REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers
700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois
Monday, March 2, 2020
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 (arrived at 7:07 PM)
Alderman Colby Leith, 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 Clerk Peggy Bateman
Treasurer Chuck Conzo
Police Chief Paul Adams
Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall
Streets Superintendent Walt Landers
Veolia Water, Andrew Bowns
Absent:
City Attorney John Hoblit
Fire Chief Bob Dunovsky
Alex Williams, Recording Secretary
Presiding:
Mayor Seth Goodman
Public Comment:
There was no one present to speak for public participation, however the following people spoke to answer questions and give information regarding the 5th Street Road Project.
Stan Hanson, CMT
Julie Shipp, Hanson Professional Services
Chris Isbell, Illinois Department of Transportation District 6
Amber Knox, CMT
Stan Hanson came forward to explain the $59,841 “invoice” from CMT. Mr. Hanson explained that the item listed on the agenda was in fact a proposal. It’s a supplemental addendum to the current contract with the City of Lincoln that began in 2015. Due to changes in engineering and right of way plats, there will have to be some updates to the parcel appraisals. They are not asking for any money at this time. This proposal is for anticipated costs regarding the changes mentioned and if the council approves this proposal, there will be invoices in the future.
Mr. Bateman then shared that he would be voting no on this proposal. He would like the City to step back from the 5th St road project and recoup some of the City’s money before going forward.
Mr. Welch then verified that this particular contract and supplement (if approved) had a completion date of 12/31/2020. He also verified that the council would be voting to raise the upper limit on the contract and that even if we recouped the City’s money, the project could not move forward without the upper limit amount on the contract being raised. Mr. Hanson agreed.
There were no other questions for Mr. Hanson.
Julie Shipp (project engineer for 5th Street Road project) came forward to answer any questions from the council regarding funding. Mr. Welch asked Ms. Shipp to summarize an email that was sent to Mrs. Kavelman on 2/27/2020. Referring to the email, Ms. Shipp shared that the City would be responsible for $890,000.00 which is 16% of the total project cost. The rest would be funded by State and County funds. She went on to say that there are four options that the city could choose from regarding the 5th Street Road project.
1. Keep project as is
2. Remove bike path to reduce construction costs
3. Have two lanes of roadway instead of three
4. Abandon the project completely
The council decided, in a previous meeting, to remove the bike path to reduce construction costs and move forward with the project. Removing the bike path caused for need of design changes and land acquisitions changes which is why CMT is seeking contract supplements.
The email also covered the invoice that Union Pacific sent the City. It is for money due now for a recent onsite visit. She also mentioned that in 2016 the City wrote a letter to U.P. stating that they agreed to pay U.P. up to $7,000.00 in review costs.
There were no other questions for Ms. Shipp.
Chris Isbel with Illinois Department of Transportation came forward to answer any questions regarding funding.
Mr. Welch asked Mr. Isbel to go over the funding and if we are in jeopardy of losing any funding based on the four options that Ms. Shipp mentioned.
Mr. Isbel said that there are three federal pots of money, two state pots and one county pot that fund this project. Two of the three federal pots, both state pots and the county pot can lapse and no longer be available. Those pots total $4 – $5 million in funding. Extensions have been filed more than once on those pots. The federal highway administration will be less flexible on any further extension requests if there is no movement on the project. This project has been around since 1998. Also, should the City decide to abandon the project completely, any funds that have been reimbursed to the City so far, will likely be required to be repaid to the State and Federal Highway Administration totaling $650,000.
Mr. Welch asked how many parcels are outstanding. Amber Knox (with CMT) said 14 parcels. Mr. Welch then asked if all of those property owners have been issued an imminent domain letter. Ms. Knox said no, that they cannot issue an imminent domain letter until they have an official offer for the current design project. The $59,000 supplement will allow CMT to hire an appraiser to appraise the parcels that had significant changes due to the project design change and then a new offer with be presented to the property owners.
Mr. Conzo asked if there was any idea how much has been reimbursed to the City as far as properties that have been acquired by the city. Mr. Isbel said that as far as right of way costs, the City has been reimbursed $235,080.25. There have only been 2 reimbursements to the city. Those dates are 12/1/16 and 9/7/17. Mr. Isbel said all reimbursement requests need to go through local roads and streets office in Springfield District 6.
Mr. Welch asked for total reimbursement amounts to be compiled and given to the council for the next meeting.
There were no more questions for Mr. Isbel. Mayor Goodman moved on with other items on the agenda.
Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote:
A. Payment of Bills
B. Approval of minutes February 18, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting
C. Request from WCLN 96.3 FM and the LCHS Junior Class to permit the closing of Broadway Street from Kickapoo Street to McLean Street on Saturday, May 2, 2020 for the Royal Grand March from 3:30 PM until its conclusion.
Alderman Welch 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 Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.
Ordinance and Resolution:
A. Ordinance amending Section 1-20-7 of the City code and adding Section 8 to the duties and responsibilities of the City Administrator (Tabled 2/18/2020) 2020-919
Alderman Welch made a motion to remove it from the table. Alderman Hoinacki seconded. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion. City Clerk Bateman called roll to remove item from the table.
Yeas: (7) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith
Nays: (1) Alderman Steve Parrott
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman asked if there was a motion to approve. Alderman Keller made the motion to amend as stated on the agenda. Alderman Horn seconded. Mayor Goodman called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Steve Parrott
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
New Business/Communications:
A. Approval of invoice from Crawford, Murphy and Tilly in the amount of $59,841.00 for the acquisition of property for the Fifth Street Road Project.
Alderman Welch suggested that they amend it to say supplement instead of invoice. The council agreed. Alderman Hoinacki made the motion, seconded by Alderman Horn. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.
Yeas: (7) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Steve Parrott
Nays: (1) Alderman Kevin Bateman
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
B. Approval of invoice from the U.P.R.R. in the amount of $3,637.68 (Tabled 2/18/2020)
Alderman Hoinacki made the motion to remove it from the table. Alderman Keller seconded. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion. Mr. Bateman asked if there was a 2nd invoice for $807.53 that was due or if the above amount included the $807.53. Mayor Goodman stated that the above amount was 2 invoices, one for $3,626.39 and the second for $11.29, totaling $3,637.68. Mr. Bateman suggested that the other invoice for $807.53 be put on the agenda for the next COW. Mr. Welch questioned the charges on the two invoices totaling $3,637.68.The council agreed further clarification of charges are needed. Mr. Hoinacki rescinded his motion and the item remains tabled.
C. Approval of Schedule of Payments to ALMH for the construction of the Stahlhut Drive extension.
Mr. Welch made the motion to approve, Mrs. Horn seconded. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Steve Parrott
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
D. Approval of Invoice No. 027922 in the amount of $10,928.15 from Crawford, Murphy and Tilly for professional services for the Union Street Construction Project for the period from January 1, 2020 through January 31, 2020.
Mr. Bateman made the motion to approve, Mr. Welch seconded. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Steve Parrott
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
E. Advise and consent to the Mayoral appointment of James Meece, Jason Maxheimer, and Bobbie Jo Smith to the Civil Service Commission.
Mr. Hoinacki made the motion to approve, Mr. Welch seconded. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Steve Parrott
Nays: (0)
Abstain (0)
Absent: (0)
F. Approval of the Side Letter of Agreement between the City of Lincoln and F.O.P., Lodge 208 pertaining to Health Insurance.
Mr. Hoinacki made the motion to approve, Mr. Bateman seconded. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion. Mr. Keller stated that he wasn’t comfortable with the current language of the letter. He felt that it made the City tied to the HSA increase indefinitely if there wasn’t a plan offered in the future that had a $1500 deductible. He said this was the only difference between the three letters of agreement on the agenda tonight. There being no further discussion, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (3) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kevin Bateman
Nays: (4) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kathy Horn
Abstain (1) Alderman Colby Leith
Absent: (0)
Police Chief Adams asked that the City Administrator reach out to Mr. Nixon, get a meeting together and address the issue.
G. Approval of the Letter of Understanding between the City of Lincoln and the IAFF#3092 Local 3092, pertaining to Health Insurance.
Mr. Bateman made the motion to approve, Mr. Welch seconded. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Steve Parrott
Nays: (0)
Abstain (0)
Absent: (0)
H. Approval of the Letter of Understanding between the City of Lincoln and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 399, pertaining to Health Insurance.
Mr. Welch made the motion to approve, Mr. Bateman seconded. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Steve Parrott
Nays: (0)
Abstain (0)
Absent: (0)
J. Authorization for Police Chief to hire a Patrolman to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Patrolman Travis Grenlund.
Mrs. Horn made the motion to approve, Mr. Keller seconded. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Steve Parrott
Nays: (0)
Abstain (0)
Absent: (0)
K. Advise and consent to the Mayoral appointment of members of the Budget Committee.
Mayor Goodman appointed Mr. Jeff Hoinacki and Mrs. Kathy Horn.
Mr. Welch made the motion to approve, Mr. Keller seconded. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (6) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Steve Parrott
Nays: (0)
Abstain (2) Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn
Absent: (0)
J. Approval of Greater Peoria Economic Development Council Invoice for $2,000.00 for 2020 Investment.
Mr. Bateman made the motion to approve, Mr. Hoinacki seconded. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion. Mr. Keller suggested that the council keep this investment in mind in a few weeks when budget discussions begin and consider investing more money with them. City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Steve Parrott
Nays: (0)
Abstain (0)
Absent: (0)
Announcements:
Mr. Parrott didn’t have an announcement but he wanted to bring his concerns to the council regarding the grant that Chief Adams is applying for to pay for an additional officer. Mr. Parrott was concerned that when the grant money ran out (after four years) that the city would have trouble coming up with the $100,000+ (benefits and salary) for an additional officer. Chief Adams asked the council to keep in mind that the city would be benefiting from marijuana dispensary sales and that those monies are supposed to be devoted toward paying for this type of officer. He also sees several officers retiring in four years.
Moving on to announcements…
· Mrs. Horn said that the John Welch Basketball Tournaments was a huge success. Tournament ran smoothly and money was spent all over town.
· Mr. Keller said that the AII Men’s Basketball Conference was held at Lincoln College and hosted jointly by Lincoln College and Lincoln Christian University. Several teams competed including teams from Massachusetts, Maryland, and Arkansas and brought in a lot of money to our community. The final championship game featured Lincoln College Lynx and College of the Ozarks. It was a thrilling game and Lincoln won at the buzzer by one point. Lincoln College will now compete in a national tournament in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
- Mayor Goodman shared that BAC and Logan County Board would like to invite everyone to attend the War on Terror plaque presentation on Wednesday, March 4th at 7pm at the Courthouse.
- Also the City received a letter stating that Lincoln, IL has been named Tree City USA 2019 by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
- Kavelman shared that the city has endorsed the dome project at the courthouse and that referendum is coming up soon.
- Landers shared an update on the energy efficiency project with Ardaugh funds… all lighting has been replaced with LED lights on Malerich Drive and Herndon Drive. And work is beginning on Union Street in conjunction with the new pump station. There will be intermittent lane closures between 20th St and Tremont St. There will be temporary no parking signs in the 600 and 700 block of Union during construction. Please avoid the area if you can.
- Chief Adams shared that Sunday, March 8th at 2:30, LFD and LRFD will be playing the 7th grade Lady Wolverines at WLB gym. Right after that game the Lincoln Police and Logan County Sherriff Departments will be playing the 8th This is a fundraiser that promotes the Honor Flight.
Adjournment:
There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Parrott motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Welch. Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted By:
Charity Hutchison
City of Lincoln