Insurance renewal on table at Carlinville meeting

November 23, 2023 23

CARLINVILLE — Insurance renewal and accepting bids for the cleaning of city buildings were among items of business during the Carlinville City Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 20.

Charlotte Rives spoke before the council during public comments regarding concerns about the state of the playground equipment at Tower Grove Park. While it was noted that the equipment at Tower Grove is made of metal, Rives contended that the playgrounds at Tom Thumb and Denby parks have “nicer equipment.”

The council noted that the park equipment issue is a matter to be taken before the park board and not the council. However, there is a pending intergovernmental agreement, so they will forward her concerns to the park board.

Rives also spoke about what the city is doing for the homeless population in town. Carlinville Police Chief Derek Graham noted that there are resources available at the police station. However, when offered, they are usually rejected. There is no shelter in Carlinville. However, Graham adds that anyone coming to the station requesting help, they can find a place for them to go and transport them where a homeless shelter is available.

Rives spoke up on an ongoing initiative she was working with a local woman delivering food and blankets as it gets colder. She made a request about holding a coat drive.

Mayor Sarah Oswald said she attempted to make contact with the coat drive but had not heard back before the meeting. Oswald expressed no objections to the idea.

Alderman Randy Ober made brief comments to remind residents that burning is not permitted during December. It is currently unknown the rationale surrounding this burn ban. Requests for comment from Alderman Ober were not returned before publication.

Cleaning bids tabled for now

The council received two bids for cleaning services for all city buildings. Of the two bids, only one would include a current and active insurance policy.

In addition to this issue, there was another underlying issue relating to the amount of cleaning required at each building.

The matter was tabled as the submitted bids did not reflect an “apples-to-apples comparison.”

City renews insurance

The current insurance policy held by the city is currently nearing its expiration, resulting in the council needing to decide on renewal or seeking business elsewhere.

Dimond Bros. Insurance representatives spoke to the council about the renewal. It was not specified the cost for Fiscal Year 2024, but the council opted for an insurance plan with a $10,000 deductible.

Other Carlinville council business

Chief Graham spoke about hiring a video clerk for the police station.

Graham notes that the police department is receiving a flood of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. While they are fulfilling these requests, it is taking a lot away from other departmental duties.

The new clerk position would be responsible for fulfilling FOIA requests and redacting any information that may be sensitive. In addition, they can add extra races on any videos or photos requested. The council approved the request to move forward in hiring the video clerk.

In addition, the council approved the purchase of a new lawn mower for the lake, the 2023-24 tax levy ordinance was approved, and the city council schedule for 2024 was also approved.