REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers 700 Broadway Street I Lincoln, Illinois
Monday, November 18, 2019 Presiding:
Mayor Seth Goodman
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Seth Goodman at 7 p.m., with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.
Present:
Alderman Tracy Welch, Ward 1
Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1
Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Ward 2
Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2
Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3
Alderman Ron Keller, Ward 3
Alderman Kathy Horn,Ward 4
Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Ward 4
Staff Present:
City Administrator Elizabeth Kavelman
City Attorney John Hoblit
City Clerk Peggy Bateman
Treasurer Chuck Conzo
Fire Chief Bob Dunovsky
Police Chief Paul Adams
Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall
Streets Superintendent Walt Landers
Veolia Water, Anthony Harper
Absent:
None
Public Comment:
Mayor Goodman called upon citizens registered to speak.
Mrs. Wanda Lee Rohlfs came forward to talk about the general obligation (go) bond and the TIF district. She wanted to address item C on the agenda for the night - the TIF district - she said it talked about the tax levy. She said as you area aware - there are a lot of questions for citizens about the theater and what is going on with the TIF taxes.
She said this goes back to 2014 - when it was adopted, there was a TIF schedule that went out that was in the packet. She said the amount in there talks about - for this year, in June 1,2019 the interest was due on that. She continued on referencing the schedule. Treasurer Conzo said they do not levy for that amount, the principal and the interest - but not the bond service fee. He said they have abated the levy.
She asked about the $400.00 bond fee. He said it's actually a $500.00 bond fee. He mentioned the sewer repayment too. Saying it was a $1,000 fee.
More conversation ensued about the TIF amount. He said the city just received the final amount of property tax in the last week. She wanted to know how much had been collected from the TIF district. He listed off an amount that also included the bond service fee - he said about $133,000 (approximately). He said so - how much did we have to pay out of the general fund - he said just about
$40,500 - somewhere in there.
She wanted to know if Mr. Conzo foresaw this changing in the future. She asked if the $132,000 collected from property tax was about the same as it was last year. He said it was very close. She asked if that meant the values of the property were not increasing - he filled in the rest for her ... saying as fast as we'd like. He said yes.
She also brought up people exempting out. She said when a building sells the owner has the opportunity to opt out ...and she said she thinks there's a lot of uncertainty with the theater just sitting there.
There being no further public participation,Mayor Goodman moved down to other agenda items.
Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote:
- Payment of Bill
- Approval of minutes November 4, 2019 Regular City Council Meeting, November 12, 2019 Committee Of the Whole Meeting.
- Mayoral Proclamation in honor of Zonta International Day on November 18, 2019,its 100th Anniversary (2019-397)
- Request from Andrea Dykman of A. Eats Cart and Catering to operate on two (2) parking spaces on Kickapoo Street adjoining Scully Park on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
- Approval of letter to U. Census Bureau establishing a U.S. Census 2020 Complete Count Committee with Alderman Ron Keller as Liaison and Co-Chairman.
Alderman Welch made a motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Schmidt. Alderman Keller said he would be recusing himself due to item E. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (1) Alderman Ron Keller Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.
Ordinance and Resolution:
A.Ordinance extending Ameren Illinois Company Franchise Agreement for Twenty (20) years to Construct,Operate, and Maintainan Electric Utility System in the City of Lincoln(2019-906)
Alderman Bateman made a motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Keller. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion,there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn Nays: (0)
Abstain:(0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.
B. Ordinance extending Ameren Illinois Company Franchise Agreement for Twenty (20) years to Construct, Operate,and Maintain a Gas Utility System in the City of Lincoln (2019 907}
Alderman Welch made a motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Schmidt. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain:(0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda
.C. Resolution Abating Property Tax for $2,285,000.00 G. Bonds (Alt. Revenue Source}, Series 2014 for year 2019 (2019-398)
Alderman Welch made a motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Schmidt. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain:(0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.
D. Resolution Abating Property Tax for $5,285,000.00 G. Bonds (Alt. Revenue Source}, Series 2014 for year 2019 (2019-399)
Alderman Welch made a motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Schmidt. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.
E. Resolution Abating Property Tax for $3,270,000.00 G. Bonds (Alt. Revenue Source), Series 2018 for year 2019 (2019-400)
Alderman Welch made a motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Horn. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki,Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.
F. Ordinance establishing hours of operation for cannabis dispensaries from 10 a.m.until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m.until 6 p.m. on Sunday (2019-908) Alderman Bateman made a motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Parrott.
Alderman Parrott thanked the council for showing some concern for the hours - he said he was still not in favor of the hours thinking they should be more restrictive, however, he said he thought it was interesting that the council in times past questioned why they should treat any other business any differently - he thought it was ironic that they would not keep the hours the same as they do in the city with alcohol. He said he would be voting no.
Alderman Welch told Alderman Parrott that he could make an amendment to revise the hours. Alderman Bateman said they are more retail oriented hours. Alderman Welch wanted to know what his suggestions were for restricted hours.
Alderman Keller said give it a whirl. Alderman Parrott said to proceed with the vote.
Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (4) Alderman Tracy Welch,Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller,Alderman Kevin Bateman
Nays: (4) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki,Alderman Kathy Horn
Abstain:(0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman said since there was no other offer on the table, he voted in favor of the moved to other items on the agenda.
G.Ordinance limiting the number of such dispensaries at one (1) (2019 909)
Alderman Downs made a motion to change it from one establishment to two, seconded by Alderman Keller.
Alderman Schmidt said they the council voted last week in favor of one.
City Attorney Hoblit saiel there are three in this area - a large geographical area in the state. He said theoretically we could have all three of them - but the chance that all three would be in Lincoln would be highly unrealistic. He said the impression from the council was that we would only get one and that we were only desiring to get one. He said it could still be amended at the time of voting - but there was no vote on the COW to approve. Alderman Downs weighed in. She said if there's going to be any - it should be one.
City Attorney Hoblit said the council would be voting on two at this juncture. Alderman Parrott weighed in about just limiting it to just one - saying they were showing favoritism to one business over the other. He said it seemed a little, "Not right." Alderman Schmidt asked why they needed two. Alderman Downs said they would have the option to expand to two - in the future. She asked why would you want more than one in Lincoln, Illinois. She asked if it was for money. He said money is a part of it, for the purpose of choice, so one store is not overwhelmed . . .
Alderman Bateman said he has been contacted by four interested parties - who are interested in the voting. Alderman Keller said - yeah, competition. Since one party did approach us, it gives us the opportunity to create some opportunity. Alderman Parrott asked if his preference was just two or if he wanted unlimited.
Alderman Keller said he understands there are people in the community who want it and who do not want it. He said two is a good number to allow competition.
Mayor Goodman asked a question about the potential to amend the number in future. Alderman Welch said we could set a number higher than one for now, so that a future council would have to have a discussion about it.
Alderman Bateman said his agreement with two is that - they started out with x amount of liquor licenses and x amount of gaming licenses - he was open to two so at least the city would be open to two to remove restrictions. He said it just gives a business opportunity. He said you're not forced to go in there.
They would vote on the amendment for the two - but if the amendment fails, it goes back to what was listed on the agenda - which was one.
Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (4) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman,
Nays: (4) Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Steve Parrott,
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman broke the tie with a, "No" vote. Alderman Bateman then made a motion to approve "one," and it was seconded by Alderman Parrott.
Yeas: (4) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman
Nays: (4) Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Steve Parrott
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman broke the tie with a "Yes" vote.
Reports:
- City Treasurer's Report for October, 2019
Mr. Conzo started in with fund balances, the municipal sales tax and state use tax, saying they are all higher than where they were a year ago. He said with the motor fuel tax - the base amount is down, but the overall amount is an increase. He then talked about the Police and Fire Pension Funds. He said the stock market did well - he said previously struggled to get above $10 million, but now they are at $10,250.
Then he said the Illinois State Legislature has voted to consolidate all downstate police and fire pension funds. He said the Illinois Municipal League voted in favor of it. He said a lot of the funds across the state are underfunded. He said it would be similar to what the city gets with the IMRF. He said this will be phased in over a couple of years. He said there will be a lot of benchmarks.
He then went into the General Revenue Fund - and said the state has raided a general portion of it. He then cited economic activity for the purposes of state use tax and sales tax - at 56 percent. He called this the largest revenue stream in the telecommunications fund.
He continued on. He said the city has seen a telecommunications tax down to around $18,000 he said there continues to be a decline in this tax. He said it is one of the pledged revenue streams for the general obligation bond, the alternate revenue bond for the TIF district. He said so far the city is not anywhere close to the 125% needed. He did not know if it was going to bottom out.
He then went into the utility tax - and the state income tax - saying they are well over where they anticipated being. He then touched on the video gaming tax - saying the city is well above what they had projected. He said he did include the utility tax table for the month of October. He continued on.
He then covered the motor fuel tax - and the non-home rule sales tax - saying the city was at 50.23% of what was budgeted. That was all he had.
B. City Clerks Report for October 2019
City Sewer receipts for the month of October were $234,981.81 - and there were not any payments received from either prison last month.
C. Department Head Reports for October, 2019 These items are either on file or will be New Business/Communications:
A. Approval of proposal for Health Insurance plans from Health Alliance for calendar year 2020
Alderman Horn made a motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Hoinacki.
Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, City Clerk Bateman shared information the various plans that were under discussion. She said if everyone stayed on their current plan, it would be only a 2.4% increase rather than a 19% increase. City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain:(1) Alderman Kevin Bateman
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.
B. Approval of annual payment plan for Municipal Lease between Motorola Solutions and the City of Lincoln for the Starcom System Alderman Keller made a motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Welch. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda
C. Approval of contract for printer maintenance /laser cartridges with Konica Minolta for the period beginning October 25, 2019 and continuing through April 30, 2023.(Tabled November 4, 2019)
Alderman Welch made a motion to remove it from the table, seconded by Alderman Bateman, there being no discussion, City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki,Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.
Alderman Bateman wanted to make a motion to remove this - because with the contract, it is nearly impossible to track the usage, he thought the city would greatly exceed the contract and be subject to overage bills. Alderman Keller seconded it.
Alderman Schmidt asked what this meant. City Attorney Hoblit explained. Alderman Welch and Alderman Bateman withdrew their motions.
Alderman Welch made a motion to withdraw the motion - seconded by Alderman Downs. Then Alderman Keller asked . . . if this fails, what are the options?
City Administrator Kavelman gave background on the costs for printer cartridges. Alderman Schmidt asked - so you said the same company has the same contract for other printers in the city. She said if they have been good with the other contracts - why would they not be good with this one.
City Attorney Hoblit talked about said it could be tabled again - in order to find out how much she does use the printer.
She said the city is getting eraser to the end of the 5th Street Road Project so usage could go down. Alderman Downs asked if they could table it - to get a better baseline. Alderman Welch asked when she needed the next cartridges. She said she could check on this.
She also brought up the idea of moving funds from one of her sub line items to
Alderman Keller said the council is sometimes moving into the category of micromanaging the city administrator and prohibiting her from doing her job.
Alderman Hoinacki and Alderman Welch weighed in. He said if they table it - they could have another discussion - he said we're crippling the administrator in trying to do her job in scrutinizing this printer.
Mr. Hoblit said they were still at the stage of approving. There was a second.
Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, , Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (1) Alderman Kevin Bateman
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.
Announcements:
Mayor Goodman asked if anyone had any announcements.
- Alderman Parrott weighed in on the minutes on November 4 - he said didn't flow and it was not accurate as it read to him. Mr. Hoblit said if there was due diligence to be done, it would have already been done. Alderman Welch talked about the paver system vote - when it was brought back for a vote.
Executive Session 2(C)1 Personnel:
There being no further announcements to come before the city council, Alderman Welch made a motion to move into Executive Session under 2(C)1, Personnel; seconded by Alderman Hoinacki. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain:(0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman said there would be no further business to come before the council upon reconvening the Regular City Council Meeting. Therefore, the council recessed from the Committee of the Whole meeting at 8:06 p.m. in order to enter Executive Session.
Return from Executive Session:
The council reconvened from Executive Session 10:02 p.m. in order to reconvene the Committee of the Whole Meeting. Roll call was taken.
Present:
Alderman Tracy Welch
Alderman Steve Parrott
Alderman Kathryn Schmidt
Alderman Sam Downs
Alderman Kevin Bateman
Alderman Ron Keller
Alderman Kathy Horn
Alderman Jeff Hoinacki
Mayor Goodman, Treasurer Conzo and City Clerk Bateman were also present.
Adjournment:
There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Keller motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Parrott. Roll. Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 10:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted By:
Alex Williams, Recording Secretary
City of Lincoln