COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers
700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Seth Goodman at 7:00 p.m., with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.
Present:
Alderman Tracy Welch, Ward 1
Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1
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
Present:
Seth Goodman, Mayor
Elizabeth Kavelman, City Administrator
John Hoblit, City Attorney
Peggy Bateman, City Clerk
Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer
Paul Adams, Police Chief
Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief
Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer
Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager
Absent:
Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Ward 4
Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent
Public Comment:
Mayor Goodman called upon citizens registered to speak. There being no public participation, Mayor Goodman moved down to other agenda items.
Abby O’Brien – Lincoln Park District regarding city owned parks:
Abby was present to go over the city deeding over the city parks to The Park District. She first wanted to make sure the council was aware that none of this is guaranteed. There will only be improvement if the Park District receives the grant. The parks that the Park District are seeking deeds for are Ray White Park, Melrose Park, Postville Park, and Allison Park.
Ray White Park could potentially see a full court basketball court, new benches and beautification. Melrose Park could potentially see a Splash pad, although that would be a 5-10 year capital project. Postville Park could potentially see ADA accessible equipment installed to promote inclusion. Allison Park could potentially see new playground pieces, outdoor pickle ball courts, and pathways. All parks would receive beatification, trash cans, drinking fountains and park rules/signage. Other future improvements could be sand volleyball courts, amphitheater, dog areas/dog parks, and ninja warrior courses.
Mr. Conzo asked if anything was planned to restore Memorial Park. This park is currently under the Park District’s care. Mrs. O’Brien said yes, there is a plan being created for Memorial Park. There are pollination plans to restore butterfly and bee habitats.
Mrs. O’Brien stated that feedback from the community, and their desires for the parks, will ultimately determine what is implemented into the parks. She also shared that the Park District Board is in agreement with the City that if no improvements have been made to the parks in 5 years (or whatever time frame is set) that the parks would revert back to the City. The Park District would like to have it in writing from the City as to what the City’s expectations of improvements mean to them. The Park District also has no plan to raise taxes or to sell the properties. In fact, it is extremely hard for the Park District to sell property with how it is written in their code. The properties would have to go to referendum, which the park district does not want.
Mr. Keller asked how the improvements would fall under the grants and how would the Park District determine what improvements are a priority. Mrs. Obrien said that once the master plan is finished, that along with the communities feedback, would determine how they prioritize. The grant is a matching grant. So depending on how much their grant is, the park district will match it and then make decisions on how they proceed with the improvements and how many can be completed.
Mrs. O’Brien said there is a survey going out for community feedback. The Park District is here for the community and values the feedback. The Park District is already aware of the community’s desire for an ADA accessible park.
Mr. Conzo asked if the Park District would be in agreement to leave any structure at Postville Park that was of historical significance. Mrs. O’Brien said they would not disrupt anything historical.
Mr. Bateman said the problem with Postville Park is that no one knows who the owner is. There is no record of ownership. Mr. Hoblit said he has ordered title work for Postville Park and still waiting on those results. He will keep the council apprised.
Mrs. O’Brien wants this process to be open and transparent between the City and the Park District. She would like to see this go to a vote but understands that Mr. Hoblit has quite a bit of work to do regarding the deeds. The Park District would like to see those deeds when they are available to make sure there aren’t any restrictions on them that could hinder their transfer.
There were no other questions for Mrs. O’Brien.
Justin Cheger – The Stone River Group, discussion on renewal of Electric Aggregation:
Mr. Cheger came before the council to discuss the new renewal contract for the municipal aggregation. The current contract comes due in July 2020. It must be renewed 60 days prior to that date. They must send letters out per state statute and will sign the new 2 year contract on March 26th 2020. Mr. Cheger received a rate quote of .4370 at the end of February. He said this is a phenomenal rate, lower than Ameren, and the lowest it has been in 10 years. This rate will be county wide and will have an average savings of $120-$150/year per household.
Mr. Welch asked Mr. Cheger to go over the rate lock in and the opt out. Mr. Cheger said that the rate is a fixed rate and everyone will be locked in. It is an opt out program. Residents will receive a letter from the supplier that is chosen. That letter will have the rate and contract term and the option to fill out the included form to opt out and they will then return to Ameren’s default rate. There is no fee to opt out, but they will have to wait 12 months to return to the program.
Mr. Welch made a recommendation for the City Attorney to draft a resolution to give the Mayor the authority to sign the contract when Stone River receives the bid and bring before the next COW.
There were no other questions for Mr. Cheger.
Request to Permit: The American Legion Auxillary to distribute poppies on Saturday, May 23, 2020 from 8am – noon at the corner of Broadway and South McLean Streets.
There was no discussion, item was placed on the consent agenda.
Alderman Ron Keller – Update of 2020 Census
Census forms will be mailed out on Thursday, March 12th, 2020. There is information on the City’s website on how the census is conducted and what to do. This is the first census that you can use a mobile device to complete the questionnaire. There is a computer set up in the Lincoln Public Library for anyone to use that does not have access to a computer. There also is a computer at the Farm Bureau for county citizens. The City Clerk’s office sent out letters in sewer bills informing citizens of the census. CAPCIL is trying to reach the unrepresented groups who usually don’t participate in the census. Colleges and senior homes also have someone reaching out to them.
Resolution – Conducting 2020 Census
The proclamation is to make April 1st Census Day. The resolution will be placed on the regular agenda.
Union Pacific Railroad Invoice #90093629 in the amount of $3,637.68 (Tabled 3/2/2020)
There was no discussion, item was placed on the consent agenda.
Union Pacific Railroad Invoice #90092735 in the amount of $807.53
There was no discussion, item will be placed with the payment of bills.
Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Invoice #0207912 in the amount of $285.00 for Lincoln Waste Water Treatment Plant Property Boundary Determination
There was no discussion, item will be placed with the payment of bills.
New Video Detection System at N. Union Street and Heitman Drive
Mr. Landers spoke and said that there have been problems with these two intersections for quite some time. IDOT suggested that the city replace the detection loop systems with the new video detection systems. Mr. Landers received two quotes; Egizzi Electric for $69,300.00 and Bodine Electric for $82,500.00. This is part of our traffic signal agreement so IDOT will be refunding the City for 50% of the cost for each intersection. Mayor Goodman asked for clarification that the City would pay the full amount of $69,300.00, then be reimbursed from the State. Mr. Landers agreed. Mr. Bateman asked that the Egizzi Electric bid be placed on the regular agenda.
Trash removal amendment – Property owner responsibility of trash bill
This would be a change in our ordinance that would state that the property owner is solely responsible for trash bills at that property. This would eliminate bills being changed frequently or bills being ran up, then left unpaid when tenants move out. The bills will always be in the landlords/property owners name making it easier to handle any issues with trash service. If this amendment moves forward, Mr. Bateman would like to see this take effect August 1, 2020. That will give enough time for Landlords and tenants to be contacted and informed of the changes.
Mr. Parrott stated that there has been an ongoing issue with trash cans being left in the street after trash has been picked up. He asked who would ultimately be responsible for ordinance violations if that continues, the homeowner or the tenant. Mr. Bateman said that would be up to the homeowner as to how he/she wants to handle that with their tenants and that once this passes, the Building and Safety department should send all ordinance violations to the homeowner.
Mr. Keller asked what would happen in the cases where tenants have signed leases that don’t incorporate trash in with their rent payment. Mr. Bateman hoped that the August 1st date would give landlords/tenants enough time to work that out. Mr. Hoblit said there really isn’t a time where it would be easier to implement this. Leases are being signed all the time. He feels the homeowners will need to change the language in their lease when leases come due and/or possibly work something out with their tenants.
Mr. Bateman also wishes that language in the amendment say ‘property owner is solely responsible for trash service and service cannot be transferred to the tenant.’ Mr. Welch also asks that the language state that the Building and Safety Office can work with Area Disposal to pick up trash from delinquent trash bills, then deal with homeowners later. This would eliminate the instances where trash stays piled up for weeks until homeowners can be contacted or cases go to court.
Mr. Hoblit will draft a sample ordinance and have it ready for the council for the next meeting.
1031 Land Exchange
Mr. Bowns spoke and would like to swap the two parcels; (11-001-002-00 for 12-036-070-00). The 40 acre property that the City currently owns has no easements built into it. There is no direct access to it. The 37.1 acre parcel we are considering swapping with is currently leased by Kent Cross. It is farm leased from us and Mr. Cross is farming it. Swapping these parcels would alleviate the access issue and perpetuity. Mr. Bowns then asked that Mr. Hoblit spoke to cover the legal manners on this topic. Mr. Hoblit said there are various notice requirements in a 1031 Exchange. Typically the two properties involved in a 1031 are of equal value, so there is work to be done to assure, that with the size difference, these two are. Along with that comes notice provisions. A special meeting must take place with the City Council. A notice does have to go out in the paper in regards to a 1031. It cannot be less than 15 days and no greater than 30 days. Mr. Hoblit said to keep in mind the timing of the 1031 exchange process because of the public notices and council meeting schedules. Mr. Welch suggested the council move forward with the 1031. Mr. Cross is more favorable of the 40 acre parcel due to it tying into another property of his. This exchange will also give the City the option to add a gravel road access off of Kickapoo Street and puts the solar array in a more optimal place. The solar array will only take up 20 acres of the 37.1. Mr. Cross is still interested in farming the remaining 17 acres. That information will need to be included in his lease renewal.
The resolution or ordinance will be added to the regular agenda.
Announcements:
- Keller, Mayor Goodman and Mr. Leith met with Mr. Hoblit last week in his office to discuss his new contract. Some of the changes in the proposed contract include the following…
- An annual salary of 84,000(up from $75,000) to be paid out at $7,000/month.
- He not be required to attend all department head meetings
- A 4 year contract to take effect May 1, 2020
- An hourly rate increase from $150 to $200 for any extra fees that aren’t covered under his salary
- Required to attend at one liquor commission meeting/month.
Mr. Keller also shared that Mr. Hoblit has done many tasks outside of what is required of him for the city and has not charged the city for those tasks and has only missed one meeting due to being ill. Mr. Bateman is also pleased with Mr. Hoblit’s job performance and would like the wording for attending liquor commission meetings to “attend as needed.” He doesn’t feel that Mr. Hoblit needs to attend meetings, although appreciated, if he isn’t needed.
The item will be added to the regular agenda.
- Downs says he continues to get complaints about coyotes around 2nd St and feels that the issue needs addressed. Mr. Bateman says that there isn’t really much that we can be done. Trappers are expensive and we would never get caught up on the problem. He suggests the citizens be cautious when outside, keep their small dogs close and to keep any human/pet food or trash picked up. Coyotes are more afraid of us than we are of them. Mr. Parrott asked if the council would feel different, if a citizen were to be bitten and feels that something needs to be done at some point. Mr. Woodhall shared that per his research, coyotes main source of food is rodents or nothing bigger than a cat. There hasn’t been a coyote attack in the state in more than 30 years. Mr. Welch suggested that Mr. Downs put together an estimate and bring it before the council at the next COW.
- Downs also wanted to remind everyone of the leash ordinances in Lincoln. He’s had some complaints of dogs running loose.
- Kavelman asked the council if they wanted her to pursue applying for a grant that is within the Governor’s Rebuild Illinois program to improve the City’s Broadband.
- Comcast is removing the Kid’s and Family Genre Pack on the Cartoon Network that will take effect May 5, 2020
- Keller wanted to share an announcement from the Logan County Health Department regarding the Coronavirus. Logan County is considered low risk. There are only 11 cases in the State of Illinois with 81% considered mild. The Health Department is taking this seriously, there is no reason to panic, and are in constant communication with the CDC. There is an ample supply of tests available at the Hospital.
- Horn said the Hoops for Heros fundraiser was well attended and successful. There were 1,000 volunteers. Both Police Chiefs and Fire Chief played however both teams lost to WLB girls and boys teams.
- Landers shared that all lighting upgrades have been finished in the downtown area and that the Street Department’s portion of the Ardagh Light Grant is complete.
Adjournment:
There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Keller motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Parrott. Roll call was taken. Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted By:
Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary
City of Lincoln