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Last Updated: 22 April 2025

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 6:00 p.m., with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.

Present:

Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman David Sanders, Ward 2

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Ward 3

Alderman Craig Eimer, Ward 4

Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Ward 4

Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Absent:

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Remote:

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

Adam Mackey – Lincoln Speedway 2025 Tentative Racing Schedule

Season opener is Sunday, April 13^th – will open an hour early

Same amount of Lincoln events as previous seasons.

This item will be placed on the consent agenda.

Public Participation

Jeff Nelson – spoke to the council about Residential Home Improvement Grants

Taylor Lyon – spoke to the council about her cleanup day on April 26th

Request to Permit – Cars & Coffee Street Closures – Dates and time were approved 2/17/2025

This item will be placed on the consent agenda.

Community Improvement Line Request

Ashley Metelko requested from the council to add a line to the budget for community improvements for items such as…benches and trash cans when they wear out. 

After hearing Mr. Nelson speak at public participation, she stated that she had reached out to the council via email about a Grant that she found for Residential Home Improvements.  She did not get a response.  The council agreed that she should move forward

The council agreed to add the line item to the budget.  The council will vote and approve the line when they vote on the FY 25/26 budget. 

Additional Local Funds Resurfacing Targets

Shane Remmert with CMT was present address the council.  Andrew Bowns had allocated $525,000 out of his Sewer Construction line to put towards the Union Street (Keokuk to Route 66) rehab.  That frees up some funds for additional resurfacing targets.  PH Broughton was awarded the bid for the current targets and have agreed to hold their unit price if more targets were added.  Targets must be asphalt or mill and overlay.  The additional targets are brought forward are Stuart Drive, Herndon Drive, North Elm Street, Railsplitter Ave, and Heritage Ave.  This cost is estimated at $462,000.00.  The request is for spending up to $487,000.00 to cover anything unforeseen that may come up.  These funds are being rolled over from FY24/25 to FY25/26.   

The council brought up Union Street, from 8^th St to Woodlawn.  The citizens in that area was promised a new road after the sewer repairs.  The city has been waiting on that work to settle under the street to be able to fix any sink holes or water line issues that may appear.  Mr. Landers stated that this is on the target list but because the Tremont Street reconstruction will cost approx. $2million, it may have to wait a couple more years for funding.

These targets will be placed on the regular agenda.   

Mayoral appointment of Marty Neitzel to the Economic Development Commission

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Ground Mounted Solar Regulations

Alderman Bateman would like all ground mounted solar permits to come before the council for approval. 

Alderwoman O’Donoghue is against the council needing to approve these permits.  She feels that is the job of Mr. Woodhall. 

Discussion was had again regarding the fence height and forming a committee to review any ground mounted solar applications, commercial or residental. 

Mr. Woodhall will change the language in the current ordinance to include the committee.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Ordinance authorizing 544 4^th Street to go out for bid.

The city has been maintaining this property for some time. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Added item:

This item is to renew the 2 year contract for Notto Technologies to continue being the IT Consultant for the City of Lincoln.  He is asking for an increase from $66,000 to $69,300.00.  This increase will go in effect in FY 25/26. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Announcements:

• 3^rd Fridays Committee is needing members and will meet this week.
• City Attorney Hoblit shared with the council the proper way to appoint someone to an Alderman seat.
• Alderman Parrott received a bit for a salary comparison study. The bid came in at $9,000. He will see if he can get another bid. 
• The Landscape Waste Facility will reopen soon. Tentatively March 22^nd.

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Downs motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Parrott. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

Details

Last Updated: 18 March 2025

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 6:00 p.m., with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.

Present:

Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman David Sanders, Ward 2

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Ward 3

Alderman Craig Eimer, Ward 4

Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Ward 4

Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Joe Meister, Police Chief – left after public participation

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Absent:

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Remote:

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Justin Cheagar – Stone River Group

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

The Council had a moment of silence in memory of Danny Wheat. 

Public Participation

There was no one present for public participation

Oath of Office:

Brennan Elsas Fire Fighter

Brennan Elsas was sworn in by City Attorney John Hoblit.

City of Lincoln Lighting Project

This is a project that will update all City of Lincoln buildings, that haven’t been updated, with LED lightbulbs.  The new fixtures will also be motion censored which will turn the light off when there is no movement which conserves energy.  Ameren will provide $45,000 worth of lighting materials.  The Labor to install will be at the cost of the City but the return will be approx. 15 months because of the energy savings.  The Labor cost will be $16,180.00

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Economic Development Commission Grant Approvals

Structural Improvement Grant for Big Shot Properties LLC at 118 Commercial Drive for multiple door replacements and insulation in the amount of $7,500.00.  Contingent of receiving a second bid.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Proposal for the Annual Grinding at the Landscape Waste Facility

Two proposals were received from R & R Services of Illinois and Henson Services.  Henson Services had the lowest proposal at $18,900.00

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Discussion of adding a Deputy Fire Chief Position

Chief Johnson stated that when he began with the City in 2000, they would run 300 calls a year.  They now run 3000 calls a year.  He said his assistant chiefs are operational firefighters and do not help him in the office and shouldn’t help them in the office.  They can sometimes be up all night on calls. 

He also said with the West side expansion of Lincoln, there needs to be a 2^nd station in the next 5-10 years that will need to be manned. 

This will be placed on the regular agenda.

Ground Mounted Solar Regulations

Ordinance adjustments: Ground Mounted Solar has been removed from the R1 and R2 districts.  A maximum height is 12 feet and more stringent fencing requirements.  Community Solar farms have more stringent perimeter fencing requirements.

There was concern regarding the wording of the fence height.  More clarification is needed on the fence height.  Some council members feel that if the purpose of the fence is to block the panels, then the fence should be the full height of the panels even at full tilt which is 12 feet. 

This item will be brought back to the next COW. 

Mayor Welch moved to an item not on the agenda. 

There was a report put on each council member’s desk.  This was a request from Alderman Parrott.  The report shows the savings in solar at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Renewal of Certificate of Deposit

The City has a CD coming due.  United Community Bank has a 4.35% renewal rate available. 

Because interest rates can change daily, Treasurer Conzo would like to renew this CD tomorrow with the Council’s approval.  The Council gave the go ahead.  There will still be a vote at the next meeting. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda.

Announcements:

• 1120 Sewer accounts took the 10% savings. $503,340.89 taken in. 21 more accounts than last year. 
• UPRR will be releasing a new locomotive in celebration of the 216^th birthday of Abraham Lincoln.
• Congratulations to the Lincoln Wrestling Team and Coach Dietrich on a great season.
• This is the last week for Sorrento’s pizza.
• IAW will be doing work next week in the 100 block of S. Kickapoo. The Street will be closed during the work.

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Downs motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Eimer. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

Details

Last Updated: 08 April 2025

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Monday, March 3, 2025

The Regular Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Welch at 6:01pm, with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.

Present:

Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman David Sanders, Ward 2

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Ward 3

Vacant, Ward 4

Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Ward 4

Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Absent:

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Presiding:

Tracy Welch, Mayor

Public Comment:

There was no one present for public comment.

Oath of Office:

Chris Phillips Police Sergeant

Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote:
A. Payment of Bills

B. Approval of minutes January 6, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting, January 21, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting, January 28, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting, February 3, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.

Alderwoman O’Donoghue made the motion to approve, Alderman Sanders seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman David Sanders

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Ordinances and Resolutions:

A. Ordinance adding the portion of Deputy Fire Chief to the Lincoln Fire Department and reducing the number of Assistant Fire Chiefs from four (4) to three (3).  

Alderman Sanders made the motion to approve, Alderman Downs seconded.

Mayor Welch called for discussion

The Mayor stated that there will be items coming soon before the council regarding outdated information in the City Code pertaining to the Fire Department.

There being no other discussion, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman David Sanders

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

New Business/Communications:
A.  Approval of the purchase and installation of LED light fixtures for City Hall, the Hamilton Street Garage, and the Wastewater Treatment Facility from a grant with Ameren Illinois at a cost not to exceed $16,180.00.

Alderwoman McClallen made the motion to approve, Alderman Parrott seconded.

Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman David Sanders

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

B.  Approval of Economic Development Grants to Big Shot Properties, LLC for the replacement and installation of Commercial Garage door at 118 Commercial Drive in an amount not to exceed $7,385.00, contingent upon receipt of a second bid.

Alderwoman Rohlfs made the motion to approve, Alderman Sanders seconded.

Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman David Sanders

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

C.  Approval of proposal from Henson Services for the grinding of landscape waste and disposal at a cost not to exceed $18,900.00.

Alderman Parrott made the motion to approve, Alderwoman O’Donoghue seconded.

Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman David Sanders

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

D.  Approval of the renewal of six-month Certificate of Deposit at a rate of 4.35%.

Alderwoman O’Donoghue made the motion to approve, Alderman Sanders seconded.

Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman David Sanders

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Announcements:

·         Alderman Craig Eimer submitted his letter of resignation to Mayor Welch effective February 27^th.  Mayor Welch will begin the process of filling that position.

·         Alderman Bateman showed pictures of current ground mounted solar panels.  These panels are taller than the current fence max height in the city code.  He asked the council to consider the neighbors having to look at solar panels and wants to require fencing for ground mounted. 

Other council members don’t like to dictate what someone can do in their own yard. 

It was suggested to only allow a max of 6 foot panels in residential (the max fence height).

This item will be discussed more at the next COW.

·         The 100 block of N. Kickapoo will be closed, beginning Thursday 3/6, for a water repair.  Electronic signs will be out ahead of time to notify traffic.

·         Painting and flooring replacement is finished at City Hall.  City Clerk Bateman thanked Brady’s Painting for their excellent work and communication throughout the project. 

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Parrott motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Downs.  Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

Details

Last Updated: 08 April 2025

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Monday, February 17, 2025

The Regular Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Welch at 6:00pm, with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.

Present:

Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Ward 3

Alderman Craig Eimer, Ward 4

Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Ward 4

Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Ashley Williams – FD Captain

Absent:

Alderman David Sanders, Ward 2

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Presiding:

Tracy Welch, Mayor

Public Comment:

There was no one present for public comment.

Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote:
A. Payment of Bills

B. Approval of minutes January 14, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting

C. Approval of request from Lincoln Railsplitter Antique Auto Club to permit the closing of S. Kickapoo St between Broadway St and Pulaski St for the Cars & Coffee Meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, Saturday, May 24, 2025, Saturday, June 28, 2025, Saturday, July 26, 2025 and Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 8am – 11am.

Alderwoman Rohlfs made the motion to approve, Alderman Eimer seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion. 

Ethan Hoinacki, owner of Guest House, sent an email to the Council asking if the ending time could be changed to 10am. 

Mr. Harmon, the road closure applicant, said he’s willing to work with the council on the locations but he’d at least like the dates set so he can start advertising. 

Alderwoman McClallen stated that a business study was done with the downtown businesses and the main complaint was that the streets were closed too much.  She asked if at least 3 of the dates could be moved to Pulaski Street.  She will be abstaining in her vote due to her husband having a business on Kickapoo.  She stated that she is speaking as an Alderman not as a business owner. 

Alderman Downs made a motion to 5C to remove the locations from the request, Alderman Parrott seconded. 

There being no other discussion, City Clerk Bateman call the roll on the amendment.   

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott,, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman Craig Eimer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman David Sanders

City Clerk Bateman called rolled on the item as amended.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman Craig Eimer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman David Sanders

Alderwoman McClallen asked for a point of order to change her vote.  She initially wished to abstain from voting but voted yes.  City Attorney Hoblit stated that a vote cannot be changed, it’s a matter of public record. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:

A. Ordinance 2025-1040 authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement for Participation in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN).

Alderwoman Rohlfs made the motion to approve, Alderman Parrott seconded.

Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Craig Eimer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman David Sanders

B. Resolution 2025-511 establishing an Annual Salary Increase Policy for Non-Union Employees.

Alderman Bateman made the motion to approve, Alderwoman O’Donoghue seconded.

Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Craig Eimer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman David Sanders

Reports:

A.  City Treasurer’s Report for January 2025

General Fund - down due to paying liability insurance

Municipal and Sales Tax - up from last year

Income Tax - slight increase

Non Home Rule Sales Tax - up from last year

Motor Fuel Tax – up from last year

Video Gaming Tax – increase of $15,000

B.  City Treasurer’s Annual Report for FY 23/24

Treasurer Conzo briefly discussed the GO Bonds.   The FY23/24 audit was discussed at length by the auditor in a previous meeting.  A report was shared that listed revenue/expenditures.  Treasurer Conzo asked if there were questions, there weren’t any. 

C.  City Clerk’s Report for January 2025

Payments in the amount of $330,294.69 was received.  $10,000.96 was received from both prisons.

D.  Department Head Reports for January 2025

These reports are either on file or will be soon.

New Business/Communications:
A.  Approval of the construction of an “Access Ramp and Road for the Community Solar” to replace the control system at the Lincolnwood Lift Station in an amount not to exceed $60,000.00.

Alderman Bateman made the motion to approve, Alderman Downs seconded.

Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Craig Eimer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman David Sanders

Announcements:

·         Residents are seeing two rate increases on their Illinois American Water bills.  These increases were approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission, not the City of Lincoln.  If residents have questions, they need to call Illinois American Water. 

·         Lincoln hosted the Sectional Wrestling Tournament.  Dawson McConnell received 2^nd place and will move onto State.  Lincoln will also host the Team Sectional.  The Lady Railer Dance Team also won their 2^nd State Championship. 

·         Langston Hughes poetry reading being held at the Lincoln Public Library at 6pm on Thursday.

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Downs motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Parrott.  Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary