CITY OF LAWRENCEVILLE, ILLINOIS
NOVEMBER 14, 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, November 14, 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.
Mayor Wagner presented the “Key to the City” to Bob Tracy, a longtime business man and leader in the community. Mr. Tracy is being recognized for the countless work and service behind the scenes to improve the community.
The Council had earlier received copies of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of October 10, 2019. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 10, 2019. Holcomb 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 October. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Courtney made a motion to approve paying the bills for October. Winkles 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 48.7 % of the budget after 6 months of the 2019-20 fiscal year. Mayor Wagner praised all City employees for their hard work and dedication to the city.
Mayor Wagner reported that the City continues to work to alleviate a problem that sometimes causes water from City taps to be discolored.
Mayor Wagner presented Ordinance #1546, an ordinance to transfer three properties owned by Lawrence County to the City of Lawrenceville. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to approve Ordinance #1546. Fritch seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Stevens, Blacketer, Courtney, Fritch, Holcomb, Volkman, Winkles and Waldrop. Nays: None.
Rachel Hipsher, of the Chamber of Commerce, stated the City has been a loyal supporter of the Capital Classic basketball tournament. Hipsher requested $400.00 for being a “Gold Sponsor” for the basketball tournament.
Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Courtney made a motion to approve a $400.00 stipend for the basketball tournament. Winkles seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Courtney, Waldrop, Volkman, Fritch, Holcomb, Winkles and Stevens. Nays: None.
American Legion Auxiliary Lawrence Unit #28 is requesting a stipend for its Christmas auction. The auction benefits veterans, children and youth programs and educational projects. Fritch made a motion for a $250.00 stipend to American Legion auxiliary. Stevens seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Volkman, Holcomb, Courtney, Fritch, Waldrop, Blacketer, Stevens and Winkles. Nays: None.
Mayor Wagner noted IDOT plans to resurface Illinois Route 1, from Orchard Street in the southern part of the city to Water Street in the north next year. IDOT has scheduled work on the Embarras River Bridge on
U.S. Route 50 business, east of Lawrenceville. The City is uncertain if the bridge will be closed or if traffic will be reduced to one lane.
IDOT is proposing the removal of the traffic signal at the intersection of Illinois Route 1 and Lexington Avenue. Mayor Wagner pointed out that traffic signal needs to stay. It is one of the most well-traveled areas in the city. The Mayor and the Council will be going to do all it can do to keep that traffic signal at this location.
The Council plans to hold a public forum on December 3 at 7:00p.m. In developing a plan to move forward, the weighed issues related to the possible sale of recreational marijuana, zoning, peripheral expenditure, whether to allow a marijuana dispensary within the City limits and how this could affect the ability to secure federal grants. Anyone who would like to speak during the open meeting should register by calling no later than December 2 to City Hall (918-618-2116). Anyone who would like to speak during the open meeting will be given 3 minutes to address their ideas. The meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers of the City Hall Building.
Mayor Wagner read notes from Senior Citizens, Lawrence County C.E.O., Wreaths across America and “Run for a Cure’’ thanking the City for its help.
The CEO program invited the public to a November 23 dinner and Lip Sync contest at the Lawrenceville High School. Tickets are $10.00 a person. The dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. and the lip sync contest begins at 7:00 p.m.
Leaf pick up is currently under way in the City. For leaf pick up, call City Hall at 943-2116. The last day for yard waste pick-up from Republic Services will be November 25.
A reception for City employee Roger Griggs, who is retiring after many years of working for the city, is scheduled from noon to 1:00p.m., November 27, at City Hall.
City Hall will be closed on November 28-29 for Thanksgiving.
A “tree lighting” at City Hall on December 4 is open to the public. For information, call City Hall at 943-2116.
“Christmas at the Park” is sponsored by The Christmas in the Park Committee at the Lawrenceville City Park pavilion on December 7. Call City Hall at 943-2116 for hours. The City’s “Lighted Christmas Parade” sponsored by Lawrenceville Elks will be on December 7 at 5:00 p.m.
Area Law Association “Shop with a Cop” will take place Tuesday December 10.
Waldrop made a motion to adjourn. Winkles seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote. Time: 7:40 p.m. The next city council meeting is December 12, 2019.
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Rodney Nolan, City Clerk