Carmi City Council
Oil, gas and fireworks were the main topics covered by the Carmi City Council Tuesday night.
Carmi Mayor Jeff Pollard asked the council to approve a resolution in support of the local oil and gas industry after explaining the importance of the industry to Carmi and the county.
The mayor explained a conversation with Chris Mitchell of Mitchell Drilling, long time Carmi oil company pointed out how much oil is produced in the county. In fact, the past two years, oil production in White County was over a million barrels. The county is actually number one in production in relation to 45 other counties in the state and Illinois Basin. With that in mind the council approved a resolution that basically stated “therefore and in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the City of Carmi hereby resolves that it supports the continuation and growth of the Illinois Oil and Gas industry in its development of oil and gas resources.”
Toby Brown, past president of the Carmi Chamber of Commerce appeared before the council requesting the city’s annual contribution to the Fourth of July Fireworks. Brown was subbing for Chamber Executive Director Lauren Higginson, who was under the weather and Chamber President Justin Dartt, who had other engagements.
Brown explained the city has donated $9,000 for the past several years, which was approved by the council
Brown thanked the council, and had a thank you to alderman Jeremy Courson, who Brown said saved the fireworks several years ago, when he provided boards that allowed the fireworks company to get into the infield at the White County Fairgrounds, where the fireworks are held each year.
In other matters, Mayor Pollard reported City Superintendent Mike Buckman would officially retire in February 2020, but pointed out Buckman will be taking advantage of accrued time off and will not actually be working on a daily basis as of July 10.
The mayor also reported the city had received the repair estimate for Generator 11…just over $824,000. The city is awaiting word from the insurance company on whether that cost will be covered.
Doug Hays of the Police Committee was happy to report Officer Drew Grider has completed his probation and is now an official member of the Carmi Police Department. Hays also pointed out the new truck that was purchased earlier this year will be delivered soon and the old Chevrolet squad car had been sold, helping with the cost of the new truck.
Alderman Tracy Nelson thanked the street and alley department on the sidewalk work around town, to which Mayor Pollard said more would be done, if it ever dries long enough. He reported work at Burrells Wood Park on the learning trail had been delayed due to the wet spring.
The council covered that business in less than 20 minutes then went into executive session to discuss property and personnel issues.
