East Central Reporter

Lawrenceville City Council met Nov. 9.

Here is the minutes 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, November 9, 2017 at the hour of 7:00 p.m. The following Aldermen were present on roll call: Fritch, Holcomb, Courtney, Volkman, Waldrop, Howder and Blacketer. Absent: Stevens.

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 October 12, 2017. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 12, 2017. Blacketer 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 September. Waldrop seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 7-0-1. Yeas: Holcomb, Fritch, Courtney, Volkman, Waldrop, Howder and Blacketer. Nays: None. Absent: Stevens.

Mayor Wagner reported the City’s accounts to the Council. The City working budget, is inline after 6 months of the 17-18 fiscal year. Mayor Wagner praised all City employees for their hard work and dedication to the City.

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. Blacketer made a motion to approve a $400.00 stipend for the basketball tournament. Holcomb seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 7-0-1. Yeas: Blacketer, Courtney, Volkman, Fritch, Holcomb, Howder and Waldrop. Nays: None. Absent: Stevens.

Mayor Wagner reported to the Council for the Route 50 Four-Lane Coalition. A plan design for a four-lane roadway beginning east of Lawrenceville and continuing west of the Wal-Mart distribution center near Olney, IL. The Route 50 Coalition requested $1,500.00 for being a “supporter” of the four-lane project.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Lynn made motion for a stipend of $1,500.00 to the Route 50 Four-Lane Coalition. Holcomb seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 7-0-1. Yeas: Blacketer, Waldrop, Courtney, Volkman, Fritch, Holcomb and Howder. Nays: None. Absent: Stevens.

Mayor Wagner presented Ordinance #1522 to the Council. Ordinance #1522 stated the IMLRMA min/max payment plans. Mayor Wagner recommended to the Council that the city pay the premium in one lump-sum of $133,573.58. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments.

Waldrop made a motion to approve Ordinance #1522, with one lump-sum payment of $133,573.58 to IMLRMA. Courtney seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 7-0-1. Yeas: Blacketer, Waldrop, Courtney, Fritch, Howder, Holcomb and Volkman. Nays: None. Absent: Stevens.

Mayor Wagner presented Ordinance #1523 to the Council. Ordinance #1523 stated a conveyance of real estate, which will close an alley behind City Hall that was vacated in 1972. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments.

Courtney made a motion to approve Ordinance #1523. Blacketer seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 7-0-1. Yeas: Blacketer, Waldrop, Courtney, Fritch, Howder, Holcomb and Volkman. Nays: None. Absent: Stevens.

Aaron Tipsword, Water Department Superintendent, reported to the Council the current SCADA radio equipment being use in the Utilities department to talk to all well stations are becoming obsolete. An up-to-date radio equipment system is needed. Mayor Wagner noted this is a preventive matter. The bid was for $24,000.00 from S& K Equipment.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Fritch made a motion to approve $24,000.00 for an up-to-date radio equipment system for the Utilities Department. Waldrop seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 7-0-1. Yeas: Blacketer, Fritch, Howder, Holcomb, Courtney, Volkman and Waldrop. Nays: None. Absent: Stevens.

Tipsword addressed the Council about security issues at the City’s well field. The City will explore its options, some of which include building a gate or placing a fence around the entire property. Attorney Neal advise the city to put additional “No Trespassing” signs in place.

Mayor Wagner ask all Council members for their options on how to help the Teen Center.

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 27th.

The Legislation Committee will meet on November 27th.

Mayor Wagner read thank you notes to the Council: St. Marie Elementary School for the use of the shelter pavilion at the City Park, The Full Backer Club for the City’s generous support.

A Veteran’s Memorial ceremony will be held on November 11th at 11:00 a.m. on the square.

The CEO program has invited the public to a November 18th dinner and auction at the 4-H Center. The dinner event tickets are $10.00 a person. The dinner begins at 6 p.m.

Santa Claus will be at the City’s Park pavilion on December 2nd, call City Hall at 943-2116 for hours.

The City’s “Christmas Parade of Lights” will be on December 5th at 5:00 p.m.

The City will receive a “Bicentennial flag” from the state of Illinois. A flag raising ceremony will take place on December 4th at City Hall.

A “tree lighting” at City hall on December 6th is open to the public. For information, call City Hall at 943-2116.

Area Law Association “Shop with a Cop” will take place Tuesday December 12th.

Blacketer made a motion to adjourn. Holcomb seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote. Time: 7:54 p.m.

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