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Council Meetings

Past Lincoln City Council Meetings and their minutes.

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Monday, May 1, 2023

 

The Regular Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Welch at 7:00pm, with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.

 

Present:

Vacant, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Ward 2

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Ward 3

Alderman Rick Hoefle, Ward 4

Vacant, Ward 4

Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager


Presiding:

Tracy Welch, Mayor

 

Swearing in of newly elected public officials: Alderwoman Ward 1 Robin McClallen, returning Alderman Ward 2 Tony Zurkammer, returning Alderman Ward 3 Kevin Bateman, Alderman Ward 4 Craig Eimer.  Alderwoman McClallen and Alderman Eimer took their seats with the council. 

Swearing in of new Patrolman Brandon Smith. 

Public Comment:

There was no one present or on the phone for public comment. 

 

Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote:
A. Payment of Bills

B. Approval of minutes for March 14, 2023 Committee of the Whole Meeting, March 20, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting.

C.  Approval of request to permit the closing of various city streets from the Lincoln Community High School for the Senior Parade on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 5:00pm until its conclusion. 

Alderwoman Rohlfs made the motion to approve, Alderman Hoefle seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll.

Yeas: (6) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Rick Hoefle, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Tony Zurkammer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (2) Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Absent: (0)

Mayor Welch moved to other items on the agenda.

 

Ordinances and Resolutions:

A. Resolution establishing salaries and/or pay increases for the City of Lincoln. 

Alderman Bateman made the motion to approve, Alderman Downs seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion. 

Alderman Bateman asked each department head if they felt the proposed wage increase was warranted for each of their non-union employees.  They were all in agreement and included each employee’s strengths.  Mr. Bateman feels the department head’s should be the one to handle their employee’s wage increases.   The purpose of the proposed wage increase of $4,183 was to close the gap between the non-union employees and department heads.

Alderman Hoefle made the motion to amend the item to give all non-union employees a 5% raise, with the exception of Mr. Woodhall, he would get a 7% raise.  Alderman Zurkammer seconded. 

City Treasurer Conzo explained the process that was used by the budget committee to come to the increase of $4,183.00.  He stated that Alderman Hoefle was in agreement of the increase during budget discussions. 

Alderman Bateman pointed out that if percentages are continued to be used, instead of a flat dollar amount, the gap between the non-union employees and department heads will continue to become larger.  For example, giving a 5% increase to someone making $90,000 = $4500.  Giving a 5% increase to someone making $37,000 = %1,850. 

Alderman Downs did come quick math and corrected the previously stated average hourly wage of $20/hour is actually $17/hour.

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

Yeas: (4) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Alderman Rick Hoefle

Nays: (2) Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Kevin Bateman

Abstain: (2) Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Absent: (0)

 

Alderman Bateman made the motion to amend the amendment to give a $2500 wage increase to all non-union employees, department heads included.  Alderman Downs seconded. Mayor Welch called for discussion.

Fire Chief Dunovsky stated that by giving a $2500 flat increase, it brings the highest paid employee closer if not being paid more than the department head. 

Alderman Downs rescinded his second.  Alderman Bateman amended his amended motion to state giving department heads 5%, with the exception of Wes Woodhall (he would get 7%), non-union clerical employees a flat $2500 and an hourly increase for part time employees. Alderman Sam Downs seconded. 

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

Yeas: (6) Alderman Steve Parrott,  Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Alderman Rick Hoefle, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Kevin Bateman

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (2) Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Absent: (0)

B.  Ordinance creating 3-26 of the City Code regulating indoor gun ranges within the City of Lincoln and allowing them as a C-1 businesses. 

Alderman Bateman made the motion to approve, Alderman Hoefle seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called roll. 

Yeas: (6) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Rick Hoefle

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (2) Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Absent: (0)

 

Mayor Welch moved to other items on the agenda.

 

New Business/Communications:
A.  Approval of Façade Grant to Jamie Harnacke, dba Sublime for signage at 111 ½ S. Kickapoo St.

Alderman Zurkammer made the motion to approve, Alderman Bateman seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll. 

Yeas: (6) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Rick Hoefle, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Tony Zurkammer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (2) Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Absent: (0)

 

B.  Approval of façade grant to Spirited Republic and Guzzardo’s for signage at 509 Pulaski Street. 

Alderman Zurkammer made the motion to approve, Alderman Bateman seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll. 

Yeas: (6) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Rick Hoefle, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Tony Zurkammer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (2) Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Absent: (0)

 

C.  Advise and consent to the Mayoral appointment of Jim Davis to the Fire and Police Commission. 

Alderman Zurkammer made the motion to approve, Alderman Bateman seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll. 

Yeas: (6) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Rick Hoefle, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Tony Zurkammer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (2) Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Absent: (0)

 

D.  Advice & Consent to the Mayoral appointment of Joe Meister as Chief of Police. 

Alderman Zurkammer made the motion to approve, Alderman Downs seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll. 

Yeas: (6) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Rick Hoefle, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Tony Zurkammer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (2) Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Absent: (0)

 

E.  Advice & Consent to the Mayoral appointment of Robert Dunovsky as Fire Chief.

Alderman Hoefle made the motion to approve, Alderman Parrott seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll. 

Yeas: (6) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Rick Hoefle, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Tony Zurkammer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (2) Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Absent: (0)

 

F.  Advice & Consent to the Mayoral appointment of Walt Landers as Street Superintendent

Alderman Hoefle made the motion to approve, Alderwoman Rohlfs seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll. 

Yeas: (6) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Rick Hoefle, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Tony Zurkammer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (2) Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Absent: (0)

 

G.  Advice & Consent to the Mayoral appointment of Wes Woodhall as Building & Safety Inspector.

Alderman Hoefle made the motion to approve, Alderman Zurkammer seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman called the roll. 

Yeas: (6) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Rick Hoefle, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Tony Zurkammer

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (2) Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Absent: (0)

 

H.  Swearing in of Approved Department Heads.

City Attorney John Hoblit swore in all department heads. 

 

Announcements:

·         Ribbon cuts:  Melrose Park at 5pm on Monday, May 8th; Dog Park at 5pm on Wednesday, May 10th

·         Alderman Zurkammer completed a marathon in London

·         Alderman Bateman cautioned people to stay off the courthouse lawn during 3rd Friday’s while restoration of the lawn is in process. 

·         Extended hours at the Landscape Waste Facility will end this weekend

·         584 vehicles came through for the electronic recycling.  3 semis will be filled with electronics. 

·         City of Lincoln city cleanup will be Saturday, May 20th

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Hoefle motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Zurkammer. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 9:05p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

PUBLIC HEARING-TENTATIVE BUDGET FY23/24

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

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

 

The Public Hearing with the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 7:02p.m., with proper notice given.

Present:

Vacant, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwoman Wanda Rohlfs, Ward 3

Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Ward 4

Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Joe Meister, Police

Chief Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief

Wes Woodhall, Building & Safety Official

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Andrew Bowns, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Veolia Water

Absent:

Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Ward 2

Alderman Rick Hoefle, Ward 4

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

 

 

Mayor Welch read the public hearing notice.

Notice is hereby given by the Lincoln City Council that a Tentative Budget Resolution in the amount of

$21,975,034.00 before transfers, for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2023 is on file and conveniently available for public inspection at the City Clerk's office in City Hall from 8:30am to 4:30pm daily, except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing on said tentative budget will be held Tuesday, the 25th day of April 2023 at 7:00pm, in the City Council Chambers, 2nd floor, City Hall, Lincoln, Illinois 62656, at which time public comment will be heard by the City Council.

A corrected budget amount is $21,415,177.00.

Public Comment:

There was no one present for public comment.

Tentative Budget 23/24

There were no comments on the FY 23/24 Budget.

 

 

Adjournment:

Alderwoman Horn made the motion to adjourn, Alderman Downs seconded. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:04 pm.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

 

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 7:18 p.m., with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.

 

Present:

Vacant, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Ward 3

Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Ward 4


Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Absent:

Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Ward 2

Alderman Rick Hoefle, Ward 4

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch


 

Public Comment:

Mark Johnson was present to ask the council when the empty lot at 636 6th St., that is owned by the City, will be up for sale.  He owns property next door and he’d like to purchase the lot.  The residents at 640 6th St have “taken over” the lot.  People are parking cars there and sleep in the cars.  The city has begun to clean up the property and have notified the owner at 640 6th St to vacate the premises. Mayor Welch said this property will come before the council soon to sell the property. 

Jeremy Wells was present to inform the council of the Indoor Firing Range in the city at what it offers.    

 

Alice Roate – Logan County Tourism 1st Quarter Report

H/M tax income = $36,639.02 - down 17% from 2022

Approved for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant = $46,287.00

Illinois Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant = $25,187.00 which will be used for a new parking lot and sidewalks at the Mill Museum. 

Digital marketing continues

121 people had tourism inquiries and 10 people came into the office with Route 66 passports. 

The Mill Museum is back open. 

 

Request to Permit – Lincoln Community High School Senior Parade Saturday, May 6, 2023.

This item will be placed on the Consent agenda.

 

Economic Development Commission Grant Approvals

Façade Grants for…

  • Jamie Harnecke with Sublime Skin, a business above Guest House, signage for their business
  • Spirited Republic and Guzzardos would like new signage on the front and back of the properties.

Advice and Consent to the Mayoral re-appointments, Joe Meister – Chief of Police, Robert Dunovsky – Fire Chief, Walt Landers – Street Superintendent, Wes Woodhall – Building & Safety Inspector. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

 

Resolutions Establishing Salaried and/or Pay Increases for the City of Lincoln

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

 

Building and Safety Department facilitated a Public Planning Commission regarding Indoor Gun Range.

The Planning Commission unanimously approved an indoor gun range as an allowable use in a C-1 district and recommends the council do the same.

This item will be placed on a regular agenda.

Ordinance creating 3-26 of the City Code regarding indoor gun ranges within the City of Lincoln and allowing them as C-1 business. 

There was a report of shots fired, shortly after the gun range went live.  The city code was not specific enough to allow or not allow this type of business in a C-1 district.  City Attorney Hoblit and Chief Meister looked over the code and made the necessary changes. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda with an annual license fee of $50.   

Announcements:

  • Grand March is this weekend. Scheduled to be at the Courthouse but the weather forecast does not look favorable.
  • Two ribbon cuttings: 1.) 4pm at the American Legion for the Land of Lincoln CEO Trade Show ) Open Arms Fellowship Church.
  • Advice and consent for Mayoral appointment of Jim Davis to be appointed to the Fire and Police Commission. This item will be placed on the regular agenda.
  • The recycling event was a great success.
  • Tree planting ceremony will be this Friday at the LMSB in honor of Arbor Day
  • The council presented Alderwoman Kathy Horn with a plaque in recognition of her many years on the council. Her term has ended.

 

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Parrott motioned to adjourn, and for the last time seconded by Alderwoman Horn. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

SPECIAL VOTING MEETING - BUDGET FY23/24

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

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

 

The Special Voting Meeting with the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 7:07p.m., with proper notice given.

Present:

Vacant, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwoman Wanda Rohlfs, Ward 3

Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Ward 4

Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Official

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Andrew Bowns, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Veolia Water

Absent:

Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Ward 2

Alderman Rick Hoefle, Ward 4

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

 

Public Participation:

There was no one present to speak for public participation.

Approval of Budget Resolution FY 2023-2024

The council has had copies of the most recent draft since April 6th to review. Treasurer Conzo thanked

Alderman Downs made the motion to approve, Alderwoman Horn seconded. Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk called the roll.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Rick Hoefle, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

 

 

Adjournment:

Alderman Bateman made the motion to adjourn, Alderman Downs seconded. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:15 pm.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

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BUDGET WORKSHOP - FY23/24

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

Monday, April 17, 2023

 

The Budget Workshop with the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 7:02p.m., with proper notice given.

Present:

Vacant, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Alderman Tony Zurkammer, Ward 2

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderwoman Wanda Rohlfs, Ward 3

Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Ward 4

Alderman Rick Hoefle, Ward 4

Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Wes Woodhall, Building & Safety Official

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Remotely:

Andrew Bowns, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Veolia Water

Absent:

Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

 

Mayor Welch read the public hearing notice.

Public Comment:

There was no one present for public comment.

Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Draft Budget Discussion

Treasurer Conzo sent out a Budget draft to the council on March 31st• There were revisions made and an additional copy including those revisions was sent to the council on April 12th

The revision was due to receiving the property tax levy calculation from the County Clerk's office. The amount was higher that Mr. Conzo had anticipated so that will result in a smaller amount needing to be transferred from the General Fund to pay the TIF bond.

 

There was an increase from $4000 to $4100 in the crossing guard line.

There will be an expected increase in the line for ETSB (Logan County Dispatch) as salaries increase for contractual obligations.

The remaining amount in the ARPA funds at the end of this Fiscal Year will be $116,249.15. There will be an increase of $2,000 for pest control due to going with a new vendor.

There was interest in finding funds to paint the interior of City Hall.

Superintendent Landers suggested using any ARPA funds that are remaining be used on the City Hall parking lot.

Alderman Hoefle cautioned the council that this year's budget has a carryover $29,000 in the Hotel/Motel tax with an additional $10,500 in pass through. There are expenses for the next year that equal approx. $32,000. That will give a carryover of only $7500 after this budget, not $29,000. The council may need to look at the expenses that come out of that line a bit closer.

Alderman Bateman asked Alderwoman Horn and Alderman Hoefle if the current budget has the funds included for contractual and non-contractual employees. They both agreed it did. Alderman Bateman felt if the budget was passed, there shouldn't need to be an additional conversation, like is years past, for raises for no-union employees.

There was no further discussion.

 

Adjournment:

Alderman Hoefle made the motion to adjourn, Alderwoman Horn seconded. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:38 pm.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

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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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Contact Information

 

cityhall smallCity of Lincoln

City Hall
700 Broadway Street
Lincoln, Illinois 62656

(217)735-2815

 

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Mayor
(217)735-1612
 
Administrative Assistant
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City Clerk
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Building and Safety
(217)732-6318
 
Street and Alley
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Waste Water Treatment
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Fire Department
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Police Department
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