Council Minutes

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008

 

Minutes of a regular City Council Meeting held in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Lincoln, IL, on Tuesday, March 17, 2008.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman called the regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:17 p.m.  City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the roll.  There were nine Aldermen present (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs) and one absent (Alderman Prather).

 

Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Alderman Busby.

 

Possible Presentation by a Representative from Illinois Historic Preservation Agency on Historical Homes Ordinance

 

There was no one present to do the presentation.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman called for the Presentation of the Minutes:

Alderman Busby made a motion to approve the Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2008 as recorded and Alderman Anderson seconded it.  There were nine yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and one absent (Alderman Prather); motion carried.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked for the Presentation of Petitions:

 

Petition for use of the parking lot at City Hall and the alley bordering the East side of lot for a fund raiser by Heritage Days Committee

 

Alderman Horn said I move to approve the petition for the use of the parking lot at City Hall and the alley by Heritage Days and Alderman Neitzel seconded it. 

 

Alderman Tibbs said the Heritage Days Committee has been working very, very hard and they have many, many different projects going and the one project coming up on April 10 which is on a Thursday is going to be a broasted chicken dinner and I know the public is familiar with those they are half chicken and lots and lots of good food in that.  The tickets are on sale by the way here at City Hall, I also have some and so does the Lincoln Park District they have some there.  If you have any questions you can call City Hall I am sure they can answer any of your questions with regard to that.  That is all that I have Mayor.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said I just want to stress that it is Thursday, April 10.  Alderman Tibbs said oh between the hours of 4:30 and 7:00.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said right Alderman Busby.  Alderman Busby said that should be in the motion I believe on the dates and time to use.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said do you want to amend your motion.  Mr. Bates said I think the motion is to approve the petition and the dates are in the petition.  Alderman Busby said ok. 

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008; Page 2

 

Petition for use of the parking lot at City Hall and the alley bordering the East side of lot for a fund raiser by Heritage Days Committee

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said there is a mistake it's got Tuesday and it should be Thursday, April 10.  Alderman Huskins said do we have their insurance on record for them.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said it is part of a city function, a City of Lincoln function here.  Alderman Huskins said but do we have insurance prior to that for the year.  Ms. Riggs said that is part of our general liability.  Alderman Huskins said ok. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said our spokesperson is Mr. Conzo and he is here real quick.  Does anybody have any other questions or do you want to say anything real quick on this.

 

Mr. Conzo said I think Alderman Tibbs pretty well covered the details of it thanks Alderman Tibbs.  We hope for a good turnout for this and as Alderman Tibbs pointed out it's available from all the Lincoln Heritage Days Commissioners, City Hall and at the rec facility my apologies for the error on the date. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said it is to help out the fireworks and we do need help with the fireworks monetarily, please.  Alderman Neitzel asked if they would like to give the price.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked how much the price was.  Mr. Conzo said $7.00.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said this is where you can drive your car and not have to get out of your vehicle.  Mr. Conzo said right.  Alderman Tibbs said it is a drive through right there at the alley at the side and exiting at Pekin Street.  Mr. Conzo said entering at Broadway.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said if you can please we would like to sell as many tickets as possible ahead of time so that we kind of have an idea of how many dinners to make.

 

City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call.  There were nine yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and one absent (Alderman Prather); motion carried.

 

Petition for the use of additional streets during the July 5th even for the Railsplitter Antique Auto Club by James Loeffler

 

Alderman Horn said I move to approve the petition for the use of additional streets during for the Railsplitter Antique Auto Club for the July 5th event with they already have insurance on file and Alderman Neitzel seconded it.  City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call.  There were nine yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and one absent (Alderman Prather); motion carried.

 

 

 

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008; Page 3

 

Petition for streets closings for the 3rd Annual 5K Run and 1 mile walk on April 26, 2008 by Lincoln College Development Officer Rick Samuels

 

Alderman Horn said I move to approve the petition by, for the Lincoln College annual 5K Run with certificate of insurance and Alderman Neitzel seconded it. Alderman Horn said on April 26th.  City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call.  There were nine yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and one absent (Alderman Prather); motion carried.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked for the Presentation of Communications:

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said I did want to mention that we did receive just today this Illinois Works Coalition session that is going to be held over in Decatur on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Decatur Public Library.  All the Aldermen I believe received a, if any of you are planning on going please I guess contact me or I guess you can contact the City Clerk and maybe we can ride together some of us if you want to do that.  I guess we've been told by our city attorney we will not have to require an open meetings act declaration as long as we don't. 

 

City Attorney Mr. Bates said discuss business.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said as long as we don't talk business during this whole event we sit and listen.  Alderman Neitzel said and ask questions.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said I want to remind you about that.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked for the Presentation of Bids:

City Clerk Ms. Riggs said there were no Bids to come before the City Council.

 

The Mayor then asked for the Presentation of Ordinances and Resolutions:

 

Resolution for Lincoln College's 5K Run and 1 mile walk

 

Alderman Rohlfs said I move to adopt the Resolution for Lincoln College's 5K Run and 1 mile walk on April 26th and Alderman Neitzel seconded it.  City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call.  There were nine yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and one absent (Alderman Prather); motion carried.

 

Ordinance Amending Section 3-7-5 and Section 3-7-6 of the City Code of the City of Lincoln (Liquor License Addition of Class G)

 

Alderman Rohlfs said she would turn it over to Alderman Horn please.  Alderman Horn asked for the City Clerk to read the Committee's Report.  City Clerk Ms. Riggs read the Committee's Report.  Alderman Horn made a motion to accept the Committee's Report and Alderman Neitzel seconded it. 

 

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008; Page 4

 

Ordinance Amending Section 3-7-5 and Section 3-7-6 of the City Code of the City of Lincoln (Liquor License Addition of Class G)

 

There were eight yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Neitzel, and Alderman Tibbs), one nay (Alderman Rohlfs), and one absent (Alderman Prather); motion carried. Alderman Horn asked City Clerk Ms. Riggs to read the Ordinance.  City Clerk Ms. Riggs read the Ordinance.  Alderman Horn said I move to waive the second reading and adopt the Ordinance as read and Alderman Neitzel seconded it. 

 

Alderman Rohlfs said I will be voting no on this Ordinance and I really would like to give my reasons why.  First, I would like to respond to the Courier's comments in last week's newspaper. I am not an opponent of the racetrack; however I am in opposition to the racetrack being in or near a residential area and the nursing home that has an Alzheimer's unit close by.  Second, as I reviewed the ordinance and got to the 5th whereas which states whereas the city believes it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Lincoln I do not believe that it is in the best interest of the city of the citizens of Lincoln.  I have people stop me at church, at banks, at offices, call me on the phone and send me emails.  These people are in opposition to giving into yet another request they do not feel it is in their best interest.  Third, the city has indicated that they do not want to impose anything on property owners but we are willing to impose noise nuisances, dust and dirt up toward 250 times over the next ten year period.  That could of course change if we get more of these recurring events at the fairground.  These are tax paying property owners who pay anywhere from $500.00 to $6,000.00 plus who have given comments to me.  They feel that we are providing to them an imposition because of the racetrack noise.  Fourth, I have concerns about what transpired from the VFW and the racetrack.  The VFW is a Lincoln organization whose anticipated growth through the sale of alcohol, however in 2007 we allowed the racetrack to take charge of their own security.  In doing so VFW ran into a considerable decline in the amount of alcohol they sold and acknowledged that it was not in their best interest to continue that process.  It has been reported in the paper that the security at the racetrack was allowing individuals to bring in their own coolers, is there a ploy here. Fifth, it was brought to our attention that the liquor commission was not in favor of an ordinance for the racetrack.  It seems as though we needed to hear and to consider what the commission thought's were in this particular I don't recall hearing them or their reasons for being against this particular issue.  Because of these negative impacts I will be voting no. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said thank you Alderman Rohlfs anything further. 

 

Alderman Neitzel said well, first of all the speedway signed a contract with the fairgrounds.  I mean then they came up to us for the nights.  I mean we, as far as the City Council we were not the ones that brought this in, the speedway to Lincoln.  The gentleman that is in charge of the speedway and owns the cars he wants to be in control of the whole situation.  Well the whole situation is the food, the race and the liquor.  The liquor seems to be I mean let's face it, if we have something downtown we have liquor.  If we have other events there's liquor. 

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008; Page 5

 

Ordinance Amending Section 3-7-5 and Section 3-7-6 of the City Code of the City of Lincoln (Liquor License Addition of Class G)

 

Alderman Neitzel said the only thing there isn't liquor at is the ballgames in Lincoln otherwise, pretty much liquor is available.  In order to be fair and I read the paper too, what they said is all you do is give to the speedway, well that's not true.  I mean we have a lot of people in Lincoln that love the races.  I do not happen to be a race fan but I respect that they have come up to me and said Alderman Neitzel this is good for Lincoln well I want to be fair and I know there are people that don't like and I would have a problem with some of the noise too but let's let them have the liquor and the food and the race and you know that is a lot of responsibility to you guys.  We want you to do a good job and we're hoping that there's not going to be any problems and that it will run smooth and that's the way I feel and so I will be supporting the ordinance.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman called on Alderman Anderson. 

 

Alderman Anderson said one of the aggravating aspects of this whole thing is that every time the racetrack comes people tend to forget the issue that we are here to discuss and it's the liquor license.  They've been serving liquor out there for several years already and it is just a change in how it's done so that's not going to be really any difference.  The other aspect is the noise that's not what we're here about.  The fact that it is here we're not here to discuss that we're here to vote on and discuss the liquor license.  I will be in favor of it and it's really not that much difference than where we're and at this aspect we have a little more control of it in terms of abiding by this ordinance and if Chief Erlenbush sends his officers out there and they're finding coolers with beer they're going to get fined the individuals bringing them in are going to be leaving the fairgrounds.  I am in favor of this ordinance.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman called on Alderman Horn.

 

Alderman Horn said well I am in agreement with Alderman Anderson and I think it really is in the, the ball is in their court now it’s in their best interest to show that they can handle having a liquor license out there and if they can’t we can take action against it but I’m in favor of it in those circumstances. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman called on Alderman Huskins.

 

Alderman Huskins said the only thing I can say is this ordinance just does not pertain to the racetrack it pertains to four other, we’re talking about four licenses not just, and I know it is going to pertain to the racetrack first but it pertains to four other licenses.  I don’t see any problem with that I sat up here and we voted on liquor license after liquor license.  I have no problem with that and as I said last week if we were just going for one individual then I would probably have a problem with it.  He said Mr. Bates did an awful good job on this and I have to recommend him for that before because there was concern about it.  That’s all I’ve got to say.

 

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008; Page 6

 

Ordinance Amending Section 3-7-5 and Section 3-7-6 of the City Code of the City of Lincoln (Liquor License Addition of Class G)

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman called on Alderman Tibbs.

 

Alderman Tibbs said thank you mayor.  This gentleman has actually done a really wonderful job as far as putting on a wonderful show out there for not just the city residents but we pull in a whole lot of visitors an awful lot of visitors.

 

Alderman Huskins said I have a question.  Alderman Tibbs said it’s a family thing.  Alderman Huskins said I know I’m out of order but.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said Alderman Tibbs has the floor. 

 

Alderman Tibbs said it is a family thing you know where the whole family can go and enjoy themselves.  If I was this gentleman I would really be afraid to come up here and face this Council again.  I want to tell you that we really give him a real beating every time he comes up here.  It’s like oh he’s back here for one more thing.  He’s growing and each year he comes with another idea or the respect to us on time.  I think we need to give this gentleman a chance and I will be, definitely will be voting in favor. 

 

Mayor Davis said Alderman Huskins it’s your turn. 

 

Alderman Huskins said I know I hear a lot of that from a lot of Alderman the revenue it brings in.  I don’t believe it brings in that much revenue.  I don’t believe what’s really showing revenue id other things instead of that racetrack.  That’s not what I’m sitting here voting against or for but what I’m saying is this liquor license was put together for four different entities.  I think it’s not just for the racetrack but for other entities. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said any comments.  She asked Police Chief Erlenbush if he had any comments on this issue. 

 

Police Chief Erlenbush said he would be more than happy to enforce the ordinance as written. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said I do have a few comments.  Alderman Neitzel you made a comment that we have liquor downtown. Well I just want to let you know we went through lots of steps to have that liquor downtown and I don’t want to let it be treated lightly.  Everything is cordoned off, it’s diagramed in writing it goes through here it goes through committee it goes through City Council for approval for our Heritage Days downtown same way for what started out as the Elk’s Crippled Children’s Fund that goes through a diagram.  They have off duty officers hired and we always have, Heritage Days have auxiliary officers there posted we also had undercover, not undercover but in plain clothes officers as well as our police force in all the years since we’ve done this for the Sesquicentennial so I want to make sure you understand.

 

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008; Page 7

 

Ordinance Amending Section 3-7-5 and Section 3-7-6 of the City Code of the City of Lincoln (Liquor License Addition of Class G)

 

Alderman Neitzel said I understood that.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said the police are present when we have these things.  I do want to stipulate I’m the chief Liquor Commissioner we do have one of our liquor commissioners here and I don’t know if you have a comment Mr. Plotner when I get finished I might ask you to say something if you want to but we’ve got fines in place and this goes for anyone.  This puts a burden on our police, it puts a burden on our commissioner, our City Attorney, we have to follow up with all this when someone violates something so I am behind the race track I think it is very good what you are doing as far as bringing in people you’ve got you’re schedule you’ve given to us now tonight is very, very strong good nice schedule for this year.  Wish you the best but I do want to urge I don’t know how the Council it looks like it probably will pass tonight but I’m urging the Logan County Fair Board to put up some kind of sign that says “No Alcoholic Beverages may be brought into this presence” or something and now I think it was last week Mr. Hammer that you mentioned or maybe it was Mr. Horn mentioned it would be difficult to go look at everyone’s coolers coming through but I just want to stress if we have a liquor commissioner out there or we have a police officer this will be enforced and you understand that it goes for any place.  Therefore I strongly urge if you can to hire some off duty police officers, auxiliary officers, or someone out there that will be watching this because after a few fines we take the license away so every year before May 1 we have a meeting with all of our liquor holders, our liquor licensees and discuss the importance of following the liquor ordinance.  My question is we’ve always had well the last two years we’ve allowed the alcohol we’ve had it set up in the bleachers.  How are you having this cordoned off, is it going to be in the KC’s corral, is it going to be open out there on the entire bleachers and where are you going to set up your sales for this alcohol?  Is it going to be in the Republican tent where it has been or in the in field or people walking it out in the bleachers?  How are you going to have this alcohol?  I’d like to know that. 

 

Mr. Ted Mills said what they anticipate right now is that they may be using a system to what the VFW was using before but eventually and perhaps by the end of the summer and in our application we’re going to diagram this out that we intend to build a structure that will be attached to one of the existing structures at the fairground. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said ok.  Mr. Mills said if we don’t do that then what will happen is any equipment that we have if the Logan County Fair has any event or function we have to move it each time so we will build and enclose an area that they will be able to use and lock up so they won’t have to move it.  Am I right?

 

Mr. Hammer said yes. We’ll still have the non-alcoholic section for the ones that want to sit without the alcohol like we did last year.  Right now we’ll set up probably just like it was set up before.

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008; Page 8

 

Ordinance Amending Section 3-7-5 and Section 3-7-6 of the City Code of the City of Lincoln (Liquor License Addition of Class G)

 

Mr. Hammers said identical to what was there but like you said the North end of the, where they have all the Art’s and stuff where our concession stand is now we’ve got permission from the fair board and we have to get a drawing and a diagram up here.  We’re going to build a 20’ by the length of that building addition off of that just for our concession and then we’ll probably put all of our beer sales in there so it will all be in a secured area.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said so these will be hired individuals working for the speedway who will be checking the license.  Mr. Hammer said ID’s and everything. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said let’s say someone, we also have that you can’t over serve say we’re going to allow this at 1:00 in the afternoon and when you’re out in this hot sun what if someone comes in and they have been drinking all afternoon there who is going to be to enforce that to refuse that person another beer.  I mean who’s going to do that.

 

Mr. Hammer said our workers will I mean whoever is working for us at the time.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said also you will be having them check the ID’s to make sure because I did want to tell you we do have State Police come in here without us knowing about it and do stings all the time.  Mr. Hammer said that is fine.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said I’m not making any threats or giving any kind of scenario but they do come in and I want you to just be aware of that.  Mr. Hammer said right. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said I’ve got a couple more so the same area will still be there with the little area up in the bleachers where they would sit. It won’t be through the whole population.  It will be a certain area. 

 

Mr. Hammer said there one it will be that one end there that’s the shorter end that whole end will be non-alcoholic like we did last year.  We’ve got two signs posted non-alcoholic section and we were thinking about what you just said about signs being made for each entrance no carrying in of liquor or alcohol. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said ok.  Mr. Bates said you need to get that word out quickly because if you don’t do spot checks and you’ve got people bringing in liquor in there or beer you’re in violation of your license.  Mr. Hammer said right. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said we’ll be strongly and you do have to apply for it.  You do know everything else I don’t want to go through a lot of steps but you know you’re going whoever your corporate is, is going to have be fingerprinted and you’re going to have to be gone through all the police check everything.  Anyone else have any comments. City Treasurer Plotner you’re also a liquor commissioner do you have anything you’d like to say on this subject. 

 

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008; Page 9

 

Ordinance Amending Section 3-7-5 and Section 3-7-6 of the City Code of the City of Lincoln (Liquor License Addition of Class G)

 

Mr. Plotner said well I have just one I guess clarification I think when it was first approached on this subject the liquor license did not have a provision which allowed that kind of a license out at the fairgrounds to that when I was approached by the Mayor I said no, I’d be against that because we really can’t fit that in anywhere and we know before we’ve been nailed on this special event type thing so that is the reason at that point that I said no, we probably shouldn’t issue that thing.  Now with the ordinance written then I think is written very well like you say it rests on them now.  I’m not against the liquor license going out there but I was against it the way that it was approached to start with.  We didn’t have a provision and now we do. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said I do have one, thank you very much; I do have one more question for whoever.  You know when we allowed alcohol downtown or you know for special events that people have asked for downtown it always showed a diagram where that’s cordoned off and where the alcohol will be kept once they have it in their hand and they are not to walk all over the downtown here and with a beer how are you going to do that out at the fair?

 

Mr. Mills said we can provide you with a diagram or a map that will be drawn up and we can show you exactly what we intend to do and where. 

 

City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call.  There were eight yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Neitzel, and Alderman Tibbs), one nay (Alderman Rohlfs), and one absent (Alderman Prather); motion carried.

 

Mr. Mills said may I say something to the members and the City Attorney.  We know this has been it has required a lot of thought and a lot of consternation and a lot of effort and we really appreciate the time you’ve taken and I was going to say earlier whether or a pass or a no we appreciate you taking at a look at this and your time.  Thank you. 

 

The Mayor then asked for the Presentation of Claims, Presentations, Reading, Reference and Reports Thereon:

 

Alderman Busby made a motion by Roll Call to approve as presented: Finance, Policy & Procedure, Streets and Alleys, Sewer Treatment Plant, Sewers & Drainage, Police, Ordinance and Zoning, Sidewalks, Forestry and Lighting, Fire/Water and ESDA, and Grounds, Buildings & Local Improvements Committees' Reports by roll call and Alderman Anderson seconded it. City Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call.  There were nine yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and one absent (Alderman Prather); motion carried.

 

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008; Page 10

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman then asked for the Presentation of Official Reports:

City Clerk's Report for March, 2008 was handed out at last week's committee workshop.

 

City Treasurer Mr. Plotner gave an oral Report for March 2008.

 

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 February, 2008, Police Department report for February, 2008, Street Superintendent's Report for February 2008, Engineering Report for January 2008, and Summary of Building Permits for February 2008) are on file.

 

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:

 

Appointment to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said we'll still leave that on the table. 

 

Approval to move $39,308.55 of expenses out of 50-72-06-5227 to 50-72-05-8302 $13,915.00 and 50-74-08-7850 $25,393.55 and to waive $1,500.00 of the monthly contract amount for April, 2008 payment until May, 2008 (Sewerage Operations and Maintenance Fund)

 

Alderman Neitzel said I make a motion for the Approval to move $39,308.55 of expenses out of 50-72-06-5227 to 50-72-05-8302 $13,915.00 and 50-74-08-7850 $25,393.55 which the two total $39,308.55 and to waive $1,500.00 of the monthly contract amount for April, 2008 payment until May, 2008 and Alderman Busby seconded it.  City Attorney Mr. Bates asked if the Clerk knew and understands what we’re doing.  Ms. Riggs said yes.  Mr. Bates said do we have the right funds.  Ms. Riggs said yes.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said she’s in on the whole thing.  Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call.  There were nine yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and one absent (Alderman Prather); motion carried.

 

Approval for Pilot Program for Sludge Reduction at the Sewerage Treatment Plant

 

Alderman Neitzel said I make a motion for Approval for Pilot Program for Sludge Reduction at the Sewerage Treatment Plant.  Mr. Bates said before you get a second to the motion.  Alderman Busby said at no cost to the city. Alderman Neitzel said is that what you wanted to add.  Mr. Bates said that and as described by Mr. Kitzmiller last week at the workshop.  Alderman Neitzel said ok.  Mr. Bates said at no cost to the city.  Alderman Neitzel said ok.  Mr. Bates said and as described by Mr. Kitzmiller. 

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008; Page 11

 

Approval for Pilot Program for Sludge Reduction at the Sewerage Treatment Plant

 

Alderman Rohlfs said I thought he said slugs so it took me a while to get.  Alderman Busby seconded the motion. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said Mr. Kitzmiller manager of the Sewerage Treatment Plant do you have anything else you want to add to this.  Mr. Kitzmiller said no.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said no.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman called on Alderman Huskins. 

 

Alderman Huskins said I asked this last week and I know Mr. Kitzmiller answered but you know when you do something like this making an experiment and stuff we do have EPA problems sometimes and I’m not saying that we will be in violation if there is are they going to be responsible for it.  You know if there are accidents that happen and don’t want the city to be liable any EPA problems.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked Mr. Kitzmiller if he wanted to respond to that. 

 

Mr. Kitzmiller said yes, as we discussed last week the discharge or effluent from this pilot program will go right back into the treatment facilities so nothing is going to leave without being completely treated like everything else and as far as who would be responsible if something happens it’s just like it is in our contract now we have a guarantee with the city that we will meet the effluent quality and if for some reason that we do that we violate out of our negligence we are responsible for fines or whatever comes from that. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman called on Alderman Horn.  Alderman Horn said thank you mayor.  I was lucky enough to go to St. Louis to their presentation of this and I think it is a wonderful program I just wonder if there is any way this city can benefit from this by charging rent on it or royalties if it works. 

 

Mr. Bates said not to my knowledge.  I mean you can make that a condition of the program and I would assume at that point the company that is going to do this would look elsewhere because I have a sneaking suspicion they intend to be the only one to make any money from this if it works.  You, I suppose could negotiate with them, if it works get equipment from them or because I suppose what is being installed will be removed at the end of the program did I understand that part. 

 

Mr. Kitzmiller said yes, that is correct the equipment that is going to be used. If the city were to own it at the end we really couldn’t do much with it because it is going to be sized for the tanks that we’re going to use for the pilot study and they would be too small for us to use in the actual treatment system. 

 

Mr. Bates said I mean you can ask for anything but if you want to negotiate with whoever is going to do this you don’t want to pass this motion. 

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008; Page 12

 

Approval for Pilot Program for Sludge Reduction at the Sewerage Treatment Plant

 

Mr. Bates said I don’t know if there is any room for negotiating or not.  I tend to believe they will find somewhere else to do their test but that is just my opinion Mr. Kitzmiller would have a better handle on that. 

 

Mr. Kitzmiller said not really. 

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman called on Alderman Neitzel.

 

Alderman Neitzel said I consider us lucky that we are in this pilot program and if it works I feel that we have opportunity to save the City of Lincoln quite a bit of money so when we heard about the pilot program I was very much in favor of it for the simple reason that we’re up here to try and save our taxpayers money and I am hoping that this will help and will cause us to save money somewhere. She said thank you Mr. Kitzmiller.

 

Clerk Ms. Riggs called the Roll Call.  There were eight yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs),one nay (Alderman Huskins), and one absent (Alderman Prather); motion carried.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman said is there anything else coming before the City Council.  She called on Alderman Armbrust.

 

Alderman Armbrust said one quick item.  He said Street Superintendent Mr. Jackson informed him today that our latest hire at the street department Chris Whiteman has successfully completed his probationary period.

 

Mr. Jackson said with flying colors.

 

Mayor Davis-Kavelman asked if there was anything else to come before the City Council.  Alderman Neitzel said I have one more thing.  Mayor Davis-Kavelman said yes.  Alderman Neitzel said my good friend Alderman Tibbs has a birthday on Thursday and I think we should sing Happy Birthday.  Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Alderman Tibbs.

 

Alderman Anderson made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Alderman Neitzel seconded it.  There were nine yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Armbrust, Alderman Busby, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Huskins, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Rohlfs, and Alderman Tibbs), zero nays, and one absent (Alderman Prather); motion carried. 

 

Lincoln, Illinois

March 17, 2008; Page 13

 

The City Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted By:  

 

Risa Riggs

 

Minutes as recorded in this document approved by vote of City Council on April 7, 2008.

 

Melanie J. Riggs, City Clerk

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Information is available on the following sites:
Logan County Current Statistics

Memorial Health System  - Includes daily statistics for MHS and a COVID-19 Risk Screening

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Logan County Department of Public Health
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 

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