The Carmi City Council met for the regularly scheduled meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Chamber Council at 225 East Main Street on September 7, 2021.
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, Tracy Nelson, Doug Hays, Jeremy Courson, and Sheila Jo Headlee. Absent: James Totten
The minutes from the August 17, 2021, council meeting were presented. A motion was made by Alderman Courson to approve the August 17, 2021, council minutes. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
For Council Consideration, discussion and possible approval:
- Resolution 09.07.21; A resolution authorizing an agreement with Melissa Barton DBA The Rusty Razor for an existing building improvement project utilizing tax increment financing (TIF). A motion was made by Alderman Courson to approve Resolution 09.07.21; A resolution authorizing an agreement with Melissa Barton DBA The Rusty Razor for an existing building improvement project utilizing tax increment financing (TIF). The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Tax increment financing redevelopment agreement existing building for HVAC improvement with Melissa Barton DBA The Rusty Razor was presented. Alderman Hays made a motion to approve the agreement with a second by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Mayor Pollard presented an estimate from Slay’s Restoration, LLC, for removal and cleaning out of the mold and debris from the basement of the Light and Water building. Mayor Pollard stated the building has had all the asbestos removed but now needs the mold and debris removed from the basement so it can become operable in order to comply with the mandated records retention laws. Mayor Pollard said the estimate was $23,979.46. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee with a second by Alderman Courson to approve the estimate from Slay’s Restoration, LLC. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Resolution 09.08.21; A resolution authorizing an agreement with Heath Short for an existing building redevelopment project located at 1510 Oak Street utilizing tax increment financing (TIF). Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve Resolution 09.08.21; A resolution authorizing an agreement with Heath Short for an existing building redevelopment project located at 1510 Oak Street utilizing tax increment financing (TIF). The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Tax increment financing redevelopment agreement warehouse renovation project with Heath Short. Alderman Courson made a motion to approve the tax increment financing redevelopment agreement warehouse renovation project with Heath Short. Alderman Blake seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- City CPA and Auditor Keith Botsch was introduced to present the 2020 Annual Financial Report and Independent Auditor’s Report. Mr. Botsch stated overall the City and Light and Water facilities were in good shape. He also stated the police pension levy did not increase as much as expected which is a good thing for the City. The details of the report are available from the City Clerk’s office. Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve the 2020 Financial Report and Independent Audit. Alderman Courson seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
The Mayor stated, “September is going to be a busy month, packed full of events for the whole family”. This weekend, September 11th, the Lions Club will have the car show under the trees at the White County Fairgrounds. The Great American Street Race will also be held at the Carmi Airport. This event will be packed full of different activities for the 20th Anniversary of 911 including VFW, American Legion Color Guard and the CWCHS Band. The gates open at 2 p.m. with the first round starting at 7:30 p.m. Spectators’ admission is $10 per person with children 12 and under free. Special VIP passes are $25.00.
On September 18th, Rally Point Events and the City of Carmi present Big Wheels on the Little Wabash at the White County Fairgrounds. This event begins at 1:00 p.m. Tickets in advance are $20 online and at the gate are $25.00. Children ages 8 and under are free.
The City of Carmi will host an electronics recycling event for Carmi and White County residents on Saturday, September 25th from 9 a.m. until noon at the Newton Wire and Cable Building.
Since Halloween is on a Sunday this year, the City of Carmi and Chamber of Commerce will not be hosting a trunk or treat. “We look forward to doing this event again in the future” stated Mayor Pollard.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Winkleman stated at the Library Meeting held earlier today, the new security system has been installed by the City of Carmi and is up and running well.
Adjournment
At 5:55 p.m. Alderman Headlee made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor