CITY OF LAWRENCEVILLE, ILLINOIS

SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

MINUTES

 

The Council of the City of Lawrenceville, Lawrence County, Illinois met in regular session in the City Council Chambers of the City Hall Building on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at the hour of 7:00 p.m. The following Aldermen were present on roll call: Fritch, Stevens, Holcomb, Winkles, Courtney, Volkman, Waldrop and Blacketer. Absent: None.

 

Mayor Wagner called the meeting to order. Waldrop gave the prayer. All present then recited the Pledge of Allegiance while facing the flag.

 

The Council had earlier received copies of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of August 8, 2019. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 8, 2019. Winkles seconded the motion. Motion passed on a voice vote.

 

The Council had earlier received copies of the bills of the City, Sewer and Water Departments for August. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Courtney made a motion to approve paying the bills for August. Stevens seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Holcomb, Winkles, Waldrop, Fritch, Courtney, Volkman, Stevens and Blacketer. Nays: None.

 

Mayor Wagner reported the City’s accounts to the Council. The City working budget is 33.3 % of the budget after 4 months of the 2019-20 fiscal year. Mayor Wagner praised all City employees for their hard work and dedication to the city

 

Mayor Wagner presented Ordinance #1543 to the Council. Ordinance #1543 purposed to regulate yard sales within corporate boundaries. A resident who wishes to have a yard sale would have to register at Lawrenceville City Hall, free of charge. The yard sale would be limited to three days, and citizens may not hold two sales within 30 days of each other. Residents would be limited to holding four (4) yard sales a year. Ordinance #1543 would come effective on October 1. Copies of the yard sales rules would be provided at City Hall.

 

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Blacketer made a motion to approve Ordinance #1543. Courtney seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 7-1. Yeas: Blacketer, Courtney, Volkman, Waldrop, Winkles, Holcomb and Fritch. Nays: Stevens. Absent: None

 

Curt Benson from Kemper CPA Group presented the Council the audit report for fiscal year 2018-2019. Benson highlighted the highs and lows of various departments and noted that the General Fund owed approximately $33,894.00 to the Police Pension Fund. Benson stated that the City made strides in the right direction and consistent progress over the last couple of years.

 

Mayor Wagner gave the first reading of the Annual Levy Ordinance. The Council will vote on the matter at the next meeting. The City will ask for $500,000.00 in taxes, a 3.4% raise.

 

Fritch, the Utilities chairperson, reported to the Council about the need for a new backhoe for the utilities department. Best option out of two bids was Diamond Equipment in Evansville, IN. The Case 580 backhoe lists over $101,730.00. After a trade-in discount of $8,500.00, the backhoe price was $93,230.00.

 

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Fritch made a motion to purchase a new backhoe for the Utility Department for $93,230.00. Blacketer seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Courtney, Fritch, Waldrop, Blacketer, Holcomb, Volkman, Winkles and Stevens. Nays: None.

 

Mayor Wagner presented to the Council five bids for a new tractor/loader for the cemetery department. The Cemetery Department had permission to look for a new tractor/loader in the local area; best option was Pigg Implement Sales in Sullivan, IN. The New Holland Loader list price of $22,875.00.

 

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Stevens made a motion to purchase a new tractor/loader for the Cemetery Department for $22,875.00. Holcomb seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Courtney, Fritch, Waldrop, Blacketer, Holcomb, Volkman, Winkles and Stevens. Nays: None.

 

Crystal Wimberly, project coordinator, requested a stipend for the Wreaths Across America organization. Wreaths Across America committed to providing a wreath for over 1,000 veterans buried in the Lawrenceville City Cemetery. The Mayor asked for questions or comments. Stevens made a motion for a $1,250.00 stipend to Wreaths Across America organization. Waldrop seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Volkman, Wrinkles, Holcomb, Courtney, Fritch, Stevens, Blacketer and Waldrop. Nays: None.

 

Mayor Wagner presented Resolution #9-12-19 to the Council. This resolution would pursue a pledge of support to the oil and gas industry in Illinois, at the request of the state leaders from the industry. The Mayor asked for questions or comments. Courtney made a motion to approve Resolution #9-12-19 to pledge support to the oil and gas industry in Illinois. Winkles seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Fritch, Courtney, Holcomb, Winkles, Stevens, Volkman, Waldrop and Blacketer. Nays: None.

 

City announced two new full-time employees: Dylan Wells in the Street Department and Marky Griggs in the Cemetery Department.

 

Police Chief Jim White reported to the Council an increase in drug arrests in the community. The LPD will be “more proactive” in regards to such investigations and arrests. Chief White noted the City scheduled Halloween trick or treat hours on October 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Police Department encourages participating residents to go to houses with lights on for the event.

 

Mayor Wagner mentioned some events scheduled: Lawrence County Fall Festival is September 11-14. The Downtown Revitalization Committee “Party on the Roof” is September 21. A birthday celebration for Roscoe D. Cunningham, who will turn 96, at the American Legion is September 15, and the Moose #779 “L.H.S. Annual Alumni Mixer” is October 4.

 

The Sanitation/Health Committee will meet on September 25 to discuss dilapidated houses and health issues.

 

Stevens made a motion to adjourn. Winkles seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote. Time: 7:46 p.m. The next city council meeting is October 10, 2019.

 

 

__________________________

Rodney Nolan, City Clerk