Carmi leaders started the week off with a special meeting called to handle some impending business Monday morning. The council gathered minus two absent council members, Greg Knight and Jeremy Courson at 8am.
The first agenda item was to pass the annual resolution to temporarily close portions of Illinois 1 and Highway 14 for the 2025 Kiwanis Corn Day celebration, which passed unanimously.
The other agenda item was to hire an assistant animal control officer. The city hired Charli Enloe after a brief discussion. Mayor Bill Stendeback says she was interviewed on Thursday; he says she has a good resume, has worked as a Vet Tech in a couple bigger places, and she answered the group’s questions without hesitation. Stendeback explained the need for an assistant.
Linda [Aud] is having some pretty serious health issues and she starts in today with a procedure and then tomorrow with a round of chemo and radiation for 5 or 6 weeks in a row. Even though this woman thinks she can continue to do it right now, we don’t want her to for her own health. And we’ve had more than one discussion with her. Linda we’re not trying to replace you. We’re trying to get you help that will possibly help you get better without this on you. She went out on two calls on Thursday or Friday and she’s a trooper I’ll give you that and very dedicated to the city of Carmi. This young lady [Charli Enloe] understands that God willing, Linda will be able to return. Her husband has health problems also. She’s got him to deal with. You can’t ask for a better employee than her even though she’s taken a lot of grief off the [social media page] Chit Chat.
Alderman Jack Bradshaw asked if it was a temporary hire. The mayor and alderman Doug Hays said that they hope so, but the city does need coverage for when the full time officer takes vacation and that she’s willing to fill in as needed.
With approval, Enloe is expected to begin her duties immediately.
Council adjourned just after 8:05am.