Carbondale Reporter

Herrin City Council met March 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Shelly Huggins, City

Clerk called the roll and the following were present:

Steve Frattinii Mayor Shelly Huggins City Clerk Carl Goodwtn Treasurer John Brewster City Attorney Sheila Ahlgren Alderman Ward I David Shoemake Alderman Ward I Deon Mcguire Alderman Ward II Paul York Alderman Ward II Steve Miller Alderman Ward III Scott Kinley Alderman Ward III Bill Sizemore Alderman Ward IV Marilyn Ruppel Alderman Ward IV

Motion made by Alderman Shoemake, seconded by Alderman York to approve the minutes of the February 27, 2017 Council Meeting. Alderman Shoemake, McGuire, York, Miller, Kinley, Sizemore, Ruppel and Ahlgren voted "Yea". None voted "Nay".

Treasurer Carl Goodwin stated there will be a finance meeting for budget review on April 5 at 5:30 p.m.

Budget Office Carrie Cravens, Budget Director stated that we are almost done with preliminary budget numbers and they will be presented at the finance meeting on the 5th.

Codes Administrator Robert Craig stated that the 1 Baptist Church volunteers will be helping a senior citizen with building demo on March 25. We also received a thank you from agentleman and a check for the debris removal.

Bill Sizemore, Chairman of the Public Works Committee stated that a citizen from the West end of town has commented on how they are seeing improvements and thanked Robert.

Tom Somers, Public Works Director stated road program is being worked on. Please advise if you know of a street in need.

Marilyn Ruppel, Chairman of the Public Improvement Committee stated that there will be a meeting to hear public input regarding legalizing chickens.

Public Safety

Quinn Laird, Police Chief stated that on March 22 arrests for possession of cocaine and heroin were made.

On March 7th there was a heroin arrest. The new K-9 "Bear" is here and training begins next Monday.

Fire Department had no representatives here.

David Shoemake, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee stated fire chief interviews were held last Thursday. No determination has been made yet.

Motion was made by Alderman York, seconded by Alderman Shoemake to authorize bills to be paid before the Council. Alderman McGuire, York, Miller, Kinley. Sizemore, Ruppel, Ahlgren and Shoemake voted “Yea. None voted Nay.

Deon McGuire, Chairman of the Insurance Committee had nothing to report.

Marilyn Ruppel, Liaison for the Herrin City Library stated that the Pancake Breakfast was held March 11".

Scott Kinley, Liaison for the Herrin Civic Center stated that SI Opry will be on 3/18. There will be a new website soon. They are also on facebook, twitter and Instagram.

Motion made by Alderman Shoemake, seconded by Alderman McGuire to pass Ordinance 6-2017 Golf Cart/ Utility Terrain Vehicle Use on Streets. The date to begin needs to be changed to May 1. Addition of original exhaust needs to be added to utility vehicle section. Alderman Miller, Kinley, Shoemake and McGuire voted "Yea". Alderman York, Sizemore, Ruppel and Ahlgren voted "Nay". Mayor voted "Yea" to break the tie. Ordinance passed.

Motion made by Alderman York, seconded by Alderman Ruppel to declare 204 N. 11", 500 N. 9" and 413 S. 18th St. as surplus property and authorize sale. Alderman Miller, Kinley. Sizemore, Ruppel, Ahlgren, Shoemake. McGuire and York voted "Yea. None voted 'Nay.

Mayor Frattini read the proclamation for Girl Scout Week, March 12-18. Several girl scouts were in attendance.

Motion made by Alderman Sizemore, seconded by Alderman McGuire to select Johnson Controls Inc. as the Qualified Energy Services Company to provide Performance Based Contracting Services for an AMI Fixed Based Network System and related items. This went out for bid. Johnson was the chosen bidder. AMI is an automated meter reading system. We now have 7 bill dates this system will reduce that. More accurate meters and we should gain 6 figures using this system. Chris Downs, with Johnson Controls Stated that this is a guaranteed savings project. Benefits have to outweigh the costs. Agreement will be provided Soon. Alderman Kinley, Sizemore, Ruppel, Ahlgren, Shoemake. McGuire, York and Miller voted "Yea". None voted "Nay".

Adjourn