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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

 

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 7:01 p.m., with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.

 

Present:

Alderman Rob Jones, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Ward 2

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Ward 3

Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Ward 4

Alderman Rick Hoefle, Ward 4


Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

Matt Vlahovich, Police Chief

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Ben Roland, Assist Fire Chief

Remotely:

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

 

Absent:

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch


 

 

Public Comment:

There is no one present for public comment. 

 

Recognition of Lincoln Fire Fighter Savannah Conrady for accomplishment at Fire Academy

This item will be pulled and moved to the next meeting due to Chief Dunovsky being out sick.

 

Request for additional funds for Mayfair Park

Administrative Assistant Ashley Metelko shared with the council that during her research for this park, the equipment for the inclusion park in Mayfair will cost more.  The park committee is requesting $100,000.00 more. She shared the price list with the council.  This park will be a full inclusive park.  The closest park that will have a park similar to this park is Springfield.  The park will be fully fenced in for the safety of special needs individuals. 

Alderman Downs would like to see a larger capacity wheelchair swing for disabled adults. 

There is interest among the council to add some inclusive equipment to Postville Park.

This item with the additional funding will be placed on the regular agenda. 

 

Ordinance authorizing the Sale of Excess Personal Property

Discussion was had regarding the stop lights that were removed from the downtown area.  Several council members were in favor of their removal.  Alderwoman Rohlfs was not in favor and would have liked the opportunity to vote on the removal before it happened.  Parts to fix the lights were obsolete.  By removing the lights, the city is saving $600-700 a month in electrical charges. 

There was also discussion and interest to remove the bump outs in the downtown area.  Superintendent Landers cautioned that it wouldn’t be so easy to remove the bump outs.  There are sidewalks around the square that need replaced and storefront entrances that aren’t ADA compliant.  Once they tear in to the concrete, they must be replaced to comply with ADA. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

 

Resolution abating the tax heretofore for the year 2022 to pay Debt Service on $2,285,000.00 General Obligation Bonds Series 2014.

This bond will be paid by the TIF fund and by General Fund transfers

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

 

Resolution abating the tax heretofore for the year 2022 to pay Debt Service on $5,285,000.00 General Obligation Bonds Series 2014.

This bond will be paid by the Sewer O&M fund.  This bond is almost paid for.  Final payment is in Dec 2023.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

 

Resolution abating the tax heretofore for the year 2022 to pay Debt Service on $3,270,000.00 General Obligation Bonds Series 2018.

This will expire Dec 2031.  This is for the restoration for Jefferson St School. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

 

Tax Levy for 2022

The CPI is 5%.  The council could raise taxes as high as 5%. Treasurer Conzo does not recommend increasing it that high.  He gave examples of the revenue with 1%, 2%, 3%.  There is also the option not to raise taxes, however Treasurer Conzo advised that by choosing to not raise will put the city further behind for Fire/Police pensions. 

There was interest in not raising the taxes at all. 

Alderman Downs made a suggestion to post the Tax Levy with a 1% tax increase.  The item can be amended to a different percentage.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda for December 19th.  Along with a Public Hearing. 

 

Resolution from Ameren Inc. through Volkert Inc. requesting of easement to fortify their Fogerty-Kickapoo line. 

This was brought to the council about a month ago.  There was concern with the size of the easement that runs along the landfill between Lincoln Parkway and the landfill property.  The easement is being proposed so that Ameren can complete vegetation control.  Mr Landers asked them to reduce the size of the easement.  Ameren marked out the size they would need and Mr. Landers was in agreement.  Ameren will pay the city $6,500 for the easement. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

 

Announcements:

  • Christmas Parade is this Thursday at 6:30pm
  • Lincoln Youth Wrestling Railer Rumble wrestling tournament this Sunday at the High School. Start time is 9am
  • Tourism will have coffee and hot chocolate during/after the parade
  • Marsha Fernandes and Spud Newhouse will be the parade grand marshals.
  • New signs have been placed at the entrances to the city showcasing the recent track accomplishments by the High School.
  • Hometown Christmas this Saturday at Lincoln Christian Church

Adjournment:

 

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Hoelfe motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Parrott. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Information is available on the following sites:
Logan County Current Statistics

Memorial Health System  - Includes daily statistics for MHS and a COVID-19 Risk Screening

Local Business Resources
Logan County Department of Public Health
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 

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Contact Information

 

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City Hall
700 Broadway Street
Lincoln, Illinois 62656

(217)735-2815

 

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