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City of Carmi City Council met Oct. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Carmi City Council held the regular monthly council meeting on October 7, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.in the City Council Room. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stendeback.

Prior to opening the council meeting, Mayor Stendeback asked Alderman Doug Hays to give the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Stendeback presided with the following Alderpersons present: Greg Knight, Mark W. Blake, Tracy Nelson, Lacey Bradshaw, Mike Knight, Doug Hays, Jeremy Courson and Jack Bradshaw.

The Council Meeting Closed Minutes from September 16, 2025, were presented for approval. Alderperson Hays made a motion to approve with a second by Alderperson Bradshaw. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes” except for Alderperson Courson who abstained.

The Special Council Meeting Minutes from September 11, 2025, were presented for approval. Alderperson Hays made a motion to approve with a second by Alderperson Blake. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”

For council consideration, discussion, and possible approval

a. Moran Economic Development, LLC, Invoice #2807 in the amount of $1668.50 ($810.50paid by TIF1 and $858.00 paid by TIF2). Alderperson Hays made a motion to approve the above invoice with a second by Alderperson Lacey Bradshaw. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”

b. Resolution 10.07.2025; A resolution for the temporary alley closure for Corn Day (WebbHay). Alderperson Courson made a motion to approve the above resolution. The motion was seconded by Alderperson Lacey Bradshaw. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”

c. Resolution 10.08.2025; A resolution to open a checking account for the IEPA Loan for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Digester Project. Alderperson Blake made a motion to approve the above resolution with a second by Alderperson Jack Bradshaw. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”

d. Resolution 10.09.2025; A resolution regarding the City Council Ineligibility for Health Insurance (Regular, ACP and MRP reimbursements). Mayor Stendeback turned the floor over to City Clerk Attebury who began discussing what the above resolution was referring to. However, Alderperson Bradshaw stated he was “not for this” and “it should have been discussed earlier.” At that time Alderperson Jack Bradshaw made a motion to not approve the above resolution with a second by Alderperson Nelson. At that point, Alderperson Bradshaw wanted to discuss the issue which after consulting with the City attorney, was at the discretion of the Mayor which the Mayor did allow. City Clerk Attebury provided information regarding the cost of Alderperson’s being on insurance. To insure a family of4, costs the city approximately $26,000 which does not include any claims. The City of Carmi’s Health Care Plan states an employee must work 30 hours per week in order to be eligible for the health insurance. Therefore, according to the Plan, the Alderperson’s would not be eligible for the health insurance. Alderperson Lacey Bradshaw said the plan could be changed which Clerk Attebury said it could be, but not until 2026 due to many changes occurring with the health insurance already this year. After a lengthy discussion, the Resolution was brought to a vote. Alderperson Mark Blake voted “No” to not allow the alderpersons to have insurance due to it not being legal in accordance with the health care plan. Alderperson Doug Hays “abstained” from the vote. However, pursuant to Prosser v. Village of Fox Lake 91-l112d 389, the vote of Alderperson Hays is being listed as a yea. The remaining alderpersons present voted “yes” to continue the health insurance for the Alderpersons.

e. Ordinance 1668; An ordinance regarding Carmi Light and Water not accepting credit and debit cards. Mayor Stendeback said he was again bringing the credit card fees to the Council. The month of September 2025, the fees were around $52,000 which Carmi Light and Water is paying for credit card usage. With the fees continuing to increase monthly, within the next 12 months, we could potentially be paying over $600,000 in fees. The credit card company is Global Payment Systems, which is one of a few that integrates with the Carmi Light and Water software, Tyler Technology. Clerk Attebury said contact had been made with First Mid Bank to see what processing company they use which is Global Payment Systems. We have also had meetings with First Bank who has been trying to assist Carmi Light and Water with this issue. Alderperson Hays said he fees like this is a service we should provide to the residents but definitely not at a $600,000 cost to Carmi Light and Water. After a lengthy discussion, Alderperson Hays made a motion to table this ordinance until more information could be received. Clerk Attebury told Alderperson Hays that in order for this ordinance to go into effect, it has to be publicized in a newspaper for30 days prior to effect date. Alderperson Blake seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”

f. Approval to advertise for demolition bids on 200 West Kerney Street Property. Alderperson Blake made a motion for approval to advertise for demolition bids with a second by Alderperson Courson. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”

Reports and/or updates from Mayor Stendeback

None.

Reports from Standing Committees

Alderperson Nelson said there have been multiple instances of trash on College Boulevard where the high school students park. Nelson also stated many of the residents in that area pick up trash on a daily basis and wondered if we could put cameras up and start ticketing individuals. Mayor Stendeback will reach out to the school and inform them of the issue with trash.

Business or Comments from Visitors

None.

Closed Session

None.

Adjournment

At 6:30 p.m. Alderperson Jack Bradshaw made a motion adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderperson Lacey Bradshaw. The motion carried on roll call by each Alderperson present answering “yes.”

https://cityofcarmi.org/minutes-city-council-meeting-city-of-carmi-october-7-2025/