City Council Meeting
City of Carmi
October 6th, 2015
The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, October 6th, 2015 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. The prayer was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pollard presided with the following Aldermen present: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, Keith Davis, Lance Yearby, Sheila Jo Headlee, Jack Lamont, Doug Hays and Mike Knight.
Minutes for the September 15th, 2015 council meeting were presented. Motion made by Alderman Knight and seconded by Alderman Headlee to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard then presented Sandra Irvine to ask the council to consider a fire truck revolving loan program agreement with the Office of the State Fire Marshall to purchase a new rescue vehicle. She stated that it is a three hundred and twenty five thousand dollar ($325,000) loan amount at zero percent (0%) interest for twenty years (20). Fire Chief Larry Hite stated that the new rescue vehicle will be used to haul equipment. The old vehicle is outdated and has had two (2) engines installed. The new vehicle will be able to carry heavy equipment. Alderman Headlee stated that the fire department has been below budget the last two (2) years for equipment. Alderman Winkleman then asked if it could be paid off if they got a grant. Mrs. Irvine stated that it probably could but the grants are very competitive. Mr. Hite commented that Mrs. Irvine has done a lot of work to complete this loan. Motion made by Alderman Lamont and seconded by Alderman Headlee to approve the fire truck revolving loan program agreement as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider Ordinance No. 1489, an ordinance establishing a system for the licensing of organizations to operate raffles in the City of Carmi, Illinois. City Attorney Greg Stewart stated that he drafted the ordinance and felt that fifty dollars ($50) per application was appropriate. He added that there is no law or rule for amount to charge for raffle. However, the city must do appropriate paperwork and look at the records to see if they are running raffle correctly. Alderman Winkelman asked when this issue was brought up and why. Mayor Pollard answered that the need for an ordinance became effective after the laws for video gaming license. He added that technically 50/50 drawings are now considered illegal by gaming laws. Mr. Stewart believes that it could stir up more problems and the applications will be very limited. Alderman Davis said that he would like to see it be five dollars ($5) per application. Motion made by Alderman Davis and seconded by Alderman Lamont to approve Ordinance No. 1489 with a five dollar ($5) application fee for each raffle. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard stated that he was very overwhelmed, surprised and honored that the City of Carmi was chosen for the large business of the year at the Chamber of Commerce Dinner on October 5th.
He wanted to remind everyone that Corn Day starts this weekend (October 9th and 10th) so on Friday at 3:00 the crews will start closing roads and re-routing traffic. He hopes that everyone has a safe and fun time.
The City of Carmi is having an electronic recycling day on October 17th at the Newton Wire and Cable Building from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will also be picking up paint and charging the customers one dollar ($1) per gallon.
He stated that Halloween at Burrell’s Woods is coming up on October 23rd and 24th. Chamber Director Holly Healy has a lot of fun activities planned for the weekend.
The public trick-or-treating has been set for Halloween night from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Mayor Pollard then stated that for the last two (2) weeks his family has been bashed through the rumor mill so he has asked City Attorney Greg Stewart to present the findings and allegations.
Mr. Stewart stated that his role as city attorney is to represent the City of Carmi as a group, not as individuals. He was made aware of the allegations that the mayor, his wife and daughter were stealing gas from the City. Police Chief Jason Carter turned the investigation over to the Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Doug Maier. The County State’s Attorney gave the investigation report to Mr. Stewart, the mayor and his family has been exonerated of the allegations. Former Mayor David Port agreed that it was his signature on an agreement with Rickie Pollard for cleaning services. All allegations against the mayor and his family are false.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Headlee stated that the new street lights on Industrial Avenue look great.
Alderman Winkleman informed the council that the Kiwanis thanks the city for their help with the Corn Day Celebrations.
Alderman Davis said that electric shut-off is tomorrow by 10:00 a.m.
Business or Comments from Visitors
Citizen Kay Pretszch stated that there is water standing on Iris Lane. Citizen Debbie Bunting added that they need more street lights on Montgomery Circle
Motion was made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Hays to go into closed session for the purpose to discuss personnel issues with action to follow. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
At 6:07 p.m. council went into closed session.
Motion made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Blake to return to open session. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
At 7:01 p.m. the council returned to open session.
Motion made by Alderman Knight and seconded by Alderman Winkleman to hire Patrick McKenzie as a laborer for the Parks and Cemetery Department. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
Motion made by Alderman Davis and seconded by Alderman Blake to hire Tracy Bergman as an operator for the Water Department. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
Motion made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Lamont to adjourn. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
At 7:02 p.m. the council adjourned.
Brian K. Allen, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
