Minutes of the City of Lincoln City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, February 11, 2014.

Those present were Alderman Anderson, Alderman Bauer, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, and Alderman Neitzel. Also present were Assistant Street Superintendent Mr. Wright, Safety and Building Officer Mr. Lebegue, Fire Chief Miller, American Water/EMC Mgr. Mr. Ferguson, and Deputy Police Chief Geriets. 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 7:00 p.m. There were five Aldermen present (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Bauer, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, and Alderman Neitzel) and three absent (Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman O’Donohue, and Alderman Tibbs).

Mayor Snyder led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Participation:

There was no Public Participation.

Historic Preservation District Presentation:

Mrs. April Doolin, Chairman of the Lincoln Historic Preservation Commission had a handout for the Aldermen. Type 2 local governments can apply for grants and the City of Lincoln is in the process of becoming a certified local government which is the first step to becoming a type 2 government.

Mayor Snyder stated this item would be placed on the February 18, 2014 meeting agenda.

Commercial Snow Removal:

Ms. McLaughlin said the City of Lincoln has been dealing with a lot of snow and the businesses are putting the snow on the City of Lincoln’s streets. The City is targeting the larger places (businesses) that are putting the snow into the streets. There are isolated residents putting snow out but it is much less than what a business puts out in the streets.

Mr. Lebegue said he looked at what the communities of Streator, Bloomington and Washington, Illinois are doing with their snow. Assistant Street Superintendent Mr. Wright said this is something that is really needed. Alderman Anderson felt they should move forward. Mayor Snyder said the Ordinance would be drafted and then presented to the City Council.

Depositing of Snow, Ice on Public Property Prohibited

It shall be unlawful for any commercial or industrial property owner or a representative of such property or property located in the Commercial and Industrial Districts to deposit snow from private property onto any public street, roadway, alley and sidewalk in the City.

Impound Ordinance:

Ms. McLaughlin said the police department is towing vehicles for criminal violations for things such as DUI, driving without a license etc. There is a statute that allows impounding of vehicles for criminal violations. There will be an administrative fee of $500.00 to get the car out of impound.

Deputy Chief Geriets said the department currently has one person handling the towing of the vehicles.

Code Hearing division ordinance:

Mayor Snyder said the Aldermen would have until February 25, 2014 to look over the Impound Ordinance and the Code Hearing division ordinance.

Other Discussion:

Mr. Ferguson gave an update on the utility easement and the two bids that were received. He recommended going with the Egizii bid of $56,741.51.

Mayor Snyder gave a report that Salt Creek will be closed for 8 ½ months while a new bridge will be erected.

Deputy Chief Geriets said beginning May 1, 2013 the Police Department started looking at different intersections and how to reduce accidents. The speed limit studies were completed and the speed limits will be reduced in certain places on Lincoln Parkway. The study revealed that the lights are working properly.

Upcoming Meetings:

Council:                         Tuesday, February 18, 2014 – 7:00 p.m.                    

Committee of Whole:     Tuesday, February 25, 2014 – 7:00 p.m.

Alderman Anderson moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) acquisition of real estate and Alderman Horn seconded it. City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach called the roll call. . There were five yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Bauer, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, and Alderman Neitzel) zero nays, and three absent (Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman O’Donohue, and Alderman Tibbs); motion carried. The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 8:00 p.m.

The meeting returned to regular Session at 8:59 p.m. City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach called the roll. There were five Aldermen present (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Bauer, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, and Alderman Neitzel) and three absent (Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman O’Donohue, and Alderman Tibbs). 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.

Alderman Neitzel made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Alderman Horn seconded it. There were five yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Bauer, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, and Alderman Neitzel) zero nays, and three absent (Alderman Carmitchel, Alderman O’Donohue, and Alderman Tibbs); motion carried.

The City of Lincoln Committee of the Whole Meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Risa Riggs

Recording Secretary