The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, August 4, 2020, 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, Tracy Nelson, James Totten, Jeremy Courson, Sheila Jo Headlee, Mike Knight, and Doug Hays.
The minutes from the July 21, 2020, council meeting were presented. Motion was 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.”
For council consideration, discussion, and possible approval
- Ordinance #1562: An ordinance prohibiting the sale to, purchase by, and possession of tobacco, tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, alternative nicotine products, cannabis and cannabis products for persons under the age of 21, and providing penalties for violations thereof in the City of Carmi, White County, Illinois was presented. Mayor Pollard stated this ordinance was to update our current policies. Chief Jason Carter stated the state of Illinois had passed similar action back in July 2019 when the age to buy the above products was changed to 21. Chief Carter stated the City ordinance did not contain the language to be able to issue citations for the possession of nicotine by underage individuals. Alderman Totten made a motion to approve ordinance #1562 as stated above. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
- Mayor Pollard presented the pay request for Samron for the Industrial Drive project for $230,716.96 which is funded by DCEO grant along with an EDA grant. Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve the pay request for Samron for the Industrial Drive project in the amount of $230,716.96. Alderman Courson seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman answering “yes.”
- Mayor Pollard stated the City had applied for a grant for playground equipment several months ago. The City has been awarded a grant of $45,640.50 for new playground equipment. The cost of the playground equipment is approximately $92,471. It would possibly be placed in the front lot of the old theater building enclosed with fencing. Mayor Pollard stated he is in the process of contacting local businesses to see if they would like to contribute to the project. Mayor Pollard stated the City has until October 30, 2020, to purchase the playground equipment; therefore, no action was taken at this time. Additional information will be presented at an upcoming meeting.
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard told the Council he and Chief Jason Carter had discussed the Kiwanis cancelling the Corn Day activities due to COVID 19. Chief Carter’s main concerns which he had voiced to the Kiwanis included a large number of people in the bars in close proximity. Mayor Pollard stated it is the business/bar owner’s responsibility to adhere to Governor Pritzker’s orders as the local law enforcement will not be monitoring the number of people in each establishment but the State Police could enforce the order. Mayor Pollard stated the City will do the normal closing of the alleys to allow for more room but the hours of operation would not be extended. The last call will be at 11:30 p.m. and everyone out by midnight.
Mayor Pollard also stated he had visited the new dog park location. The black chain link fence has been installed and things are progressing. Ericka Zieren’s STEM class will be visiting the park soon and putting together/installing the dog agility equipment.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Winkleman stated he had just attended a Library Meeting where it was discussed taking bids to have a room in the basement painted. Alderman Winkleman asked Mayor Pollard if there was anyone in the City that done painting that could help out the Library. Mayor Pollard stated he would take care of getting it done.
Adjournment
At 5:39 p.m. Alderman Headlee made a motion to adjourn. 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
