The Carmi City Council met on Tuesday, September 4, 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 Hays to give the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pollard presided with the following Aldermen present: Mark W. Blake, Tracy Nelson, Jeremy Courson, Sheila Jo Headlee, James Totten, Mike Knight, and Doug Hays. Absent: Steve Winkleman
The minutes from the August 20, 2019, council meeting was 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 Aldermen present answering “yes.”
For Council Consideration, discussion, and possible approval
Mayor Pollard presented Resolution 19.09.03 TIF agreement with Carmi Investments, LLC, locally known as Subway. Holly Healy, City Administrator as well as Josh Harms, Harms Construction were present to answer any questions regarding the new Subway. Mrs. Healy stated the total cost of the project is estimated at $630,000. Carmi Investments, LLC has requested TIF assistance for this project. Moran Economic Development reviewed the request and suggested paying 50% of the demolition up to $10,000 for this project. Mr. Harms stated the new building would be built toward the back of the lot with the back facing Renshaw Avenue. Alderman Headlee stated she had received some calls from concerned citizens who were worried about the trash blowing throughout the neighborhood. Mr. Harms stated the dumpster would be enclosed with some type of fencing. He also stated the old building would be tore down after the new building was completed. After discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Hays to approve Resolution 19.09.03 TIF agreement with Carmi Investments, LLC, locally known as Subway. The motion was seconded by Alderman Totten. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
Next on the agenda was the consideration of approval to take bids for the Case IH C 100 tractor which was previously used for mowing. Mayor Pollard stated the tractor is currently not running and the City has leased a tractor for the next 3 months in order to get through the remainder of the season. Alderman Knight made a motion to accept bids for the Case IH C 100 tractor. The motion was seconded by Alderman Headlee. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.””
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard went over some highlights of social media which are as follows:
- Remember when you are discussing your electric bill on social media, they are billed a month behind; so if it is the hottest month of the year, your AC is running as well as ceiling fans and floor fans. A rise in your electric bill is not because the City has raised electric rates.
- If you are on budget, sometimes your budget goes up and is higher because you are in arears and budget is to help you get current with your bill.
- On the electric bill, it is not just for electric; it is also for sewer, water, and trash.
Mayor Pollard stated the cleaning up of properties has been discussed multiple times and legally, the City does not have the right to go onto private property to clean it up, tear it down etc.. It is the responsibility of the property owner. He stated in 2016 or 2017 there was a grant available to help clean up properties. He stated Mrs. Healy is looking to see if it is available at this time.
Mayor Pollard stated legally the only thing that can be fully discussed in an open meeting, has to be on the agenda for full discussion. If there is something that you would like to discuss in the meeting, you can call the Mayor’s Office and ask to be put on the agenda.
Mayor Pollard thanked Don Ridenour for starting the process of cleaning up his property by the One Room School. He stated, “hopefully we will have other property owners take pride in what they own and follow along.”
Mayor Pollard congratulated Don Davis for being nominated for the “Outstanding Operator of the Year.” He is one of four nominated in the state of Illinois.
Mayor Pollard also reported the asphalt has been laid for the tennis courts at Bradshaw Park and hopefully it will be striped soon.
The Burrell Park Halloween Campout will be held on October 18th and 19th. A lottery drawing will be held for the campsites. To be put into the lottery, you may contact the city Clerk at 618-384-2001 or clerk@cityofcarmi.com beginning Tuesday, October 1st.
Adjournment
At 5:40 p.m. Alderman Headlee made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Alderman Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Aldermen present answering “yes.”
Cynthia J. Attebury, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
