COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 6:02 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

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Absent:

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

Oath of Office – Probationary Fire Fighter Brock Casey

Mayor Welch moved this item to go first.  City Attorney John Hoblit swore in Brock Casey.

3^rd Quarter Tourism Report – Alice Roate McCray

Mayor Welch added this item to the agenda. 

Hotel/Motel Tax = $57,000.00 – up from a year ago

Began their new yearly grant with the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.  That grant is in the amount of $37,400.00

Trying something new for advertising. They are using Carousel ads and receiving great feedback with engagement.

461 people stopped in with Tourism related questions, 147 had the Route 66 passport

410 people stopped in the Mill Museum, 148 had the Route 66 passport.

The Mill Museum is closed for the season but will open by appointment only. 

Christmas purchases can be made at the Depot.

Christmas page information is pinned to the top of their Facebook page.

Tourism will look into lighting the mural that was completed at the Beverage Genie.   

Public Comment:

Mark Doolin was present to address the council regarding the recent increase in crime around the city. 

Josh Garrett and Sara Schwantz with RW Garrett – Health Insurance Renewal for City Employees and Retirees

Mr. Garrett and Mrs. Schwantz went over the plans for the City.

Over 65 Retirees policy

Health Alliance is doing away with standalone prescription drug plan.   Max out of pocket is $2,000 with a deductible of $590.  A prescription drug policy will cost $51/month. Or they can take the Medicare Advantage Plan that includes prescription, vision and dental. 

Under 65 policy

Plans from Health Alliance and BCBS were presented. 

The Insurance Committee felt that Health Alliance was the better choice.  A 5-tier plan offer with a 2 year 9% cap and $50,000 retention. 

These plans will be placed on the regular agenda. 

Request to Permit: Lincoln’s Annual Christmas Parade Thursday, December 5, 2024

This item will be placed on the consent agenda.

Lincolnwood Lift Station Control Upgrade

Mr. Bowns does not think this control will not make it much longer.  The upgrade will cost $15,300.00.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda.

Announcements:

• Alderman Parrott attended the Logan County Spark Expo at the Junior High. He created a mock election to encourage students and show the importance of voting.
• Open House on Thursday for the Illinois American new facility that is behind the LWF.

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Eimer motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Downs. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:14 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary