East Central Reporter

City of Lawrenceville City Council Met April 8.

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

Mayor Wagner presented the “Key to the City” to WAKO News and Sports Director Steve Anderson for his 30 years of quality broadcasting service to the community.

The Council had earlier received copies of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of March 11, 2021. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 11, 2021. 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 March. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Courtney made a motion to approve paying the bills for March. Winkles seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Holcomb, Stevens, Waldrop, Fritch, Courtney, Volkman, Winkles and Blacketer. Nays: None.

Mayor Wagner reported the City’s accounts to the Council. The City working budget stood at 81.9%, which is 16.6% under budget after 11 months of the 20-21 fiscal year. Mayor Wagner praised all City employees for their hard work and dedication to the city.

Mayor Wagner reported to the Council the only bid for the City audit from Kemper CPA Group for $20,125.00. with $18,000.00 for the City’s audit, $1,475.00 for the Police Pension audit and $650.00 for the TIF #2 audit.

Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Waldrop made a motion to accept the bid for the City’s audit. Winkles seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Winkles, Courtney, Waldrop, Volkman, Fritch, Holcomb and Stevens. Nays: None.

With the recommendation from the Finance Committee, Mayor Wagner presented Ordinance #1557 to the Council. Ordinance #1557 purposed a five-year water rate increase plan. To ensure the City meets its federally mandated goals in making the Governmental bond payments on the new waterworks treatment plant, the water rates are expected to increase for water users inside the City and those outside the City limits.  Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Fritch made a motion to approve Ordinance #1557 as a water rate schedule increase for five years.  Holcomb seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Courtney, Waldrop, Holcomb, Volkman, Winkles, Stevens and Fritch. Nays: None.

Mayor Wagner presented Ordinance #1558 to the Council. Ordinance #1558 purposed a surcharge of $10 instead of $18 for the use and services of the waterworks system of said City upon customer of Lots 2, 3, and 4 within the Village Estates subdivision for the reason water meters servicing said lots measure water consumption for multiple apartments or multiple single-family dwelling units, some or all of which may be, at various times, vacant or otherwise unoccupied. Mayor Wagner asked for questions or comments. Courtney made a motion to approve Ordinance #1558. Stevens seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 7-0-1. Yeas: Blacketer, Courtney, Waldrop, Winkles, Stevens, Holcomb and Fritch. Nays: None. Abstain: Volkman.

A report given to the Council members by Alderperson Stevens and Park Supervisor Dave Helderman served as a comprehensive look at the City’s pool facilities and what it would take to open the City’s pool for 2021. The report listed necessary repairs for the bath house/restrooms, concession building, chemical building, main pool area and surrounding area. The City pool was built in 1958 and initiated small repairs throughout the years to renew the pool facility license. A major commitment by the City would be required to get the City pool repaired and up-to-date with State and ADA codes with the interest of health and safety for swimmers. Mayor Wagner asked all alderpersons to go visit the City pool facilities and give their opinion on what may be required to open pool for 2021 and future years.

Police Chief James White conveyed to the Council an on-duty police officer backed into a residential vehicle. The insurance company would give $2,200.00 for the value of the vehicle. Mayor Wagner requested the Council give to the occupant $3,500.00 along with the insurance check of $2,200.00 to get the vehicle repaired. Fritch made a motion. Waldrop seconded the motion. Motion passed on a roll call vote 8-0. Yeas: Blacketer, Courtney, Waldrop, Holcomb, Volkman, Winkles, Stevens and Fritch. Nays: None.

With the help of HLR, the City has been awarded a $540,000 federal grant that would pay for the installation of a water line on 10th Street.

The Illinois EPA has ordered the sewer landfill to officially close later this year.

The Police Pension Board recommended reappointing Donn Hammer to the Police Pension Board. Waldrop made a motion. Winkles seconded the motion. Motion passed on a voice vote.

Wagner reported IDOT will work on Route 1 through town, repaving the road from the northern entrance of the city to the Lawrence/Wabash county line. After replacing stop lights at Lexington Avenue, IDOT will delay the repaving until September 2021.

Yard waste pickup started on April 5.

 “Spring Cleanup” for the City would take place April 19 through April 30. The City employees will make “two passes” through the City and would be handling the cleanup this year. Any questions, please call City Hall at 943-2116.

Fireworks will be held on July 2 at the new high school. Fireworks will be paid from gambling proceeds. Chief White noted the police department will adhere to all City and local ordinances towards illegal private fireworks within the City limits.

City Hall will be closed on May 31 for Memorial Day.

Winkles made a motion to adjourn. Stevens seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote. Time: 7:58 p.m. The next city council meeting is May 13, 2021.

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