COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 6:01 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 Lee Rohlfs, Ward 3

Alderman Craig Eimer, Ward 4

Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Ward 4

Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

Mayor Welch moved item four up before public comment.    

Oath of Office – Patrolman Paul Becker

                             Patrolman Devin LaSanka

Both sworn in by City Attorney John Hoblit

Public Comment:

There is no one present for public comment

Soren Aukamp – Eagle Scout Service Project

Soren has been an Eagle Scout with the Lincoln troop for 6 years.  For a project, he’d like to repaint the hot air balloon mural on the underpass on W. Kickapoo.  He’d need the support from the city to do so.  He’d need help to power wash the old paint off and a commercial primer.  He hopes to paint late July. He will bring back to the Council some estimates and an idea of what he plans to paint. 

Request to permit: Lincoln Community High School Senior Parade Saturday, May 4, 2024.

This item will be placed on the consent agenda.

Request to permit:  Lincoln Park District 5K run Saturday, August 24, 2024

This item will be placed on the consent agenda. 

Proclamation – Arbor Day Celebration

This is a requirement for the city to maintain the status of a Tree City USA city. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

Resolution approving the Content of Certain Executive Session Meeting Minutes

This is performed once every 6 months per state statute to ensure that these meeting minutes stay confidential. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Grit Classifier Repair

One bearing and one seal have failed. Mr. Bowns is asking for approval to purchase two of each item to have backups in the future.  Cost is $6,095 plus shipping.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

Methane and Hydrogen Sulfide Sensors and Meters

Two of the sensors have failed, the meter is in question according to the inspector. Repair estimate is $8,988.  He doesn’t expect it to cost the full amount but would like the full amount approved. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Park Maintenance Agreement between Lincoln Park District and City of Lincoln

Discussions have been had between the City and the Park District to reach this agreement. Names and addresses of parks will be added to the agreement.  Mr. Hoblit will draft a resolution to give the Mayor the authority to approve this agreement. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Discussion of Budget FY 2024-2025

The Council was given copies of the Budget draft last week.  Alderwoman McClellan and Alderman Sanders were on the committee this year.  The Committee met with each department head individually. 

Revenue projections may change.  Treasurer Conzo answered questions from the council. 

This will be published in the Courier on Thursday.  Required meetings will be scheduled regarding the budget. 

Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda.

Announcements:

• Mayor Welch thanked everyone that was involved in the Champion of Parade.

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Downs motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Parrott. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary