The Carmi City Council met Tuesday, November 21, 2017, 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, Tracy Nelson, Jeremy Courson, and Steve Winkleman. Alderman Yearby was absent.
Minutes from the November 7, 2017, 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 October 2017 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 October 2017 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 November 2017 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and Light & Water Departments. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to approve the November 2017 vendor invoices for the City of Carmi and the Light & Water Departments. Alderman Headlee seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider approving Christmas bonuses for the City Employees — $60.00 plus $5.00 per year longevity for full-time employees and a flat $60.00 for part-time employees, firemen, and EMA members with all bonuses to be paid out of the Carmi Light and Water Department. This is the same as 2016. Alderman Courson made a motion to approve Christmas bonuses for the City employees — $60.00 plus $5.00 per year longevity for full-time employees and a flat rate of $60.00 for part-time employees, firemen, and EMA members with all bonuses to be paid out of the Carmi Light and Water Department. Alderman Headlee seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to consider Ordinance No. 1539: An ordinance amending the liquor ordinance #1529 and specifically section 3-2-7, Article B (classes of licenses, fees, and number). This would change the section to allow retail sale of beer and wine for consumption only if there is a video gaming area on the premises. The annual fee shall be $1,000.00. Alderman Hays made the motion to accept Ordinance Number 1539: An ordinance amending the liquor ordinance #1529 and specifically section 3-2-7, Article B. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked the council to also consider Ordinance No. 1540: An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1365, being an ordinance establishing rates and charges for the services of the sewage system of the City of Carmi, White County, Illinois. The Mayor explained in order for the City of Carmi to be eligible for any state grants, the State of Illinois mandates our sewer rates be raised as stated in Ordinance No. 1540. Alderman Headlee made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1540: An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1365, being an ordinance establishing rates and charges for the services of the sewage system of the City of Carmi, White County, Illinois. Alderman Blake seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard wanted to advise the Alderman that the City office has been receiving more phone calls recently regarding cats running all over town and why was there not an ordinance preventing that. Also Larry Beck has retired from farming so we need to decide if for our property around the airport, do we want to take bids on a monthly payment or lease-based crop share.
Mayor Pollard wanted to remind and invite everyone to the lighted Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony this Saturday, November 25, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. The parade will bring Santa to town and he will be in the Santa house to greet the kids following the tree lighting.
Stay Positive Stay Aggressive Incorporated is holding their third annual “100 for 100” Christmas drive for local kindergartener, Kamden Myers. Kamden was diagnosed with a childhood cancer and is currently receiving treatment at Riley’s Children’s Hospital.
Governor Bruce Rauner has requested that a simultaneous flag raising ceremony be held at all primary municipal buildings throughout the State at 12:00 noon on Monday, December 4, 2017, in honor of the state bicentennial. Everyone is invited to join the ceremony here at our building (City Building) on December 4, 2017 at 12:00 noon.
Mayor Pollard reminded the Alderman that the employee Christmas party will be held on Friday, December 15, 2017.
Reports from Standing Committees
None.
Business or Comments from Visitors
None.
Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with no action to follow:
None.
Motion made by Alderman Headlee and seconded by Alderman Courson to adjourn. Motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
At 5:40 p.m. the council adjourned.
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
