COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers 700 Broadway Street I Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Seth Goodman at 7 p.m., with proper notice given.

Present:

Alderman Tracy Welch, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Ward 2

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Ron Keller, Ward 3

Alderman Kathy Horn, Ward 4

Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Ward 4

Present:

Seth Goodman, Mayor

Elizabeth Kavelman, City Administrator

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Julie Landers, Deputy .City Clerk

Alex Williams, Recording Secretary

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

Matt Vhlahovich, Deputy Police Chief

 Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Anthony Harper, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Sean Wright, Veolia Water

Absent:

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Public Comment:

Mayor Goodman called upon citizens registered to speak. There being none, Mayor Goodman moved down to other agenda items.

Proclamation for Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, Submitted by Alexandrea Williams, Mandee Dexter and Rachel Marten:

Mrs. Alexandrea Williams, Mrs. Mandee Dexter and Mrs. Rachel Marten came forward to share their request for a proclamation recognizing Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the City of Lincoln.

Update Presentation by Com-Ed for the Upcoming Remediation Project on the former Street Department/Gas Plant and Railroad Bed Property:

A speaker from Com-Ed, Mark Castro, the Senior Remediation Project Manager, came forward to discuss coal tar and properties

Up until a few years ago, they developed cleanup plans. There will be parcels cleaned up, starting next Monday a two-year cleanup project will begin. Some of the property is owned by the Union Pacific Railroad. Fencing and trailers will be on the property. A lot of soil will be excavated.

If trucks are dirty, they will be cleaned before leaving the site. For the Union Pacific work - it will be slow and methodical. They will have to work with the Railroad. The work will be very deliberate. Then, they will move onto the city property, it will be topped with top soil and seeded for beneficial reuse by the city.

Security will be maintained at the site, and there will be site trailers at the location as well. The city has given approval for the truck route.There will be an off-site staging facility for the trucks as well. They

intend to be protective of the community. There will be odors as well, as there are coal tars deep in the soil. The last time the plant was operational was in 1935, it could smell like mothballs or a roofing tar odor. They will attempt to minimize odors, there will be a tent under negative pressures.

Real-time data will be collected throughout the duration of the project. There will be a website with email contact information, senders will get an automated response. Notification letters were taken to about 50 residents today.

Alderman Keller asked when is the most direct impact to residents, such as the odor and noise . . .he wanted to know how long this would happen. Noise would be occurring in the November - December time frame. From then on there will be less vibratory noise. Then there will be an excavation.

Alderman Downs asked - "Howl oud are we talking, can you equate it to something?• He said it's a little louder than the train.He did not think it would be as loud as the demolition. The noise will be intermittent. He said it would not be constant.

City Administrator Kavelman asked about the tent, it would be an enclosure, it will be on the majority of the city owned property.

City Treasurer Conzo said this was done on first street, in Springfield just north of the capitol.

Mr. Castro and his colleague Jeff Patrick sat down with the principal of Carroll Catholic School to talk about the potential for noise. Alderman Parrott and Alderman Horn both asked questions.

Presentation by Members of the Newly-Created Private Lincoln Economic Advancement and Development, Inc. (LEAD):

Mr. Chris Graue and Lincoln College President David Gerlach came forward.They were asked to come forward to talk about the Lincoln Economic Advancement and Development, Inc.(LEAD):

Dolan Dalpoas, Eric Olson, Clyde Reynolds, Eric Burwell,Blinn Bates and more - they looked at the current conditions in the community concerning the loss of businesses in the community. He said they sought opinions and feedback. At this point they have raised over $215,000 in private funds and pledges.They have founded the LEAD, Inc. They will be filing for 501 (c)3 status. They have engaged a consultant to help advise the private group as to what Lincoln has determined as the definition of economic development. They will hire a CEO.Their intent is that this private organization will help transform the economy here in Lincoln. From President Gerlach's perspective, he said there was a

commentary in the newspaper about filling the void in the community. They would like to address the decline and loss in the community. He said they are here for a simple letter of support, from city leaders.

Mr. Graue said they want to try to stop the community from losing businesses. He said there are really healthy commitments -there will be enough funds behind them to hire and articulate to talk about prospects. He said they need to have someone to answer those questions - to present the inventory here in Logan County. The group gathers about once a month. He said it is open door -if anyone wants to come attend a meeting. He said just let a member know, and people can come and listen in. Alderman Schmidt wanted to thank the group for coming forward. Alderman Keller said he wanted to thank them too - as the government can only do so much. He said he knew they were still in the very early stages of this - but he suspected that they already had in their own minds eye - some projects or

initiatives. He wanted to know what their vision was specifically.If it would be a grant or an endowed fund.

Mr. Gerlach said they as the steering group, now the board of directors - has their own ideas. He said it could be retained business, hotel stays, education of workforce - so the consultant that they have hired will help - have that further informed during the interviews conducted in the community.

He said that they as a group may not have gone much further than a memo to the mayor - so far.At this point they have a commitment for the consultant,for $60,000 and $92,000 in pledges from business leaders - for three years with a goal of $150,000 a year. He said the memo talks about the

purpose to strengthen Lincoln's economy and to promote opportunities for entrepreneurship. He listed a number of other goals and strategies.

They will look for a leader, he said they have done this in a very organic way. He said they have  already been reached out to by someone who wants to do business here.He also mentioned Christian Homes wanting to move out their leadership from the community. He talked about the need to drive a website. To urge people to look into what the community has to offer. He said we have a workforce in this community who is ready to work .

He said we are all experts in running their own companies, and there are certain things have not thought of all the way through. He said they are building as they go.

Alderman Parrot thanked them for doing this and for not coming to the city and asking for money.The

letter is for their 501 (c)3 submission.The city would need to show support.Alderman Schmidt asked if

it can be hard to get the status. He said it can be hard to get, but there is a three-year commitment from the members of the board. Mr. Graue said we have to have someone ready to take the phone call, answer the email or take people out to the sites - to help work this plan.

They intend to hire an executive director.He said the consultant will advise them to the qualities beneficial for them to look into. He said he thought they would pay a decent salary. Alderman Welch thanked them for coming forward. He said that he's sure they've heard some of the skepticism surrounding their initiative. He said he was anxious to see what the successes would be of this group. Mr. Gerlach said this is his fifth year in the community and that he is so very impressed by the community and called it a great place. He said this is a great place of many opportunities and that the doubt of a sense of something hidden here - he said these are CEOs who want good employees and higher tax revenue to support this place. He said they as a group are passionate and that he thinks they are all also. He said they will fumble, but they will be successful.

Mr. Graue said this will be very neat when this thing gets rolling.The consultants are working with the students of Lincoln College. There is a community ask letter that will be going out-he said the ask letter will look for community members to support them in a three-year pledge commitment. He imagined there would be another meeting within the month.

Illinois EPA's Water Pollution Control Loan Program (WPCLP) Loan Applicant's Certification of Plans/Specifications Compliance with WPCLP Rules, IEPA Loan Applicant Environmental Checklist,andIEPAInstructions for Application for Construction/ Operation Permit Approval WPC-PS-1 Crawford,Murphy & Tilly Paperwork for Mayor Goodman to sign:

Mrs. Christy Crites came forward to offer an update.

·Request to Permit Golf Carts on Certain (Specific) City Streets within the City of Lincoln,IL, Submitted by Brad Matthews:

Brad Matthews came forward to bring forth an idea to allow for the use of golf carts on certain roads in the City of Lincoln. Alderman Welch asked a question about his research and documentation that he may have provided. He shared information on low speed vehicles and the state requirements. There would be specific requirements and things needed to be put in place to regulate it. Deputy Police Chief Matt Vhlahocih said we live in a very restrictive world as it is, he said as long as they would do this comprehensively and they planned well enough, then this could be done. He said the law Brad is looking for is contained in the Illinois Vehicle Code. Mr. Vhlahovich said based on his experience of visiting other communities that do this - there should be a curfew.

Alderman Schmidt asked if this was for older people, or if this was just a cheaper alternative to a car. She said she lives out by 5th Street and the golf course. She said Memorial Park Drive is very dangerous and she sees a lot of golf carts now and it is very dangerous. She said if it is not policed there would be kids in the carts all over the city. Brad proposed that they have to have a driver's license.

Alderman Welch said since we're talking about other motorized vehicles - should we talked about the motorized bicycles that are on the street? The bikes are allowed, you do not have to have a license. They are not allowed to travel over 20 mph, they are not considered a motor vehicle and they are not titled.More discussion and questions ensued.

City Attorney John Hoblit weighed in and then Alderman Keller said it would behoove the city to have John do more research.

Trick or Treat Hours on Thursday, October 31,2019, From 5 8 p.m.within the City of Lincoln:

The item will be placed on the consent agenda.

Request to Permit City of Lincoln Block Party at 145 Tenth Street, 4:30 to 8 p.m.,Thursday, October 31,2019,with the block of 200 Tenth and Chestnut Street to Union Street blocked for the Trick or Treat Party, submitted by Don and Jan Sielaff:

The item will be placed on the consent agenda.

Request to Permit Logan County Tourism's Annual Downtown Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 5, 2019,Submitted by Morgan Gleason,Executive Director:

The item will be placed on the consent agenda.

Mayoral Appointment of City Treasurer Chuck Conzo, Fire Inspector Tim Aper and Billy Gandolfi of the Streets Department to the City's Employees-Management Insurance Advisory Committee and in order to Comply with Labor Union Contract Requirements:

The item will be placed on the consent agenda. Alderman Welch asked if they do a mayoral appointment for an elected official.

Final Pay Request with Change Orders for Completion of Jefferson Street Bridge Project:

Mr. Landers said the construction is complete, they will still have to do a walk through. He said it's done and open, so people are using it. He said the grading has been done and it's a big improvement. He also mentioned a French drain that had to be put in which accounts for the additional $9,649.70.

That brings the total to $420,113.88 for the project. He was asking for approval of the extra costs, there was also debris that needed to be removed. That was why they needed that additional funding.

The item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Calendar Year 2020 City of Lincoln,HI.Regular City Council and Committees of the Whole Council Meetings Schedule:

The item would be placed on the agenda.

City of Lincoln,Ill.Holidays to be Observed Calendar Year 2020:

The item would be placed on the agenda.

Bid Letting Process to Commence for the Sale of City's Property Located on Pekin Street, Lincoln:

The item would be placed on the agenda.

Discussion of Referendum Regarding the City of Lincoln's Civil Service Commission:

City Attorney John Hoblit said he wanted to find the statutory citing authority, which allows the city to do this and it would be a referendum that would in essence abolish the Civil Service Commission in Lincoln and set up a form thereafter. He cited the EEOC would be analyzing the city based on hiring, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights would have some heightened interest in the city.

He said it was imperative that the city move forward at a pace that is not exactly fast and that everything is set in place before diving in. He said this is the thing - where you want to have your "l's" dotted and "T's" crossed. Mr. Landers weighed in too.

Discussion to make South Logan Street, between Clinton and Decatur Streets, into a one-way street going North:

Alderman Welch opened discussion about an incident that shared with him via a constituent and it prompted him to send an email to Police Chief Paul Adams. He was referring to the curve around 5th Street and the intersection.

He wanted to know if now would be the time to bring this up for discussion. He said that particular incident warrants a discussion.

Alderman Horn said that when she was in Ward 2, this was brought up then as well. She talked to Father Liable about this too as it is near the corner of Holy Family Church. Mr. Welch said it presents a safety issue for the students of Carroll Catholic as well. Mr. Landers said if you take any action at all then it would be to shut down the street completely. Alderman Keller asked about weddings and funeral processions.

Alderman Downs wanted to know how much the street is used before shutting it down.Alderman Welch said there are safety issues.Mr. Downs asked if there were any other options.Alderman Welch said

the way it happened,when he sent the email - he was trying to be a little conservative.

He said after some discussion with Paul and Walt, there's still an issue when people are trying to get Northbound, and there's still a safety concern. He said per their discussion, if this could become a dead-end street, then signage could be put up to indicate left or right. He said it creates a safety component for the intersection.

Fire Chief Bob Dunovsky said the church is utilizing the alley way and their driveway for funeral processions. More discussion was had.Deputy Chief Vhlahovich said Father Liable was in favor of this about four years ago.City Administrator Kavelaman asked if they would have to have a public hearing for this discussion.

Mr. Landers weighed in about the state route, and potential hoops they may have to jump through. Mr. Vlahovich also proposed removing the parking spots near AAA Siding and Windows. Alderman Schmidt said it is super dangerous and you cannot see at all,she said she was really surprised there has not been an accident. Alderman Hoinacki said that their customers go in and out of that door.

More discussion continued. Alderman Welch talked about takeaways and asked who would have the conversation with the church and who would have the conversation with AAA.Alderman Welch said he would be able to as he brought the issue up, Alderman Schmidt would help too. Alderman Hoinacki weighed in and then the mayor wanted to know if it would disrupt traffic around Carroll Catholic School.

Mayor Goodman wanted to ensure everyone was aware of the topic. Alderman Hoinacki said he wanted Mr. Landers to talk with Illinois DOT.Mayor Goodman asked if the intent was to talk with Carroll Catholic School. He wanted everyone to be aware of the topic.The topic would be brought back to the council for a future COW.

Solar Energy Panels RFP:

Sean Wright with Veolia said they will update the dates and notify people to get proposals in. Administrator Kavelman asked if they were sending them out tomorrow. It would need to be on the agenda, to go out for bids. The item would be on the regular agenda for next week.

Area Disposal Non-Paying Customers' Collections and Subsequent Ordinance Violations, Fines, and Penalties to be Imposed:

Mr. Wes Woodhall said they are at somewhere over 300 letters that will need to be sent out for ordinance violations, fines and penalties etc. Alderman Parrott said we have to have so many paying customers - he asked if they were below the threshold.Alderman Welch said not yet, but that they are dangerously close. He then went into conversations recently had with Area Disposal. He mentioned that the city is trying to avoid flooding the court system with these violations.

The delinquent customers need to provide proof that they are current with their bills and then take those to Mr. Wes Woodhall's office.Alderman Parrott said - so you fine them for being delinquent. He said Area Disposal is fining them. This effort is to encourage customers to bring their accounts current.

Alderman Parrott said if we get below the threshold then the city has to pick up the cost and then Area could come back to the city and renegotiate the rates.They city has to enforce the ordinance and if not doing so,they could be violating their own agreement.

Alderman Schmidt weighed in. Then Alderman Welch said there were some misunderstandings about how to pursue these violations. He said the plan Wes is implementing is a compromised solution.

Alderman Welch said the way he and Alderman Bateman looked at it is that these are ordinance violations.And they were looking for a solution to get the ordinances addressed.

Overall Update of the Progress on the City's Portion of the Fifth Street Road Project and Eminent Domain Letters from the City Sent to Non-Responsive Fifth Street Road Property Owners:

City Administrator Kavelman said they are moving quite a long, there are maybe two parcels they do not need, and others that the bike path removal might eliminate.

Announcements:

Mayor Goodman asked if anyone had any announcements.

• Comcast - various channel changes
• Firefighter Ben Roland is now the president of the fire pension board, the council would have to sign off on this, the item would be placed on the next regular agenda
• Ribbon cutting at an area hotel
• Alderman Schmidt wanted to know what was going on with the Comcast agreement, no response as of yet
• There is a 10 a.m. insurance advisory meeting tomorrow in the Mayor's office
• Trick-or-treat with the Mayor is on Saturday

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Keller motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Welch. Roll call was taken.Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m.

Present:

Alderman Tracy Welch Alderman Steve Parrott Alderman Kathryn Schmidt Alderman Sam Downs Alderman Ron Keller Alderman Kathy Horn Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Absent:

Alderman Kevin Bateman

Respectfully Submitted By:

Alex Williams, Recording Secretary