Council Minutes

 

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Monday, March 16, 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

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

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, Andrew Bowns

Absent:

Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Ward 4

 

Presiding:

Mayor Seth Goodman 

 

Public Comment:

Mayor Goodman called upon citizens registered to speak.

There being none, Mayor Goodman moved down to other agenda items.

 

Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote:
A. Payment of Bills

B. Request from the American Legion Auxiliary to distribute poppies at the corner of Broadway and McLean Street on Saturday, May 23, 2020 from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM for the purpose of fundraising for Veterans programs.


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: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.


Ordinance and Resolution:
A. Resolution 2020-408 proclaiming April 1, 2020 as National Census Day and recognizing the importance of a full and accurate census in the City of Lincoln
 

Alderman Keller made a motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Horn. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion.  Mr. Keller shared that the Census Bureau is still fully committed to the count.  With the Coronavirus, they have pushed back the final count date to July 31, 2020, possibly even longer. 

There being no further discussion, City Clerk Bateman called roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.


B. Ordinance 2020-920 Authorizing Publication of a proposed 1031 Exchange
 

Alderman Welch made a motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Parrott. Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.

Bids:

A. Approval of bid from Egizii Electric, Inc. for the video detection systems at the N. Union Street and Heitmann Drive Intersections with Woodlawn Road in an amount not to exceed $69,300.00. 

Alderman Welch made the motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Keller.  Mayor Goodman called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.     

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Jeff Hoinacki  


Reports:
A. City Treasurer's Report for February, 2020

Treasurer Chuck Conzo began with saying the Composite accounts have stayed the same and fund balances have remained consistent.  Money distributed to us from the State totals $583,347.76. 

Investments took a hit in February and unfortunately will likely take a bigger hit in March.  Police pension fund is down to just over $10 million from $10.6 million.  Fire pension was down to $5.8 million from over $6 million.  Mr. Conzo expects that due to the economy and Coronavirus, he does plan to see funds diminish in the next few months.  Currently, municipal sales tax is well ahead from where it was last year at this time totaling $1,112,000.00, however it, along with MFT and income tax, will likely go down.  He asks the council to please keep this information in mind during annual budget discussions next month and for any purchases that aren’t immediately necessary.  Also not to incur any additional debt than we already have.  The disruption in revenue funds could last 6-7 months. 

Non-home rule sales tax is up. 

Motor Fuel Tax receipts has had an increase in revenue.  It is right at $45,000.00

Governor Pritzker has increased the reserve on municipal sales tax.  Currently the State has been taking 5% of our municipal sales tax proceeds, that percentage will go up to 10% in July of 2020.

Mr. Parrott asked if the State did shut down video gaming.  Mr. Conzo replied that yes they did, so there will be a hit with that revenue as well.

B. City Clerks Report for February, 2020
City Clerk Peggy Bateman reported that the city received, for the month of February, $380,082.02 from sewer collections and received $31,066 from the Logan Correctional Center.   


C. Department Head Reports for February, 2020
Reports are either on file or will be shortly.

Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.

New Business/Communications:
A. Approval of payment of invoice #90093629 from U.P.R.R. in the amount of $3,637.68.  (Tabled 3/2/2020)
 

Alderman Welch made the motion to remove the item from the table, seconded by Alderman Parrott.  Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Alderman Welch made the motion to approve the payment of invoice, seconded by Alderman Parrott. 

With no further discussion, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.


B. Approval of contract for Legal Services between John Hoblit, Esq. and the City of Lincoln, effective from May 1, 2020 through April 30, 2024. 
 

Alderman Welch made a motion to approve, seconded by Alderman Parrott.  Mayor Goodman called for further discussion.  Regarding feedback he had received during the last week, Mr. Welch wanted to share a few things.  When the previous City Attorney resigned on 10/2/2018, he was making $86,520/year, attending 24 meetings/year, attending special meetings as needed, an annual retainer of 3%, and $200/hour for additional services.  When Mr. Hoblit applied and the City Council accepted his contract on 11/5/2018…his 18 month contract stated a salary of $75,000/year (an $11,520 annual savings to the city), attending 48 meetings/year, attend 1 liquor commission meeting/year, 4-5 staff meetings/month, special meetings as needed, and $150/hour for additional services.  Regarding his annual retainer his contract states...shall increase as determined by the council, not to exceed department head increases.  Mr. Hoblit has not asked for an increase since the start of his employment.  Mr. Keller shared that the average salary for a city attorney across the United States is $85,000 so Mr.Hoblit’s request is right on par. 

There being no further discussion, City Clerk Bateman called roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.


C. Fifth Street Road Project’s Union Pacific Railroad’s Material and Force Account Estimate. 

Alderman Downs made a motion to discuss, seconded by Alderman Horn.  Mr. Bateman wanted to point out that the amount for this estimate was not listed, it is for $219,145.00.  He really feels the council needs to step back from this project and get a grasp on what has been spent and what needs to be reimbursed to us before going further.  Mrs. Kavelman said that she included all the spending figures the council requested in a memo.

Mr. Parrott felt that the City should at least wait until there is confirmation that the properties have been acquired before spending any more money.

Mr. Welch said that with the economy being questionable due to the coronavirus, Treasurer Conzo advising the Council to not spend anything extra at this time, and also having an unknown amount due to us in reimbursements…he would strongly caution us to pause on this project until those pieces are in a better fiscal state. 

Mr. Welch then asked if the City would get a bill today for the 5th Street Road Project, where would the money come to pay it.  Mr.  Conzo said that there isn’t anywhere for it to come from.  Mr. Welch said, that was his point.  The City is exhausting the general fund and MFT funds and with the unstable economy, that is not a good idea. 

Mr. Welch made the motion to remove it from the agenda, Mr. Bateman seconded.  There being no further discussion, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.  

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Leith

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

__________________________________________________________________________________

Announcements:

Mayor Goodman asked if anyone had any announcements. 

·         The City received a letter from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission that Art Whitham Jr is receiving the Carnegie Hero Award for saving the life of George Horn from drowning on December 4, 2018. 

·         Mr. Bowns wanted to remind the city residents that yes, there is a toilet paper shortage, but human waste and toilet paper is all that is allowed to be flushed down the toilet.  If paper towels and napkins are flushed it could be costly to homeowners and the City. 

·         Due to nationwide social distancing, City Hall is now closed.  Sewer payments can be made at drop boxes or call the City Clerk’s office to make arrangements.  Mr. Welch suggested that the City suspend late fees regarding sewer bills.  Mr. Hoblit shared that most utilities are also letting their customers know that services will not be shut off due to the Covid-19 outbreak.  The council agreed to waive the $5 late fee for next two weeks. 

·         Chief Adams shared that bars and restaurants have been ordered to close by Gov. Pritzker due to the Coronavirus.  The Logan County Health Department will be checking on these establishments.  If they are not in compliance, it could result in their food handler’s license or liquor license being suspended and possible fines.  The Police Department will report any businesses in violation to the Health Department. 

The Police Department is still taking reports.  They prefer that the reports be called in, but you can come to the station and give your report through the glass. 

The officers will still be patrolling out in the public. 

Inmate visiting has been suspended but video visitation is still available online. 

Lower level crime court dates and Jury trials have been pushed back until after April 10, 2020

Marriages are still happening but with restricted number of people in attendance.

Order of Protections can still be filed at the courthouse.  The courthouse is working with limited staff but it will be open. 

·         The Logan County Health Department’s walk-in services are on hold, beginning March 17th, 2020, until further notice.  That means vaccinations, WIC, STD screening, TB and Lead testing, Blood pressure checks and drug screens are all on hold to promote social distancing.  All other services will continue including Coronavirus surveillance, emergency planning and environmental health services. 

·         Log on to Logan County Clerks’ website through the Logan County Portal to view election results once polls have closed.

·         Due to Governor Pritzker’s Executive order for social distancing until March 30th, the council has decided to postpone the March 24th Committee of the Whole meeting to March 31, 2020.        

  

 

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Keller motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Welch. Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Information is available on the following sites:
Logan County Current Statistics

Memorial Health System  - Includes daily statistics for MHS and a COVID-19 Risk Screening

Local Business Resources
Logan County Department of Public Health
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 

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Contact Information

 

cityhall smallCity of Lincoln

City Hall
700 Broadway Street
Lincoln, Illinois 62656

(217)735-2815

 

Legal Disclaimer

Mayor
(217)735-1612
 
Administrative Assistant
(217)732-2122
 
City Clerk
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Fire Department
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Police Department
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