Carbondale Reporter

The Herrin City Council met Sept. 26 to hire full time patrolman.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the council:

motion made by Aldeman Shoemake, seconded by Aldeman York to approve the minutes of the September 12, 2016 council meeting. Alderman Shoemake, York, Miller, Kinley, Sizemore, Ruppel and Ahlgren voted "Yea". None voted "Nay"

Treasurer's report - treasusrer Carl Goodwin had nothing to report

Budget office - Carrie Cravens, Budget Director stated that the MFT auditors will be her on October 4th at 8 a.m.

Codes - codes administrator rober craig stated he is working on a grant and making transition from weeds to abandoned vehicles

Public works - Bill sizemore, chairman of the public works had nothing to report. Tom somers, public works director had nothing to report.

Public improvement - Marilyn Ruppel, Chairman of the public improvement committee had nothing to report. Sharon Frattini stated that the farmer's market meet the tigers event was a success. The football team, flag tea and cheerleaders were there. Pictures are on the website.

Public safety - Quinn Laird, Police Chief said there are multiple fundraisers going on for the k-9. There are blue bracelets for $5 sponsored by Kings food service, keychains for $5 sponsored by Megabytes and a gun raffle for $20

- Fire department had no representative in attendance.

David Shoemake, Chairman of the public safety committee stated they had met before the meeting and have items later on in the agenda.

Finance - Motion was made by Alderman York, seconded by Alderman Shoemake to authorize bills to be paid before the council. Alderman York, Miller, Kinley, Sizemore, Ruppel, Ahlgren and Shoemake voted "Yea". None voter "Nay"

Insurance - Deon McGuire, Chairman of the insurance committee was absent from the meeting.

Library Liaison - Marilyn Ruppel, Liaison for the Herrin City Library stated the library was open 27 days in August. There were 154 items per day checked out. If the library doesn't have an item, you may request it.

Civic Center Liaison - Scott Kinley, Liaison for the Herring Civic center stated Rotary BBQ on 9/30, homecoming alumni dance on 10/1 and SI Kids got talent on 10/8.

Williamson county tourism - Shannon Johnson from Williamson County Bureau now visit SI addressed the council. Numbers from 2015 show that our county is ranked 21st out of 102 counties in the state for tourism expenditures. They are currently marketing the 2017 solar eclipse. There will be 220,000 room nights booked in out hotels. It will take place on August 21, 2017 at 1:20 p.m. It hasn't happened since 1918 and 1979. It will be seen for a 70 mile radius with the longest point at Cedar Lake. This will bring thousands of people to our area.

New Business:

Resolution 10- 1016 Support & Commitment of local funds - Motion made by Alderman Sizemore, seconded by Alderman Ahlgren to pass resolution 10-2016 resolution of support and commitment of local funds. Mayor stated that the one last meeting was for housing grant. This one is for a sewer infrastructure project on Chittyville Road lift station. Total cost is $640,548 and the city's portion is $190,548. ALderman Miller, Kinley, Sizemore, Ruppel, Ahlgren, Shoemake and York voted "Yea". None voted "nay"

Tif Facade agreement Herrin Chamber of Commerce - Motion made by Alderman Ruppel, seconded by Alderman Sizemore to approve TIF Facade agreement for Herrin Chamber of commerce for amount of $2,500. Alderman Kinley, Sizemore, Ruppel, Ahlgren, Shoemake, York and Miller Voted "Yea". Noe voted "Nay"

TI Facade agreement Novacom - Motion made by Alderman Ruppel, seconded by Alderman Shoemake to approve TIF Facade agreement for Novacom or amount of $2,500 Alderman Kinley, Sizemore, Ruppel, Ahlgren, Shoemake, York and Miller Voted "Yea". Noe voted "Nay"

Recommendation fore Stop Sign Carroll & 14th St. - Motion made Alderman Shoemake, seconded by Alderman Miller to approve stop sign on Carroll Street at 14th street. There has been increased traffic there and the business near there has safety concerns. Alderman Kinley, Sizemore, Ruppel, Ahlgren, Shoemake, York and Miller Voted "Yea". Noe voted "Nay"

Police Dept. Repeater - Motion made by Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Kinley to approve purchase of police department repeater. We have been having radio issues in the south part of town. The one that was down there had been moved to Novacom. We need to place a second back on the water tower. We will use seizure funds to pay for it. It is recommended by Public safety committee. Alderman Kinley, Sizemore, Ruppel, Ahlgren, Shoemake, York and Miller Voted "Yea". Noe voted "Nay"

Hire full time patrol man - Motion made by Alderman Shoemake, seconded by Alderman York to authorize hiring full time patrolman. Due to retirement and back filing there are empty schedule spots. It will be more cost effective to hire additional patrolman at 2nd tier pay than to use current OT. Projected hire date is October 12th and will be appointed next meeting. It is the recommendation of Public safety committee to approve. Alderman Kinley, Sizemore, Ruppel, Ahlgren, Shoemake, York and Miller Voted "Yea". Noe voted "Nay"

Appoint Adam Compton to WCETSB - Motion made by Alderman Kinley, seconded by Alderman Miller to appoint Adam Compton to the WCETSB for a term ending January 1, 2019. Vacancy was created with the retirement of Chief Mike Steh. Mr. Compton is the dispatch supervisor at the police department.

Mayor - Saturday, October 1st at 4 p.m. is the public dedication of the memorial garden at city hall. This was funded by private donations.

Pumpkins in the park will be on Friday, October 28th. This replaces the trail of treats. This will be a change for a safer environment. The independent along with the park district and kings food service will be sponsoring. This date will also be city wide trick or treating. Please check the independent for further information.

The Rotary BBQ will be Friday, September 30th. Pick up ties are 11:30 to 1:30 and cost is $20. Dueling Pianos fundraiser will be October 7th at Black Diamond Entertainment center.

Mayor and city clerk attended the recent IML conference in Chicago and came back with a lot of information. We will be doing some long range planning after the first of the year.

Mayor Stated that the animal control program is being reviewed to provide better service. There is a new group friends of Herrin Animal control that are working on fundraising for the new feline facility.

Council - Alderman Miller Stated that he and Tom have found a couple pokes to place street lights in the 100 and 200 Blocks of McVicker drive. There are poles there. If placed on a pole without transformer the fee is approximately $290.

Alderman Ahglren stated that at HJHS during the month of October there will be Paws & Claws where students may donate items for Herrin animal control. Winning grade will get donuts and juice party.

Public - Beverly Griffith asked about the new stop sign on Carroll at 14th St. She asked if someone asked for it. Yes a business did. She also requests that the city trim the limbs by stop sign on 4th at Herrin St.

Terry Napiorkowski asked to meet with the mayor regarding chickens. They will meet on Tuesday at 11. We are enforcing our ordinance regarding non-domestic animals.

Adjourn - Motion made by Alderman Shoemake, seconded by Alderman Miller to adjourn. Alderman Miller, Kinley, Sizemore, Ruppel, Ahlgren, Shoemake and York voted "Yea". None voted "Nay".