The Carmi City Council met for the first time in March on Tuesday evening, and quickly moved through the published agenda.
First up, two revolving loan requests were heard by the Council. Derek Keller asked for a $20,000 loan from the City to jumpstart his landscaping business. Keller told the Aldermen that his parents have run Keller’s Landscaping in Olney for several years, and saw a need in Carmi for a similar business. Sandra Irvine informed the Council that the financial paperwork looked good, and the motion was unanimously approved. A request from Amber Giagnoni for an additional $32,500 to expand her business at Joyful Start Children’s Center was also approved. Irvine stated the Council approved a $13,000 last November and that Giagnoni had made all payments on time. The Council approved the request again unanimously.
A Notice of Intent was approved for the awarding of Kieffer Brothers Construction’s bid on the Blue Goose and High Service Pump station projects. Irvine explained that due to funding still being secured, it would be more prudent to not directly award the bid at this time.
The Council approved a bid by 4R in McLeansboro for the purchase of a new tractor for the Parks & Cemetery Department. Alderman Knight explained that the current tractor was over 30 years old, and needed repairs would cost the City more than purchasing a new tractor.
The Council did approve rescheduling the meeting set for Tuesday March 15 to Monday March 14 at 5:30pm to avoid conflicting with the Illinois Primary Election.
Mayor Pollard announced that March 13th though March 18th would be a March Madness city wide clean up event. Dumpsters would be placed at the Newton Wire and Cabling building for residents to dispose of items at that time, however, electronics, paint, and appliances would not be accepted. On March 17th and 18th, city workers would be available to collect neatly stacked curbside items. For curb collection, residents are asked to call 382-8118 to schedule pickup. Pollard also stated that an electronics recycling event would be scheduled soon.
Alderman Davis informed residents that electric cutoffs for non-payment would take place on March 9th, and urged residents with delinquent bills to make payment arrangements as soon as possible.
The Council went into closed session to discuss property issues at 5:50pm.
