COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers
700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 6:00 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
Public Comment:
There is no one present for public comment.
145 – Influent Pumping Station Upgrade
This is the first phase of construction for Capital Projects. This upgrade includes the replacement of the bar screen, existing grit apparatus, all isolation gates, SCADA system and alarm system. The low bid came in from Plocher Construction at $1.499 million. The project was budgeted for in the amount of $1million. It would not be beneficial to go out for bid again and the bids were relatively close to each other. These are required upgrades. Mr. Bowns is requesting that $500,000 be taken from the Sewer Enterprise Fund to make up the difference on the cost of this phase.
Christy Crites from CMT was present and recommended to the Council to move forward with this bid. She cautioned going out for more bids, those bids will never be less.
This item will be placed on the regular agenda.
Economic Development Grant Approval – Mystic Greenz/Ind. Capital LLC 1120 Woodlawn Rd for front entrance repair/replacement in the amount of $7,500.00.
This grant was brought to the Commission prior to the recent fire that Mystic Greenz had. So this was a project they were already planning to complete.
This item will be placed on the regular agenda.
Purchase of a new 2023 DYNAPAC CC 950 Steel Roller
This machine will replace the 1977 Rexx Roller. This is a smaller machine that can be trailered to each project and easier to use for smaller projects. This is a budgeted item and will cost $33,010.60. It is under a Sourcewell Contract so a discount was received in the amount of $10,354.40. The old Roller will be added to the Surplus sale.
This item will be placed on the regular agenda.
Fencing and Automatic Gate Operators
This is a project/request from Mr. Bowns, Chief Meister and Superintendent Landers. They are asking for 2 new gate operators. One is for the existing manual sewer plant gate. The second is for the new impound lot for the Police Department. The fencing is needed to fence in the impound lot. The budgeted cost is $108,591.12. This cost included adding electrical service to that area. Quotes are included in the packet.
This item will be placed on the regular agenda.
Creation of line item in appropriations for matching grant opportunities
Ashley Metelko was present to address the council regarding grants. Most grants require design engineering to be completed and submitted with grant applications. The request is to create a line for those costs and also for any grants that require a dollar for dollar match.
A few council members feel more comfortable with the City establishing a strategic plan before looking for grants. So that everyone is on the same plan.
The council will move forward with a strategic plan. Mr. Hoblit will make contact with the gentleman that can help with this.
Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda.
Announcements:
- Ribbon cut on Tuesday, July 30th at 9am at the West gate at the Fairgrounds to officially open the fair.
- Mayor Welch thanked all involved for making the 3rd Friday events successful this year.
- Chief Meister addressed the increased calls for solicitors in the area. There is one group that does not have a permit. If you don’t want to deal with the solicitors, simply don’t answer your door. He will be getting no solicitor signs made for the public to pick up at the police department.
- Treasurer Conzo suggested to the council that $1 million or less (of general funds) be put in a certificate of deposit while the interest rates are up. They would be for short terms. The council was in agreement. Conzo will gather rates from area banks and bring them to the next COW.
Adjournment:
There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderwoman Rohlfs motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Eimer. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:14 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted By:
Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary
City of Lincoln