East Central Reporter

Members of the Lawrenceville City Council met Thursday, July 14.

Here are the meeting minutes as provided by the Lawrenceville City Council:

JULY 14, 2016

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, July14, 2016 at the hour of 7:00 p.m. The following Aldermen were present on roll call: Fritch, Holcomb, Blacketer, Howder, Stevens and Waldrop. Absent: Courtney and Lynn.

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 June 9, 2016. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Stevens made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 9, 2016. Waldrop 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 June. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to approve paying the bills for June. Blacketer seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 6-0-2. Yeas: Holcomb, Fritch, Howder, Stevens, Blacketer and Waldrop. Nays: None. Absent: Courtney and Lynn.

Mayor Wagner reported the City’s accounts to the Council. The City working budget, is 3% under budget after 2 months of the 16-17 fiscal year. Mayor Wagner praised all City employees for their hard work and dedication to the city.

Mayor Wagner presented Ordinance #1506 to the Council. Ordinance #1506 purposed the approval of the Annual Appropriation for 2016-2017. Mayor Wagner stated that the appropriation will be a 1.9% increase over last year, with a projected amount of $5,500,500.00 million dollars.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Blacketer made a motion to approved Ordinance # 1506. Holcomb seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 6-0-2. Yeas: Blacketer, Howder, Waldrop, Fritch, Holcomb and Stevens. Nays: None. Absent: Courtney and Lynn.

Mayor Wagner presented Ordinance #1507 to the Council. Ordinance #1507 purposed a simpler new water billing/shut-off system from the water department to the city’s residents. Each water customer will soon begin to see only one water bill, instead of a regular water bill and then a “red” bill or a “final” notice bill. Residents will see two due dates on their water bill, first date is the due date of the water bill and the second due date is the disconnect/shut-off date.

Residents will need to pay attention to their new water bills since the due dates will be different. Water customers will have ten working days to pay a water bill and then five working days past the first due date will be the disconnect/shut-off date.

Mayor Wagner wants the city to know this is a big change but “we are doing it to keep the water bills from getting so big.” Mayor Wagner and the water department realize this will be an adjustment at first and the new water billing system will not start immediately.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Fritch made a motion to approved Ordinance # 1507. Stevens seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 6-0-2. Yeas: Blacketer, Waldrop, Fritch, Howder, Holcomb and Stevens. Nays: None. Absent: Courtney and Lynn.

Campbell, Cemetery superintendant stated the request to purchase a riding lawn mower for the Cemetery. Out of the 5 bids, Campbell recommends the bid price of $5,817.77 with a $500.00 trade-in. The purchase will be through the Cemetery Perpetual Care account. The city will purchase the mower through a local county lawn mower dealer.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Blacketer made a motion to purchase a new lawn mower for the Cemetery for $5,817.77. Waldrop seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 6-0-2. Yeas: Blacketer, Waldrop, Fritch, Howder, Holcomb and Stevens. Nays: None. Absent: Lynn and Courtney.

Stevens, chairperson of the Cemetery Committee noted that some Cemetery rules have been revised. No burials after 3:00 p.m. and individuals cannot place items around a grave/area that interfere city workers with upkeep.

Chief White reported that the fireworks display went well, no complainants. LPD did issued 7 ordinance violations for conducting fireworks in city limits.

Chief White said the LPD will assist with other county law enforcements but will not be the first responder to the scene.

Chief White noted an anonymous donor gave the LPD $3,000.00 to purchase new weapons.

Mayor Wagner noted the city has purchased a small building to help the overflow of recyclables.

Mayor Wagner noted to the Council: Street Department is looking for a donation of a bucket truck. Safe Routes to School near the City Park may start this late summer.

Aaron Tipsword was named assistant Water Superintendant.

The City is looking at a project at North end of 12th Street to help drain rain water.

Mayor Wagner read thank you notes to the Council from the Ingram family for the beautification of the city by the Cemetery, Parks and Street Departments. The Lawrence County Camp Girls for the use stipend.

Uncorked Festival at Red Hill State Park on July 30th.

Stevens made a motion to adjourn. Holcomb seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote. Time: 8:22 p.m.

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Rodney Nolan, City Clerk