CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 28TH, 2006

The Regular meeting of the Carthage City Council was held February 28th, 2006, in City Hall, at 308 Walnut Street. Mayor Nightingale called the meeting to order at 8:00PM. Answering to roll call were Aldermen Duffy, Fleming, Bentzinger, Neally, and Walker. Absent was Alderman Smith. Treasurer Lunt also attended part of the meeting.

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Fleming to approve the meeting minutes of 2/14/06. All five Aldermen answered “aye”.

David Schoof, Nicor Area Supervisor, educated the Council on the confusing issue of brokers and marketers of natural gas. He made the analogy of the telephone industry when deregulation occurred and you had the choice of long distance carriers.

There are companies, which may be soliciting door to door to be the designated natural gas supplier. Should any questions arise the consumer may call our local Nicor office at 357-3105.

The community “Committee of 10” made a presentation to the Council, on the school convergence of LaHarpe, Dallas City and Carthage.

Brenda Pyatt, Carthage Community Development Director, updated the Council on the housing rehabilitation meeting, which occurred Feb 23^rd. There were approx. 30 attendees. A representative from Western IL Regional Council will conduct one on one interviews beginning tomorrow with the potential candidates.

Treasurer Lunt informed the Council of the status and location of the safety deposit keys. The Mayor requested the Clerk obtain new signature cards in order for them to have access.

Motion was made from Alderman Walker, seconded by Neally for Ordinance 2006-10 to annex the Fecht property with no current zoning designation. All five Aldermen voted “yes”.

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Fleming to approve Ordinance 2006-11 on CIDC annexation. All five Aldermen voted “yes”.

Mayor Nightingale reported that the Fire Department had met to outline their budgetary needs for the next fiscal year. He reminded the Council of the March 15^th deadline for all departments.

Mayor Nightingale also updated the Council on the landfill. With the recent cold weather there were issues with freezing of the pump. The necessary parts are due in this next week.

Assistant Police Chief Floyd, Chief Waddell and the Council discussed the Assistant Chief’s administrative leave status.

Assistant Chief Floyd requested a medical leave until being released by his physician. Assistant Chief Floyd gave the written request to Clerk Graham. A fax from Floyd’s physician had been received at City hall on 2/27/06.

Mayor Nightingale stated a special meeting might need to be called for further discussion.

Motion was made by Alderman Walker and seconded by Duffy recommending not to advertise with RSVP publication. All five Aldermen voted “yes”.

Alderman Duffy indicated the mowing bids would be opened at the public property meeting on March 13^th at 6:00 PM.

Alderman Fleming reported that there were no bids on the advertised piano or dozer parts. The “seeding” bids will be opened at the Public Property meeting on the 14^th.

He informed the Council of the recent hire by TEST, Inc. of Rich Sealock as water plant manager. Chris Classen will continue to be the licensed plant operator.

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Duffy at 9:36 PM to adjourn.

Katherine Graham

City Clerk