COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

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 Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwoman Wanda Rohlfs, Ward 3

Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Ward 4

Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Remotely:

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Absent:

Alderman Rob Jones, Ward 1

Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Ward 2

Alderman Rick Hoefle, Ward 4

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

The Council held a moment of silence in honor of Robert Rawlins, former Police Chief of the City of Lincoln.  Mayor Welch read a statement issued by Sherriff Mark Landers acknowledging the extensive service to the City of Lincoln by Mr. Rawlins. 

Public Participation:

There was no one present for public participation. 

Adam Mackey – Lincoln Speedway 2023 Tentative Racing Schedule

Mr. Mackey shared a 2023 racing schedule with the council.  He shared that the last 5 years have been very successful and he is hopeful for another successful year. 

This item will be placed on the consent agenda. 

Request to Permit Event with Street Closure – Third Annual Logan County Pride Festival Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 8:30am until 6:00pm.

The Pride organization has had two successful festivals resulting in outgrowing their location at the Logan County Fairground.  They’d like to bring their event to the downtown area to have additional space and to help promote downtown businesses.  Last year’s event had an attendance rate of 1,000 plus.  They are expecting around 2,000 people this year.  The downtown area will also offer ADA accommodations.  The event will be from 10am – 5pm.  Setup and cleanup time is included in the street closure.  There is no rain date.  Vendors need set up on one side of the street to allow for fire trucks to get down in case of an emergency.  The organization requested additional police patrol during the event, Chief Meister will have officers on foot patrol.

This item will be put on the consent agenda.

Economic Development Commission Approvals – Ty Tucker for Commercial Property at 720 Sherman Street in the amount of $7,500.00.  Ty Tucker for Commercial Property at 1112 Keokuk Street in the amount of $7,500.00.  David White/Advanced Heating & Cooling in the amount of $1,375.00.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

An Ordinance authorizing and providing for an Installment Purchase Agreement for the Purchase Agreement for the purpose of financing the cost of certain related projects for the City of Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois and authorizing and provided for the issue of not to exceed $366,060 General Obligation (Limited Tax) Debt Certificates, Series 2023, of said City evidencing the rights to payment under such Agreement, prescribing the details of the Agreement and Certificates, and providing security for and means of payment under the Agreement of the Certificates.  

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

City Engineer – Request for Proposals Review

Alderman Bateman was asked by a couple absent council members to postpone this item until the next COW so that all council members can be present and discuss. 

Announcements:

• Ribbon cutting Saturday, March 4^th @ 9am, at 509 N Chicago, for a Grand Opening event at Wells Firearms
• Congratulations to the Lincoln Lady Railer Basketball team for winning the Super Sectionals. The first state game will be Friday, at 11:45 am at Redbird Arena.
• Alderman Parrott asked what would happen in the case that we would ever be without water. Bowns and Chief Meister stated that there are plans in place for such instances such as FEMA getting involved.
• Rate increase information for the garbage service is on the City website.
• Final total of accounts that paid their sewer bill annually and received a 10% discount.
  • 879 accounts = $393,379.30 was taken in
  • $43,664.81 in savings for those accounts
• The council wished Mayor Welch a Happy Birthday
• Chief Meister thanked the council for the respect shown towards the Rawlins family.

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Bateman motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Downs. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary