COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING                                                                   Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers 700 Broadway Street ILincoln, Illinois

Presiding:

Mayor Seth Goodman

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 called roll.

Present:

Alderman Tracy Welch, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Ward 2

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderman Ron Keller, Ward 3

Alderman Jeff Hoinacki,Ward 4

Staff Present:

City Administrator Elizabeth Kavelman

City Attorney John Hoblit

City Clerk Peggy Bateman

Treasurer Chuck Conzo

Fire Chief Bob Dunovsky

Police Chief Paul Adams

Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall

Streets Superintendent Walt Landers

Veolia Water, Greg Pyles

Absent:

Alderman Kathy Horn, Ward 4

Public Comment:

Mayor Goodman called upon citizens registered to speak. Mr. and Mrs. Jerry McCain of 1611 Pulaski Street came forward to talk about the condition of the street. Mr. McCain wanted to try to get something done about the speeding on this road.

Police Chief Paul Adams said the radar sign that is present on the street monitors speed as well as collect data on times of day etc. He said his department will do their best. Alderman Keller and Alderman Welch both spoke and then referred to Streets Department Superintendent Walt Landers to weigh in on parking on Pulaski Street.

Alderman Welch said this is not the only street with this same issue. He mentioned Pekin Street. Mayor Goodman thanked Mr. McCain and moved onto other public comment.

Next, Mr. and Mrs. Eldon Lessen of 836 185Qth Street came forward to discuss the issue of their sewer line and the connection of the city main. He said they have a $15,000 repair bill and is requesting the city take on some of the repair costs for the main.He said the main itself was $10,000. He said excuses have been given to them. He said the budget shows revenue of $4 million from sewer bills. Mrs. Lessen said it sounds like an excuse-and that they are not wanting it to be pushed under the rug. She said they tried to find out the age of the Pekin Street sewer line and discovered it was older than the records that could be found.

The Lessen's requested deducting their $45 monthly sewer payment fee until some other alternative is found. Alderman Welch said there have been meetings, but it is still under discussion. Mr. Lessen mentioned Wes Woodhall and the potential violations . . . he said Mr. Woodhall must have passed something on to someone. Alderman Welch said Mr. Woodhall sent emails onto appropriate individuals. He said the council is still looking at getting this formalized from them.

Mr. Lessen said that no communication to them, means that it is not being looked at. The Lessens again requested that their sewer bill be waived. Mayor Goodman said not at this time. There being no further public participation, Mayor Goodman moved down to other agenda items.

Mayoral Reappointments:

Police Chief PaulAdams, Streets Department Superintendent Walt Landers, Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall, Deputy Police Chief Matt Vhlahovich,Police Department Administrative Assistant Susie Pegram, Police Department Records Clerk Kirsten RawlinsJ Lincoln Street Department/Building and Safety Office Administrative Assistant Cori Ingram - as well as their non-union pay increases as budgeted in FY 2019-2020:

The item will be placed on the agenda.

Resolution for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 pay increases for non-union employees:

The item will be placed on the agenda. Alderman Keller asked about section one, and a discrepancy between five percent and three percent increases that are slated to be awarded to various people. Treasurer Conzo mentioned that Mr. Wes Woodhall came in at a rate of pay lower than his predecessor.

Morgan Gleason,Logan County Tourism Director: Resolution for Route 66:

Miss Morgan Gleason came forward to present the resolution to have June 7-9, 2019 designated as the Route 66 weekend in the City of Lincoln. She said The Mill will have its 901h Anniversary celebration, and other things will also take place that weekend.

Alderman Welch said it plays well into the Route 66 Centennial Commission that has been established. The item will be placed on the agenda.

Miss Morgan Gleason, Logan County Tourism Director  - Amendments to the Lincoln Depot Lease Agreement:

Miss Morgan Gleason also wanted to discuss the lease agreement between the City of Lincoln and the Logan County Tourism Bureau. She said the edits would be allowing the agreement to say what it was originally intended to in 2018. Alderman Welch weighed in on the paper document versus the digital file and language discrepancies. Alderman Parrott requested it be placed on the agenda.

Alderman Keller asked if the rent was the same as in 2018. It would be. Then Alderman Keller asked about loiterers and if that situation has improved. Miss Gleason said things are a little better, she thinks an alarm system would put her mind at ease.

On September 21,the Logan County Tourism Bureau is looking to break a world record. The county has approved the use of the Logan County Courthouse lawn. Streets Superintendent Walt Landers weighed in on signage. Alderman Welch said he was humored on Friday, when someone walked in and up to a sign and asked Miss Gleason for a ticket. He said it could help, but they would need to read it.

Alderman Keller asked for a reminder to be shared about the upcoming attempt to break the Guiness World Recordfor the number of people dressed up as Abraham Lincoln.Participants would need to wear a top hat, beard without a mustache, long black dress coat, white collared shirt, and black pants. The beard can be fake and women can participate, however, dogs and babies will not count. Alderman Bateman asked if Miss Gleason had reached out to various Abraham Lincoln associations.

Lincoln YMCA Soccer Program-Two-year Sub-lease contract for the use of the City's Walmart property, effective May 20, 2019 to May 19, 2021:

City Administrator Beth Kavelman weighed in on this program and request. The item will be placed on the agenda.

Contract with Lincoln Junior High School to Hire a School Resource Office {SRO} for Lincoln Junior High School:

Police Chief Paul Adams said the School Resource Officer (SRO} at the high school has been helpful . .

• e said a school incident can happen anywhere, and the public needs to know their children are safe. He said a School Resource Officer (SRO} will be beneficial to the students and junior high. He wanted to see this happen.He said the district has approved the contract. The salary amount would be $36,619.83. He said it's half the salary and benefits or half the cost of another officer. He's reached out to district 404. He said the department did not hire an administrator, instead he'd like to see this move forward with putting an SRO in place. He mentioned hiring a new officer off the new hire list. He said it is a two-year list, and it expires in September. He'd have to see if those individuals would want to join the police department.

Chief Adams asked City Attorney John Hoblit if he had reviewed the contract. Mr. Hoblit said he did not have a problem with it..it will be added to the agenda.

Resolution for Fiscal Year 2019-2020's Draft Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance Program:

Streets Superintendent Walt Landers said each year his department has to put together a program for The Motor Fuel Tax (MFT). He said it contains, roadways, sidewalks, snow removal, etc. His team has to provide a budget. This year, the program is $575,000. The item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Fast Track Demolition of 1023 N.Sangamon Street:

Mr. Wes Woodhall weighed in saying his team wanted to use tne fast tracK demolition process. He said there are liens on the property. The gentleman who owned is passed away three years ago. He said the nephew and son involved said there is not an estate or will, they had no intentions of doing anything with the property. Mr. Woodhall said the property is in bad shape and has become more and more of a dumping ground. He thinks people are taking advantage of dumping garbage there, he said it's consistently getting worse.

Vern's Backhoe and Excavating would be awarded the job. He said as of May 12, it could be torn down. The funding would come out of last year's budget. Alderman Welch asked if this property now becomes property of the city. Mr. Woodhall said no. He said because of the liens, it is not something they would want to accept. He said they city already takes care of the properties.

Alderman Bateman asked if the only liens on the property are from the municipal government. That was the case.Then, Alderman Bateman said perhaps the property could be put up for auction so it could be put back on the tax rolls. The item will be placed on the agenda.

Appointment of Firefighter Chad Kern to the Firefighters Pension Board:

Mayor Goodman said this was a replacement after the retirement of former Fire Chief Mark Miller. Fire Chief Bob Dunovsky said Firefighter Chad Kerns would be getting into the Tier IIbenefits. The item will be placed on the agenda.

Analysis of South Kickapoo Street Resurfacing:

Streets Superintendent Walt Landers talked about doing mill and overlay, following the current design that is there on the street. He said a second option was the removal of all the pavement and brick. He saidit could come with a cost of $450,000. The 2019 budget is $500,000. The first option would allow his department to do other projects as well.

Alderman Bateman said in reading this, it looks like the engineering was done by Farnsworth Group. He asked if the city does have a contract with the firm. He said he would like to see the city bid out for an engineer or take a different avenue.

Alderman Parrott asked about the anticipated lifespan of the road after the project's completion. Mr. Landers weighed In.He gave an example of one street in town that was constructed in 1995 and he still consideredit to be in good shape.

Alderman Keller said they could not sacrifice the entire budget on one street. Alderman Keller wanted Mr. Landers to offer the new council a debrief on the PAVER Program. It is a ranking system, which rates city streets on their condition/grade.

He said once a street is graded so low-it's considered reconstruction. It is not pavement maintenance.

He said mill and overlay is considered more than just maintenance.Alderman Bateman said he agreed in spending the entire budget on two blocks of streets when the alderman hear complaints from people weekly about the condition of the streets in the town.

He said he liked the idea-he said he was going to steal his thunder . . . of each alderman evaluating their streets, and determining which streets in their ward are the worst in their given section of town­ and then hewanted to split up the funding accordingly. He mentioned the Lincoln Depot project and those surrounding streets. Alderman Parrott reverted back to the PAVER system. Mr. Landers weighed in. He said the system gives a list of streets for each operation. He said money is better spent, as far as maintenance , in keeping a street that is ranked a 40-50 and getting it up to an 80 with maintenance, versus doing a complete construction. Alderman Parrott asked about Kickapoo Street-it has been scored a three and a nine.

Alderman Welch weighed in again on utilizing the PAVER program to determine which streets in each ward are deemed in worst shape and then spread the funds among the various wards. He also talked about Farnsworth Group and getting someone who is capable of doing the work.

Alderman Hoinacki said there are a lot of unknowns, and he did not favor Band-Aiding the streets. He said the city had to start reconstructing, otherwise hypothetically the street ranked three could eventually rank zero.Alderman Bateman said living with someone who worked in the road construction business forever, and having to listen to it, and given his years with the county-if you're going to mill somewhere between an inch and a half or so of asphalt, then option three could be to replace curbs and gutters and then asphalt the streets to get the best of both worlds. He said it could address drainage issues.

Alderman Bateman mentioned Campus View Drive, saying it was only $30,000. He mentioned once the mllllng and seal coatingwas done onthe road, it turned it into a decent street. Alderman Welch mentioned Elm Street in Ward 1, Alderman Parrott said he's talked about Elm Street before. Alderman Parrott said if you have Tremont's, you're not going to get very far with $500,000 and we are trying to do this on multiples across everyone's wards. He said if they looked at curbing, drainage, etc. then it is something tolook at with concrete.He shared that he was unsure of how he would vote, just yet. Then Mr. Landers weighed in on the need to look at the street . . .and what kind of maintenance you would want to do on it.

He said Kickapoo Street, Heitmann Drive, he said rebar is showing underneath the street . ..he said at some point they'd have to address that, but you have to consider what is underneath the street. Sewers, water infrastructure etc. There has been a partial assessment of Kickapoo Street. He said there is no sewer running the length of Kickapoo Street. He said there are a lot of things to consider when you are looking at streets.

Alderman Hoinacki asked Streets Superintendent Landers about starting over with a new firm. Mr. Landers recommended sticking with Farnsworth Group for now and then putting out a Request for QuaHflcations (RFQ) after this construction season. Alderman Hoinacki wanted clarification on what was going to be placed on the agenda.

Alderman Welch wanted to weigh in on the Band-Aid comment. He said in 20 years we can accomplish alot with other streets in the city. He mentioned drainage issues, and that in the past four years of his service, he had not heard drainage brought up one time.

Alderman Keller said he thought milling was the way to go. He said if we can pursue the process of looking at other firms, it didn't seem like they could, so they could continue with the firm and then check into the Idea of utilizing other firms after the construction season ended.

Mr. Landers requested a list of street names in need of repair. Alderman Welch wanted Mr. Landers to look at the PAVER system and offer suggestions on other streets in need of attention. Mayor Goodman mentioned Heitmann Drive and the high visibility there. The item will be placed on the agenda.

Discussion regarding city's policy with homeowners' rain/storm water damage due to recent heavy rains:

Mr. Greg Pyles of Veolia Water weighed in onthe public health problems and property damages that can occur due to infiltration and inflow. He said there have been a couple of instances of Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO's) in the last couple of weeks.He said at the south plant lift station-Salt Creek rose and got into the structure so there is another threat of an SSO there. He wanted to let the council to know what they are doing about these events. He and Wes are also investigating fog. He said they are doing upgrades to the south plant lift station. And requiring inspections and following up on investigations relating to fats and oils from restaurants. He then showed a map and talked about pulling out data.

Alderman Keller said this is the same GIS system that Will D'Andrea is using for 911, to better plot out the county for emergency response.Veolia will use some of the county's GIS information, and Veolia has sewer information regarding the underground infrastructure.

Alderman Bateman said the countyjust did a recent flyover.He said Will is working on a new flyover that will update the streets and everything. When you log onto the GIS, it will portray streets from a couple of months ago, rather than years ago.

Alderman Welch asked about information and public access. Alderman Hoinacki mentioned getting aerial photos and mapping of Logan County through the Regional Planning Commission. He said the maps will be used by numerous agencies.He said this is a great update to have on file. He said that is where some of the regionalplanning moneywill begoing to.Mr.Walt Landers brought upthe budget and engineering rates.He said the $22,000 listed is just engineering for the sidewalk project, and for opening and closing the MFT program at the end of the year.

Mr. Pyles said in recent weeks, several agencies have reached out about connecting to the storm sewer. He said he thinks these entities need to submit a plan to the city council and then a recommendation could be made thereafter. They need to present it to the councilfor their consideration, per Mr. Pyles.

Announcements:

Mayor Goodman asked if anyone had any announcements.

• Regional Planning Commission to be added to the agenda, the city will be renewing their contribution again. Logan County Regional Planning has team up with TriCounty Regional Planning to build maps. Some of the regional planning money will go to this project.
• Alderman Welch wanted a brief summary about the city's involvement, return on investment, etc., regarding the city's participation in regional planning.
  • The Civil Service made an amendment for all civil service workers to live within Logan County, this would be an amendment to civil service rules, and it would be added to the agenda.
  • Alderman Welch mentioned the strain the Lincoln Depot placed on adjacent businesses, specifically P&W Pool and Spa, Inc. He said there is no longer any room for parking for their work vehicles. He said the police department has done a great job of enforcing the 2-5 a.m. parking ban as the ordinance reads. He proposed removing the parking ban on the west side of the street, however, the east side would remain in effect. He suggested the council amend the ordinance to includelanguage that he provided, and he said the business would be grateful. They have started to see parking tickets , but he wanted to help with the issue and make it easier for businesses to do business. Alderman Parrott made comment about setting precedent in other instances. Mr. Welchwanted it to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The item will be placed onthe agenda. Prior to, the request would be that the city attorney review the ordinance.
  • Alderman Kevin Bateman to be appointed to the Route 66 Commission, this item will be placed on the agenda. 

Mr. Walt Landers shared the city has been deemed Tree City USA for the 181 year in a row. He mentioned Arbor Day and a tree planting event.

• Ribbon Cutting-at ChalDal Pet Motelon Lincoln Parkway at 4 p.m.on May 15.
• Alderman Welch thanked people who assisted on College Street and the sewer repair there.

Executive Session under Section 2(c)(2), Collective Bargaining:

There being no further announcements to come before the council, Alderman Welch made a motion to move into Executive Session under 2(C)2 Collective Bargaining, seconded by Alderman Keller.Alderman Hoinacki askedif there was one other subtitle yet. The answer was no.City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Kathryn Schmidt, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Kathy Horn

Executive Session under Section 2(c)(2), Collective Bargaining:

The council recessed from the Committee of the Whole meeting at 8:31 p.m. in order to enter Executive Session. Mayor Goodman announced there would be no further city business conducted upon reconvening.

Executive Session under Section 2(c)(2), Collective Bargaining:

The counciladjourned the Executive Session at 9:07 p.m. in order to reconvene the Committee of the Whole Meeting at 9:11. Roll call was taken.

Present:

Alderman Tracy Welch Alderman Steve Parrott Alderman Kathryn Schmidt Alderman Sam Downs Alderman Kevin Bateman Alderman Ron Keller Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Absent:

Alderman Kathy Horn

Executive Session under Section 2(c)(1) Personnel:

The council then recessed the Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting for a second time, under 2(c)1, Personnel at 9:13 p.m. Alderman Keller made the motion, seconded by Alderman Bateman in order to enter into Executive Session. Roll call was taken.

Present:

Alderman Tracy Welch Alderman Steve Parrott Alderman Kathryn Schmidt Alderman Sam Downs Alderman Kevin Bateman Alderman Ron Keller Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Absent:

Alderman Kathy Horn

Executive Session under Section 2(c)(1), Personnel:

The council adjourned the Executive Session at 9:42 p.m. in order to reconvene the Committee of the Whole Meeting at 9:48. Roll call was taken.

Present:

Alderman Tracy Welch

Alderman Steve Parrott Alderman Kathryn Schmidt Alderman Sam Downs Alderman Kevin Bateman Alderman Ron Keller Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Absent:

Alderman Kathy Horn

Upon reconvening, Alderman Welch said he would like to see the hiring of Ancel Glink for a TIF legal representation and possible labor representation or legal council, Alderman Keller seconded that. Then Alderman Keller motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Welch. Roll call was taken.

Present:

Alderman Tracy Welch Alderman Steve Parrott Alderman Kathryn Schmidt Alderman Sam Downs Alderman Kevin Bateman Alderman Ron Keller Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Absent:

Alderman Kathy Horn

Adjournment:

Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 9:49 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Alex Williams, Recording Secretary