Minutes of the City of Lincoln City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, October 29, 2013.

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

Mayor Snyder called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. There were eight Aldermen present (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman O'Donohue, Alderman Tibbs and Alderman Wilmert) and none absent.

Mayor Snyder led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Participation:

There was no public participation.

City Treasurer’s Annual Report for FY 13:

City Treasurer Mr. Conzo went over the Annual Report. The report will be discussed at the City Council meeting on November 4, 2013. Mr. Conzo asked Mayor Snyder to add the Annual Report to the November 4, 2013 agenda.

Fast Track Demolition – 803 Short 8^th Street:

Mr. Lebegue said two properties are to be demolished. 803 Short 8^th Street has been vacant for more than a year. The water has been shut off, the roof is collapsing and the chimney is falling off the house. The inside is not in livable condition. He has gotten a competitive price from Goodman, Inc. at $4,600.00. He received a bid from Moody Excavating but his recommendation would be Goodman, Inc. for this particular demolition. There is a credit at the landfill which would cover this house since it is so small.

Fast Track Demolition – 424 North Jefferson:

424 North Jefferson has been a chronic nuisance and has maintenance issues. This property sustained a fire in 2010 and has not been habitable. The estimate came in at $4,750.00 by Jim Moody Excavating. There would still be a sufficient allowance at the landfill to cover the cost of disposable. With the City Council’s approval, Mr. Lebegue will get with the City Attorney, Mr. Bates to begin the process.

Alderman Hoinacki said he would like to see more money in the budget next year so they can move forward with demolition and dumping. Mr. Lebegue said he worked with Mr. Conzo and paid the fees from the previous budget. Ms. McLaughlin said there is $25,000.00 in the budget for demolition.

Everyone agreed to put both demolitions on the Consent Agenda for November 4, 2013.

Strategic Planning Discussion and Engagement of Consultant:

Mayor Snyder said there has been prior discussion about doing strategic planning. There was a presentation at the Illinois Municipal League conference. Mayor Snyder went over a survey with the Aldermen (he had a handout for Aldermen and Department Heads).

Alderman Hoinacki said the session was a good one with a lot of information. Alderman Horn said the lady was a good presenter. Mayor Snyder said this was on a previous agenda.

Ms. McLaughlin said QCLC was $250.00 less than the lowest firm. She was inaccurate at the previous meeting when she stated the difference was due to travel being extra. This amount included travel but the references were at least two years old. In addition, the City Council would be looking at over 700 hours for their strategic planning package. NIU’s process is much more streamlined they will do pre-work and surveys.

Alderman Hoinacki said the presenter at the IML had used the NIU organization. Mayor Snyder said to add this item to the Regular Agenda.

Plat of Dedication – 1010 Heitmann Drive:

Mr. Lebegue said a plat was submitted to the Zoning office. This started out as a private roadway for the trucks but this will be a public roadway to serve future development. The roadway that is being proposed has a 50 foot right of way with a cul-de-sac at the east end. There will also be easements for the storm water sewer, sanitary sewer and water for that area. This needs to be on the agenda for approval. This will not have to go through the Planning Commission.

Ms. McLaughlin said this street was a concern originally because it was slated to be a private road. But this wraps everything up nicely by making it a public street and making the contractors build it to the City of Lincoln’s standards. Mayor Snyder said put this on the consent agenda for Monday.  

Pulaski Street Pay estimate for Stark Excavation in the amount of $195,190.80:

Ms. McLaughlin said this was the first pay estimate. Mr. Bryce Beckstrom with Prairie Engineers said the curb on the IGA side of block was poured today, October 29, 2013. Mr. Beckstrom said the schedule is about where they thought it would be.

This item was put on the Consent Agenda at the request of Mayor Snyder.

Other Discussion:

There was nothing for discussion.

Announcements:

Everyone was given a coloring book for the Fire Department which has pictures of the Lincoln Fire Department members and a personal touch.

National Honor Society, Saturday, November 2, 2013 will plant tulips in the Shea Parking lot. The tulips are $15.00 per bag and they need approximately 8-10 bags.

Police Chief Greenslate said trick or treat hours are 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on October 31, 2013. The fire department and police department will be handing out candy at the safety complex.

Police Chief Greenslate said to be careful about props that appear as real firearms.

On Wednesday, October 30, 2013, the Park District will have their funfest from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Mayor Snyder thanked the Park District, Main Street Lincoln, Kathy Vinyard and everyone that worked on Trick or Treat with the Mayor and Trunk or Treat. They gave out over 178 bags to the children.

Alderman Horn said the search is on for a new Economic Development Director.

Alderman Anderson said the Oglesby Bridge is gone and a big excavator is sitting there as a roadblock.

Upcoming Meetings:

Council:                          November 4, 2013 – 7:00 p.m.                          

Committee of Whole:     November 12, 2013 – 7:00 p.m.

Alderman Anderson moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) personnel and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) probable or possible or imminent litigation and Alderman Horn seconded it. City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach called the roll call. There were eight yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman O'Donohue, Alderman Tibbs, and Alderman Wilmert) zero nays, and none absent; motion carried. The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 7:34 p.m.

The meeting returned to regular Session at 8:41 p.m. City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach called the roll. There were eight Aldermen present (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman O’Donohue, Alderman Tibbs, and Alderman Wilmert) and none absent. Also present were Mayor Snyder, City Treasurer Mr. Conzo, City Attorney Mr. Blinn Bates, City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach, City Administrator Ms. McLaughlin, and Recording Secretary Mrs. Riggs.

Mayor Snyder asked to be reminded to do a moment of silence for Mr. Hoagland and Richard Funk at the 11/4/13 meeting.

Alderman Neitzel made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Alderman Anderson seconded it. There were eight yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman O'Donohue, Alderman Tibbs, and Alderman Wilmert), zero nays, and none absent; motion carried.

The City of Lincoln Committee of the Whole Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Risa Riggs

Recording Secretary