REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers
700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois
Monday, December 7, 2020
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Acting Mayor Welch at 7:00, with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.
Present:
Alderman Tracy Welch, Ward 1
Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1
Alderman Ron Fleshman, Ward 2
Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2
Alderman Ron Keller, Ward 3
Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Ward 4
Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Ward 4
Staff Present:
City Attorney John Hoblit
City Clerk Peggy Bateman
Treasurer Chuck Conzo
Remotely:
Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3
City Administrator Elizabeth Kavelman
Fire Chief Bob Dunovsky
Police Chief Paul Adams
Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall
Streets Superintendent Walt Landers
Veolia Water, Andrew Bowns
Christy Crites - CMT
Absent:
Presiding:
Acting Mayor Tracy Welch
The Council had a moment of silence in honor of National Pearl Harbor Day, the passing of Zoning Board of Appeals Member Donnie Parker, and Lincoln resident Gene Burwell, who did a lot within the community.
Public Participation:
There was no one present for public participation.
Item not on the agenda:
Lori Milosevich with Estes, Bridgewater & Ogden spoke on the FY2020 Audit.
Ms. Milosevich shared the 93 page audit and a summary with prior year comparisons with the council.
General Fund –
Revenue for 2020 = $8,394,000…Prior Year = $8,219,000
Expenditures for 2020 = $9,716,000
Other financing sources include loan proceeds, grant revenues and transfers out bring the net change in the fund balance in the General Fund ending April 30, 2020 to -$671,000. Prior year had additional Capital Outlay which brought that total to $4,225,000.
Motor Fuel Tax -
Net change in Fund Balance was $118,000. Fund Balance at the end of the year was $528 which is restricted for MFT expenditures.
Non-Major Funds (includes Hotel/Motel, TIF and Special Revenue Funds) –
Revenue = $697,000
Expenditures = $1,165,000
Net Change in Fund Balance for 2020 = $516,000…Prior year was $59,000
Sewer Fund -
Assets = $11,076,000.
Total Liabilities = $2,396,000
Net position= $5,772,000
Restricted for debt service=$272,000
Unrestricted = $3,335,000
Operating Income = $1,943,000
Depreciating Expense = $549,000 (Based on equipment and the Sewer Plant, calculated annually)
Change in net position = $1,900,000
Police/Fire Pension Trust Funds –
Assets = $15,134,000
Losses = $822,000
Additions = $1,517,000
Deductions = $2,610,000
Net Decrease = $1,092,000
Net obligation for the City = $38,000,000
Overall –
Net Change in Fund Balance = -$3,786,000 mostly due to a change in pension obligation
There were no findings or recommendations for improvements at this time. The annual report will be submitted to the Comptroller.
Acting Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda.
Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote:
A. Payment of Bills
B. Approval of minutes November 10, 2020 Committee of the Whole
C. Request to permit: Lincoln Christian Church to close Hamilton & Delevan Streets around the Church on December 24, 2020 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm for a combined Christmas Eve Service outdoors with Full Gospel Church, Neighbors, Carols, Candles and Cocoa. Lincoln community is invited. Event time is 5:00 – 6:00.
Alderman Keller made the motion to approve, Alderman Hoinacki seconded. Acting Mayor Welch called for discussion.
Pastor Steve Owens and Pastor Ron Otto wanted to join together to offer the community an event to establish hope for the next year. There will be plenty of room to social distance.
There being no further discussion, 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Acting Mayor Welch moved to other items on the agenda.
Ordinance and Resolution:
A. Ordinance 2020-934 amending the City of Lincoln’s Health and Sanitation Codes – Sewer Use Charges
Alderman Fleshman made the motion to approve, Alderman Downs seconded.
Acting Mayor Welch clarified that this ordinance is to suspend the next tier for sewer rates. The Council has the right to implement it at any time however the financials show it is not needed at this time.
Acting Mayor Welch 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
B. Ordinance for Tax Levy for FY 2020-2021
Previous year’s property tax increases have followed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or been less than that. Those increases have been divided into the Fire and Police Pensions.
Treasurer Conzo provided the Council with 4 scenarios and breakdowns on paper. He went over the first scenario.
1. 2.3% increase – will generate a net of $36,532 which will be divided into the pensions…55% Fire and 45% Police
The other three scenarios were for increases of 2%, 1.5%, and 1%.
This ordinance requires a public hearing that will be prior to the next voting meeting.
This item will be placed on the regular agenda with a rate increase of 2.3%
C. Resolution 2020-422 Abating Property Tax for $2,285,000.00 G.O. Bonds (Alt. Revenue Source), Series 2014 for the year 2020.
This is for the TIF Bond. This Bond will be paid in full in 2034
Alderman Parrott made the motion to approve, Alderman Hoinacki seconded.
Acting Mayor Welch 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
D. Resolution 2020-423 Abating Property Tax for $5,285,000.00 G.O. Bonds (Alt. Revenue Source), Series 2014 for tax year 2020.
This is for the Sewer Upgrade Bond. This bond will be paid in full in Dec of 2023.
Next payment due is in June 2021
Principal = $595,000
Interest = $39,687
Alderman Hoinacki made the motion to approve, Alderman Downs seconded.
Acting Mayor Welch 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
E. Resolution 2020-424 Abating Property Tax for $3,270,000.00 G.O. Bonds (Alt. Revenue Source), Series 2018 for tax year 2020.
Used to finance the newly constructed Police Station.
Next payment –
Principal = $185,000
Interest = $97,075
Alderman Parrott made the motion to approve, Alderman Keller seconded.
Acting Mayor Welch 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
F. Resolution 2020-425 Adopting the Logan County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan.
This will be the City’s portion of the County’s plan. The full plan will be available online. This resolution is a renewal of an existing plan with a few added items that the City was able to assist with.
Alderman Bateman made the motion to approve, Alderwoman Horn seconded.
Acting Mayor Welch 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Acting Mayor Welch moved to other items on the agenda.
New Business/Communications:
A. Approval of Invoice #0212051 from Crawford, Murphy & Tilley for professional services for the CSO Improvements from October 3, 2020 through October 30, 2020 in an amount not to exceed $29,725.80
Alderman Fleshman made the motion to approve, Alderwoman Horn seconded. Acting Mayor Welch called for discussion.
Alderman Bateman pointed out that the remaining balance stated on the invoice is zero. Christy Crites said that the zero dollar amount is incorrect. The contract amount was not included in the invoice. CMT has billed $194,572.50 of the $495,000 contract leaving $300,427.50 left in the contract.
Acting Mayor Welch 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
B. Approval of Invoice #0212050 from Crawford, Murphy & Tilley for professional services for the Union Street Pump Station from October 3, 2020 through October 30, 2020 in an amount not to exceed $3,515.00
Alderman Keller made the motion to approve, Alderman Fleshman seconded.
Acting Mayor Welch called for 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
C. Approval of Pay Application No. 3 for Plocher Construction Company, Inc. for Lincoln CSO Improvements in the amount not to exceed $1,027,207.47
Alderman Hoinacki made the motion to approve, Alderwoman Horn seconded. Acting Mayor Welch called for discussion.
Christy Crites shared that there has been a massive amount of concrete that has poured and the contractor should be finished with concrete work by Christmas. Some of the charges are due to storing materials so that they are ready when needed.
Alderman Fleshman said that the amount of concrete is comparable to 3 story buildings, however these structures are underground.
Acting Mayor Welch 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
D. Approval of Pay Application No. 4 for Plocher Construction Company, Inc. for Lincoln CSO Improvements in the amount not to exceed $2,561,293.80.
Alderman Fleshman made the motion to approve, Alderman Hoinacki seconded.
Acting Mayor Welch called for 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
E. Approval of Liability Insurance Agreement between Arthur J. Gallagher and the City of Lincoln effective date 12/15/2020 in the amount of $610,160.00
Alderman Downs made the motion to approve, Alderwoman Horn seconded. Acting Mayor Welch called for discussion.
City Clerk Bateman shared that the largest increase was for Workman’s Compensation. The increase was due to a lot of claims and payouts. It was sent out for bid, however no one bid so they stayed with Illinois Public Work Risk.
The Police Dept works closely with IPRF for workman’s comp training.
Alderman Fleshman would like to check with the insurance providers to see if additional training could lower premium costs.
Acting Mayor Welch 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
F. Approval of Union Pacific Railroad Invoice #90100255 not to exceed $230.59 (tabled 11/10/2020)
Alderman Parrot made the motion to open up discussion, Alderman Keller seconded. Acting Mayor Welch called for discussion.
City Administrator Kavelman said she had conversations with Sean Collier, and several higher ups at UPRR along with Julie Shipp. The work that UPRR does for the 5th St Road project is different than what they do at the crossings in Lincoln. That work is a benefit to them and Amtrak and this work is for a construction project which is why they bill us. Mrs. Kavelman feels that it is important to keep a positive working relationship with UPRR. She’d like the council to approve the payment of this invoice. She received an additional invoice for approx. $500 that she could add on to this item if the council wishes. She also received a request from UPRR to increase the Force agreement to $15,000.
Treasurer Conzo said that these invoices go along with the force agreement with UPRR that the council passed. He doesn’t feel that the City has any standing to refuse payment.
Acting Mayor Welch also spoke with Sean Collier. Mr. Collier explained that if the City would like to pause UPRR work, they need to notify him in writing, he will then notify UPRR. Funding will still be secure. When all parcel acquisitions have been acquired and the City will have to give UPRR 6 months of lead time to re-review the plans and order supplies.
The $500 invoice is for preliminary engineering and not the force account.
Alderman Downs made the motion to remove the item from the table, Alderman Hoinacki seconded.
Acting Mayor Welch called for further discussion. 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Alderman Parrott made the motion to approve payment for this item, Alderman Hoinacki seconded.
Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (1) Alderman Kevin Bateman
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
City Attorney Hoblit will draft a letter to UPRR, asking them to pause their work. The additional $500 invoice and the increase in the UPRR force account will be added to the next agenda.
G. Approval of CEO Contribution $1,000 per year for 3 year agreement.
Alderman Downs made the motion to approve, Alderman Keller seconded.
Rachel Judd and Aleena Reed (student in the CEO program) explained the program. This is a national program that encourages entrepreneurship. 7 schools in Logan County participate. They partner with area businesses, City Council, and Economic Development.
Acting Mayor Welch called for further discussion. 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
H. Solar Installation Amendment for Wastewater Treatment Facility
Alderman Hoinacki made the motion to approve, Alderwoman Bateman seconded.
Andrew Bowns and Alderman Bateman spoke with Keystone regarding the Amendment. Mr. Bowns pointed out 3 key factors…
1. The amount will stay the same
2. Keystone is responsible for all costs of construction including permits
3. An exit clause has been included by Keystone due to the Illinois State Assembly not approving the Adjustable Block Program 5 for solar implementations.
Keystone has also adjusted the time table for construction to allow time to develop and intercommunication with Ameren.
City Attorney Hoblit suggests a resolution be drafted to allow Acting Mayor Welch the authority to effectuate documents in the future for this project. Acting Mayor Welch will not sign any documents unless the City Attorney and the individuals involved have looked over the documents.
Alderman Hoinacki made the motion to table this item, seconded by Alderwoman Horn. No further discussion was needed, 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, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
Acting Mayor Welch moved to other items on the agenda.
Discussion:
Special Meeting-
City Attorney Hoblit, City Treasurer Conzo, Acting Mayor Welch and Alderman Parrott have had discussions regarding the Economic Sustainability Program for area businesses affected by COVID-19. Documents have been drafted and are ready to be presented to the Council. There will need to be a special meeting on Dec 10th due to the deadline on Dec 11th. This will allow the City to use the $150,000 in grant money to assist area businesses in need. The special meeting will be at 6:00pm.
Items on the agenda will be the Economic Sustainability Program, Resolution to give Acting Mayor Welch authority to sign documents for the Solar Panel Project, and Contract for Commercial Aggregation for discounts to the City for utilities is expiring in Feb 2021.
The $500 invoice for UPRR will be pushed until the 12/21 meeting.
Acting Mayor Welch moved to other items on the agenda.
Announcements:
· Acting Mayor Welch wished to thank everyone involved for the tremendous success of the Christmas Parade.
Executive Session | 2 (C) (11) Litigation:
There being no further announcements to come before the council, Alderman Keller made a motion to move into Executive Session, seconded by Alderwoman Horn. City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Present:
Alderman Tracy Welch, Ward 1
Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1
Alderman Ron Fleshman, Ward 2
Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2
Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3
Alderman Ron Keller, Ward 3
Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Ward 4
Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Ward 4
Yeas: (8) Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Ron Fleshman
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
The council recessed from the meeting at 9:04pm in order to enter into Executive Session. Acting Mayor Welch announced there would be no further city business conducted upon reconvening.
Return from Executive Session:
The council reconvened from Executive Session at 9:23pm in order to reconvene the Committee of the Whole meeting. Roll call was taken.
Present:
Alderman Tracy Welch, Ward 1
Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1
Alderman Ron Fleshman, Ward 2
Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2
Alderman Ron Keller, Ward 3
Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Ward 4
Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Ward 4
Absent:
Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3
__________________________________________________________________________________
Adjournment:
There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Keller motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Parrott. Acting Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 9:23 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted By:
Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary
City of Lincoln