Lincoln, Illinois
June 16, 2008
Minutes of a regular City Council Meeting held in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Lincoln, IL, on Monday, June 16, 2008.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman called the regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the roll. There were ten Aldermen present (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Prather, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs) and none absent. Also present were Department Heads Fire Chief Hulett, Police Deputy Chief Geriets, City Engineer Mr. Mathon, EMC Manager Mr. Kitzmiller, and Street and Alley Superintendent Mr. Jackson. Also present were City Treasurer Mr. Plotner, City Clerk Ms. Riggs, Mayor Davis-Kavelman, and City Attorney Mr. Bates.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Alderman Tibbs.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman called for the Presentation of the Minutes:
Alderman Huskins said I move to approve the Regular Council meeting minutes of 06/02/08 as published and Alderman Neitzel seconded it. There were ten yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Prather, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and none absent; motion carried.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked for the Presentation of Petitions:
Petition for No Parking on the East side of N. Hamilton Street between the railroad tracks and Galena Street by Misty Heath
Alderman Horn asked to leave this item on the table.
Petition to close Hamilton Street from Delavan Street to the alley North of Pekin Street on July 18, 2008 by Marcia Well, Lincoln Christian Church
Alderman Horn said I move to approve the Petition to close Hamilton Street from Delavan Street to the alley North of Pekin Street on July 18, 2008 from 5:00 to 8:30 and Alderman Prather seconded it. Alderman Neitzel said subject to insurance. Alderman Horn said subject to insurance yes thank you. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said what’s this for again. Alderman Horn said they are hosting a family event with young children crossing the street it’s the end of a week long celebration at Christian Church. There were ten yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Prather, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and none absent; motion carried.
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June 16, 2008; Page 2
Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked for the Presentation of Communications:
Alderman Neitzel said the DARE program has invited us to attend the golf outing this Friday. Anyone that is interested please see Ms. Riggs as well as the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital for June 27 so anyone interested in golfing that day see Ms. Riggs.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman said this follows up with several years ago we talked about being invited in the community events and City Council so we are rotating so if you are interested in golfing either one of those days please let us know and we’ll play a foursome together for community public relations.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked for the Presentation of Bids:
City Clerk Ms. Riggs stated that there were no Bids to come before the City Council.
The Mayor then asked for the Presentation of Ordinances and Resolutions:
Ordinance Adding Subsection C to Title 11, Chapter 5, Section 7 of the City code of the City of Lincoln
Alderman Rohlfs asked City Clerk Ms. Riggs to read the Committee’s Report. City Clerk Ms. Riggs read the Committee’s Report. Alderman Rohlfs said I move to adopt the Committee’s Report and Alderman Prather seconded it. There were ten yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Prather, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and none absent; motion carried. Alderman Rohlfs said I move to adopt the Ordinance Adding Subsection C to Title 11, Chapter 5, Section 7 of the City code of the City of Lincoln and waive the second reading and Alderman Prather seconded it.
Alderman Huskins said I would just like to clarify something that’s been written in the paper and it’s been across I guess Channel 5 and a few other things. I am not against the racing but what I’m against is when the guy stands up here and tells you 11:00 is 11:00, 10:30 is 10:30 you know it’s nice the newspaper put it and Channel 5 put it and the way Mr. I guess Hammer did publicize my telephone number so they could call. I’m glad to get the calls but instead of calling me the next time with complaints they need to call the police that’s where it’s got to go first but I’ve never said once I was against. I’ve listened to my constituents my constituents yeah Mr. Hammer came up here and Mr. Horn they said they were going to control the dust last year I prove by Alderman Neitzel and I don’t want to get her involved but if you go out there and look at my house how much dust from the racetrack. I mean we get a lot of dust out there and that is what a lot of people complain about. The noise and them running after the hours they asked for. It’s not that I am against the races I am a race fan I mean I go to NASCAR myself I listen to my constituents I just want everybody to know that someone else has gotten calls and it wasn’t me last time. It seemed like everyone got calls last time. Also Mayor it seems like when we get a lot of calls it is on Sunday nights. I don’t get any calls on Saturday do you Alderman Anderson does anybody when it’s on Saturday nights ok that’s one.
Lincoln, Illinois
June 16, 2008; Page 3
Ordinance Adding Subsection C to Title 11, Chapter 5, Section 7 of the City code of the City of Lincoln
Alderman Huskins said Alderman Prather and I and some of us that have sat up here the calls stopped am I right Alderman Prather when they started having them on Saturday nights versus Sunday nights.
Alderman Prather said the majority of the calls are on Sunday nights.
Alderman Huskins said I just want to clarify for the newspaper for Mr. O’Donohue and the Racetrack that I’m not against it but what I am against is when somebody gives you their word and then they don’t stand by it thank you mayor.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman said thank you Alderman Neitzel.
Alderman Neitzel said I just want to say that I am not against the racetrack either I have voted yes on the racetrack on every phase of it the extra time the extra half hour this ordinance that we have adopted tonight is not against the racetrack it’s actually for the citizens of Lincoln. They want something in place and I don’t think Mr. Hammer or Mr. Horn is going to let what happened the last time happen again. I really don’t think they will but we got to accommodate the people of Lincoln too so we’re trying just to work with both sides and even though I don’t like voting for this but I will vote for this for the citizens of Lincoln and hope that Mr. Hammer and Mr. Horn understand thank you.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman called on Alderman Rohlfs.
Alderman Rohlfs said I did get a call Saturday night also and I have not been out by the racetrack since they’ve started but we decided to drive out this Saturday night and the dust was unbelievable so I understand what you’re saying because you could just see the cloud over the racetrack with lights the dust that was there. I think that that is possibly an issue but the noise again was fairly loud but it depends on the direction.
Alderman Huskins said the wind you’re right. Alderman Neitzel said yes. Alderman Rohlfs said as to which direction it’s going and again I think as Alderman Neitzel said this ordinance tonight is not about any of those issues. Alderman Huskins said right I didn’t say it was. Alderman Rohlfs said it is about establishing some criteria which says should you go past the 11:00 curfew they had asked for. Alderman Huskins said can I say something. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said well ok. Alderman Huskins said I didn’t say anything about the ordinance or this it’s just the way that it has been written in the papers. Alderman Rohlfs said it was in there tonight again.
Alderman Huskins said that’s my issue it seems like I am a negative but I am not negative I do listen to my constituents as I said some of these issues were brought up and I still hear from the thing of it is they give you their word and then they don’t do it that’s what I am against.
Lincoln, Illinois
June 16, 2008; Page 4
Ordinance Adding Subsection C to Title 11, Chapter 5, Section 7 of the City code of the City of Lincoln
Alderman Huskins said I am not trying to sit here and repeat myself.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman said anyone else. She called on Alderman Tibbs.
Alderman Tibbs said thank you mayor the person that called me Saturday night also called me Sunday night. It’s just the same individual I do not have negative calls on the racetrack I have positive calls and I will be voting my constituents I will be voting against this instrument and later on this evening I think that I am going to come forward and tell you about the results of me talking with probably 25-30 businesses on the West including the downtown businesses and with the impact of our racetrack does for the economy of our city so thank Mayor.
Alderman Huskins said I don’t think it has that big of impact but you can say what you want.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman called on City Attorney Mr. Bates.
Mr. Bates said well Alderman Rohlfs just mentioned that they go past the 11:00 curfew and I just want to clarify that is not this ordinance that if they go past any curfew be it 11:00 or 10:30 if they go past the curfew the fine kicks in not just the 11:00. I’ve had some inquiries about what this ordinance applies to and does not apply and this ordinance applies to the racing at the fairgrounds. This ordinance isn’t applicable to other noise issues in the community and if there are other noise issues in the community that you want to address that will take a different procedure. This is not the document that does that. I am just being clear on what it does and doesn’t do.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman said I want to clarify one more thing too because we talked this is because Special Use right is why this is different than any other noise.
Mr. Bates said this operation is authorized by a special use and according to the Ordinance granting the special use it is pursuant to such conditions as are imposed by the City Council and the Lincoln Planning Commission. This is one of the conditions the City Council is imposing on this special use.
City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call. There were eight yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Prather, Alderman Neitzel, and Alderman Rohlfs), two nays (Alderman Armbrust and Alderman Tibbs), and none absent; motion carried.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman said I do have one other issue to talk about with the racetrack but I will do that under new business. We cannot take any action right now but I do have to bring something up.
Lincoln, Illinois
June 16, 2008; Page 5
Approval of a moratorium on installation of billboards in the City limits until a new Ordinance is approved
Alderman Rohlfs asked City Clerk Ms. Riggs to read the Committee’s Report. Ms. Riggs said if the City Attorney allows.
Mr. Bates said maybe before we get to that I might say a few things being gone last week I wasn’t privy to the conversations that went on but I have had some conversations with the attorney that’s representing Mid America Advertising and it does have an application on file. He has cited some cases that I’ve had a chance to read today and it’s somewhat a bit of a gray area if you can do a moratorium. I think you probably can but you can’t do it simply by a motion. I think you’re going to have to have a moratorium if you’re going to change an ordinance you have to do it by ordinance. You have ordinances in your code book in Chapter 7 of Title 4 dealing with billboards and signs and then also Title 8 of Chapter 10 dealing with signs. Mr. Last has had problems with not just billboards but also with some signs so I have quickly today put together a proposed ordinance that essentially would put a moratorium on the issuance of any issuance of permits for signs or billboards until a date certain and then by that date you are going to need to have new ordinances in place if you’re going to change it. If you don’t it will revert back to the old ordinances so as opposed to being able to do this action by motion if you want to do it, it is going to be by ordinance. I don’t know if this ordinance I wrote today says what you want it to say or not but when I realized it had to be by ordinance I put something together so you could at least consider it if you want to hear it.
Alderman Rohlfs asked Mr. Bates to read and to read it fairly slowly I know that you are a fast reader so that we can kind of digest it. Mr. Bates read the ordinance. Alderman Rohlfs said I move to waive the second reading and to adopt the Ordinance for Billboards and Signs as read inserting the date of September 15, 2008 I believe that’s 90 days and Alderman Prather seconded it. Alderman Rohlfs said Mr. Last is not here or I would have him get input on that date but it is 90 days I would hope between the two of us. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said Mr. Last is home ill. Mr. Bates said I think it needs to be clear that there isn’t any question in my mind there wasn’t the day Mr. Last called me and there isn’t yet today he has to process the application he has on file and I have the check for the permit fee on that and asked Ms. Riggs if she would give him that. Ms. Riggs said yes I will.
Alderman Rohlfs said that was discussed in our meeting last Tuesday and that was the agreement of the committee that we go ahead with those that are already on file here. A question along those same lines as far as signage if an individual business has a sign and it is on between the sidewalk and the street portion is that something that is acceptable because there are a number of signs I’ve noticed as I was riding around this weekend that are basically on city property and if that’s not legal we need to make some kind of statement that if they have signs there they need to be moved off city property.
Lincoln, Illinois
June 16, 2008; Page 6
Approval of a moratorium on installation of billboards in the City limits until a new Ordinance is approved
Mr. Bates said I want to point something out so that you understand you pass this ordinance you’ve placed a moratorium on all these ordinances and the code you’ve also placed a moratorium on our ability to enforce the ordinances so you can’t pick and choose the parts that you want if there’s any enforcement provisions in any of these ordinances we would not able to enforce them. I can think of one sign in particular that I know Mr. Last is not at all happy about it and he keeps working with the property owner to get that sign removed and by passing this ordinance there can be no ability to do any enforcement on that sign or any other.
Alderman Rohlfs said the big picture is it worth those 90 days. Mr. Bates said you lose your enforcement ability from tomorrow to September 15th. Alderman Prather said could it be stated in there or sooner if you get it done quicker. Mr. Bates said if we get it done quicker the ordinance would replace the old one so it doesn’t matter. Alderman Prather said we have until September 15. Mr. Bates said these particular ordinances will not be affected until after September 15 if we get new ones drafted August 15th they would be effective when passed. Alderman Prather said so if we get right on it what you just mentioned shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Mr. Bates said Mr. Last may not be happy about the one I’m thinking of but I haven’t gotten anything done with it since it’s been up. City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call. There were ten yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Prather, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and none absent; motion carried.
The Mayor then asked for the Presentation of Claims, Presentations, Reading, Reference and Reports Thereon:
Alderman Huskins made a motion by Roll Call to approve: Finance, Policy & Procedure, Streets & Alleys, Police, Ordinance and Zoning, Sidewalks, Forestry, Lighting, Fire/Water & ESDA, and Grounds, Buildings & Local Improvements Committees' Reports by roll call and Alderman Neitzel seconded it. City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call. There were ten yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Prather, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and none absent; motion carried.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman then asked for the Presentation of Official Reports:
City Clerk’s Report for May, 2008 was handed out at last week’s committee workshop.
City Treasurer Mr. Plotner gave an Oral Report for May, 2008.
Lincoln, Illinois
June 16, 2008; Page 7
Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked for the Presentation of Special Reports:
The written reports by the department heads (Operation’s Report for the Sewerage Treatment Plant for May, 2008, Street Superintendent's Report for May 2008, Police Department report for May, 2008, Engineering Report for April 2008, and Fire Department’s Report for May 2008) are on file.
Alderman Tibbs said I would like to ask Mr. Mathon how we are coming with the College and 5th Street Project. Mr. Mathon said I’ve discussed getting the traffic count information and some intersection information from the state or their legs as well as cross streets and I’ve got a second letter that is in to them waiting to get the information back from them. Alderman Prather said have we actually applied for the signal yet or requested them to do the study. Mr. Mathon said that’s the stage we’re at right now I’ve requested what information they can give us. Alderman Prather said is that normally this difficult to get. Mr. Mathon said I’m surprised I haven’t gotten a reply yet but I’ve discussed it with two engineers at the Springfield office. Alderman Prather said we started talking about this last fall.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman said we have the Economic Development Partnership Director do you want to speak here real quickly on an upcoming event.
Mr. Joel Smiley said two things we’ve actually got three things real quick. Next Wednesday which is going to be June 25 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Lincoln College it’s going to be at the Meyer Evans Student Center the Alumni room we’re going to be launching our five year strategic plan and Capital Campaign to go with it. Our goal is to raise $1.3 to $1.5M over five years and that is going to include in kind contributions hopefully both in land and infrastructure. This is the largest undertaking of its type that we’ve ever done before and we’re very optimistic that we are going to be able to move forward (couldn’t hear) our programs. We’re encouraging though definitely encourage the Council has been fantastic in supporting the partnership and we definitely want to encourage you to come out to that event as we unveil it. However, I would also ask the Council to allow me to come back after it’s been approved by my board Wednesday night sometime here in the next month or so. I would really like to lay that out for the Council and ask and answer any questions at that point. Two other things I want to mention real quick beginning next week I want to improve communication and I want to make sure that not just residents of Lincoln but throughout the county really know what we’re doing. I’ve got a column that’s going to be going out and it’s going to summarize what we’re doing on a weekly basis. We’re going to get that out to both the I guess it’s called the shopper as well as the Lincoln Daily News and I think that’s going to be a great communication source not for just the elected officials but my board gets weekly updates but I want to make sure we are getting communications out to the elected officials as well as out to the public as well. Finally, I was asked to invited to kind of meet with the county board’s finance committee and gave them a brief presentation about two weeks ago regarding the hearing of Monsanto and they had asked Economic Development for an opinion.
Lincoln, Illinois
June 16, 2008; Page 8
Mr. Smiley said I said without really understanding all the numbers I don’t know how we can make a recommendation and that was about a month ago and we finally came up with a spreadsheet that showed Monsanto receiving about $1.2M over the course of 8 years and I had made a recommendation to the county at that point that $1,000.00 per year as a fee for the county in addition I think the city could also feasibly ask for that money. The county then finance board met last week and brought it to the full board and they approved that. Where that is and their process is they are working it through their system I do believe that will take place as their final recommendations. That does leave a window of opportunity open for the city to go from $10,000.00 to $20,000.00. Now this is what I want to explain real brief. I am viewing this not as an economic development incentive. Monsanto’s project is about 80-90% done they generally going into economic development looking at incentives you are looking to basically create a project and provide incentives. However, there is another reason that you want to look at incentives from Monsanto that’s in the retention area. Retention today as we are aware of issues with Meyers with FedEx it is important that we be very aggressive on retention as Monsanto is a major player in the region yes it’s in a different county but will they impact jobs be affected here. What they are providing or indicating is that some part time jobs and some full time jobs for Logan County residents but more importantly I think it sends a strong message to the region that being said what is an appropriate amount and discussions with the county board and based on their number I think a 20% requirement would be in hand and it would be $20,000.00 a year for the city and the county but again it is strictly up to the elected officials what they do and I would be happy to answer any questions on the comments that I have made.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked for the Presentation of Unfinished Business:
City Clerk Ms. Riggs said there was no Unfinished Business to come before the City Council.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked for New Business:
Letter of Understanding with Eaton Corporation
Alderman Neitzel said I move to approve the Letter of Understanding with Eaton Corporation and Alderman Rohlfs seconded it. City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call. There were ten yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Prather, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and none absent; motion carried.
Approval of change order for time extension for South Plant Force Main Project
Alderman Horn said I move for the approval of the change order for time extension for the South Plant Force Main Project to October 14, 2008 Alderman Anderson seconded it. Alderman Neitzel said I just want to say the reason for the change order is due to the heavy rains and flooding they are unable to get to that project at this time that’s the reason for nothing against the contractor or anything it’s just rain.
Lincoln, Illinois
June 16, 2008; Page 9
Approval of change order for time extension for South Plant Force Main Project
City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call. There were ten yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Prather, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and none absent; motion carried.
Approval to go out for bids for a pickup truck for the Street Department
Alderman Armbrust said I request Council approval to go out for bids for the new pickup for the Street Department and Alderman Tibbs seconded it. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said what kind of a pick up is this going to be. Alderman Armbrust said it would be a 4 wheel drive, standard cab, eight foot bed pickup and Mr. Jackson has a list of specifications. Alderman Prather said do we need to include a date we normally do. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said the date to have the bids back. Alderman Prather said a bid date to return. Alderman Armbrust said do you normally? Ms. Riggs said July 15 I typed the specs today. Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call. There were ten yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Prather, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and none absent; motion carried.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman said I did want to bring this up Mr. Hammer from the racetrack called me over the weekend and said he wanted to help out with and I’ll read this so then he emailed me I asked him to email it to me. He did email it to me today at 4:30 so if I had it before then I would have copied it for everyone. It said “Mayor and City Council members because of the festivities scheduled for the 4th of July weekend in Lincoln we would like to request to change our race schedule on Saturday, July 5th to Sunday, July 6th to hopefully be more accommodating with the city. We would also like to know if the noise ordinance that is being voted on is specific to the racetrack or is city wide. In other words if the bands playing downtown during the festivities play past the 11:00 p.m. will they be issued a fine. Also Lincoln Speedway schedules were handed out to all members present at the last meeting we attended but they can also be viewed and he put down his website thank you Don Hammer and Norm Horn.” I do have his cell phone number if you’d like to have that too. She said it was 737-7134 is Don Hammer so anyway that was the question. I asked him to put in writing but I just received it today at 4:30. I did tell him over the weekend it was not put on agenda for vote so can’t do anything about it but I wanted you to be aware of it in case next Tuesday night you want to put it on the agenda for the next or you want to discuss it at all. You can discuss it tonight but you can’t vote on it.
Alderman Huskins said it wasn’t on the agenda. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said it wasn’t on the agenda. Ms. Riggs said the next voting session will be after. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said after July 4th. Ms. Riggs said yes. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said ok I guess the next voting session will be going after. Alderman Huskins said it is after the 4th so it’s not on the agenda so it has to be no. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said it can’t be voted on before July 4th.
Lincoln, Illinois
June 16, 2008; Page 10
Alderman Huskins said you’re not supposed to talk about it according to Alderman Busby because you’re out of order by doing that. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said ok I just wanted to pass this along I didn’t want any issue for no due process on something ok I will tell him we can’t take any action on that. Alderman Horn said I would just like to invite everybody to the Grand Re-Opening of Kroger we’ve served Lincoln for 75 years and we plan to stay and keep serving you so please. Its 7:45 on Thursday morning would be a good time to be there.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked if they would be out there by 8:15. Alderman Horn said I’m sure you will be.
Alderman Huskins said tonight Ms. Riggs handed out the thing for the conference she would like to have that back by the 7th.
Alderman Tibbs said out of my own curiosity I decided that I would like to talk to as many businesses as possible on the West side of town in regard to the impact. Alderman Huskins said does this have to be on the agenda Mr. Bates. Mr. Bates said it is not an action item. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said it is not an action item is this ok with the Council that she discuss this at this time. Alderman Huskins said I think it needs to be discussed in committee or someplace. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said there is no action I brought up what was I don’t know. Alderman Rohlfs said my question would be if there are going to be comments can there be counter comments. Alderman Huskins said right see that’s what. Alderman Rohlfs said would it be best to do that in committee. Alderman Huskins said you would have to do it in committee I would think. Alderman Tibbs said this won’t require any counter comments. Alderman Huskins said I would think it will. Alderman Rohlfs said it might. Alderman Prather said you won’t be allowed to I guess. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said why can’t we have counter comments. Alderman Huskins said because it’s not on the it’s not an agenda item. Mr. Bates said if it’s not an agenda item you cannot take action I don’t think unless someone corrects me I don’t think that prevents you from discussing another matter you just can’t take any action. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said I think this would be appropriate venue to discuss it because we are on TV and people can hear what is being said and she called on Alderman Busby and asked what he would like to say. Alderman Busby said I assume that’s what the Tuesday night meeting’s are for. Alderman Huskins said that’s what I thought. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said it is and called on Alderman Prather. Alderman Prather said these such items need to be on the agenda so the public knows so they can be here instead of hoping they hear it on TV that’s the whole idea of it put it on the agenda the public is aware of what is going to be discussed not just voted. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said well the reason I brought up this one issue was because he asked to have it brought up and he was supposed to email it and he didn’t get it to me until 4:30 today which we know is past the deadline for it should be here by Thursday at noon last Thursday.
Alderman Busby said I move we adjourn and Alderman Huskins seconded it. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said well I think that’s disrespectful to let she called on Alderman Tibbs. Alderman Tibbs said I do feel it is very disrespectful Alderman Huskins and thank you for showing your colors as you normally do thank you. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said ok.
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June 16, 2008; Page 11
Alderman Huskins and Alderman Tibbs were speaking at the same time. Alderman Huskins said it’s been adjourned.
Alderman Tibbs said if Alderman Horn was allowed to mention about Kroger’s all the other things brought up off the books all I am wanting to tell you is about what I did on my own. I don’t care if you comment or not.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman said ok. Alderman Tibbs said we are on TV and I want the people to know and I want you to know. Alderman Huskins said I believe my colors have probably shown Alderman Tibbs go right ahead. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said Alderman Huskins you’re out of line. Alderman Huskins said I don’t care. Alderman Tibbs said that is quite alright. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said go ahead Alderman Tibbs. Mr. Bates said you have a motion on the floor that has to be dealt with. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said because adjourning even though she had the floor. Mr. Bates said the motion to adjourn on the floor that was seconded. Alderman Tibbs said the motion was out of order we already had something on the floor.
Mr. Bates said something that I couldn’t hear. He said that there is a motion on the floor that has to be voted on.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman said will you withdraw your. Alderman Huskins said no I think it’s something. Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked Alderman Busby if he would withdraw his motion. Alderman Busby said no, I will not. Alderman Huskins said it needs to be discussed in committee then put on the agenda. Alderman Busby called for the questions. Mayor Davis asked for all those in favor and those opposed and a roll call vote was then taken. City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the roll call. There were four yeas (Alderman Busby, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Prather, and Alderman Rohlfs), six nays (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, and Alderman Tibbs), and none absent; motion failed.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman said go ahead Alderman Tibbs.
Alderman Tibbs said thank you very much mayor. Out of my own curiosity I decided to visit as many stores as I possibly could on the West side of town. If I didn’t get to their store I did talk to management by phone. I gave them three options and the three options were about the races and economically is this a impact on your business, positive impact, is it no change at all or very low impact. The majority of and I also talked to businesses downtown and so the on the most part every business with the exception of three said it was very much a positive impact on their economy on the economy of this city. A couple of the businesses downtown felt the city was being a little bit harsh in telling people how to run their businesses and also we should welcome this revenue that is coming into our city. It is a very high impact. Yes, we do have different things we need to look at the dust and everything he does get out there and he does water the track.
Lincoln, Illinois
June 16, 2008; Page 12
Alderman Tibbs said he also has the big dust screens up and he has gone out of his way, he is a business man, he is trying to make a difference for our city and I think that we need to give this man a chance. He has piled a whole lot of money into it as one downtown business said and he should be respected. We are not in the business of running businesses out of town. We want to keep as much as we can here. I guess that is all that I have to say it but it was very positive. I also talked to the restaurants that have dining in and asking that if the noise was any bother at all to his customers and he said absolutely not they can’t even hear it. These are businesses just right across the way so I think that and I had a call tonight I was almost late to this meeting and it was an individual that says it would really be nice to bite the bullet to help out the city we’re hurting on the fire department we’re hurting on our police department we’re hurting on our roads. We complain about the holes we complain about this and we complain about that but yet we want to stab in the back somebody that is making a difference to our city a business. Thank you very much mayor for your time and thank you Council for listening to me.
Alderman Huskins said now I’ve got a question. When did you take this survey?
Alderman Tibbs said last week after we had our meeting up here. Alderman Huskins said my comment against that would be if she took it a week after we had it that was Memorial Day weekend so I would imagine that all of your companies was going up because people were buying stuff to put out on the graves.
Alderman Tibbs said no it was just this last week that I talked with a few and I talked with a few the week before that. I managed to try to get a hold of most management so I didn’t get it done in one week’s time.
Alderman Huskins said if you want to take a survey take it before possibility because as you know a lot of people travel in the summer and stuff. Alderman Tibbs said we were talking about the racing. Alderman Huskins said I would take it before the racing has even started. Alderman Tibbs said we were talking about the racing. Alderman Huskins said March that would be best to take a questionnaire about the impact the races impacting our economy. Alderman Tibbs said this is on racing nights Alderman Huskins. Alderman Neitzel said how would that be. Alderman Anderson said they are not racing yet. Alderman Neitzel said they’re not racing. Alderman Huskins said that’s what I said but you if you were to compare you would see if it brought in a big impact because if you look at what you’re making than what you making then now.
Alderman Prather said if this Council is being criticized for trying to not only to establish business and make it grow but also keep the quality of life these citizens in town deserve and that’s misguided. We should do a survey with the people that actually live in Lincoln that pay the property taxes in that area too. A lot of phone calls I get are from folks that don’t even live in Lincoln.
Alderman Tibbs said yes, I have had a couple of those too. Alderman Prather said you need to ask who you are speaking with.
Lincoln, Illinois
June 16, 2008; Page 13
Alderman Tibbs said in fact I had one family say that his father was not able to make it over to the racetrack but loved to go and they would go over and pick him up and put him in the grandstands and take him back home.
Alderman Prather said I was still talking Mayor. Alderman Huskins said he still had the floor. Mayor Davis-Kavelman said Alderman Prather still had the floor yes Alderman Prather has the floor.
Alderman Prather said I take exception to saying this Council is stabbing anybody in the back I think when it comes to our back we have bent over backwards for these people trying to help them. We’re not stabbing anybody in the back.
Mayor Davis-Kavelman said that is true. She called on Alderman Rohlfs.
Alderman Rohlfs said there are a variety of ways to look at this I had someone in my office for about an hour one day that was talking about his daughter living around the racetrack and when she went to sell her property because her husband had died that realtors were saying that part of the problem that the houses were selling much less now was because they were located near the racetrack. I asked the question but everything is low now as far as it may suggest this is true that the properties are not selling as high but that the racetrack did have an impact. If you are looking at our real estate taxes and you’re looking at income on sales tax you’ve got two different areas there and I think both of those have to be looked at of course the real estate goes along with the quality of living that those people around that area have so I think you can’t just say we’re just going to look at the sales tax dollars only we need to also concentrate on what it’s doing in that area.
Alderman Huskins said I said this before as Alderman Prather quality of life but also being close to that racetrack and like I said I’m not against the race I sat up here and voted for it when it came to town but being that close to it it has tainted the property out there. I’ve said that before I’ve sat up here and said that. I’m sure if they stick it probably out there by Chester East Lincoln I am sure she would get more calls than I and I probably wouldn’t get any. We all have our opinions.
Alderman Anderson made a motion to adjourn and Alderman Horn seconded it. There were ten yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Prather, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and none absent; motion carried.
The City Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted By:
Risa Riggs
Minutes as recorded in this document approved by vote of City Council on July 7, 2008.
Melanie J. Riggs
City of Lincoln