The regularly scheduled council meeting was held on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, 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, James Totten, Jeremy Courson, Sheila Jo Headlee, Mike Knight, and Doug Hays. Absent: Tracy Nelson
The minutes from the September 17, 2019, council meeting were presented. Alderman Hays made a motion to approve the September 17, 2019, council meeting minutes as presented. Alderman Blake seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard introduced Amy McCarty, U of I Extension representative to discuss the Gift Garden. Mrs. McCarty explained that Gift stood for Growing Illinois Food Together. She gave a history of how the Gift Garden was brought to reality back in 2015 as well as all of the different clubs, organizations, business, and individuals who have helped grow the Gift Garden. Mrs. McCarty stated the vegetables and fruits that are produced in the garden must be counted and weighed. She stated in 2019, 409 pounds of produce were grown in the garden which is a significant increase from the 149 pounds which was produced in 2016. She stated the produce is donated to local food pantry’s as well. Mrs. McCarty stated the area youth including the White County 4-H are very active in the project.
For Council Consideration, discussion, and possible approval
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider closing Cherry Street from Walnut Street to Main Cross for Trunk or Treat. Mayor Pollard stated that due to safety issues, he would like to have the road closed. A motion was made by Alderman Winkleman to close Cherry Street from Walnut Street to Main Cross from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for Trunk or Treat. Alderman Blake seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The bids for the Case IH C 100 tractor were presented for award. Two sealed bids were received and presented to the council. Phillip Healy bid $2876.51 and Dustin Buttry bid $4,276.74. Alderman Knight made a motion to accept Dustin Buttry’s bid of $4,276.74. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
David Coston, Electrical Engineer, addressed the council to discuss the plans to move forward with the power plant. Mr. Coston gave a synopsis of the events which have led to where we are. He gave the financial aspects for utilizing generator #11 from an IMEA (Illinois Municipal Electric Agency) standpoint as well as the contract with Duke Energy which is in effect until 2035. Mr. Coston stated the company we are working with, Baker Hughes General Electric
(BHGE) has acquired a name change to Cooper Machinery Services. They have submitted an estimate in the amount of $43,300 to complete a tear down of generator #11 and determine the parts and labor requirements to repair it. Mr. Coston informed the Council we have not heard back from the insurance regarding if there are any restrictions on the money we received from our equipment breakdown policy. Mr. Coston presented the following recommendations:
- Authorize Cooper Machinery Services to begin work of completing the teardown of engine #11 to determine the parts and labor needed to complete the repairs.
- Purchase a replacement bucket truck (current truck is 27 years old).
- Upgrade power plant engine cooling system.
After a lengthy discussion, a recommendation was made by Alderman Hays to accept the estimate of $43,300 from Cooper Machinery Services to begin the work of completing the tear down of Engine #11 to determine the parts and labor needed to complete the repairs. The motion was seconded by Alderman Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard announced the Burrell Park Halloween lottery began today for the campsites. The event will take place on October 18th and 19th. To be placed in the lottery drawing, please contact Cynthia Attebury at 6183-384-2001 or [email protected] . A movie will be shown on Friday night, October 18th around 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend the weekend activities.
The Mayor reminded everyone of the upcoming 75th Annual Chamber Dinner which will be held on Monday, October 7, 2019, at the VFW
October 11th and 12thbegin the Corn Day activities. Main Street will close at 3:00 p.m. and traffic will be re-routed. The Carmi Light and Water office will close at 3:00 p.m. Chief of Police Jason Carter wanted to remind everyone there will be no parking on Main Street or along the detour route.
The dedication for the Born Learning Trail will be held on October 18, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Burrell Park.
Lastly, any business or individual who would like to participate in the Trunk or Treat may contact Holly Healy at 618-382-8118 or Shana Northcott at 618-382-7606
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Winkleman reported the shrubs in front of the Library as well as a tree need to be removed. Mayor Pollard stated he would get this taken care of.
At 6:20 p.m. Alderman Headlee made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
