COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers
700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
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
Ty Johnson, Fire Chief
Joe Meister, Police Chief – left after public participation
Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent
Absent:
Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer
Remote:
Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager
Justin Cheagar – Stone River Group
Presiding:
Mayor Tracy Welch
The Council had a moment of silence in memory of Danny Wheat.
Public Participation
There was no one present for public participation
Oath of Office:
Brennan Elsas Fire Fighter
Brennan Elsas was sworn in by City Attorney John Hoblit.
City of Lincoln Lighting Project
This is a project that will update all City of Lincoln buildings, that haven’t been updated, with LED lightbulbs. The new fixtures will also be motion censored which will turn the light off when there is no movement which conserves energy. Ameren will provide $45,000 worth of lighting materials. The Labor to install will be at the cost of the City but the return will be approx. 15 months because of the energy savings. The Labor cost will be $16,180.00
This item will be placed on the regular agenda.
Economic Development Commission Grant Approvals
Structural Improvement Grant for Big Shot Properties LLC at 118 Commercial Drive for multiple door replacements and insulation in the amount of $7,500.00. Contingent of receiving a second bid.
This item will be placed on the regular agenda.
Proposal for the Annual Grinding at the Landscape Waste Facility
Two proposals were received from R & R Services of Illinois and Henson Services. Henson Services had the lowest proposal at $18,900.00
This item will be placed on the regular agenda.
Discussion of adding a Deputy Fire Chief Position
Chief Johnson stated that when he began with the City in 2000, they would run 300 calls a year. They now run 3000 calls a year. He said his assistant chiefs are operational firefighters and do not help him in the office and shouldn’t help them in the office. They can sometimes be up all night on calls.
He also said with the West side expansion of Lincoln, there needs to be a 2nd station in the next 5-10 years that will need to be manned.
This will be placed on the regular agenda.
Ground Mounted Solar Regulations
Ordinance adjustments: Ground Mounted Solar has been removed from the R1 and R2 districts. A maximum height is 12 feet and more stringent fencing requirements. Community Solar farms have more stringent perimeter fencing requirements.
There was concern regarding the wording of the fence height. More clarification is needed on the fence height. Some council members feel that if the purpose of the fence is to block the panels, then the fence should be the full height of the panels even at full tilt which is 12 feet.
This item will be brought back to the next COW.
Mayor Welch moved to an item not on the agenda.
There was a report put on each council member’s desk. This was a request from Alderman Parrott. The report shows the savings in solar at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Renewal of Certificate of Deposit
The City has a CD coming due. United Community Bank has a 4.35% renewal rate available.
Because interest rates can change daily, Treasurer Conzo would like to renew this CD tomorrow with the Council’s approval. The Council gave the go ahead. There will still be a vote at the next meeting.
This item will be placed on the regular agenda.
Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda.
Announcements:
- 1120 Sewer accounts took the 10% savings. $503,340.89 taken in. 21 more accounts than last year.
- UPRR will be releasing a new locomotive in celebration of the 216th birthday of Abraham Lincoln.
- Congratulations to the Lincoln Wrestling Team and Coach Dietrich on a great season.
- This is the last week for Sorrento’s pizza.
- IAW will be doing work next week in the 100 block of S. Kickapoo. The Street will be closed during the work.
Adjournment:
There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Downs motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Eimer. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted By:
Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary
City of Lincoln