COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 6:04 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

Remotely:

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

Public Comment:

There is no one present for public comment. 

Oath of Office – Brian Romanotto Jr – Probationary Fire Fighter

                            Marshal Call – Probationary Fire Fighter

Both were sworn in by City Attorney John Hoblit

Alice Roate – Tourism Quarterly Report

2nd Quarter Report

Revenue is down 10%

Grants received:

$39,779 from DECO and 2^nd round 7684.00

Digital marketing efforts continue

431 Tourism related questions and 114 had Route 66 passports.

483 visitors at The Mill and 186 people had a Route 66 passport

Construction Engineering/Administration

This is a contract for CMT to do the Construction and Engineering services through the Influent pumping station that was just approved. Cost is in the amount not to exceed $100,000 and is a budgeted item. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Hiring of Code Enforcement Officer

Chief Meister has recommended retired Officer Rod Harrison be hired as the new Code Enforcement Officer for the Police Department.  Mr. Harrison is a retired from the Menard County Sherriff’s office where he was Sherriff for the last 4 years of his career.  He is also a part time SRO in Menard County so he will only be available 1-2 days per week. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

An Ordinance authorizing the purchase of Real Estate

This is for the purchase of a piece of land for a lift station.  Property description is in the packet.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Curb & Sidewalk Improvement Initial Targets

Targets and budgeting are in the packet. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

An Ordinance authorizing and providing for the issuance of not to exceed $6,000,000 aggregate principal amount General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2024 of the City of Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois and for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on said bonds.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Proposal for Certificates of Deposit

The city has used CD’s in the past when the interest rates were favorable.  Treasurer Conzo doesn’t feel that will be the case for much longer. 

This item will be on the regular agenda.

Announcements:

• Chief Meister had No Solicitor signs for the public to pick up at City Hall during opening hours. They are $1 each.
• The City of Lincoln has seen a spike in burglaries. Chief Meister urged the public to keep your property locked up. Houses, garages, trailers, cars etc. 
• Races this weekend at the Fairgrounds
• Shay parking lot, behind the Arcade, will be closed briefing this Friday to clean up the weeds before the weekend
• Today is Left Handed people day.

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Parrott motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderwoman McClellan. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary