MINUTES
City Council Meeting
City of Carmi
September 3, 2013
The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street, Carmi, Illinois.
Prior to opening the council meeting, Mayor Pollard asked for a moment of silence for the family of Emilie Turrentine a senior at Carmi White County High School that had gone missing and later had passed away on Labor Day and of Alderman Steve Winkleman to give the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pollard presided with the following aldermen present: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, Keith Davis, Kenny Carter, Mike Knight, Doug Hays, Jack Lamont and Sheila Jo Headlee.
Minutes for the August 19, 2013 council meeting were presented. A motion was made by Alderman Winkleman and seconded by Alderman Blake to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes”.
Mayor Pollard presented Ordinance No. 1469, an ordinance regulating traffic flow within the City of Carmi to make the intersection of Stewart Street, Hillsdale Drive and Beck Street a four-way stop. No comments or questions were expressed by the alderman regarding the proposed ordinance. Motion by Alderman Knight and seconded by Alderman Headlee to approve Ordinance No. 1469 as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard presented a corrected deed transfer of Illini Avenue from Illini Properties, LLC to the City of Carmi. Mayor Pollard presented Mr. Keith Botsch with Illini Properties to give an explanation of the deed transfer to the council. Mr. Botsch explained that Illini Properties had given the housing project an easement for Illini Avenue, the housing project built the road and the deed was to be transferred to the City of Carmi. The attorney representing the housing project completed a deed and the prior council accepted the dedication of Illini Avenue in 2006. Since that time some issues with the original deed were noticed and City of Carmi Attorney Greg Stewart completed a new deed which is presented to the council tonight for acceptance. No comments or questions were expressed by the alderman regarding the proposed transfer. Motion by Alderman Winkleman and seconded by Alderman Carter to approve and accept the transfer of the corrected deed from Illini Properties. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked council for authorization to construct a 30 foot by 50 foot by 10 foot metal pole building at the Water Wells Site.
- Mayor Pollard gave an explanation:
- It is to be utilized for storage of lawn equipment, chemicals and other items that are currently stored in other areas around the site.
- There was one (1) proposal for the amount of $15,429.00 from Rick’s Construction in Norris, Illinois.
- Funds for construction would be used from the Light & Water bond. Currently there is $77,782 left in the Light & Water bond and the remaining balance would be used to replace the roof at the Light & Water offices.
Alderman Carter inquired if there were bids being taken for the construction of the Water Wells Site building. Mayor Pollard explained that bids were not taken due to the fact the cost of the building falls below the required amount necessary to bid. Alderman Carter asked if bids could be sought to give local contractors an opportunity and if it could be tabled until the next council meeting. Motion was made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Carter to table the construction of the building. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard presented the bid from Jeff Guisewite, INC. for the demolition of the properties at 815 7th Street and 817 7th Street to the amount of $7,000.00. Discussion was if the bid included fill dirt, grass seed and straw. Mayor Pollard replied that it was all to be included in the bid. Motion was made by Alderman Lamont and seconded by Alderman Headlee to accept the bid for demolition as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
Report and/or Updates from Mayor Pollard
- Mayor Pollard informed and apologized to the council and public for an event that took place on Wednesday, August 28th 2013 in the evening that had the citizens of Carmi concerned with complaints about a city street being closed. The Mayor had no prior knowledge and was made aware when he started to receive complaints by phone. Mayor Pollard expressed that in the near future if anyone or any establishment will be holding an event that requires a closing of a city street to follow the proper procedures, which is to seek approval from himself and the council.
- The Carmi Post Office Postmaster informed the Mayor that they are having problems with dogs running loose between North 4th Street and North 8th Street. The postal service asked for an announcement to the council and public that all mail delivery would be suspended to anyone who does not have their dog restrained.
- The City of Carmi website has a “poll” that the public can access to vote “yes” or “no” on each topic that has been discussed, concerning the cities liquor ordinances and that a person could only cast one vote. Noted the “poll” would be running for a month or so to give himself and the council a better consensus of what the public would like to see happen.
Reports from Standing Committees
- Alderman Hays noted that the City of Carmi’s new 2013 police cruiser was put into service recently. He would like to thank City Mechanic Doug Smith and City Welder Mike Combs for the outstanding work they completed to get the vehicle ready for service. The 2005 police cruiser is presently being stripped of all equipment and it will need to be discussed what to do with this vehicle. Mayor Pollard inquired to the condition of 2005 police cruiser and it possibly could go to the Municipal Airport as a courtesy car. Alderman Hays and Chief of Police Randy Hamblin commented that the vehicle had the transmission replaced and was currently reliable transportation.
- Alderman Davis announced that the trees had been trimmed in front of the high school and that he had received several calls about how nice it looks after the trimming.
Business or Comments from Visitors
Richard Cook commented that new City of Carmi website looked “amazing.”
Motion by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Lamont to adjourn. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
At 7:05 p.m. the council adjourned.
Brian K. Allen, City Clerk
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Jeff Pollard, Mayor
