SPECIAL VOTING SESSION – CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

The Special Voting Session with the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Seth Goodman at 6:03p.m., with proper notice given.

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 Administrator Elizabeth Kavelman

City Clerk Peggy Bateman

Treasurer Chuck Conzo

Police Chief Paul Adams

City Attorney John Hoblit

Absent:

Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall

Remotely:

Fire Chief Bob Dunovsky

Streets Superintendent Walt Landers

Veolia Water, Andrew Bowns

Presiding:

Mayor Seth Goodman

Public Comment:

There was no one present to speak for public participation at the beginning of the meeting. 

At 6:10, Jim Drew (owner of Sorrento’s Pizza) called in.  Mr. Drew expressed that he is opposed to the one way traffic plan.  He would like to have that extra length from the parking spaces as a buffer between traffic and patrons in case a driver would get distracted or a child would run towards the street. He asked the Council if it were a possibility that Sorrento’s, Rio Grande and Flossie’s used the parking lot behind Sorrento’s and even the grassy area of the Welcome Garden next to Rio Grande.  He thought that would keep Broadway Street more open for the Fire Department should emergencies arise.

Wanda Lee Rohlfs called in to ask if the committee, formed for this ‘situation’, was established at a meeting. Alderman Welch responded that Mayor Goodman appointed Alderman Welch and Alderman Bateman to seek guidance from local businesses regarding reopening, devise a plan and report back to the council.  The council would vote on the parameters within the plan that they were comfortable with, then the committee would operate within those parameters.  Once the City/County/State is completely reopened, the committee would cease to exist.   

New Business/Communications:

5A. Restaurant/Bar Downtown Plan

Initial overall proposed plan:

The City is offering 3 parking spaces for each business and a maximum of 200 feet of snow fencing.  If more spaces are desired, that must be approved by the council.  Outdoor areas must be fenced in. Businesses must set up fencing themselves.  City picnic tables are available on request with a maximum of 4 tables per business.  The City will also install signage to warn drivers of outdoor seating areas.  A liability waiver and a liquor requirement waiver must be signed and notarized by each business owner.   

Plan A: Use of street parking for outdoor use

The Governor is allowing customers to use indoor restrooms, to order inside and pay inside. 

There must be a minimum of 4 feet available on sidewalks for ADA compliance. 

Anticipated cost to the City for fence and signage is $1,000 or less.  This cost is coming out of the budgeted money for June’s 3^rd Friday event. 

Police Chief Adams would like to see the Fire Chief and Code Enforcement officer inspect each outdoor area to address any safety issues.  He would also like to see concrete barriers placed on the outside of the seating in the streets.  Especially areas near intersections. 

Fire Chief Dunovsky is not recommending fire pits at businesses. 

Superintendent Landers said his department does have a shortage of barricades due to the recent changes at the Union Street Project.  He said the department does have access to 5 or 6 large concrete blocks, he’s confident that something can be worked out. 

City Attorney urges businesses to reach out to their insurance companies regarding liability coverage.

Drinks must be served in a plastic cup, no glass allowed outdoors.

Plan B: Traffic flow changes for outdoor street uses for business

Alderman Bateman went over a traffic flow map that showed how the one way traffic would happen around downtown businesses. 

Plan C: Street closures for outdoor business use.

Alderman Bateman made the motion to remove this item from the agenda, Alderman Hoinacki 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 Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Steve Parrott

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

5B. Approval of use of City Property.

The City will offer picnic tables to each business, the use of the library parking lot and Shay parking lot.

5C. Approval of Liquor Commission recommendations for the outdoor seating area.

City Attorney John Hoblit read the approval letter from the Liquor Commission to the council.  It states that business’s holding a liquor license and utilizing outdoor seating, must install snow fencing around the area where alcohol is present.  It also states to continue following proper social distancing guidelines.  The liquor commission will leave the street closure/one way decisions to the Council.  There will be no BYOB to any business that was not already operating under those terms.  There is also no gambling allowed. 

Mayor Goodman asked 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)

Final Proposed Plan to be voted on by the council:

This plan covers items 5A and 5B on the agenda. 

• A minimum of 3 parking spaces will be permitted per business, more can be permitted with approval of the committee and adjacent businesses.
• A maximum of four picnic tables per business will be available, upon request, while available.
• A maximum of 200 feet of snow fencing or barriers will be given to each business. Businesses must erect the fencing on their own and must be approved by the Code Enforcement Officer.
• Approved tables may be used on sidewalks but must allow for 4 feet of passage for ADA compliance.
• Outdoor tents are permitted but cannot go beyond the parameters of the parking spaces. Tents must be secured to the street with tap con anchors and collapsed or removed during non-business hours.
• Lighting can also be ran to the tents but cords must be covered to limit tripping hazards.
• Proof of liability insurance must be provided to the City Clerk’s office.
• Businesses that sell liquor should consult their insurance companies to verify coverage during this time period.
• A liability waiver and a liquor requirement waiver must be signed and notarized by each business owner.
• Alcohol is only approved in fenced off areas and must be served in plastic or aluminum single serving cups.
• The City will provide barricades and signage to warn drivers of outdoor dining ahead.
• No burning fire pits are permitted on sidewalks or in outdoor dining.
• The City will provide trash receptacles to those establishments with outdoor dining areas.

Alderman Bateman made the motion to approve, Alderman 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 Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderman Kathy Horn, Alderman Colby Leith, Alderman Steve Parrott

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Mayor Goodman moved on to other items on the agenda.

Announcements:

There were no announcements

Adjournment:

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

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary