East Central Reporter

The City of Lawrenceville City Council met Thursday, Aug. 11.

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

CITY OF LAWRENCEVILLE, ILLINOIS

AUGUST 11, 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, August 11, 2016 at the hour of 7:00 p.m. The following Aldermen were present on roll call: Fritch, Holcomb, Blacketer, Courtney, Stevens and Waldrop. Absent: Lynn and Howder.

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

Roger Kull asked to be added to the agenda. Motion passed on a voice vote.

The Council had earlier received copies of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of July 14, 2016. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Blacketer made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of July 14, 2016. 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 July. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to approve paying the bills for July. Blacketer seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 6-0-2. Yeas: Holcomb, Fritch, Courtney, Stevens, Blacketer and Waldrop. Nays: None. Absent: Lynn and Howder.

Mayor Wagner reported the City’s accounts to the Council. The City working budget, is 5% under budget after 3 months of the 16-17 fiscal year. Mayor Wagner praised all City employees for their hard work and dedication to the city.

Fritch, Utilities Committee chairperson, reported that the Utility department is looking at a water drainage project on North 12th Street. An estimate of $10,000.00 – $15,000.00 for the project; Mayor Wagner stated the City has the money to do the project.

Holcomb, chairperson of the Insurance Committee, noted the City employees agreed to keep the health insurance contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield for the next year. Coverage for a single employee will go from $663.47 to $689.23 on September 1st. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments.

Holcomb made a motion to approve the City employee health insurance contract for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Waldrop seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 6-0-2. Yeas: Blacketer, Fritch, Holcomb, Stevens, Courtney and Waldrop. Nays: None. Absent: Howder and Lynn.

Curt Benson, Kemper CPA, addressed the Council. Benson presented the 2015-2016 fiscal audits, saying that the City made strides in the right direction and made significant progress over the last couple of years.

Roger Kull, Lesa Bridgett and Tina Shaffer, of the Lawrence County United Fund, a 501C3 tax deductible organization that raises money that stays in the County were present. This organization helps senior citizens, the local library, food pantries and preschoolers in Lawrence County. Kull requested a stipend for the Lawrence County United Fund. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments.

Fritch made a motion for a $1,000.00 stipend to the Lawrence County United Fund. Stevens seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 6-0-2. Yeas: Holcomb, Courtney, Fritch, Waldrop, Blacketer and Stevens. Nays: None. Absent: Howder and Lynn.

Waldrop requested the City and the Mayor declared a proclamation that states September, 2016, A.D. will be: United Fund Month. The Mayor said it will be done.

Mayor Wagner asked all Aldermen to discuss the proposal for salaries for elected officials as of May 1st, 2017. The City Clerk salary would increase from $32,000.00 to $40,000.00 (a 3% raise) and a health insurance stipend with added responsibility of being the F.O.L.D officer and the administrator of the T.I.F. The Mayor’s salary would increase from $29,000.00 to $30,000.00 (a 1.75% raise) and a health insurance stipend, the Treasurer’s salary will stay at $2,400.00; and the Aldermen salary would increase from 250.00 to $300.00 per month.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Blacketer made a motion for approval of salaries for elected officials as of May 1st, 2017. Courtney seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 6-0-2. Yeas: Holcomb, Courtney, Fritch, Waldrop, Blacketer and Stevens. Nays: None. Absent: Howder and Lynn.

Chief White reported that several break-ins and arson occurred in the City. With social media, the LPD and the community kept in contact of recent events and a suspect was captured within 48 hours of the last break-in. The LPD wants to thank the community for the complements the LPD has been receiving.

With the school year starting soon, the LPD wants everyone to know that violators will be charged for speeding, as well as for using cellular phones in school zones.

The Water Department stated that new residential automatic water meters have now been fully installed and the project is completed.

Lawrenceville Park Pool’s last day of operation for the summer will be August 21st.. This will be a free swim day.

Mayor Wagner noted some events scheduled: Lawrence County United Fund-Toyota Boshoku Illinois 2nd Annual Ride for LCUF September 10th on the square. Lawrence County Fall Festival is September 14th – 17th. “Party on the Roof” is September 24th and the Moose #779 “L.H.S. Annual Alumni Mixer” is September 30th.

Courtney made a motion to adjourn. Waldrop seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote. Time: 7:52 p.m.

__________________________

Rodney Nolan, City Clerk