The Carmi City Council met for their first meeting in April on Tuesday evening. A public hearing related to two ordinances on the agenda was held at 5:15pm.
Following approval of the March 14th meeting minutes, the Council unanimously approved Ordinance 1499 which annexed territory at 1301 West Main Street into the City of Carmi, and Ordinance 1500, which rezoned that property and 1305 West Main Street as Business Zone 2 property.
City Electrical Engineer David Coston updated the Council on needed repairs at the Light Plant in order to keep up to $600,000 per year in reduced power costs. Coston detailed that the 1940’s era switchgear is obsolete and dangerous, and that the radiators for the generators need upgraded as part of the Clean Power Plan.
Coston also reiterated the need for a second 69kV transmission feed for the City. Currently, only one exists at the Bradshaw substation, and the IMEA contract provides for two. A second substation would provide backup in case of equipment issues or natural disaster, and would minimize reliance on the Power Plant for extended periods of time.
City Supervisor Mike Buckman reported that the Burrell Street construction project was underway, and that the road would be closed for three months beginning April 7 so that Kieffer Brothers could begin work around the railroad crossing.
In reports from committees, Alderman Knight told the Council that Burrell Park and Campground were open, and that the ball fields at Bradshaw Park were in full use. Alderman Yearby thanked Whitney Barbre for helping with the Easter Egg Hunt on behalf of the Shriners.
The next meeting of the Carmi City Council will be April 19th at 5:30pm.
