The Carmi City Council met Tuesday for their first meeting of February. Following approval of the January 17th meeting minutes, the Council unanimously approved a change of control of the cable franchise from New Wave Communications to RBI Cable One, who is purchasing New Wave. Rates will remain the same for Carmi customers.
Alderman Doug Hayes proposed to the Council on behalf of the Police Department Committee to approve the purchase of a new Chevrolet Impala from Rice Motor Company. The vehicle with police package will cost $23,226 which is under the $25,000 in the budget for a new vehicle this year. The new vehicle will replace the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria used for investigations, allowing it to be used to keep the K9 vehicle in service longer. The measure passed unanimously.
Zac Sheetz of Key Equipment & Supply presented the Council with a set of proposals on the purchase of a new street sweeper. Sheetz explained the different systems available, and told the Council his company has sold similar models to Lawrenceville and Fairfield. The motion was tabled so that Council members could discuss financing options with local banks, and to contact those other communities about their experience with the new sweeper models.
Alderman Shelia Headlee reported that the Budget Committee had met with Keith Botsch of Botsch and Associates, and that the budget will be ready to present to the Council at the next meeting.
The public portion of the meeting adjourned at 6 pm to be followed with executive session about personnel issues. The Council returned to open session at 7:27 p.m., and voted unanimously to award Keaton Bradshaw the Foreman position at the Light Plant and voted unanimously to table the Foreman position for the Sewer Department. The meeting adjourned at 7:29 pm and the City Council will meet again on Tuesday, February 21 at 5:30 pm.
