City of Carmi City Council met March 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
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, Lance Yearby, Jeremy Courson, Sheila Jo Headlee, Mike Knight, and Doug Hays.
The minutes from the March 5, 2019, council meeting were presented. Alderman Blake made a motion to approve the March 5, 2019, council meeting minutes as presented. Alderman Headlee seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The February 2019 Financial Reports for the City of Carmi and Carmi Light & Water were presented to the council for consideration. A motion was made by Alderman Headlee for approval of the February 2019 Financial Reports. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
The vendor invoices for March 2019 for the City of Carmi and Carmi Light & Water were presented for approval. A motion was made by Alderman Winkleman to approve the March 2019 vendor invoices. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
For Council Consideration, discussion, and possible approval
A. Mayor Jeff Pollard announced the next scheduled council meeting would fall on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, which is Election Day. Mayor Pollard asked the council if they would like to move the meeting. After a brief discussion, the council wished to leave the meeting as scheduled.
B. The Carmi Kiwanis Club is seeking permission to hold Peanut Day April 27, 2019, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the corners of Stewart, Hillsdale, and Beck Streets for a bucket brigade. Chief of Police Jason Carter said he had been contacted by Kiwanis President Katelyn Wolff stating they would like to do this to coincide with Carmi Summer Recreational League Opening Day. Alderman Winkleman made a motion to allow the Carmi Kiwanis Club to hold Peanut Day on April 27th to coincide with Opening Day. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hays. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
C. Mayor Pollard introduced David Coston, City Engineer, to give an update on generator #11 and the long-term plans for the city electric. Mr. Coston explained that it had been close to a year since the council voted to have generator #11 tore down to determine what the possible cause for the engine breakdown was as well as determine if the equipment breakdown policy would cover this. Unfortunately there were several issues that came up which prevented the approved company from doing the repair. Mr. Coston stated he had done some “networking” at the recent IMEA meeting where he was informed Baker Hughes General Electric not only worked on the engines but also provided parts. Mr. Coston has been in contact with Baker Hughes and has received an estimate of $64,700.00 which would cover tearing down the motor to determine the problem. This is necessary in order to know if the equipment breakdown insurance policy will cover the claim. Mr. Coston stated it is unsure how much the actual repair of generator #11 would be but could be over $600,000. Mr. Coston stated after the teardown and cause of the breakdown is determined, then he would approach the council again to determine whether to fix it or not. Mr. Coston did state that not repairing the generator would cause the City to lose credits from the Illinois Municipal Electrical Association, which is who provides the power to the City regularly. He explained the City actually receives credit for owning and operating the generators and not repairing generator #11 would cause the City to lose approximately $1.5 million in credits. After a lengthy discussion, Alderman Hays recommended to table the issue until the April 2, 2019, meeting.
Mr. Coston explained to the council long-term planning meetings will be held with the Electrical Department and other key personnel to determine the future needs of the department. He stated this would help in the budgeting process and allow the City to continue to maintain and upgrade the electrical system along with all the components which make it functional.
Lastly, Mr. Coston stated the IMEA energy efficiency rebate cycle will begin again on May 1, 2019. This is the program that has funded the street light project on Main Street. He stated we are looking at improving the efficiency of the Waste Water Treatment Plant and will be applying for this grant.
Reports and/or updates from Mayor Pollard
Mayor Pollard wanted to thank the Electric Department and all of the crews who have worked very hard over the past few weeks with power outages caused by storms and accidents.
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Mike Knight reported an Airport Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. The meetings will be held on a quarterly basis, unless otherwise needed.
Business or Comments from Visitors
None.
Closed Session to discuss personnel and property issues with no action to follow:
At 6:12 p.m., Alderman Headlee made a motion to go in to closed session. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winkleman. The motion carried on roll call by each A lderman present answering “yes.”
Adjournment
At 6:45 p.m. Alderman Headlee made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Knight. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderman present answering “yes.”
http://www.cityofcarmi.org/minutes-city-council-meeting-of-march-19-2019/
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