly Healy addressed Mrs. Williams. Mrs. Healy stated tickets had been issued to both the occupant as well as the owner of the property but unfortunately due to Covid-19, court proceedings have been delayed. A court date has been set for December 4, 2020, but with the Governor’s new mitigation to return to phase 3, we will have to wait and see if we are able to proceed. The City will continue legal proceedings against the landowner.
Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with possible action to follow:
None.
Adjournment
At 5:50 p.m. Alderman Headlee made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Totten. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
