City News

City Council Chambers, 225 East Main Street

1. Call to order by Mayor Pollard, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call.
3. Approve October 2, 2018, Council Meeting Minutes.
4. Approve September 2018 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.
5. Approve and authorize October 2018 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.
6. For council consideration, discussion and possible approval:  
   1. Possibly moving November 6, 2018, council meeting.
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

Starting October 15th, the City of Carmi will begin flushing fire
hydrants nightly from 1am-5am.

The process should last approximately two to three weeks.

During this time, customers may experience low water pressure or
discoloration in their water.  The City of Carmi apologizes for any
inconvenience.

City Council Chambers, 225 East Main Street

1. Call to order by Mayor Pollard, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call.
3. Approve September 18, 2018, Council Meeting Minutes
4. For council consideration, discussion and possible approval:
   1. Carmi Lions Club requesting road closure on First Street in front of the Lions Den on November 10, 2018, from 12:00 noon until 8: 00 p.m. for a car show.
   2. Resolution 10.02.18; A resolution of support and commitment of local funds from the Revolving Loan Fund. 
   3. Lauren Higginson, Director for Carmi Chamber of Commerce, seeking permission to stage the White County Christmas parade. 
   4. Lauren Higginson, Director for Carmi Chamber of Commerce, seeking permission to close South Main Cross Street from Main Street to the alley from November 15, 2018, thru January 7, 2019.
5. Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard.
6. Reports from Standing Committees.
7. Business or comments from visitors.
8. Closed Session to discuss property or personnel issues with no action to follow.
9. Adjournment

                                                                                                   Jeff Pollard, Mayor

The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street for the regularly scheduled meeting.  The meeting was called to order.

Mayor Pollard asked Alderman Winkleman to give the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 

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

Minutes from the September 4, 2018, council meeting were presented.  Motion was made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Knight 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 2018 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.  Motion was made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Winkleman to approve the August 2018 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 2018 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.  Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve the September 2018 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and the Light & Water Departments.  Alderman Blake seconded the motion.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

For Council Consideration, Discussion, and Possible Approval

1. A TIF Façade Improvement Grant request has been received from MF Investments LLC, owners of Gottzz’s, who have submitted an application for a façade improvement grant.  The current fence that surrounds the outdoor area at Gottzz’s does not meet the requirements for outside alcohol consumption.  The old fence posts and cables will be removed.  The entire area with be secured by a 6-foot high black aluminum fence with a locking gate.  They are requesting $5,000.00 façade improvement grant to assist with this project.  They hope to have this completed before Corn Day.  A motion was made by Alderman Blake to approve the TIF Façade Improvement Grant request from MF Investments LLC, owners of Gottzz’s for a $5,000.00 façade improvement grant.  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 reminded the alderman of the annual Chamber Dinner which will be held on Monday, October 1, 2018, at the Christian Church.  The Aldermen were also reminded to turn in their information and money to Mayor Pollard or Lauren Higginson, Chamber Director, by tomorrow.

Corn Day will be held Friday October 12^th and Saturday October 13^th.  

The annual Halloween Campout at Burrell Woods will be held on Friday, October 26^th and Saturday October 27^th.  We will be doing a lottery drawing for reservations.  Reservations will be accepted beginning October 1^st thru October 12^th.  We ask that everyone decorate their campsite in a kid-friendly manner.  We will kick the event off Friday night with a movie and popcorn at the campground.  The public is invited.  There will be activities planned all day long wrapping up with trick or treating in the campground only.

The Chamber of Commerce and the City of Carmi will be hosting a trunk or treat on October 31^st from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the parking lot behind the City Building.  Lauren Higginson, Chamber Director, will have more details in the next couple of weeks.  

As a reminder, please remember if you are doing any kind of building projects, fence, carport, etc. to please get a building permit from the City.  These can be obtained either online or by coming to the City Office.

Reports from Standing Committees

Alderman Winkleman reported Pete Fulkerson has resigned from the library board.  He will be replaced by Lloyd Stiles, who has previously served on the board.  Mr. Stiles will fill out the remainder of Mr. Fulkerson’s term.   

Business or Comments from Visitors

Chief of Police Jason Carter introduced the newest member of the Carmi Police Department, Drew Grider.  Mr. Grider graduated from the Police Academy in Bellville, Illinois on Friday, September 14, 2018.

Adjournment

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

At 5:41 p.m. the council adjourned. 

Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk

Jeff Pollard, Mayor

 

The Carmi City Council Meeting was held on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building at 225 East Main Street for the regularly scheduled 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, Tracy Nelson, Lance Yearby, Mike Knight, Doug Hays, Jeremy Courson, and Sheila Jo Headlee.

Minutes from the August 21, 2018, council meeting were presented.  Motion was made by Alderman Knight 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 accept/approve the low bid for the Epworth Road MFT Project.   Mayor Pollard stated Brown and Roberts Engineering firm held the bid opening for the Epworth Road project August 28, 2018.  Four bid packets were received as a result of our invitation to bid.  The bids were as follows:

• ET Simonds Construction $71,414.92
• O’Daniel Trucking $66,000.00
• Kieffer Brothers $49,990.00
• Samron Contracting $48,764.00

Alderman Headlee made a motion to accept the bid from Samron Contracting of $48,764.00 for the Epworth Road MFT Project.   The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Mayor Pollard presented Resolution 09.04.18; A resolution of support and commitment of local funds from the Revolving Loan Fund was presented for approval.  Alderman Hays made a motion to approve Resolution 09.04.18; A resolution of support and commitment of local funds from the Revolving Loan Fund.  The motion was seconded by Alderman Knight.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Mayor Pollard introduced Adam Allen, Director of White County Ambulance Service, to discuss the proposed public safety sales tax referendum.  Mr. Allen gave some background and history of the ambulance service stating when he assumed the director’s position, the ambulance service was about $182,000 in the red.  Over the past two years, the service has been able to operate in the black.   Mr. Allen stated the ambulance service has been downgraded to BLS, basic life support, from ALS, advanced life support, due to staffing.

He stated basically this means paramedics are not able to do their job properly. Mr. Allen stated if this tax were to pass in November, the money would be used for salaries, to bring the service back to ALS, and also used for equipment.  The proposed tax is a sales tax increase of 0.5% which would raise approximately $500,000.00 per year.  Mr. Allen stated in 2017, they received approximately 2100 ambulance calls.  In the current downgraded BLS position, if ALS services are needed, we must pay an outside paramedic approximately $300.00 each time they are asked to assist.  Questions were presented from the council and local citizens.  Mr. David Edwards asked how the money would be handed out.  Mr. Allen stated the money would be put in a proprietary account.  Mr. Allen stated if the tax passed on the November ballot, the tax would not go into effect until July 2019 with money dispersed in September 2019.  Alderman Hays asked if the tax passed, would the ambulance service be able to be staffed to obtain ALS service.  Mr. Allen said yes, it would be.  Mr. Allen stated the goal is to have 8 paramedics and 3 stand by.  Mr. Allen concluded by stating this is a life or death situation, without the ambulance service, the response time could be detrimental.  

Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard

Mayor Pollard announced the dates have been set for the Annual Halloween Campout at Burrell Woods Campground for October 26^th and 27^th.  More details will follow at the next meeting as far as reservations and activities.  Also, the new railings for the culvert to the 66 acres have been finished allowing access to the new property.

The 74^th annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner will be held on Monday, October 1, 2018, at 6:00 p.m.  Reservations must be turned in by Friday, September 17^th.  The cost is $20.00 per person.  Please let the Mayor know if you are planning to attend so he can notify Lauren Higginson how many to reserve for the City of Carmi table.

 Mayor Pollard announced the following “The EPA requires that I announce in the meeting that I have given the go ahead for the Sewer Department to do a 50-foot sewer main extension by the mini-mall on the west side of town to accommodate any future development.  The City will not be reimbursed for the $700.00 spent on this project.

Adjournment

  At 6:15 p.m. the meeting adjourned.

   

Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk

Jeff Pollard, Mayor

 

City Council Chambers, 225 East Main Street

1. Call to order by Mayor Pollard, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call.
3. Approve September 4, 2018, Council Meeting Minutes.
4. Approve August 2018 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.
5. Approve and authorize September 2018 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.
6. For council consideration, discussion and possible approval:  
   • Façade Improvement – MF Investments – Gottzz’s Restaurant 105 East Cherry Street
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

The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, August 21 , 2018, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street for the regularly scheduled meeting.  The meeting was called to order.

Mayor Pollard asked Alderman Winkleman to give the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 

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

Minutes from the August 7, 2018, council meeting were presented.  Motion was 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 July 2018 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.  Motion was made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Winkleman to approve the July 2018 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 2018 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments.  Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve the August 2018 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and the Light & Water Departments.  Alderman Knight seconded the motion.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

For Council Consideration, Discussion, and Possible Approval

1. A TIF Façade Improvement Grant request has been received from Jason and Audra Belford for the property located at 508 East Main Street.  This location is currently operating as “The Attic” which is a resale/consignment shop.  The Belford’s are planning to make improvements to the building exterior which will include a new roof, new stain on the outside walls, a new porch and staircase, new lighting on the front of the building, new rock to the parking lot and landscaping around the front of the building.  They are requesting $5,000.00 to assist in completing this renovation.  Alderman Blake made a motion to approve the Façade Improvement Grant of $5,000.00 for “The Attic.”  The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman.  The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”

Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard

Mayor Pollard reminded the public that we have designated areas for crossing main highways for golf carts and side-by-sides.  Golf carts nor side-by-sides are allowed on the sidewalks.  

The crossings are as follows:

Oak Street:  7^th and Oak Street only.

Main Street:  1.  Plum and Main only.

2.  Church and Main

3.  Walnut and Main.

4.  Main Cross and Main.

If you are caught crossing at any other intersection on the main highways, you can be ticketed and lose your privilege to ride your golf cart or side-by-side in the city limits.

We are asking you to please keep your yard cleaned up including grass and weeds cut to help fight against mosquitos.

Mayor Pollard stated Adam Allen with the White County Ambulance Service, has contacted him and will be present at the September 4, 2018, City Council meeting to discuss the possible increase in sales tax.

Lastly, Mayor Pollard reminded the Alderman and the public that petitions for Alderman in Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 can be picked up beginning at 8:00 a.m. September 18, 2018, at the City Clerk’s Office.

Reports from Standing Committees

Alderman Knight stated there would not be a Fly-In this year at the airport due to scheduling conflicts.  This will be rescheduled for the spring.  

Alderman Winkleman introduced librarian Stephanie Dennis who updated the council on the library.  Ms. Dennis stated the library is currently functioning in the “black”.   She thanked the City of Carmi for doing some yard work at the library.  She stated they have seven (7) cameras and are all functioning properly at this time and things are running smooth.

Alderman Yearby addressed the council regarding parking on the city streets for an extended period of time including trailers and cars that are setting there for weeks at a time with flat tires etc.  Alderman Yearby stated there were also problems with vehicles being parked over sidewalks etc.  He stated there was a problem with this in his area.  Mayor Pollard stated if residents will call the office, a letter will be sent to the residents.  Mayor Pollard stated if it is on the street with an expired license, it will have to be moved but if it is normal parking, then there is not a lot that can be done about that.   Chief Jason Carter stated when he is notified of vehicles parked along streets for extended period, he puts a tag for towing on them and if not moved by the resident, the vehicle will be towed.  

Business or Comments from Visitors

None.

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

None.

Adjournment

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

At 5:37 p.m. the council adjourned. 

Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk

Jeff Pollard, Mayor

City Council Chambers, 225 East Main Street

1. Call to order by Mayor Pollard, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call.
3. Approve August 21, 2018, Council Meeting Minutes
4. For council consideration, discussion and possible approval:
   1. Acceptance of low bid for Epworth Road project, IDOT Section 18-00093-00-SM in the amount of $48,764.00 and authorize mayor and clerk to approve project documents.
   2. Resolution 09.04.18; A resolution of support and commitment of local funds from the Revolving Loan Fund.
   3. Adam Allen, Director of White County Ambulance Service, to discuss proposed public safety tax specifically designated for ambulance service.
5. Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard.
6. Reports from Standing Committees.
7. Business or comments from visitors.
8. Closed Session to discuss property or personnel issues with no action to follow.
9. Adjournment

Jeff Pollard, Mayor