Lincoln, Illinois

City Council Committee's Meeting

May 28, 2013

Minutes of the City of Lincoln City Council Committees' Meeting held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

Those present were Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman O'Donohue, Alderman Tibbs, and Alderman Wilmert. Also present were Street Superintendent Mr. Jackson, City Engineer Mr. Forgy, Safety and Building Officer Mr. Lebegue, Fire Chief Miller, American Water/EMC Mgr. Mr. Ferguson, and Police Chief Greenslate. Also present were City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach, City Attorney Mr. Blinn Bates, City Treasurer Mr. Conzo, and Recording Secretary Mrs. Riggs.  

Mayor Snyder called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. There were seven Aldermen present (Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman O'Donohue, Alderman Tibbs, and Alderman Wilmert) and one absent (Alderman Anderson).

The Pledge was led recited by all.

Mayor Snyder said they had moved the podium out and replaced it with a desk and microphone.

Humane Society Plat for Pet Cemetery:

Mr. Lebegue went over the Pet Cemetery project. It was unanimously approved at the May 16, 2013 Planning Commission meeting.

Mrs. Marilyn Wheat said she hoped that this would be passed. The plots will be $250.00 and they will be 3 X 5. All the profits go to the Humane Society. Any animal has to be cremated.

Public Participation:

Pete Helton with D & D Sewer discussed Union Street patch due to a break that has happened. There was discussion about the timing, the settling of the rock and the issue with getting it done and how.

FY 14 Street Project Review:

City Engineer Mr. Forgy went over the projects that were presented: Pulaski Street, Oglesby Avenue (completed bidding documents), South Kickapoo Street (narrow street, rumble strips and markings), brick street repair (not enough bricks until the Pulaski Street project is done), and additional roadway projects (outside consultant Maurer-Stutz, Inc. of Peoria). There was a discussion about how long they have waited to do Pulaski Street. They will be coming at a later date for 5^th Street Road project (land acquisition, etc.).

Mayor Snyder thought this was just informational and would not be voted on. Alderman Carmitchel and Alderman Wilmert were concerned and cautious about the rumble strip. Alderman Hoinacki felt the same way. Alderman O'Donohue asked about cameras.

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FY 14 Street Project Review:

Police Chief Greenslate said he would have to do some checking to see if Lincoln could get those. Mr. Forgy said they had looked at a sign that tells what they are doing on speed. Alderman Carmitchel asked for this to be looked into.

Detour Route for closing of rail crossing on Logan Street on 5/30-5/31 by the Canadian National Railroad:

Mr. Jackson said the traffic will be rerouted through N. Kankakee to Omaha over to the bottle factory.

Public Works Director Job Description and Ordinance:

Mayor Snyder said Ms. McLaughlin was on vacation this week. Everyone had the information to review. Alderman Carmitchel said he needs more information (what will it change, replace, full-time, part-time, etc.). Mayor Snyder said Prairie Engineers is looking at getting out of the engineering. This person would be over street department and sewer department (oversee sewer contractual and after contract runs out . Alderman Carmitchel said he had other issues for executive sessions.

Lincoln-Logan County Tourism bureau expectations:

Alderman Anderson handed this out two weeks ago. Alderman O'Donohue went over the expectations. Alderman Neitzel said read that the City of Lincoln would have two people on the board.

Alderman O'Donohue said he thought the city should take over the money but continue to fund the tourism bureau but the city take over the money to give out the funds. He wanted to see two members that own hotel/motels. He used Ron Keller as an example. The outlying communities are worried because they don't know the end results and expectations. They should give them until December, 2014.

Mayor Snyder and Alderman O'Donohue are on the search committee. Alderman O'Donohue does get a grant every year. Alderman Wilmert felt they should wait until the time is up. If the expectations are not met then the City will pull the money.   Alderman O'Donohue said he was putting this on the agenda and it would either be voted up or down. The Mill is not part of the tourism bureau. Alderman O'Donohue said he thought it was appropriate for the city to have expectations for the tourism bureau. The expectations to go on as a separate item. The first issue is the hotel/motel tax and fund until December 1, 2014. Mayor Snyder said the expectations are good and there was only one brochure from 2010.

Sculpture unveiling: Tuesday, June 4, 2013,4 p.m., Sangamon Street parking area:

Mayor Snyder said the unveiling will happen at 4:00 p.m. before the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce event.

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Updates: From the Ground Up.:

Mayor Snyder went over several items: rotary planters out now, Thursday evening they will plant those, Monday, we will have bird houses on display, thanked the fire department for planting around the trees, Mr. Jackson's guys will work on putting the piece back on the steps in front of City Hall, a hidden Lincoln project, schedule painting work date, new mural downtown, and Creative Arts from Lincoln Christian University.

Announcements:

Mr. Jackson said they would start this Wednesday spraying for mosquitoes.

Alderman Tibbs said she got a nice call today about how polite the street department was and thanked the City for their work.

Mr. Forgy said the restoration is not great for the fiber optic cable and he has contacted IDOT.

Upcoming Meetings:

Council:                          June 3, 2013 – Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.                      

Committee of Whole:     June 11, 2013 – 7:00 p.m.

Alderman Carmitchel moved to go into Executive Session under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) personnel, hiring, firing and discipline and Alderman Horn seconded it. City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach called the roll call. There were seven yeas (Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman O'Donohue, Alderman Tibbs, and Alderman Wilmert) zero nays, and one absent (Alderman Anderson); motion carried. The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 8:25 p.m.

The meeting returned to regular Session at 8:55 p.m. City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach called the roll. There were seven Aldermen present (Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman O’Donohue, Alderman Tibbs, and Alderman Wilmert) and one absent(Alderman Anderson). Also present were City Treasurer Mr. Conzo, City Attorney Mr. Blinn Bates, City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach, and Recording Secretary Mrs. Riggs.

Alderman Neitzel made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Alderman Tibbs seconded it. There were seven yeas (Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman O'Donohue, Alderman Tibbs, and Alderman Wilmert), zero nays, and one absent (Alderman Anderson); motion carried.

The City of Lincoln Committee’s as a Whole Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Risa Riggs, Recording Secretary