REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers
700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois
Monday, April 20, 2020
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Seth Goodman at 7:16 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 Jeff Hoinacki, Ward 4
Alderman Kathy Horn, Ward 4
Staff Present:
City Attorney John Hoblit
City Clerk Peggy Bateman
Treasurer Chuck Conzo
Police Chief Paul Adams
Absent:
Remotely:
City Administrator Elizabeth Kavelman
Fire Chief Bob Dunovsky
Streets Superintendent Walt Landers
Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall
Veolia Water, Andrew Bowns
Presiding:
Mayor Seth Goodman
Public Participation:
There was no one present to speak for public participation.
Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote:
A. Payment of Bills
B. Approval of minutes April 6, 2020 Public Hearing 1031 Exchange Meeting, April 6, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting
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 Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved to other items on the agenda.
Ordinance and Resolution:
A. Resolution adopting a working budget FY 2020/2021 2020-412
Treasurer Conzo wanted to point out an error in the budget. It was written in the budget that the land acquisition for the lot across from the City Fire Station was $60,000.00. Mr. Conzo said that amount was the full purchase amount and has been paid down. The remaining balance due for that land acquisition is $30,527.00.
Alderman Welch said there was a previous discussion with Administrator Kavelman that her budget line for office supplies be lowered to $1300.00. Administrator Kavelman and Treasurer Conzo agreed.
Alderman Welch made the motion to approve the budget with a new line item for the City Administrator for special projects with a $500 amount then reduce line #5102 to $800. And to also change the line item for the land acquisition from $60,000.00 to $30,527.00. Alderman Parrott seconded.
Alderman Bateman stated that although he has the right to work on the entire budget, he would abstain from voting due to this involving the City Clerk’s budget.
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 Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (1) Alderman Kevin Bateman
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved on to other items on the agenda.
Bids:
Emulsion Oil Storage Tank – Hampton Equipment not to exceed $47,500.00 along with additional cost for foundation pad not to exceed $5,000.00
Mayor Goodman asked Superintendent Landers to speak.
Superintendent Landers said that the Street Department currently has a 1000 gal oil tank that crew members transport back and forth to Morrisonville, Illinois. With good weather and a full crew working, that tank will last about a week and a half. By having the larger tank on site, oil deliveries can be made which will keep the crew working longer on projects. Road oil is a seasonal product that isn’t made past late September. By having a large oil delivery made late in September, it could extend spray patching into the late fall and early winter when weather can still be favorable. This could also allow the department to extend their operations into crack filling that will preserve pavements. Mr. Landers said the pad will be constructed and poured by Street Department crew members.
Alderman Bateman asked if this would come out of MFT. Mr. Landers said no, it would come out of the department’s equipment fund.
Alderman Hoinacki made the motion to approve, Alderman Horn seconded. 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 Colby Leith, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved on to other items on the agenda.
Reports:
A. City Treasurer’s Report March 2020
Treasurer Conzo said the General Revenue Fund balance remains strong but could change in the coming months due to the COVID19 virus.
Investments in Fire and Police pensions took a big hit, as expected, during the month of March. $1,000,000 hit for Police Pensions and $750,000 for Fire Pensions.
In March, the City received December tax payments for Non Home rule tax, sales tax and state use tax and the city was up $28,000 from the previous December and up $140,000 for the year.
State Income tax…January was down a little but February showed a substantial increase.
Video Gaming tax was on a continual increase but has been shut down since March 9th due to the virus outbreak.
He said the City will continue to see the downfall from the virus outbreak for the next 3 months or more.
He feels most, if not all, of these areas will turn around once people are able to get out and shop and travel.
Alderman Parrott asked how much of a decrease in revenue overall, does he expect to see. Treasurer Conzo said he expects anywhere from a 25-30% drop and even 50% drop in some areas. He feels that it’s all recoverable. He also said these are all estimations on his part and that he’s tried researching but no one seems to know how to prepare for this.
B. City Clerk’s Report for March 2020
For the month of March, the City received $471,673.46 in sewer payments. There were no payments received from either prison.
C. Department Head Reports for March 2020
Reports are either on file or will be.
Mayor Goodman moved on to other items on the agenda.
New Business/Communications:
A. Authorization to hire a replacement Police Officer due to the resignation of CPL. Maurice Johnson from the forthcoming Fire and Police Commission Lateral List effective May 1, 2020
CPL. Johnson accepted a position in Texas. The City thanks him for his service. Chief Adams hopes to finish up interviews this week and have someone hired by May 15th.
Alderman Horn made the motion to approve. Alderman Keller seconded. Mayor Goodman called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
B. Authorization to promote Officer Heidi Moore to Corporal from the Fire and Police Commission list effective May 1, 2020
Officer Moore is currently working on her Masters in Criminal Justice. She has experience with investigation and working drug crimes. She currently works on CPL Johnson’s shift so that should make for a smooth transition.
Alderman Welch made the motion to approve. Alderman Bateman seconded. Mayor Goodman called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
C. Approval of 2020 Resurfacing Targets
Superintendent Landers said there were two targets he would be presenting tonight for the Council’s consideration. The first target is on 4th Street, from Maple to Union, and Decatur St, from Union to Sangamon St. This is where the sewer repair was done last December in front of Carrol Catholic School. A trench was filled with a temporary flowable fill concrete. That will be milled up and replaced with Hot Mix Asphalt. There will be some sidewalk and ramp work done to correct some ADA issues.
The second target would be Heitmann Drive from Woodlawn to Olson Drive. This is a concrete surface that is approximately 10 years old and for some reason it has deteriorated tremendously. This will be replaced with a concrete surface.
Alderman Bateman asked if Mr. Landers would be willing to come back to the council with targets that would result in road repairs being done in every ward like last year. Mr. Landers said that that wouldn’t be a problem if that is what the council desires but to keep in mind that Heitmann Dr. will need to be addressed at some point. The Street Department has spray patched it 2 or 3 times and that usually lasts a year then holes start reappearing and rebar will start showing.
Alderman Welch would like to see Heitmann Drive patched again for this year and address some of the more poorly conditioned roads throughout the Wards.
Mr. Landers asked that if it pleases the Council, if he could go ahead with engineering for the 4th St target. The Council agreed.
Mayor Goodman understood the importance of giving roads in every ward attention, however he also felt strongly that Heitmann Drive needs to be repaired. He said that is a gateway into our community and it is in really bad shape.
Mr. Landers then asked if the engineering for Heitmann Drive could be done now so that it was ready to go for next year or the year after. He said the engineering process could take longer due to the road connecting to a State Route and IDOT will need to be involved.
Alderman Bateman mentioned that when the county redid Elkhart blacktop, they used a fairly new process that he didn’t believe included any rebar, he thought it was all fiber mesh that has held up very well with the coal truck traffic. Mr. Landers said he would look into that and he thought that process was called white topping. Mr. Landers also mentioned that the Elkhart blacktop is a roll through, the trucks aren’t stopping and turning like they do on Heitmann Drive, so that will play a part in the engineering.
Alderman Welch made the motion to approve the 4th St and Decatur St target for $150,000.00, and asked that Mr. Landers bring targets back to the Council that will repairs roads in each ward. Alderman Keller seconded.
Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
D. Approval of 2020 Sidewalk and Curb Targets
Referring to the memo and maps included in the agenda, Superintendent Landers said these are targets that were chosen last year but couldn’t be completed due to budget restraints. They are areas focused around schools where kids are walking. The targets include ramp work that needs done at Central and Washington-Monroe Schools if that will fit into the budget. He also mentioned the sidewalk work done at CVS a few years ago, there was ramp work at College St. and Woodlawn that could not be completed due to needing easements. There has been movement on those easements so this project could be added to the targets as well. This area is heavily traveled by students and Housing Authority residents.
Alderman Welch made the motion to approve. Alderman Bateman seconded. Mayor Goodman called for discussion.
Mayor Goodman called for further discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
E. Approval of renewing 60 month lease with Konica Minolta for City Hall and Police Station for copiers, current lease to expire.
The new lease for the City Clerks copier/printer, will include payoff of old lease, unlimited black and color copies and parts, labor and toner will be included for a monthly fee of $306.87. That price is based off of their average monthly copies. They are currently paying $287 a month, however they pay extra for color copies. Their current machine will move up to the Fire Department and they will pay a $25/month agreement. That will also include unlimited black toner, parts and labor. They will print any color copies on the Clerk’s machine.
The Police Department’s new lease will be the same and based off their average amount of printing. Their monthly payment will be $167.61 and was previously $167.24.
Alderman Welch made the motion to approve. Alderman Parrott seconded. Mayor Goodman called for discussion.
There being no further discussion, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Kathy Horn
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Mayor Goodman moved on to other items on the agenda.
Discussion:
Lincoln Park District request for taking over city owned parks.
City Attorney John Hoblit stated that the title work for 2 of the 4 city owned parks are complete. The other 2 are taking extra time to be completed due to the Title Company operating at half staff and they are also extremely busy with mortgage refinances due to the low interest rates. He will keep the council updated with the status of the title work.
Mayor Goodman moved on to other items on the agenda.
Announcements:
· Alderman Welch said that Home Energy letters have been mailed out. He wanted to remind the citizens that this is an Opt Out program and that you must opt out by May 8th to not get the rate that is stated in the letter.
· Alderman Welch wanted to also announce that the 3rd Friday Lincoln committee has been meeting remotely and have discussed events for June, July and August. They are focusing on July and August more due to not knowing if the Stay at Home order will carry into June so to stay tuned for more announcements.
· Alderman Parrott had a citizen reach out to him via email and asked if the City has any plan in place for transients that may stop in Lincoln and need assistance due to the COVID-19 virus. Chief Adams said that the City has not had any transient issues recently. There are always motorists that break down on the highway but that is what the National Motorist Association is for. They offer one night hotel stay and gas vouchers but there are restrictions on those. As far as a plan for COVID-19, there is not one in place.
· Mayor Goodman has been approached by several people that are wanting to honor local graduating seniors by placing signs on city or county property. He wanted the council to be aware that they may be contacted as well.
· Mayor Goodman also received a letter from the Illinois Association of Water, Pollution and Control Operators that stated that they had to cancel their reception due to the current crisis. The City of Lincoln did not receive a nomination.
· Alderman Keller gave an update on the 2020 Census. Nationally, a little over 50% have completed the Census which is below the Census Bureau’s projections. Illinois is 9th for highest response and our county and city is above the average response as well. The Bureau encourages everyone to fill out their surveys.
· City Administrator Kavelman announced that Comcast will be adding the Cleo channel to the entertainment package beginning May 5th.
· Superintendent Landers shared that in February 2020, the Street Department had a surprise inspection from OSHA. There were 5 violations that the department was not aware of. The department received confirmation today (April 20th) that all violations have been corrected and have met all requirements.
· City Administrator Kavelman shared that the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program had great results and the City of Lincoln was able to receive quite a bit of money through the program to help our local small businesses.
· Mayor Goodman asked City Clerk Bateman to go over how citizens can pay their sewer bills with City Hall’s doors locked. She said there are drop boxes on Kickapoo St and at City Hall. They prefer that you do not put cash in those boxes. If you have no other choice but to use cash, call the office between 9-5 and someone will retrieve your cash payment through the drop box immediately. You can also pay online through the city website or mail your payment.
Adjournment:
There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Keller motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Hoinacki. Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted By:
Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary
City of Lincoln