The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, November 7, 2017, 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 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pollard presided with the following Aldermen present: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, Tracy Nelson, Lance Yearby, Sheila Jo Headlee, and Doug Hays. Absent: Mike Knight.
Minutes from the October 17, 2017, council meeting were presented. Motion was made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Winkleman to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Jeremy Courson was introduced as the newly appointed Ward 1 Alderman following the resignation of Jack Lamont. City Attorney, Greg Stewart, performed the swearing in of Alderman Jeremy Courson, after which Alderman Courson was asked to take his seat at the council table and was recorded as present for the meeting.
Mayor Pollard presented Ordinance #1534: An ordinance establishing an Enterprise Zone within the City of Carmi (second application). Economic Development/City Administrator Sandra Irvine stated this was the same process that was completed when the initial application was made November 15, 2016. After discussion, Alderman Headlee made the motion to adopt ordinance #1534: An ordinance stablishing an Enterprise Zone within the City of Carmi. Alderman Hays seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The Intergovernmental agreement between the City of Carmi, City of Grayville, City of Albion, County of White and County of Edwards for the Enterprise Zone was also presented by Mrs. Sandra Irvine. Motion was made by Alderman Winkleman to adopt the Intergovernmental agreement between the City of Carmi, City of Grayville, City of Albion, County of White and County of Edwards for the Enterprise Zone. Motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider Resolution 11.02.17 – A resolution of Support for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Mrs. Sandra Irvine explained this was a resolution that must be adopted in order for the City to be able to apply for the sewer grant upgrade for Marguerite Street. After discussion, Alderman Headlee made the motion to adopt Resolution 11.02.17 – A resolution of Support for CDBG grant. Motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider Ordinance #1535: An ordinance authorizing loan funds with Public Water Supply Loan Program for additional water system improvements. Mrs. Sandra Irvine explained that at the last meeting, the council had agreed to pursue requesting more funding through the EPA loan program. Upon advice from the EPA, an additional fund requisition of $500,000 will be submitted to cover the final expenses for the existing pump station project and also painting of the west water tower. Mrs. Irvine stated we would only borrow whatever amount we need to complete these projects in addition to the previous debt amount. After discussion, Alderman Winkleman made the motion to adopt ordinance #1535: An ordinance authorizing loan funds with Public Water Supply Loan Program for additional water system improvements. The motion as seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider the TIF #2 Façade Improvement Grant for Drew’s Barber Den. Mrs. Sandra Irvine stated they are requesting up to $4,800. After discussion, Alderman Winkleman made the motion to approve the TIF #2 Façade Improvement Grant for Drew’s Barber Den up to $4,800. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider the TIF #2 Façade Improvement Grant for Special Effects. Mrs. Sandra Irvine stated they are requesting up to $2,000. After discussion, Alderman Headlee made the motion to approve the TIF #2 Façade Improvement Grant for Special Effects up to $2,000. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider the TIF #2 Façade Improvement Grant for Second Time Around. Mrs. Sandra Irvine stated they are requesting up to $4,000. After discussion, Alderman Headlee made the motion to approve the TIF #2 Façade Improvement Grant for Second Time Around up to $4,000. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider the TIF #2 Façade Improvement Grant for H.D. Bean Jewelers. Mrs. Sandra Irvine stated they are requesting up to $400. After discussion, Alderman Winkleman made the motion to approve the TIF #2 Façade Improvement Grant for H.D. Bean Jewelers up to $400. The motion was seconded by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard then presented Nick Patel of Rock Bottom Liquors and Ronja Campbell of East Side Package to address the Council regarding amending the class C license for consumption on premises if video gaming area is available. After discussion, Alderman Doug Hays made a motion to allow Rock Bottom and East Side Package the pour licenses for consumption on premises if video gaming area is available. Motion seconded by Alderman Mark Blake. The following Alderman voted yes: Blake, Nelson, Hays, Courson, and Headlee. The following Alderman voted no: Yearby and Winkleman. The motion carried.
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
The Mayor reported we are getting into the Holiday spirit. The Reindeer Run will be held November 18, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.
The storefront window decorating contest will be judged on November 15, 2017. Please send or email the completed entry form to the Chamber of Commerce by Friday, November 10, 2017. This year’s theme is “A Magical Christmas.”
The lighted Christmas parade to welcome Santa to town will be November 25, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. All entries must be turned in to the Chamber of Commerce by November 17, 2017, to guarantee a spot in the parade. The theme for the parade is also “A Magical Christmas.”
Sadly we are losing Chamber of Commerce Director Holly Healy. She has taken another position in town. She will be greatly missed. Holly has been a big asset to both the community and the City of Carmi. We wish her the best of luck in her new adventure.
Reports from Standing Committees
None.
Business or Comments from Visitors
None.
Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with action to follow:
None
At 6:00 p.m. the council adjourned.
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
