The Carmi City Council met for the first time in June on Tuesday evening. Following a moment of silence for the O’Daniel family, the meeting proceeded quickly.
Following approval of the May 16th meeting minutes, the Council heard from Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Holly Healy about plans for the 4th of July fireworks.
Healy explained that the company previously used had increased prices, but that she had entered into a one year agreement with Jarrett Pyrotechnics of Evansville who was contacted through former Alderman Keith Davis. The company currently does the fireworks for the Evansville Otters. The Council approved a donation as in years past of $9000 toward the total $11,500 cost for this year’s display.
After a short discussion, the Council agreed unanimously to move the first meeting of July from the 4th to the 5th at the normal starting time of 5:30 pm in the Council Chambers.
The Council unanimously approved a motion previously suggested by Electrical Engineer David Coston to change the way Carmi Electric customers are charged for changes in electrical system costs. Now instead of rates being changed month to month to cover expenses, billing will now be averaged over the past year in an effort to stabilize utility rates. The change is aimed at customers not seeing spikes in their bill month to month.
Mayor Jeff Pollard informed the Council that the City Pool is slated to open on Monday with a free swim. Painting there will soon be completed, and the City expects to start filling the pool later this week. Pollard also reported that the new pump station has been installed at the Blue Goose, and that signs claiming Carmi as the hometown of Miss Illinois Teen USA Olivia Bohleber have been installed at the entry points to the city, and reminded everyone of the ordinance prohibiting residents from blowing grass clippings into the streets.
Alderman Doug Hayes reported that the Carmi Police Department had acquired through discretionary funds a roadside radar display sign to help improve public safety in high traffic areas. Hayes stated that this has been a goal of the Department for several years, and no taxpayer dollars were used in the $7100 purchase. Police Chief Jason Carter added that the camera equipped sign also has a traffic computer that can help track traffic in areas to better plan patrols and enforcement.
City Supervisor Mike Buckman presented the Council with a plaque honoring the City of Carmi as the first recipient of the IMUA/IMEA Electrical System Achievement Award presented last month at the agency’s first ever combined meeting.
With no closed session, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm, and the Council will meet again on Tuesday, June 20th at 5:30 pm.
