East Central Reporter

City of Lawrenceville City Council met March 8. 

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, March 8, 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 February 8, 2018. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of February 8, 2018. Courtney 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 February. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Courtney made a motion to approve paying the bills for February. Blacketer 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’s working budget is inline after 10 months of the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Mayor Wagner praised all City employees for their hard work and dedication to the City.

Mayor Wagner presented the City’s operational budget report for fiscal year 2018-2019. The $4,545,131.00 budget increased 2.4% in the general fund and a 1.6% overall. All department heads received and agreed with the budget. Mayor Wagner gave an update on the City’s five-year “Operating Budget Plan,” saying that the City has been under budget in each of the last five years.

The Bargaining committee announced a tentative two-year agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police. The agreement is expected to be formally approved at the next meeting.

City Properties were advertised for 30 days thru the resolution for the City to authorize the taking of bids for the sale of surplus properties. No bids were received.

The Parking and Street Committees met with the mayor to discuss traffic issues. The Parking Committee’s recommendation is not to close the alley on Jefferson and no special parking at 1310 10th Street.

Rick Weger, assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 245, addressed the Council. Boy Scout Troop 245 is planning to hike through the Grand Canyon in July 2018 for their summer adventure. Troop 245 includes boys from Lawrence County. Troop 245 will travel by train and bus to the Grand Canyon, backpack down into and stay overnight in campgrounds in the Grand Canyon. Boy Scout Troop 245 requested a stipend from the City to help with expenses of the trip. Mayor Wagner stated, “The Boy Scouts is a good organization, with a lot of fine young people.”

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Fritch made a motion to approved $2,500.00 to the Boy Scout Troop 245 for their trip. Waldrop seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 7-0-1. Yeas: Courtney, Fritch, Howder, Holcomb, Volkman, Blacketer and Waldrop. Nays: None. Absent: Stevens.

Mayor Wagner informed the Council that a group of people has asked permission to use the City Park for a “Tinkergarten” program this summer. The program is for students aged 18 months to five years and meets once a week for eight to ten weeks.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to approve a “Tinkergarten” program at the City Park. Courtney seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 7-0-1. Yeas: Holcomb, Fritch, Courtney, Volkman, Howder and Blacketer. Nays: None. Absent: Stevens.

Mayor Wagner ask all Alderpersons to let him know what streets or alleys in their wards should be considered for repair by next meeting.

Mayor Wagner noted that both grant projects, the televising and mapping of the sewer and storm systems and the 8th Street water project, were nearly complete.

Mayor reported that a “Spring Cleanup Day” for the City would be announced soon. The City employees would be handling the cleanup this year.

Boy Scout Troop 245 will have a “bake sale” on March 10th at Walmart from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

A classic car show will be April 7th on the City square from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The public is invited and all proceeds will benefit the Lawrence County Fish & Loaves.

Waldrop made a motion to adjourn. Holcomb seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote. Time: 7:46 p.m.

http://lawrencecity.com/?page_id=569