COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

 

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Acting Mayor Tracy Welch 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

Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Ward 4


Present:

Elizabeth Kavelman, City Administrator

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

Paul Adams, Police Chief

Remotely:

Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

 

Absent:

Presiding:

Acting Mayor Tracy Welch 

 

Public Comment:

 

Wanda Lee Rohlfs had several questions regarding item #16 on tonight’s agenda…the Economic Development Grant Program.  The following details for the grant program were verified by the council. 

  • The grant is for any building owner, whether the building is vacant or occupied.
  • The funds will come out of the General Fund
  • The overall program will be in the amount of $60,000 with a max of $7,500 per grant.
  • This will be a multiple year program that will have annual discussions to approve the program each year.
  • A deadline for completed work will be given to each applicant
  • Prior to starting construction, the property owner will apply for a grant. Copies of receipts and an inspection will be required once work is complete. Once all of that is done, the grant will be awarded.
  • Property owner must apply 6 months before the end of the fiscal year.

There was no one else present to speak for public participation, Acting Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda. 

 

Request to Permit: Road closure on Saturday, July 18, 2020 from 7:00 AM- 6:00 PM at 112 S. McLean Street, in front of Art Institute to the intersection of Pulaski Street for a memorial /art showing for Toby Prange a/k/a Moses Pinkerton.

 

This item will be put on the consent agenda. 

 

Request for Financial Assistance with the Mill Preservation. 

Morgan Gleason from the Tourism Bureau was present to explain that the Tourism Bureau was to receive a grant from the State for $10,000 to pay for the new Mill brochures, but due to COVID, that amount was lowered to $1,900.

Copies of construction bids for improvements to the Mill were passed out to the council.  There were multiple bids received but only the bids the tourism board approved were brought to the council.  The Tourism Bureau is looking for assistance from the City to offset improvement costs.   The bids total around $31,000 and that will include vinyl around the entire building, removal of a concrete pad that is causing water damage and new flooring.  $15,000 is the requested amount. 

These funds will be out of the Hotel/Motel Tax line.  There is currently $60,000 in that line. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda in the amount of $15,000.

 

Crawford, Murphy & Tilley invoice for Professional Services from May 2, 2020 - May 29, 2020 for the CSO Improvement Construction Phase Services in the amount of$ 3,277.50

 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

 

Crawford, Murphy & Tilley invoice for Professional Services from May 2, 2020- May 29, 2020 for the Union Street Pump Station Construction in the amount of $17,048.88.

 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

 

Crawford, Murphy & Tilley invoice for Professional Services from May 2, 2020 - May 29, 2020 for the Waste Water Treatment Plant Property Boundary Determination in the amount of$6,192.73.

 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

 

Crawford, Murphy & Tilley invoice for Professional Services from May 2, 2020 - May 29, 2020 for 5th Street reconstruction per agreement in the amount of$5,017.38

 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

 

Curb & Sidewalk Replacement Project Bid Award to Knapp Concrete Contractors in the amount of $101,284.50.

 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

 

Scarification/Oil & Chip Resurfacing Project Bid Award to Beniach Construction in the amount of $236, 756.50.

 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

 

Mill & Overlay Resurfacing Project Bid Award to P.H. Broughton & Son in the amount of $250,252.84.

 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

 

COPS Hiring Program award Grant of $125,000.00 in federal funds over a three year period.

 

The Lincoln Police Department was one of 22 agencies awarded this grant. This will be for a Violence Crime Officer.  Over the next 3 years the overall salary and benefits for this additional officer will be $232,843.32. The grant covers $125,000 which leaves the City responsible for $107,843.  This year’s salary and benefits amount has already been included in the budget.  If the City accepts this grant, it is required that the officer be kept on the force for the full 3 years.  Chief Adams stated that there will be several officers retiring over the next few years.    

Chief Adams has 45 days to accept the grant. He plans to pull an officer off the street to become the Violence Crime Officer and hire a new officer to put on the street. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.       

 

Proposal for City of Lincoln Diversity and Inclusion Commission

 

This Commission will be represented by community members from all demographics.  The purpose is to ensure that it’s known that the City of Lincoln appreciates, recognizes, and welcomes all types of people to our community.  This will be drawn up as a resolution and no money will be dispensed. 

This item will be placed on the agenda for the July 28th Committee of the Whole.   

 

Ordinance Authorizing Sale of Real Estate

 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

 

Ordinance Establishing the City of Lincoln Economic Development Grant Program and Economic Development Commission.

 

The purpose of this program is to get any dilapidated buildings, anywhere in the City of Lincoln, restored and attractive for new businesses or for property owners who need help with repairs.  The City has had to endure costs for certain maintenance or safety concerns with some of the buildings.     

 

Several points of this program were touched on and listed above in public participation. 

Any initial application will be for a $7500 grant or less.  Any additional money awarded will need approved by the council and will only be awarded as the money is available.   

City Attorney Hoblit will draft the ordinance and the item will be brought back to the Committee of the Whole on July 28th

 

Appropriation Ordinance for F.Y. 2020/2021

 

Gaming Tax deficit was increased to $69,000

Rebuild Illinois money was added.

$40,000 for Street Repairs for 4th St was added.

$60,000 for the Economic Development Grant Program was added (pending approval from the Council)

Grant Repayment for the Library Parking Lot Grant was added.

$50,000 added for sidewalk targets if needed.  This addition will depend on Non Home Rule sales tax revenue. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

Cruise In

 

There are car groups that post to a facebook page, randomly choosing a town to set up for a car show.  Classic or unique vehicles may show up in Lincoln on August 27th, the weekend of Balloons over 66 event.  Street closures aren’t usually needed.   Alderman Bateman said there could be around 500 cars.  An event to give people something to do that is safe and social distancing can be easily maintained.   

 

Acting Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda. 

 

Announcements:

·         Spirited Republic is requesting to close Pulaski St, from Kickapoo St to the Arcade, on August 28th.  The band Harmony Grits will be playing from 7-10. This item will be placed on the consent agenda. 

·         Chief Dunovsky received an estimate from Lincolnland Communications for three siren battery enclosures for the outdoor sirens.  This cost is already in the budget and is for $5,137. He is asking for $10,787 from the GEO Bond fund to replace the decommissioned siren that is on North Kickapoo by Mayfair.  Ameren will need to replace the pole the siren is mounted on. 

Both of these items will be placed on the regular agenda. 

·         Alderman Downs wants the citizens to know that the council and police department are aware of the recent fliers that were found around Lincoln promoting hate and racism.  He reminds the citizens that the City will not allow this kind of behavior and urges anyone with information to call the police.  Alderman Bateman suggests that anyone with a security camera near an area where a flier was found, to check their footage. 

·         Census Response Update: Nationally – 62%, State – 66%, County - 68%, and Lincoln – 66%.  Census numerators will be going out into the communities to make contact with anyone that hasn’t responded.

·         Balloons over 66 will be on August 28 and 29.  The balloon glow will be at the old hospital grounds on 8th street along with other locations in town.  

 

Adjournment:

 

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Bateman motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Keller. All were in favor. Acting Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 8:37 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary