Council Minutes

 

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street I Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Seth Goodman at 7 p.m., with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman took roll.

Present:

Alderman Steve Parrott Alderman Tracy Welch Alderman Ron Fleshman Alderwoman Michelle Bauer Alderman Ron Keller Alderwoman Heidi Browne Alderman Jeff Hoinacki Alderman Rick Hoefle

Staff Present:

Treasurer Chuck Conze City Clerk Peggy Bateman Fire Chief Mark Miller Police Chief Paul Adams

Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall Streets Superintendent Walt Landers

Staff Absent:

City Attorney Blinn Bates

Waste Water and Treatment Manager Tim Ferguson

Presiding:

Mayor Seth Goodman

Public Comment:

Mayor Goodman called upon citizens registered to speak. There being none, Mayor Goodman moved down to the Logan County Tourism agenda item.

Logan County Tourism: Discussion regarding City owned lot at corner of Kickapoo and Pekin Streets for use as a Welcome Park to Lincoln:

Mrs. Chris Wibben and Ms. Morgan Gleason from Logan County Tourism Bureau came forward to speak. They wanted to present the positive changes that came from MR. Scott Turner's efforts around the city.

Mrs. Wibben said it brought a lot of people together, created community, and now the group would like to start a Lincoln Pride Initiative to work on different projects, it would be funded by donations, not taxpayers - to address small projects such as the city cleanup initiative. The bureau wants to create some points of interest in town - to make things look nicer, to bring some appeal - such as a welcome

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garden. The idea would be to have a welcome sign where people would be able to take selfies similar to the appeal of The Tropics sign.

The group wanted to use the empty lot next to the Bartlemay Building. The current sign across from Postville Park lights up and plays a song, however, there is not electrical access there so the sign is not being fully utilized. She said this is just one idea for a project that the group wants to start. Donors would be recognized as well.

Alderman Parrott asked if Mrs. Wibben is imagining a certain size for the space. She said part of the far comer that is next to Abe's is where they would want to put the welcome sign, she mentioned that on Kickapoo Street there is a handicap accessible area, they would like to use the entire area with a welcome sign on one end, potentially archways, a gazebo etc.

Alderman Hoefle asked for a copy of the handout the two brought for councilmembers. Alderman Parrott asked about what level of donations might be needed to get things going.

Mrs. Wibben said a minimum donation of $100 for 2018, but sweat equity could also be a part of the program,if someone did not want to pay $100. They want to add brick pavers - do donations and

volunteers would maintain the program.Ms. Morgan Gleason said the tourism board would weigh in on the project - not just Mrs.Wibben and Ms. Gleason.Tourism along with a collaboration of other people.

Alderman Keller congratulated them and thanked them for trying to make Lincoln beautiful. He wanted to know if one committee or core group of volunteers, or tourism staff would be in charge of this project from start to finish. He asked if Mrs. Gleason saw this as being self-sustaining. She said tourism would be in charge of the money, holding them a under 501(c)(3) status.

Alderman Hoinacki asked if other people would be able to use the lot for their own signage, or events and festivals. She said she thought this was a great idea as the idea is to get people to stop and see what is happening in town. She said there could be a special area for this.

Mayor Goodman asked if Mr. Walt Landers had any questions, comments, or thoughts.

Public Comment: Mrs. Leslie Hoefle weighed in from the audience requesting that the city continue to mow the property, to keep the grass at 4 and then in future, mowit at 2" - in order to create the "path."

Mayor Goodman asked for further questions and comments. Mrs. Wibben talked about an initiative happening in Pontiac, where there is a mural for people to take photos. She said she would love to be featured in the Route 66 magazine as a stopping spot for visitors. Mayor Goodman asked if the council was interested.

Alderman Hoinacki said yes, he was not sure what the next step would be. Treasurer Chuck Conze said it would be to authorize the use of it.

Alderman Tracy Welch said this is the first he had heard of the project so he was just taking it in. He missed the Tourism Board Meeting where this was discussed. He said this idea is something close to an idea he had touched base on with Alderman Rick Hoefle on in the past. His idea involved a gazebo and sign - visitor kiosk, he had the idea of the mural too. Alderman Welch said heis in favor of it,he would just like to know more about what it wouldlook like. He said he could talk to the Tourism Board

later. Mrs. Wibben said they were hoping to get something installed by the time of the Pigs & Swigs

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event. Alderman Parrott asked what kind of things. She said seating, a welcome sign, the starting of a path . . . she said it depended on the funding.

Alderman Welch askedif thereis already enough donations to purchase a gazebo. Mrs. Wibben said they had not collected the funds yet, but for $1,200 they could do pretty good damage.

Alderman Welch asked about electrical access running from Kickapoo and Pekin Streets. Mr.Landers said the meter is on the telephone pole. There would have to be electrical conduit. For the light up kiosk. He said this was why he wanted to know more about their plans.

Mrs. Hoefle asked if Alderman Welch wanted to know this as an alderman or member of the tourism board.She said her intent going forward is that Tourism did not want the city to micromanage the park. She said they wanted the design opportunity, it was going to be tastefully done.Alderman Welch said he would still like to see it though.

Alderman Welch asked if Mrs. Wibben isjust asking for authorization to do this.

Alderman Parrott asked if it is being hooked up to electricity, who is paying for electricity for the sign. Mrs.Wibben said the city. She said she was not sure how much electricity the sign would take. Ms. Morgan Gleason askedif it could be billed to tourism.Alderman Welch said they could install another meter. Ms. Morgan Gleason asked if it generated more electricity than the Christmas Lights. Alderman Parrott said tourism would pay for the electricity.

Mrs. Wibben said The Lincoln Pride initiative would pay for the electricity. Alderman Parrott mention having a contract. Alderman Welch said there are street lights tied into the meter. Mrs. Hoefle said just think of this going forward as an investment, she said look at The Tropics sign .. .she said it would be pretty insignificant. She said this is a passive economic development opportunity with no initial

investment required by the city.She said there are citizens who want to jump on board for this. She said this is not an opportunity the city can pass up over the electrical usage of the sign.

Alderman Welch asked if the Tourism Board would be willing to pay for the installation on the conduit. Mrs. Hoefle said absolutely.

Alderwoman Bauer talked about naming this area,or calling it something.She wanted to know how the city would monitor the space. Does it need to called a park or put in the ordinance? She said the councilneeds to be thinking about this -if it is public use.

Public Comment: Mrs. Hoefle said or consider leasing it to the city for $1 a year. She said it already has an attractive nuisance on the property with the antenna there and that Tourism could pay for a fence to go around this.

Public Comment:Mrs. Hoefle said it would be nice to have an attorney at these meetings.She asked if anyone wanted to speak to this.

Alderwoman Bauer asked if for clarity or simplicity, if the city wanted to designate this as a park so ordinances could be followed. Mrs. Hoefle said it is pretty well lit, she has tried to drive by the site at night.

Mayor Goodman asked if Mr. Landers had a comment. He said he still thinks city staff should have some input on the property - in terms of design,just to ensure the city is aware of what would be put

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there and the be able to determine if it is safe. Mrs.Hoefle said it was pretty simple and the gazebo would be more of a photo opportunity rather than a structure people would sit in.

He said there are still concerns as far as construction of a gazebo. He wanted to see a design.

Mrs. Hoefle said this is more of a photo opportunity, rather than something people will sit in. Mrs. Hoefle said they intend to include the city, especially if staff have to mow around it. Mrs. Wibben said she is sure the group could work with them on this. He wanted the right to review anything that was going to be put in place. Mrs. Wibben asked who they would work with. Mr. Landers said it would need to be

Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall and himself.

Alderman Hoinacki said it sounded like the group was ready to go, he called for the topic to be placed on the consent agenda and vote to approve it next week. To authorize tourism to start construction of the welcome lot.

Alderman Hoefle added to what Mr. Landers said - that things should still go through Mr. Woodhall and Mr. Landers to ensure there are no concerns.Alderman Welch asked if leasing this property to tourism would alleviate a lot of the concern over the construction there, who puts what where and the running of electrical conduit - similar to what is being done with local soccer fields.They lease the property and then they can do whatever they want - so long as they stay within the bounds of the lease agreement.

He said they could use a modified lease agreement similar to what is used on the soccer fields. He did not think it would take too long to put this together. Alderman Hoinacki said he was not sure how long it would take. Alderman Hoinacki asked what action would be taken next. That was all he was asking.

Alderwoman Bauer said there is no maintenance involved in the soccer field agreements. Mrs. Wibben said tourism did not have a lawn mower or soccer field.Alderman Welch said this would give the group more freedom.

Treasurer Chuck Conzo said - so the council wants a lease agreement on the agenda? Alderman Hoefle said for $1. Alderman Welch said he could work with City Attorney Blinn Bates on this, and send a copy out to the city council as soon as possible.There being no further questions, Mayor Goodman redirected the councilto the SK Run.

Request to Permit: Lincoln Park District 5K Run, June 2, 2018 Run Hog Wild in conjunction with the Pigs and Swigs to use the City Skeets:

Alderman Hoefle opened discussion about insurance papers - if they were on file. Police Chief Paul Adams weighed in on the route for the race.The item will be placed on the consent agenda.

Request to Permit: 3rd Friday Downtown Committee would like to request closure of City Streets during their events:

Alderman Hoefle opened discussion asking if they have insurance - [laughter]. City Clerk Peggy Bateman said, "I think we're covered." Alderwoman Bauer saiditis the same as last year.The item will be placed onthe consent agenda.

Request to hire a New Firefighter from the new candidate list:

Fire Chief Mark Miller opened discussion, he said with the new budget passed, the department would like to add a new firefighter to the fire department staff and get someone hired off of their current posted list. He would like to move forward as soon as possible. The item will be placed on the regular agenda.

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Consideration of Request for $10,000.00 Facade Improvement Grant funds for 614 Broadway Street: TIF-2018-01-DREW:

Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall started discussion about a request for a Fagade Improvement Grant. He said they have done a complete remodel of the building and are now down to dirt. He said they have put a lot of money and effort into their remodel. Mr. Jim Drew was present in the crowd to answer questions as needed.

Alderwoman Bauer said right now there is no list of projects, or current breakdown of items - she said it is a reimbursement. Mr. Woodhall said there is a new entryway and new windows. Alderman Hoefle asked what the exact cost would be. He said isn't the grant based on 50 percent recovery? They are requesting $10,000 based on a history of the program.Mr. Woodhall said the guidelines were not followed in the past. Guzzardo's was given a grant in the past. Alderman Hoefle said that project was over $20,000.Alderman Hoefle said they have to follow the guidelines. Mr.Woodhall said that was 100 percent the council's decision.

Alderman Fleshman asked where he could find the TIF Guidelines - he had looked under city codes. They are on the city website. Under TIF guidelines and fade guidelines.He said he was able to find 50 percent of the assessed value of the building, not 50 percent of the project. Alderwoman Bauer said thatis for the full TIF Grant. Not the fagade grant.

Alderman Keller invited Mr. Jim Drew to the table to speak. Mr. Jim Drew spoke to the layout of the

front of the building. He said they want to bring a door out to the sidewalk, and create an inner door too, to help during cold months. The glass will be replaced with more energy efficient glass. They will follow the contours of existing lines that are there.

Alderman Hoefle said they are still in the building stage, they do not have a complete list of bills yet. He said they could increase their recovery. He said he wanted Mr.Drew to get every penny they have

coming.

Mr. Drew said there is original tin ceiling in the building and they are refurbishing it. Alderman Keller said one of the aspects of the fund they like to see,is how will the surrounding area be impacted.

Mr. Drew said Hallmark has done a good job on their storefront. He said they have been approached by several people, about the plans for an awning.He said there is interest on their part of how to improve this look. He said evenif you can just improve one building, it is an improvement to the downtown. He said compared to most of the squares around, he is pretty proud of their square.

Alderman Hoefle asked about their timeline, when Mr. Drew thought they would be done. Mr. Drew said they are shooting for mid-June or July 1 for sure. He said there is a lot of painting to be done and out front they have to finish the ceilings and walls. There is plaster and brick. He said they are down to the front whichis mainly the fagade. He said that is a four week deal. He said he knows they are probably a month out. Alderman Hoefle said you have a lot of these things going on and asked if they would consider tabling this. He said Mr. Tarter was approached about a separate fade grant for the awning.

Mr. Drew said now it the time to get rid of the construction dirt.

Alderwoman Bauer she said not to exceed, $10,000 with the understanding that it is a 50 percent reimbursement based on cost. She wanted to approve at this point, withinthe grant guidelines - for up to $10,000 if he gets there.She said they would have to see the receipts come in, but not to exceed

$10,000 with the understanding that it is a 50 percent reimbursement - so they can keep working.

Alderwoman Bauer said she would be comfortable.

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Alderman Hoinacki said FYI for the council and the public in general, he spoke with Treasurer Chuck Conze before the meeting and there is only $20,000 budgeted for the year.

Alderman Hoefle said as far as this goes, it really bothers him with the TIF situation. He said there is a gentleman sitting here before them . . . who is investing in the city - he is going to make it better. He said if they get 1O businesses, he is going to fight tooth and nailto see that they get faQade grants. He said he will support these businesses. Alderman Hoinacki said he agrees, he is just cautioning that they only have $20,000 budgeted. He said that they can move that money around.

The item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Replacement of Video Detection System at Keokuk and N. Logan Streets:

Mr. Walt Landers said the video detection system at this location is in disrepair. Only two of the four cameras are working. He said the two that are working are outdated, and there is no software to back up the video. He said someone at Illinois DOT is weary of hooking up the camera system to their computer - out of fear they will quit working. IDOT is encouraging the replacement.

He said they are in a talks with Egizii Electric Inc. and Bodine Electric of Decatur. They are in a cost share situation with IDOT. He said the city would be responsible for the money up front for the repair, and they would be reimbursed up to 75 percent for the repair costs. He said sometimes the city can wait awhile before they get the money from the state.

He recommended going with the Egizii Electric Inc. bid of $33,750. Alderwoman Bauer said then the

$8,000 - $8,500 would be the cost of that - following the 75 percent reimbursement.

Police Station North Annex Garage Plumbing Bid Award:

Police Chief Paul Adams said they have received one bid from JC Dillon Inc. for the plumbing, this includes floor drains in the bathroom - the bid is in the amount of $29,560. He said this is low. They previously received a $39,000 bid from D&D. The item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Police Station North Annex Garage Electrical Bid Award:

Police Chief Paul Adams said they received three bids from Egizii Electric Inc., WM Masters Inc., and B&B Electric Inc. - for the North Annex garage.

He said B&B Electric Inc. is doing a good job now, and he would like to go with them for the bid of

$47, 120. He said he spoke with Ameren Illinois. They city would get a reimbursement of at least $175. Alderwoman Bauer asked to clarify. The item will be placed on the agenda.

Discussion regarding City Ordinance providing regulations and restrictions of the use of parks within the City of Lincoln / Resolution: Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation install fitness court on real estate owned by the City Of Lincoln:

Alderwoman Bauer said council members at the last meeting asked about the ordinance for city park usage. She said City Attorney Blinn Bates drafted this.

She said the only thing she wanted to clarify, or have Mr. Bates clarify is the connection or lack thereof with the park district if the site were to be designated a city park. She said she was not sure if this is what the councilwanted. Or if the other ordinance needed to be amended. She said the key before or as construction starts, is that it is going to be maintained in some fashion under the guise of a city ordinance.

Alderman Hoefle said he missed that meeting, but he had questions. He wanted to know if Mr. Bates is the attorney for the park district. He said he is the attorney for the hospital. He said we've got multiple conflicts going on, if that is true. He said something is not right with this, because the city attorney is spread out on so many plains, and it is creating multiple conflicts. He asked how he could represent the city in good faith, as he has so many interests - in the city, hospital, and park district - he said he did not know how morally, ethically it could be done.

Treasurer Chuck Conzo said he talked about conflict of interest, that just because Mr. bates represented multiple entities did not mean there is a conflict there. He said that is why there is a waiver of conflict of interest. He said they could always use outside council. Treasuer Chuck Conze brought up an example of a real-estate transaction conducted in the past with Mr. Bill Bates - where he represented both the city and the company - he did not represent the city in that transaction - and then the city maintained Mr. Don Behle who is also an expert in municipal law.

Alderman Hoefle said he is not comfortable with that. The treasurer said that is up to the council.

Alderman Welch asked if the parcel that is specified is the only place where the equipment is going to go - or if it will be on the entire property on Eighth Street. He asked for dimensions. He said the question he is getting at is if the council is turning the entire area into a park or just the area of the fitness park.

Alderman Hoinacki said he feels the whole things needs to be turned into a park - as multiple people could be on the equipment after hours - then police could enforce this. He said if not, then technically these people could go 1O feet over into an area that is not designated a park. He said for policing purposes - this is what he thinks. Alderman Welch said, just because you are opening it up for policing purposes, means the whole area will be designated as a park. He said what if the council wanted to open up the area for development - they would have to amend the ordinance. Alderman Hoefle said yes.

Police Chief Paul Adams said calling it a park allows for the site to be enforced by police. He called it a simple resolution.

Alderman Welch said that is what he was getting at. He said the councilwas going to pass an ordinance that will change the scope of what the park district has to do. He wanted to know if anyone had reached out to the park district. Alderwoman Bauer said that was the whole point to the night's discussion, that they need clarity on if this resolution impacts the park district - then the conversation needs to be had with the park district. She said it was just for the councilto have this discussion, to review the current park district and city park ordinances and how this space can fit into those documents. She said if there is a direct correlation, as the ordinance reads currently, it is only right and fair to bring them to the table and discuss it with them.

Alderman Welch said the city has authorized the installation of a piece of equipment on a piece of property that they do not know what it is called and they do not know who is going to maintain it. He said cart before the horse. Mayor Goodman called for comments on this.

Alderwoman Bauer said she would get with the City Attorney and ask him about the conflict of interest piece and this ordinance. Alderman Hoefle asked if they wanted to take this out two weeks. Both items will be placed on the agenda.

Discussion regarding penalty fees for sewer and trash hilling:

City Clerk Peggy Bateman talked about monthly billing, and restructuring everything she said that the sewer charges will need to be changed - including late fees.

They propose no late fees added to the garbage as it is mandates, after 60 days of no payment on trash,trash service will be stopped. Building and Zoning will be contacted on the no-pay residence and will draft a letter and contact them. They will tell them about the consequences of not paying.Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall explained how not paying for trash pickup could lead to court proceedings, there will be a 30 day window for the resident to get in contact with the city. Fines are the same - a $75 minimum and $750 max. It would be the same as every other ordinance violation that go out. City Clerk Bateman said this is what she proposed on the trash part.

City Clerk Bateman called for questions. Then went into discussion over the sewer service.She said it is complicated.She said everything will be due the 20th of every month -trash and sewer together.

She said the first month the customer will get current charges and hopefully everyone pays, the second month they will get current charges with past due fees listed and a flat $5 added to it.

On the third month they will get current charges, another $25 fee for penalty if they are past due,plus a lien fee and a warning for water shutoff for $75 for the following month.The fourth current bill charges,

lien fees, $75 due - and notification of their delinquency with Illinois American Water. Illinois American Water would give them another 10 days to pay. On the 5th month, current charges, plus past due fees - plus delinquency - they will be listed on the website. Illinois American Water will charge the city $75 - the city will then charge the customer.

She said the game plan of going monthly, made it more affordable for everyone to have a smaller amount to pay,so she said hopefully that solved a little bit of that. She said since trash and sewer are together -if someone does not pay the total amount of the bill,the first amount will be applied to trash

- because it is mandated,whatever left will go to the sewer.This is if people do not designate where they want the payment to be applied.

Alderwoman Bauer said there are a lot of people not linked into the sources available such as Facebook, or have not received a mass mailing. She said it is the council's duty to reach households. She said this is going to impact every single household - they need to make sure every household understand this is happening.

Clerk Peggy Bateman said she had every intention of doing a mass mailing.She said they will be lucky to get the bills out. She said she will include a letter with mention of the town wide cleanup. She said she did not know what else she can do.

Alderman Hoefle said how soon could there be a mass mailing. City Clerk Peggy Bateman said she cannot. Her staff is going through the list of 800 names, they have to get everything out by May 31. Alderman Hoefle asked if it would be possible to do a mailing in June.She said, "Yeah."

Alderwoman Bauer said there will be folks who get this and still not know what is going on. She said to avoid the inundation of calls to city hall - a follow up letter could help. City Clerk Peggy Bateman said it would be the same addresses of where the bills are going. Alderwoman Bauer said she was by no means asking for an additional task before the bills went out. City Clerk Bateman said she had every intention of doing it prior, but with what they got handed - there was no way. Alderwoman Bauer said it could go in with the June billing.But she thought there needed to be some explanation of the fines.

Adlerman Keller said this should be sufficient. Alderwoman Bauer walked through what the mailing could say . . . it could explain the billing process, include sewer and garbage, mention the change in rate and urge people to go to the city website for past due situations. Alderman Welch said the item the clerk mentioned about placing money on - or partial payments on trash. He wanted to propose an idea

- because he mentioned the fines are steeper on the sewer side. She said trash is a city ordinance. He said so is sewage. She said eventually they will get their water turned off and a lien put on if they do not pay. He said the fines that are leveed are much greater on the sewer side. She said it was the council's decision.

Public Comment: Mrs. Wanda Lee Rohlfs mentioned that she pays her bill yearly -what happens, if she charged the new rate even though she already paid it last July. She wanted to know what happened in June and July. He sewage bill is paid up through July. She said anyone on a yearly plan ought to know this. City Clerk Bateman said it would show the credit. She said her first bill should not have anything on it.

City Clerk Bateman said for folks who have paid ahead with Area Disposal, Area Disposal will reimburse anything prepaid. She wanted to know if there needed to be an ordinance to change the sewage bill from quarterly to monthly billing. Alderman Welch said there were a number of ordinances that needed to be reviewed.

City Clerk Bateman said also on the garbage, does it need to be mentioned that the owner is responsible for the property and not the tenant. She said that needed to be in writing somewhere. Alderman Welch asked if this was listed in the franchise agreement. She could not find it anywhere. Mayor Goodman asked if Alderwoman Bauer had a comment. She said she is fine with placing this on the agenda and the adjustment to the ordinance relating to the billing frequency - they will need to look into language.

It may need to be added into the frequency ordinance. Alderwoman Browne brought up Mr. Bob Bart and how she had previously wanted it included in the franchise agreement. Alderman Hoefle mentioned the penalties.

Alderwoman Browne agreed with Alderman Welch on where the partial funds should go. She said with fees and levees some people may never get caught up - the farther they get behind.

Alderman Parrott asked what Area Disposal would do if a resident did not pay for their trash service. Alderman Welch said City Clerk Peggy Bateman keeps track of this in her office. Each month, Area Disposal is not paid, because the city did not collect any money. Then after 60 days, Area Disposal is notified. Then ordinances kick in and Mr. Woodhall's office gets involved.

Alderman Parrott asked for those who are delinquent in sewer payments now - what helps them to get good on it now. Is it a fine, or going to court - did that play into it at all? City Clerk Peggy Bateman said when people get the "water off' letter - it is a wakeup call and they come through and pay. But by that time people have racked up $25 a month penalties. Alderman Parrott said his thoughts would be to put partial payments toward trash first, because with sewer they might become good with it when they get those fines - but they might not get good with their trash bills.

Alderwoman Bauer ran through the fines that get racked up. She wanted to know where it made sense from City Clerk Peggy Bateman's office - of they are talking about it from an ordinance perspective - it may be better to go with trash. Clerk Bateman said where is this trash going, it's not being picked up - or being dumped somewhere else. Alderwoman Bauer said she does not lean one way or the other.

Public Comment: Mr. Gabe Bowden, Operations Specialist from Illinois American Water came forward. He said in his experience, the company would take care of themselves first, then take care of any vendors.

Adlerman Parrott said there will be late payments. He asked what will cause more work for city staff? Late payments in sewer or trash? Someone said sewer. But he said bookkeeping will need to be done to keep track of late payments for trash, then Mr. Woodhall's office would need to write up ordinances for trash once he is notified.

Alderman Welch said he is not recanting his statement, but City Clerk Peggy Bateman brought up a good point about trash, if their trash service gets cut off - the trash will go somewhere. He said he is with Alderwoman Bauer. He said put the funds to the side where the fines are applied. City Clerk Peggy Bateman reminded the councilthat the residents/citizens can specify where they want the partial funds to go. The item will be placed on the agenda.

Mayoral appoinbnents for FY18-19: Chief of Police, Assistant Chief of Police, Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Street & Alley Superintendent, Building & Safety Official, Deputy Building & Safety Official:

The item will be placed on the agenda.

Fiscal Year 2018-2019 increases for non-union city employeesper approvedbudget effective May 1, 2018:

Treasurer Chuck Conzo asked if the council knew what was in the budget for the increases. Alderwoman Bauer asked if the other two folks in City Clerk Peggy Bateman's office needed to be included. They are not mayoral appointments. The item will be placed on the agenda.

Discussion regarding City Administrator Position:

Alderman Parrott called for the item to be placed on the agenda. Then he said let's get this thing done. Alderman Keller started by saying yes, he did think the council needed to get this thing done after several months' hiatus. He said this should rest with the department heads who have everyday interaction with the person in the role, he had reached out to them. He would not want to make a decision on the council that is not best for the city. He wanted someone who has some budget knowledge, basic engineering, has capital development planning experience, who can provide administrative functions on protocol. He said this takes a very talented skill set. He said since abandoning GovHR they still need to find someone to conduct the government affairs.

Treasurer Chuck Conze spoke up and said as he stated in the budget workshops, the city could save a lot of money and better served if they looked to other avenues, through hiring someone who could work in a different capacity, on a full-time or part-time basis, such as someone with grant writing skills. Doing things such as this on a case by case basis. Keeping in mind there are not a lot of grants available.

Alderman Hoinacki said he knows that the department heads and looked to Police Chief Paul Adams, he wanted to know if he could tell the council how much easier it would have been to have had a City Administrator doing the new Police Station project. Chief Adams said his background was in

Administration of Justice, not engineering or architecture. He said Mr. Bob Bart helped managed some of the project for him so he could get back to what he was supposed to be doing, but right now the project is in his office, he works with his administrative assistants to keep things organized. He said he understands the plans a lot more than he ever understood plans, he has learned a lot, but it is outside the scope of what he should have been doing. Alderman Hoefle asked when the project would be done. He said May 30 should be the substantial completion date. They will do a punch list. They just ordered

furniture - maybe July or August they will be able to move in. But more security stuff needs to be set up. They are still working on the security inside the building.

Alderwoman Bauer mentioned moving this forward, she said she thinks there need to be a twofold discussion, the City Administrator positon is authorized by ordinance - the council needs to amend it or create a new one. She said she thought that was the standstill - will the council fill the position as it stands by ordinance or will they fillthe position via a different avenue. She wanted to know if the council needed to vote on filling the positon as is - or just have a conversation that says they are not going to. She said by not knowing, or not doing anything, the council is kicking the can down the road, which is not working for anyone. She said she is trying to get people to proceed in some way, shape, or form.

Alderman Welch said he did not want to offend anyone by his statements, but the council has to work with this person too, so the position cannot solely be based on what the department heads want. He said there are people who do not believe the council needed a full-time person, but someone who could take the burden off of City Clerk Peggy Bateman's office. He said let's face it, she is serving as our City Administrator at this point. He agreed the council needed someone, but not someone full-time - and they should look local. Maybe not Lincoln, but someone from Central Illinois - someone who would work with them and be in it for the long-haul with the council. He said Alderman Keller was right - at some point the council will need to look at the long-term strategic plan, but they cannot do it with just themselves.

Alderman Hoefle said he agreed with Alderman Welch and some of what Alderwoman Bauer had said. He said the council needed to do something. It was the anniversary of Mr. Bob Bart's last night with the council. He said he thinks the councilhas done well moving along, and he does not fault anyone with a family or a full-time job for not picking up on extra items to do. He said he is retired and he likes attending meetings with the superintendents so he can learn what is going on. He said there are things that can be done as a council that he has not seen done in the past. He said more conversations are in­ depth because they are not spoon-fed. He said they will get more feedback from constituents - even when he was on vacation he received calls of concern. He said he would like to see the council have a part-time budget controller - with other council members taking on other jobs to move the council

along. He said so far it has not been that difficult.

Alderwoman Bauer said she would to see the council publicly vote on it - so the public can see, and there can be clarity. She wanted to see a stop-start. What the job duties would be, what the expectation would be, is the councilgoing to serve who they intend to serve, the citizens, department heads, and the mayor. She wanted to hire someone who could fill that position. She said she has a strong fear that the council will have a hard time finding someone who will do what the council needs them to do in a part-time capacity. She said it would be a hard thing to find. She would like to see the councilvote and make a decision and then go.

Alderman Hoinacki said he would strongly hope the council would get someone who has the depth of experience. That is his key issue there. He said lots of people can apply for jobs, but if they do not have the experience, the role is just a learning tool for them. Who is going to be the one to teach it to them?

Mayor Goodman would like to place the item on the agenda, to vote on it whether the council wanted a full-time administrator or not. Alderman Welch said put it on the agenda as a part-time role, less than full-time. Alderman Parrott and Alderwoman Bauer talked about what they were not comfortable with. She wanted to know what the job would look like.

Treasurer Conzo said you can establish a full-time job, but that is not a City Administrator - maybe a PSA or AA, he said part-time people get most of the work done in State Agencies. He said it may be an

opportunity to give someone an opportunity - maybe someone who commutes to Springfield or Bloomington - he said he is not trying to prequalify this. He said that does not mean that you have to hire someone, but that you could create the position with that intention.Alderman Welch said that would be creating a new position.Treasurer Conze said even if you hire a part-time person, you are creating a new position. Alderman Welch said if the vote is next week to hire or not hire a City Administrator - his vote would be a "no."

Alderman Hoefle said there are a bunch of ideas bouncing around here. He did concur with Alderman Welch, but he would like to see a review of the alternative before the council voted one way or the other. They would be reaching into the abyss without that answer. He asked if the councilis opposed to putting this off for two weeks - to see if there is a state job that has the same prerequisites.

Alderman Hoinacki said in two weeks at the next Committee of the Whole, what would be brought forward? The part-time description? What it would look like? Alderman Hoefle said that is what he is thinking. He said right now everyoneis having a difficult time with the $70,000 salary - and getting a City Administrator. He said they are moving on or looking to the City of Lincoln as a stopover. He wants someone with quality who will be with the city for a few years.

Alderman Parrott asked if the council is looking at half-time in a way of avoiding the $70,000 salary. Are they talking about paying a lower salary because the job skillsets may be a little less? Is the objective to not pay a $70,000 salary? Do they create an Assistant Administrator and pay at a lower salary,

because the job skillsets will be a little less.

Public Comment: Mrs. Leslie Hoefle said when Mr. Clay Johnson - what in office, the Lincoln Depot project was going on, there were lots of invoices going on, but that is not happening now.

Alderman Parrott said he was pretty sure the city got all of its money out of Mr. Johnson. Alderwoman Bauer said she wanted to publicly vote on the replacement of the City Administrator position as it currently stood, so that that was out there. Then two weeks later,if that did not pass -the changes to the position and scope of that role could be introduced.She said she would hate to see this go to a part-time position. She said as projects creep up such as the Fifth Street Road Project . . .there needed to be someone in beyond a part-time capacity.

Alderman Hoefle said he had been working on the Fifth Street Road Project. He said they will be meeting soon. He would be glad to give Alderwoman Bauer a status update. They are still on trying to buy a property. He said Mr. Landers brought up a point earlier in the morning, that the city should start putting money aside.

Alderman Welch said he knows where Alderwoman Bauer is coming from, but with Mr. Clay Johnson, the council did not know about everything that was going on -that they had no clue, he did not bring stuff up untilhe needed the council to vote on something. He said the councilshould be able to trust one another as councilmembers to do what is right in the city as well. He said there were things this

was more common than not -that City Clerk Peggy Bateman's office found out in the last week that the City Administrator chose to do TIF documentation on his own. But every other municipality in the state

  • did not do their own documentation.He said this was added work that was not necessary. He said he thought the council could find other instances like this.Alderwoman Bauer said she never said she had distrust - he said he did not imply that.

Mayor Goodman asked if everyone is going to vote, or wait two weeks. He would like to see a decision. He said he still gets calls from people asking if the council is going to hire a full-time City Administator.

Alderman Welch asked if everyone took this vote before - that that was how the council got down the GovHR path. Alderman Hoinacki said he thought the councilvoted to hire GovHR Alderwoman Bauer said that is was not a revote. Treasurer Conzo said it was a vote to fill the job, rather than to hire GovHR,it would be a vote to fill the role currently by ordinance. Mayor Goodman said theitem will be placed on the agenda next week.

Announcements:

Mayor Goodman asked if anyone had any announcements .

    • Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall said please do not mow grass into gutters. Police are able to ticket people who do this, they could be fined. He said this is not the correct way to do things. It is a fineable offense. The bottom lineis don't doit, it put debris into the road,as it places a burden on the sewer infrastructure. Police Chief PaulAdams said if you happen to blow it in the street, sweep it up and putit back into your yard.
    • Alderman Hoefle said Chief Mark Miller talked with the counciltoday about Ameren Illinois benefits. Ameren reached out and wanted to know about a project they are involved in that
    • helps save people money on their utilities. They want to hold a presentation. He wanted to know if this could be done on a night of a voting meeting. Alderwoman Bauer wanted to know if it was different than LIHEAP. Alderman Hoefle askedif they could be invited to the June 18 meeting.
    • Alderwoman Bauer wanted Mr. Landers to make an announcement about bug spraying - he said insect abatement will start next Wednesday.They spray from 7 p.m. to 11a.m. It takes about four hours to spray half of city. One half of the town is done on Wednesday, the other half on Thursday. Weather permitting. Friday is a backup day.
    • Treasurer Chuck Conze said the council is still trying to pay out the final invoices from the past fiscal year, the deadline to tum in invoices from the previous Fiscal Year 2017-2018 is Friday at noon.
    • Alderman Welch said the citywide pickupis going on in June.
    • Alderman Welch said the 3rd Friday Downtown committee is now looking for sponsors and vendors.
    • Mr. Walt Landers said Mr.Scott Turner has another initiative taking place downtown. Volunteers will be planting flowers.
    • Mayor Goodman thanked Lincoln Daily News for The ALMH Market ribbon cutting.
    •  
    •  

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Hoefle motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Welch. Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 9:08 p.m.

Upcoming Meetings:

Regular City Council IMonday, May 21, 2018, 7 p.m. Committee of the Whole ITuesday, May 29, 2018, 7 p.m. Regular City Council IMonday, June 4,2018, 7 p.m.

Committee of the Whole ITuesday, June 12, 2018, 7 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Alex Williams, Recording Secretary

13 ICOW I Tuesday. May 15, 2018

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

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

 

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