The regularly scheduled council meeting was held on Tuesday, October 15, 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 Hays to give the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pollard presided with the following Aldermen present: Mark W. Blake, Tracy Nelson, James Totten, Jeremy Courson, Sheila Jo Headlee, Mike Knight, and Doug Hays. Absent: Steve Winkleman
The minutes from the October 1, 2019, council meeting were presented. Alderman Hays made a motion to approve the October 1, 2019, council meeting minutes as presented. Alderman Knight seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The September 2019 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Carmi Light & Water were presented to the council for consideration. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee for approval of the September 2019 Financial Reports. The motion was seconded by Alderman Totten. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The vendor invoices for October 2019 for the City of Carmi and Carmi Light & Water were presented for approval. A motion was made by Alderman Totten to approve the October 2019 vendor invoices. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
For Council Consideration, discussion, and possible approval
Ordinance 1552, an ordinance authorizing Wayne-White Counties Electric Corporation to construct, operate and maintain an electric utility system in the City of Carmi. Mayor Pollard stated this ordinance had been reviewed by the attorney for Wayne-White Counties Electric Corporation as well as the City Attorney, Greg Stewart. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee to approve Ordinance 1552, an ordinance authorizing Wayne-White Counties Electric Corporation to construct, operate and maintain an electric utility system in the City of Carmi. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Shana Northcott, Chamber of Commerce Director, was present to seek permission to stage the White County Christmas as well as the road closure of South Main Cross Street from Main Street to the alley for the Santa House beginning November 25, 2019, and re-opening January 6, 2020. Mrs. Northcott stated the Christmas Parade would be held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 30, 2019. A motion was made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Knight to allow Mrs. Northcott to stage the White County Christmas as well as the road closure. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The bid acceptance, approval and authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to sign documents for the EDA and CGBD Grant for Industrial Drive Grant Project was presented. Holly Healy, City Administrator, was present to answer any questions regarding this. The bid tabulations were presented to the Council for review. Samron Midwest Contracting, Inc. was the low bidder at $597,344.00. Alderman Totten made a motion to award the bid to Samron Midwest Contracting, Inc. and approval and authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign documents on the Industrial Drive Grant Project. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Resolution 10.15.19, a TIF Agreement with Carmi Health Clinic by Horizon Healthcare Clinics was presented. Mrs. Healy stated she had submitted the application to Moran Economic Development for review. A $10,000 grant payable upon completion and opening of the clinic is requested. Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve Resolution 10.15.19, a TIF Agreement with Carmi Health Clinic By Horizon Healthcare. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The pay request for the Marguerite Street grant project was submitted for approval. Alderman Hays made a motion to approve the pay request for the Marguerite Street grant project. 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 thanked the Kiwanis Club, City employees, City Police, County Police, auxiliary police and other area police officers who helped make Corn Day a safe and fun weekend. A special thanks to the Fire Department for cleaning the sidewalks and streets, Sean Cribbs and his workers for painting the curbs and keeping the trash picked up as well as helping with late-night cleanup, Scott McDonald and his employees for painting all the stoplights black to match the street lights, and Derek Keller for trimming Veteran’s Park and cleaning up the street corners throughout Main Street.
This weekend is the annual Halloween at Burrell Park. On Friday we will be showing Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman. We will be having a camper decorating contest and we ask the campers to decorate in a kid-friendly manner. Saturday’s events will begin around 10 a.m. and end around 5:30 p.m. with a wiener roast.
Trunk or Treat will be held on Halloween night behind the City building from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 pm. Cherry Street will close at 4:30 p.m. from the First Bank ATM/Drive-Thru entrance to Main Cross to allow businesses to set up and decorate their sites. Anyone interested in participating in Trunk or Treat should contact Shana Northcott at 618-382-7606 or Holly Healy at 618-382-8118 to reserve a spot.
City wide trick or treating will be on Halloween night from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you are wanting trick to treaters to stop at your house, please have your porch light on. Also please remember to slow down and watch out for kids.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Blake stated the street lights looked very good and were more visible. Alderman Totten stated he had talked to several bands who had participated in the Corn Day activities who stated they enjoyed coming to our town.
Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with no action to follow:
At 5:44 p.m. a motion to enter into closed session to discuss property and possible litigation was made by Alderman Headlee with a second by Alderman Totten. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Adjournment
At 6:33 p.m. Alderman Hays made a motion to return to open session and adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
