The regularly scheduled council meeting was held on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 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 November 19, 2019, council meeting were presented. Alderman Totten made a motion to approve the November 19, 2019, council meeting minutes as presented. Alderman Totten seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
For Council Consideration, discussion, and possible approval
David Coston, Electrical Engineer, presented updated information to the council regarding the Light Plant. Mr. Coston stated at the last council meeting on November 19, 2019, he had reported locating a new 2017 Caterpillar diesel generator. He reported the following breakdown:
The cost to purchase and install the new generator breakdown:
- Generator cost (delivered) $600,000
- Catalyst upgrade $ 40,000
- IEPA permitting costs (lawyer fees, etc) $ 20,000
- Tie-in to existing system (fuel, electric) $ 15,000
- Building addition to power plant (material only) $ 25,000
- Sale of parts from Gen #11 (over time) ($100,000)
Total Spend >> $600,000
Mr. Coston stated the City would need to get the generator supplier to include the catalyst upgrade as part of the generator package and warranty compliance with IEPA Tier 4 standards. We would also need to petition the IMEA board to move the previously granted deadline to accommodate the timetable required to apply for and receive the new IEPA permit, install and test the new generator. Mr. Coston stated the permitting process through IEPA could take up to 6 months; first applying for a construction permit. He stated once the construction permit was approved, then the generator could be delivered. The Street and Alley Department would be doing the building addition. A digger truck and a bucket truck have recently been purchased totaling approximately $160,000 and should be in use within the next couple of weeks. Mr. Coston stated he is working with Shepherd Insurance and the City Clerk to find a new equipment breakdown insurance policy. In completing the insurance applications, the carriers are asking what exactly caused the breakdown (defective air start valve) and what has been done to ensure it does not happen again. Mr. Coston said the continued documented maintenance of the generators is playing a crucial role in finding a new insurance carrier. When additional information is available, this will be brought back to the council. Alderman Hays stated this generator should last the remainder of the Duke Energy contract which ends in 2035. He also stated the warranty on the 2017 Caterpillar generator is 2 years from the date of installation.
Mr. Coston stated he is recommending the council to allow him to petition the IMEA board to move the deadline of January 31, 2020 so the IEPA permitting process and possible purchase of a new generator can take place. Once the IMEA board approves the deadline requirement, the process of obtaining the necessary IEPA permits would begin and then he would petition the council for possible purchase of a generator. Alderman Hays made a motion to allow David Coston, City electrical engineer to petition the IMEA board on the City’s behalf to move the January 31, 2020 deadline in order for Carmi to begin the IEPA permitting process. The motion was seconded by Alderman Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard thanked all of the City employees who have worked very hard to get all of the Christmas decorations up, making our town look good for the holidays. He again thanked the following business for purchasing a wreath on Main Street; Botsch & Associates, First Bank, Fairfield Memorial Hospital, McDonalds, Special Effects, Shepherd Insurance, H.D. Beans, Merle Norman, The Courtyard, First Insurance, Southern Illinois Title, and Main Street Café. We have had lots of compliments on them.
He also stated he had the privilege to be the first car to go through the Christmas Lights of Hope display at the fairgrounds. “Hats off to the Carmi Elves, they did an amazing job and I hope everyone takes me to enjoy the displays.”
Adjournment
At 6:05 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
