City News

1. Call to order by Mayor Pollard, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call.
3. Approve October 3, 2017, Council Meeting Minutes.
4. Approve September 2017 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.
5. Approve and authorize October 2017 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.
6. For council consideration, discussion and possible approval:
   1. Mayor Pollard will ask the council for authorization to seek bids for sale of excess property that had previously been seized by the Carmi Police Department:
      – 2003 Cadillac CTS VIN: 1G6DM57N930164262 MILES: 99,300. SOLD AS IS. MINIMUM BID $1000.00.
   2. David Coston, Electrical Engineer, to present to the council options for a new boiler for the Light Plant radiator system.
   3. John Acree, Lamac Engineering, to present an update on the pump station at the Blue Goose and Water Wells.
7. Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
8. Reports from Standing Committees.
9. Business or comments from visitors.
10. Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with no action to follow.
11. Adjournment

Jeff Pollard, Mayor

1. Call to order by Mayor Pollard, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call.
3. Approve September 19, 2017, Council Meeting Minutes
4. For council consideration, discussion and possible approval
   1. Holly Healy, Director for Carmi Chamber of Commerce, seeking permission to stage the White County Christmas parade on Saturday, November 25, 2017, at 6:00 p.m.
   2. Holly Healy, Director for Carmi Chamber of Commerce, seeking permission to close South Main Street from Main Street to the alley from November 15, 2017, to January 5, 2018, (depending on weather) for placement of the Santa House and Christmas Train.
   3. Authorize City Attorney, Greg Stewart, to prepare, execute, and file a corrected deed for St. Polycarp Cemetery.
   4. Bids for unused equipment:  Trailer-Mounted Sludge Mate De-watering Unit.Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard.
5. Reports from Standing Committees.
6. Business or comments from visitors.
7. Closed Session to discuss litigation of Phoenix Foundation with possible action to follow.
8. Adjournment

 

Jeff Pollard, Mayor

The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street for the purpose of a public hearing regarding rezoning as business property 1107 West Oak Street and 304 Fairground Road.  The hearing was opened by Mayor Pollard.  Jim Whetstone from Martin and Bayley was present and discussed they are wanting to purchase the property located at 304 Fairground Road which is next to the current Huck’s Store for purposes of expanding.  Alderman Nelson asked if they had already purchased the property.  Mr. Whetstone stated they had not but they had a signed contract.  There were no other questions or comments.  The hearing adjourned at 5:17 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m. the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting was called to order.  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, Lance Yearby, Sheila Jo Headlee, Doug Hays, Mike Knight, Tracy Nelson, and Jack Lamont.  Alderman Steve Winkleman was absent.

Minutes from the September 5, 2017, council meeting were presented.  Motion made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Blake to approve the minutes as presented.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Mayor Pollard asked the council to approve the August 2017 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.  Motion made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Lamont to approve the August 2017 Financial reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Mayor Pollard asked the council to approve and authorize September 2017 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.  Alderman Knight made a motion to approve the September 2017 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and the Light & Water Departments.  Alderman Headlee seconded the motion.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Mayor Pollard presented Ordinance 1533:  An amendment to zoning ordinance #778 for the City of Carmi, Illinois for Huck’s #142 at 1107 West Oak Street and 304 Fairground Road.  Motion was made by Alderman Hays to approve Ordinance 1533: An amendment to zoning ordinance #778 for the City of Carmi, Illinois for Huck’s #142 at 1107 West Oak Street and 304 Fairground Road.  Alderman Headlee seconded the motion.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Mayor Pollard presented the Illinois Department of Transportation Supplemental Resolution for Preliminary Engineering Costs of Burrell Street Project.  Mayor Pollard explained the original resolution which was passed in May of 2015 did not include costs for the preliminary engineering and they were paid out of the MFT fund for this project.  This resolution needs to be passed so that IDOT has the required documentation that all MFT costs were properly authorized by the Council.  Alderman Headless made the motion to approve the Illinois

 

Department of Transportation Supplemental Resolution for Preliminary Engineering Costs of Burrell Street Project.  Alderman Lamont seconded the motion.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answer “yes.”

Mayor Pollard presented Joe Neidig and Sherry Bingman from Tri-State Community Clinics (TSCC) to the council for consideration and approval for health and wellness services.  Mr. Neidig explained how TSCC started, what role it plays in healthcare, how it functions, and how it could potentially benefit the City of Carmi.  Mr. Neidig stated he and Mrs. Bingman had several meetings with Mayor Pollard, Clerk Attebury, Alderman Winkleman, Alderman Headlee as well as several other interested employers from the Tri-State.  He stated they are in negotiations with approximately seven other local employers, three of which they have signed contracts from.  This would be a local clinic staffed by a nurse practitioner and nurse for employees and families of the participating employers to receive routine healthcare as well as sick visits at no cost to the employee for the visit as well as most medications. For example, if an employee were to come to the clinic for a sore throat, they would be in and out within 20 minutes with their medication in hand. The philosophy is for employees to be in and out of the clinic for a “sick” visit within 20 minutes, which will cut down on time away from work.  They will also be doing Health Risk Assessments (HRAs) which is a screening for employees to have done to potentially prevent major health problems.  The potential savings for the first year for the City of Carmi could be approximately $61,618.00 with 85% utilization.  The start-up period for the clinic is approximately 9-12 weeks.  During that time frame, all employers will be informed of the progress of the clinic as well as starting the education process for all employees on how the clinic functions.  Each employer will pay a set amount of money per employee per year for participation in the program.

Jeremy Billington, our representative from Mutual Medical Insurance, was present as well.  He stated from his standpoint, everything is positive.  Jeremy stated that Mutual Medical’s philosophy for over 40 years has been if we can find another available payer that gives your employees better access, better care, at lower costs; we are all for it.  I think it will be slow at first but once the employees catch on, they will be all for it when they realize they can see a provider at no cost to them and pick up medications free.  We are looking at it as those are claims that are not going to be run through the healthcare plan so it will actually improve the healthcare plan and help drive some of that cost down while still giving the employees better access and better care.

After discussion, motion was made by Alderman Headlee to approve entering into a two-year contract with Tri-State Community Clinic’s (TSCC) for Health and Wellness Services.  Alderman Hays seconded the motion.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard

The Mayor thanked Greg Brown and his employees of Brown Feed and Chemical for all the hard work they put into the preparation for the fly in.  We had a good, steady flow of visitors to enjoy the food, car and airplane show, as well as the entertainment.

 

As a reminder, October 2, 2017, will be the annual Chamber Dinner.  The weekend of October 13^th and 14^th will be the annual Corn Day festival.

I am pleased to announce that Burrell Campground is full for the Halloween event scheduled for October 20^th and 21^st.

Finally, I would like to thank all of the City Employees who worked on the Main Street Project.  It is complete and everyone worked hard and in a timely fashion.  They have done an awesome job.

Reports from Standing Committees

Alderman Knight thanked Carmi Township Road Commissioner, Chris McEwing, and his staff for their work on the road to Burrell Park.  He also wanted to thank everyone for the cards, visits, thoughts and prayers during his recent surgery.

Alderman Headlee wanted to thank the City for the flowers, food, thoughts, and prayers during the recent passing of her husband, Tom.

Motion made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Lamont to adjourn. Motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

At 6:14 p.m. the council adjourned.

 

Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk

Jeff Pollard, Mayor

This boil order was lifted on 9/27/217.

Due to a water leak a Boil Water Order for Hillcrest Ave. in Sunnybrook Meadows until further notice.

Because of this  disturbance in your water service, the following educational materials are available as a resource to you about the lead risk in drinking water:  http://www.cityofcarmi.org/leadriskinformation/

The City  of Carmi apologizes for any inconvenience.

1. Public Hearing regarding rezoning of 1107 West Oak Street and 304 Fairground Road.
2. Call to order by Mayor Pollard, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call.
4. Approve September 5, 2017, Council Meeting Minutes.
5. Approve August 2017 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.
6. Approve and authorize September 2017 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.
7. For council consideration, discussion and possible approval:
   1. Ordinance 1533:  Amendment to zoning ordinance #778 – Huck’s #142 at 1107 West Oak  Street and 304 Fairground Road.
   2. Illinois Department of Transportation Supplemental Resolution for Preliminary Engineering Costs of Burrell Street Project.
   3. Tri-State Community Clinics presentation for Health and Wellness Services.
8. Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
9. Reports from Standing Committees.
10. Business or comments from visitors.
11. Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with no action to follow.
12. Adjournment

Jeff Pollard, Mayor

The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street for the purpose of a public hearing for rezoning 1001 West Main Street.  The applicant was contacted today as a reminder of the meeting and he is withdrawing his request; therefore, no hearing was held.

At 5:30, the regularly scheduled Carmi City Council Meeting was called to order.  Prior to opening the council meeting, Mayor Pollard asked for a moment of silence for Alderman Sheila Headlee’s family due to the passing of her husband, Tom.  Alderman Winkleman gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Pollard presided with the following Aldermen present: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, Lance Yearby, Doug Hays, Tracy Nelson, and Jack Lamont.  ABSENT:  Sheila Headlee and Mike Knight.

Minutes from the August 15, 2017, council meeting were presented.  Motion made by Alderman Lamont and seconded by Alderman Hays to approve the minutes as presented.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider approving Ordinance #1531:  An ordinance prohibiting parking on 8^th Street and providing penalties for violation thereof.  Motion was made by Alderman Hays to approve Ordinance #1531: An ordinance prohibiting parking on 8^th Street and providing penalties for violation thereof.  Motion was seconded by Alderman Nelson.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Mayor Pollard stated Ordinance #1532 would be pulled from the docket due to the applicant withdrawing his request.

Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard

Mayor Pollard wanted to remind everyone of the Fly In on September 16^th at the Carmi Airport from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  He hopes everyone can come out and enjoy all the activities planned for the day.

He also wanted to remind the Alderman of the upcoming Chamber Dinner on October 2, 2017.  If anyone would like to attend, please notify Mayor Pollard or Holly Healy within the next couple of weeks.

The City will begin flushing hydrants again on October 16^, 2017, from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.  This should take approximately two weeks.

 

Reports from Standing Committees

Alderman Lamont would like the owner(s) of the old Carmi Lumber building on Pleasant Street to be notified regarding property ordinances for cleanup in the City of Carmi.

Alderman Nelson stated the new lighting on Main Street looks very nice.

 

Motion made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Blake to adjourn. Motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

At 5:45 p.m. the council adjourned.

 

Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk

Jeff Pollard, Mayor

The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, August 15, 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, Lance Yearby, Sheila Jo Headlee, Doug Hays, Mike Knight, Tracy Nelson, and Jack Lamont.

Minutes from the August 1, 2017, council meeting were presented.  Motion made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Winkleman to approve the minutes as presented.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Mayor Pollard asked the council to approve the July 2017 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.  Motion made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Winkleman to approve the July 2017 Financial reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Mayor Pollard asked the council to approve and authorize August 2017 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.  Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve the August 2017 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and the Light & Water Departments.  Alderman Lamont seconded the motion.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Mayor Pollard presented Keith Botsch, City CPA and Auditor for the City of Carmi to present the 2016 Annual Audit and Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. Mr. Botsch stated starting on page 6, the cash assets as of December 31, 2016, were $3,007,801.00.  He stated this was a good cash balance but not extreme given the fact we have a budget as high as we do. From page 11, he stated that the city’s General Fund revenue was $3,111,408.00.  We spent $3,938,441.00.  We had loan proceeds and cash transfers in and out, which left a deficit of $496,316.00.  Part of that is from capital outlay we did. From page 14, the Light and Water Fund, the city brought in $8,976,211.00. The operating expenses were $8,347,933.00.  We had an operating income of $628,278.00 with depreciation of $675,199.00.  If we add back the depreciation, we actually had about $450,000.00 profit but with the depreciation, we have a deficit of $216,614.00.  Realistically, Light and Water did okay.  On Page 15, the statement of cash flows for Light and Water Department, we actually increased our cash balance by $193,936.00; we went from $67,414.00 in cash to $261,360.00 which is good.  On page 17, the state-mandated Police Pension Fund, is showing signs of stability.   We do not have the new levy amounts yet but the trend of stability should continue.   Alderman Headlee asked Mr. Botsch if he thought it would help since several have already retired.  We have some of the older ones retired now and we do not have a lot coming up for retirement.  Mr. Botsch stated he thought that would make a difference and that we had several retire over the last few years.  The Police Pension Fund brought in $335,110.00 and spent $361,287.00 for a deficit of $1,885.00 for the 2016 period.  We actually have $3,108,812.00 but we do not have any control over what we have to levy.

On page 60, the statement of revenues and expenditures on the General Fund, we had allowed for a budget deficit of $324,743.00 but actually the deficit was $496,316.00.  We were a little worse than budget.

On page 63, the combining statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balances, the Library Fund brought in $101,660.00 with total expenses being $111,179.00.  That was before the $20,000.00 that came in from the City.  After the $20,000.00 came in, we had a balance of $10,481.00.  They do a nice job of watching their costs and living within their budget.

On pages 64 and 65 are the General Fund Statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in Fund balance comparing budget to actual. If you were going to spend any time looking at this report to see how each department has done, this is what you would spend your time on.

For the Motor Fuel Tax on page 69, we brought in $141,800.00 and spent $230,011.00 leaving a deficit of $86,973.00.

Alderman Headlee asked if when budgeting the TIF, if both districts were together.  Mr. Botsch stated they were.  The TIF Fund brought in $168,203.00 and spent $103,560.00 having an excess of $64,770.00, so it is doing okay.  I think there are some good projects going on now.  It has helped Main Street.  Alderman Headlee stated the Elks Lodge looks wonderful.

Mayor Pollard presented Ordinance No. 1530:  An ordinance imposing penalties for failure to timely pay municipal charges for electricity, water, sewage, and waste collection.  (This ordinance rescinds and replaces Ordinance No. 1165 passed March 18, 1991, and Ordinance No. 1510 passed October 13, 2016.  Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve and accept Ordinance No. 1530, an ordinance imposing penalties for failure to timely pay municipal charges for electricity, water, sewage, and waste collection.  Alderman Hays seconded the motion.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard

They Mayor stated the City of Carmi and S.I.A.M. will be hosting a fly in on September 16, 2017, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  There will be planes, cars, and trucks, free food and drinks, along with the Hollerboys will be performing from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  For more information, please call 618/380-4211.

The Halloween event at Burrell Woods will be held on October 20^th and October 21^st.    We will be making reservations only through a lottery system.  Those wishing to be in the lottery for a campsite should e-mail the Chamber office at chamber@cityofcarmi.com or call 618-382-7006 by August 25, 2017.  The sites will be randomly drawn and you will be contacted on August 28^th if you have a site and what number it is.

 

I would like to remind everyone that school starts tomorrow so drive with caution, watching for children and the school buses.

Also, remember to wear you glasses on Monday during the eclipse.

Reports from Standing Committees

Alderman Knight thanked the City for the flowers during his mother’s passing as well as the well wishes he has received since his surgery.

Alderman Winkleman reported there is a crab apple tree in front of the Library that needs to be removed due to kids throwing the crab apples at cars.  They would like it cut down.  City Supervisor Mike Buckman will make a work order for this.  Alderman Winkleman also asked about the rumor and status of a Taco Bell coming to Carmi.  Mayor Pollard stated Sandra Irvine, City Administrator, had received notification on Friday, August 11, 2017, that Taco Bell would not be coming to Carmi.  The factors that played into their decision were the feasibility study, possible state increase in minimum wage, and some other issues.

Business or Comments from Visitors

None.

Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with no action to follow:

None.

Motion made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Blake to adjourn. Motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

At 5:55 p.m. the council adjourned.

 

Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk

Jeff Pollard, Mayor

1. Public Hearing: Regarding rezoning 1001 West Main Street.
2. Call to order by Mayor Pollard, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call.
4. Approve August 15, 2017, Council Meeting Minutes
5. For council consideration, discussion and possible approval:
6. Ordinance No. 1531: An ordinance prohibiting parking on 8th street and providing penalties for violations.
   Ordinance No. 1532: An ordinance rezoning 1001 West Main Street as Business (Zone II)
7. Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard.
8. Reports from Standing Committees.
9. Business or comments from visitors.
10. Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with no action to follow.
11. Adjournment