COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers
700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois
Tuesday, September 26, 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:
Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Ward 1
Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1
Alderman David Sanders, Ward 2
Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2
Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3
Alderwoman Wanda Rohlfs, Ward 3
Alderman Craig Eimer, Ward 4
Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Ward 4
Present:
Peggy Bateman, City Clerk
Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer
John Hoblit, City Attorney
Joe Meister, Police Chief
Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent
Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer
Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager
Absent:
Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief
Presiding:
Mayor Tracy Welch
Public Participation:
There was no one present for public participation.
Oath of Office New Police Officer Jacquelynn Hannel
Ms. Hannel was sworn in by City Attorney John Hoblit.
Lisa Drew & Kathy Williams – Request for funding for Downtown Christmas Express
Kathy Williams made the request to the council for $2500 to help fund Christmas lights that will go along the roofline of each downtown building except for the old Oasis and the Post Office. There are also snowflake lights to go around the poles. They are also requesting funds from Tourism and the County.
Alderman Parrott feels that the council should direct this to Tourism like they’ve done for other similar requests.
Alderman Bateman liked the idea of the city taking on this project and using Hotel/Motel funds.
This item will be placed on the regular agenda for $2,500.00.
Economic Development Grant Approvals; Structural Grant – Alley Bi Saloon, Inc., 415 Pulaski Street; Structural Grant – Infiniti Real Estate, LLC, 624 Woodlawn Rd.; Façade Grant – Alley Bi Saloon, Inc., 415 Pulaski Street.
These items will be placed separately on the agenda.
Purchase of Police Service Dog, Training and Related Equipment
The last police dog was retired in January of 2023. The department has a new K9 vehicle already equipped. Officer Chris Phillips had been appointed as the new K9 handler.
This item will be placed on the regular agenda.
Mayor Welch added an item to the agenda.
Tourism lease agreement
Tourism has applied for a grant but cannot move forward with it due to the lease agreement with the City of Lincoln needing renewed. Mayor Welch asked for a nod from the Council tonight for permission to sign that lease agreement prior to a vote on this item next week.
Since there is no dollar amount change, the council was ok with Mayor Welch signing ahead of a vote.
This item will be placed on the regular agenda.
Announcements
- CIVC will be handing over the keys to the 4th tiny home at 908 Decatur Street on Wednesday, September 27, 2023
- Mayor Welch shared that he and department heads are working on getting educational information out to the public regarding the new 4 way intersection at W. Kickapoo and S. College.
- There will be Railroad Crossing work done starting next week. Crossings include 5th St, Stringer Ave, S. State St, and Postville Dr.
- Sewer Department will be repairing a sewer main on N. College St near the High rise. Use caution in this area.
Executive Session | 2 (C) (11) Litigation:
There being no further announcements to come before the council, Alderman Downs made a motion to move into Executive Session, seconded by Alderwoman Rohlfs. City Clerk Bateman called the roll.
Present:
Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Ward 1
Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1
Alderman David Sanders, Ward 2
Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2
Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3
Alderwoman Wanda Rohlfs, Ward 3
Alderman Craig Eimer, Ward 4
Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Ward 4
Yeas: (8) Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Wanda Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman David Sanders
Nays: (0)
Abstain: (0)
Absent: (0)
The council recessed from the meeting at 7:45 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 8:38 pm in order to reconvene the Committee of the Whole meeting. Roll call was taken.
Present:
Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Ward 1
Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1
Alderman David Sanders, Ward 2
Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2
Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3
Alderwoman Wanda Rohlfs, Ward 3
Alderman Craig Eimer, Ward 4
Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Ward 4
Adjournment:
There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderwoman O’Donoghue motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Parrott. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 8:38 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted By:
Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary
City of Lincoln