The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street for the regularly scheduled meeting.
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, Mike Knight, Sheila Headlee, and Doug Hays. City Attorney Greg Stewart was also present.
The minutes from the May 3, 2022 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.”
The April 2022 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments were presented. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee to approve the April 2022 Financial Reports. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The May 2022 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Carmi Light & Water were presented for approval. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve the April 2022 vendor invoices. The motion was seconded by Alderman Totten. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
For council consideration, discussion, and possible approval
- Resolution No. 05.18.22; A resolution authorizing an agreement with Carmi Elks Lodge #1652 for an existing building renovation project utilizing tax increment financing. Keith Davis stated the Elks Lodge is requesting $2000.00 in TIF funds for work inside the Elks Lodge. This includes replacing ceiling tiles, repairing walls and painting, and refinishing floors. With no further discussion, Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve Resolution No. 05.1.22 with a second by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
- TIF Agreement with Carmi Elks Lodge #1652. Alderman Headlee made a motion to approve the TIF Agreement with the Carmi Elks Lodge #1652 with a second by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
- TIF Façade Grant for the Courtyard. Mayor Pollard stated the Courtyard is requesting a TIF Façade improvement grant to paint and clean the copper awning as well as rebuild their window boxes and update the sign. Alderman Totten made a motion to approve the TIF Façade Grant for the Courtyard with a second by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
- Pay request for Kiefer Brothers Construction, Inc. for $47,663.50 for the sewer project in the alley between Oak, Elm and 7th Streets was presented for approval. Alderman Hays made a motion to approve the pay request for Kiefer Brothers Construction, Inc. for $47,663.50 with a second by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
- Resolution 05.17.22; A resolution authorizing the Mayor to seek bids for trash service. Mayor Pollard explained to the Council the multitude of problems we have had with Republic Services over the last few months. “Multiple subdivisions have been missed on several different occasions” stated Mayor Pollard. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Courson to approve Resolution 05.17.22; A resolution authorizing the Mayor to seek bids for trash service. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard reported everything has been finalized with the City of Carmi owning the Archie Brown Memorial Field. He stated we had also acquired the property on Walnut Street near the post office, which will be cleaned up and made into a parking lot. The Parks Department hopes to have the swimming pool up and running by June 1st. He reminded all residents of the Memorial Day Service which will be held at the Veteran’s Park.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Blake stated Maple Ridge Cemetery looks very nice. Alderman Courson wanted to thank the City for all of the help with the Carmi Summer Recreational League Opening Day Ceremonies.
Business or Comments from Visitors
Mrs. Jean Michels was present to discuss the Homer Yates Property which has been unkempt and she believes there may be “squatters” at the location. She stated there has been raw meat thrown out as well as other substances which have a very bad odor. City Attorney, Greg Stewart, addressed the issue with the Yates property stating the City has been trying for quite some time to track down all the heirs of the property but has been unsuccessful. Without the consent of all heirs, the City’s is unable to go onto the property to do any upkeep until the property reaches the tax sale and the City is able to purchase it. Chief Jason Carter suggested Mrs. Michels call the Police Department if she see’s any activity at the location and they would investigate.
Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with action to follow:
At 6:05 p.m. Alderman Headlee made a motion to enter into closed session to discuss property. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call with each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
Adjournment
At 6:34 p.m. Alderman Hays made a motion to enter back into regular session and adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
