COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers 700 Broadway Street I Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 7:00 p.m., with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.

Present:

Alderman Greg Miller, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Ward 2

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwoman  Kathy Horn, Ward 4

Alderman Rick Hoefle, Ward 4

Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief

Matt Vlahovich, Police Chief

Remotely:

Alderwoman Wanda Rohlfs, Ward 3

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Rich Stokluska - Arthur J. Gallagher

Absent:

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

Swearing in of Police Officer Shawn Pettit as Sergeant

Sergeant Shawn Pettit was sworn in by City Attorney John Hoblit

Public Participation:

Whitney Profit was present to discuss a Facebook post made by an Alderperson. She was made aware of the post and said that it was very offensive. She asked the Council what the social media policy was for elected officials. Mayor Welch referred to City Attorney Hoblit for this matter. Mr. Hoblit said he will researched this if the council wishes him to. He is currently unaware of any policy for elected officials, only city employees. Typically, these types of situations are taken up at election time. Mayor Welch asked Ms. Profit to share with the council what she is referring to. Mayor Welch and City Attorney Hoblit will stay in contact with Ms. Profit.

Liability Insurance renewal agreement between Arthur J. Gallagher and the City of Lincoln effective 12/15/2021.

Three quotes were obtained from Strident (current carrier), Liberty Mutual, and CIRMA.  The first two options give you $11 million coverage.  The 3rct option is $10 million.

The city is receiving $26,314.00 from IPRF in grant money that will offset the cost of worker's compensation.

Cyber insurance will be very difficult to get in the coming years if clients do not have certain security measures in place.

CIRMA has a 3 year commitment if you enroll.  Attorney work for claims are contracted out to a firm called Davies Group.

CIRMA will be placed on the Regular agenda as the carrier for the City of Lincoln.

Request to Permit: Close 3 Parking Spaces in from of Rent-to-own Store Saturday, November 20, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for Guest House, Just Bee Acai (food truck) and Tony Cannoli (food truck).

This item will be placed on the consent agenda.

Approval of Economic Development Grant Application from Mary Todd's Hallmark in the amount of $7,500.00.

This is for tuck pointing. This is a single taxed parcel but the properties are 608 & 612 Broadway. This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Ordinance Authorizing the Purchase of Real Estate 1017 Tremont Street.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

2021 Tax Levy

Treasurer Conzo provided his report to the Council via agenda packet.  He went over the report with the Council and asked for any questions. Treasurer Conzo felt there shouldn't be an increase this year. There will need to be a public hearing prior to the Council voting.

The council will move forward with a flat tax.

Announcements:

• Happy Birthday to Alderman Miller
• There is a tree lighting ceremony Friday evening at the Courthouse at 6:00pm
• The Christmas parade the following Thursday at
• Brenden and Becca Heitzeg went on to State Cross Country and both medal
• Due to workman's comp claims increasing, safety policies and training have been implemented throughout the This came as a recommendation from the City's carrier. The policies and training were completed by the deadline resulting in the City soon receiving a 10% refund on premiums that will total $36,300.00

Executive Session  2 (C) (1) Personnel:

There being no further announcements to come before the council, Alderwoman Horn made a motion to move into Executive Session, seconded by Alderman Hoefle.  City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

Present:

Alderman Greg Miller, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Ward 2

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwomen Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Ward 3

Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Ward 4

Alderman Rick Hoelfe, Ward 4

The council recessed from the meeting at 8:18 pm in order to enter into Executive Session. Mayor Welch announced there would be no further city business conducted upon reconvening.

Return from Executive Session:

The council reconvened from Executive Session at 8:47 pm in order to reconvene the Committee of the Whole meeting. Roll call was taken.

Present:

Alderman Greg Miller, Ward  1 Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1 Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Ward 2 Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2 Alderman  Kevin Bateman, Ward 3 Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Ward 4 Alderman Rick Hoelfe, Ward 4

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Parrott motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Hoefle. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary