The Albion City Council met in a regular session Monday night.
The Council under Old Business voted to accept the only bid received for the resurfacing of West Elm Street from Fifth Street to Seventh Street. The total bid, including asphalt and concrete, was $718,519 from Samron Midwest Contractors from Murphysboro, Illinois. The vote was four to one with Harper voting NO and Spear absent. The street project has been discussed for the past several years, whether to repair the brick street or asphalt over the existing brick. The council, after some discussion, voted to leave parking as is on Wilson Avenue and had the first reading of the ordinance to vacate two feet of an alleyway behind the old IGA store. The council discussed a waterline project for the Pinch and Spear project, but no decision made yet. However, there was some discussion of borrowing the money since the interest rate is so low at this time through the state E P A or using current city funds. A burned-out property on North Second Street will be signed over to the city by the current property owner. According to City Attorney Brian Shinkle. The city is not sure yet what will happen to that property.
The council at this time adjourned with Alderman Levi Fenton stepping down and being replaced by Morgan Bailey. The incumbent members Mason, Rigg, and Harper, along with New Alderwoman Bailey were then sworn in by Mayor Wes Harris. The council agreed to have a special meeting to discuss a TIF district for the city next week with Mount Carmel, mayor Joe Judge. That meeting will be held next Monday at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The state EPA has an online water questionnaire for Albion residents to see what type of water pipes are being used in the residences. There’s a website posted on the city’s webpage for the residents to go to and fill out the questionnaire. Roseanne Garner told the council that the city’s health insurance rates are going up by 8.5% during their renewal. She told the council that she checked with several other companies, however, the Blue Cross Blue Shield quote was very competitive, and it’s what the city currently has. The council agreed to stay with the Blue Cross Blue Shield policy.