East Central Reporter

City of Lawrenceville City Council met August 10. 

Here is the minutes as provided by the council:

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 10, 2017 at the hour of 7:00 p.m. The following Aldermen were present on roll call: Fritch, Holcomb, Courtney, Volkman, Stevens, Waldrop, Howder 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.

Andy Deloria 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 13, 2017. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of July 13, 2017. Stevens 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. Courtney made a motion to approve paying the bills for July. Holcomb seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Holcomb, Fritch, Stevens, Courtney, Volkman, Waldrop, Howder and Blacketer. Nays: None. Absent: None.

Mayor Wagner reported the City’s accounts to the Council. The City working budget, is inline after 3 months of the 17-18 fiscal year. Mayor Wagner praised all City employees for their hard work and dedication to the city.

Curt Benson, Kemper CPA, addressed the Council. Benson presented the 2016-2017 fiscal audits, saying that the City made strides in the right direction and made significant progress over the last couple of years.

Aaron Tipsword, Water Department Superintendent, reported to the Council the Utilities department is receiving insurance money to install a complete grounding grid around the well pump house at the old water well field to protect against further lighting strikes.

The Utilities department inspected the new well field and found the grounding grid is “inadequate”. Although it can’t be determined exactly when damage occurred, there are burned out surge protectors and variable speed meters only operating at one speed. An up-to-date grounding grid is needed. Mayor Wagner noted this is a preventive matter. The proposal is for $17,000.00.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Fritch made a motion to approve $17,000.00 for a proper grounding grid at the new well field. Waldrop seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Fritch, Howder, Holcomb, Courtney, Volkman, Waldrop and Stevens. Nays: None. Absent: None.

Mayor Wagner presented Ordinance #1519 to the Council. Ordinance #1519 purposed the approval of amending a portion of the zoning map of the City from R-1 to B-3.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Courtney made a motion to approved Ordinance # 1519. Blacketer seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Courtney, Volkman, Howder, Waldrop, Fritch, Holcomb and Stevens. Nays: None. Absent: None.

Mayor Wagner presented Ordinance #1520 to the Council. Ordinance #1520 purposed the approval of an Intergovernmental Corporation Contract Membership with the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to approved Ordinance # 1520. Fritch seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Courtney, Volkman, Howder, Waldrop, Fritch, Holcomb and Stevens. Nays: None. Absent: None.

Andy Deloria addressed the Council with a concern about residential parking along 8th Street. The Council agreed with Chief White’s recommendation that parking spots could be clarified with the simple action of marking the lengths with paint and monitoring the situation with the City’s Ordinance Officer.

Police Chief White reported to the Council an increase in drug arrests in the community. The LPD will be “more proactive” relating to such investigations and arrests; burglaries and arson activity are also among associated arrests.

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.

Mayor Wagner noted traffic within the city may become an inconvenience in the future. As of August 21, the bridge on Illinois Route One will be closed, possibly up to two years. Traffic will be diverted to the Y near the hospital and north for access to Illinois Route one. Another route will direct motorists through town on State Street past the City Hall to the U.S. Route 50 ramp.

Mayor Wagner noted some events scheduled: Toyota Boshoku Illinois Company picnic August 26th in the City park. Lawrence County Fall Festival is September 13th – 16th and the Moose #779 “L.H.S. Annual Alumni Mixer” is September 15th.

Mayor Wagner read a thank you note from the Ryan family.

Courtney made a motion to adjourn. Waldrop seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote. Time: 7:44 p.m.

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