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Last Updated: 18 March 2025

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 6:11 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

Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Ward 4

Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Joe Meister, Police Chief – left after public participation

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Absent:

Alderman Craig Eimer, Ward 4

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

Public Participation

There was no one present for public participation

Request to Permit:

Lincoln Railsplitter Antique Auto Club, Cars & Coffee.  Closure of 100 block of S. Kickapoo St between Broadway & Pulaski St from 8am until 11am for the following dates… April 26^th, May 24^th, June 28^th, July 26^th, and September 27^th.

This item will be placed on the consent agenda.

Ordinance authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement for participation in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN)

The City has been a member with IPWMAN since 2018.  They changed some of their policies and procedures and requested a new Intergovernmental Agreement be signed.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Ground Mounted Solar Regulations

Alderman Bateman researched Peoria’s solar regulations and included that information in the agenda packet.  He would like fencing required around all ground mounted solar, to limit the height of the panels and to address any glare.  He’d also like to limit the lot size permitted for ground mount solar. 

This will be brought back to a future COW.  The Council is to look over the Peoria ordinance and to review the current City ordinance for Solar. 

Consideration of adding a Deputy Fire Chief Position

The Deputy Chief will have the same job description as the Fire Chief however, this will free up the Fire Chief to do other administrative duties.  The current assistant Chiefs don’t have the conduct administrative duties, they are line operational firefighters. They do take on duties when asked, but that is not in their job descriptions.  There is always an immediate need that requires Chief Johnson to come in on his personal time to address it.  A Deputy will be able to handle those needs just like the Chief. 

Chief Johnson would like this position to be filled by September 1^st, 2025.  This will not be a union position.

This item will be back to a future COW. 

Annual salary increase policy for non-union employees.

The policy presented is to go by the year’s current CPI (Consumer Price Index) plus 2% with a max annual increase of 5%.  It also includes to have a Compensation Study completed.

The new position of Deputy Fire Chief will need to be added to the policy.   

Alderman Parrott will reach out to GOVHR for the Compensation study. 

This item will be brought back to a later COW. 

An additional item:

A proposal was presented for a gravel road to be installed near to the solar panel area to allow trucks to drop off equipment. This road will prevent the City from obtaining easements to access the back portion of the city property.  This project will go out for bid. There is a short turnaround time for this work to be completed, so he requests for tonight is for the council to approve an expenditure of up to $60,000 from the Sewer Construction Fund.  Once the initial construction of the solar panels is competed, there will be minimal traffic on this road. 

This will be placed on the regular agenda.

Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda.

Announcements:

• Congratulations to the Lincoln Wrestling Team for winning their Regional. Lincoln will host the Individual Sectional Tournament and Dual Team meets.
• Alderwoman Rohlfs asked for clarification of an ordinance from 2013 that reads no fewer than 3 members are to be on committees. Is that 3 members or 3 council members. Attorney Hoblit will look at the ordinance and pull the minutes to see what the intent of the council was. 
• A week is left to enroll in the 10% discount for sewer bills.
• A new historical firefighter display is outside of the Council Chambers.
• There is a two week DARE training course being held at the Lincoln Police Station.

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Bateman motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderwoman McClallen. All were in favor.  Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

Details

Last Updated: 04 March 2025

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 6:02 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

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Absent:

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

Public Comment:

JR Glenn, Chairman of the Logan County Board

Lori Milosevich-Lahr – Estes, Bridgewater & Ogden FY 23/24 Audit Presentation

Lori summarized the 96-page report by touching on a few points and sharing where they can be found in the report.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Request to Permit: Lincoln Park District 5K Saturday, August 23, 2025

This item will be placed on the consent agenda

129 S. Sangamon Street Demolition Project

This building is down and removed.

Mr. Woodhall shared with the council his concerns and plans to stabilize the wall of the neighboring building. He and the Structural engineers feel that flow able fill be brought in to support the base of the once interior wall and is now an exterior wall.  He has bids for the flow able fill and paint for the wall.

This will be paid for out of the Enterprise Zone funds.  The projected cost is $48,000.   

This item will be placed on the regular agenda with a not to exceed $60,000.

Fire Department Clerical

The Fire Chief does not have any clerical staff.  Chief Johnson doesn’t feel a full time clerical position is necessary, so Ashley Metelko will offer her assistance for the Fire Chief.  Chief Johnson would like to also create a Deputy Chief for the department as well but that will be brought back to a later COW. 

Solar Ordinance

Alderman Bateman would like any ground mounted Solar array be approved by a governing body.  He feels there is a lot of farm land inside the city limits, along Woodlawn, that the owners are being offered money to install solar rather that farm it.

There was mixed feelings on the appearance on solar panels.

Anything over a half acre footprint is currently required by ordinance to obtain a special use permit.  That request will go through the planning commission for approval, then brought to the council to vote on.

Discussion was had regarding council approval for any solar permit other that residential. 

Alderman Bateman and Attorney Hoblit will work on the ordinance changes and bring back to the next COW.  All solar permits will cease until this matter is finalized. 

Discussion Non-Union Employees Pay

The Mayor put together a policy for the council to consider.  The policy will check the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for that year then add a plus 1 or 2% to that figure.  The reason for the plus 1 or 2% is the CPI is the minimal cost of living increase and also it gives the employees the incentive for better work.  The department heads will complete a performance review for all employees and give the pay increase accordingly.  The Council will work only on the budget for the increases. 

There is also interest for a Compensation Study on salaries. Most likely completed in year 2026.

There was also discussion on job security for when a new department head or elected official come in, that they cannot terminate current employees to bring in their own people.  This will be brought to a later COW. 

Treasurer Conzo feels that the IDOR should be referenced for the CPI since is for Illinois.  He also feels that the 1-2% should be as high as 3 % for years where the CPI is extremely low. The policy can be adjusted if the CPI is too low.   

This will be brought back to the next COW after the recommended changes have been made.

Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda.

Announcements:

• The Landscape Waste Facility this week, then closed until mid-March. The new attendant building is set and the new fence along the road is up.

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Downs motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Sanders. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

Details

Last Updated: 04 March 2025

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Monday, February 3, 2025

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

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Julie Landers, Deputy City Clerk

Absent:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Presiding:

Tracy Welch, Mayor

Public Comment:

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

Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote:
A. Payment of Bills

B. Request from the Lincoln Park District to permit the partial closing of various city streets for the 5K run from Lincoln Park District to Scully Park on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 5am to 9:30am. 

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

Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman David Sanders

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Mayor Welch moved to other items on the agenda.

Bids:

A. Approval of bid from Jaren Industries for flowable-fill wall shoring and rehabilitation of exposed wall for the building at 129 S Sangamon Street in an amount not to exceed $60,000.00.

Alderman Bateman made the motion to approve, Alderwoman O’Donoghue seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion.

Alderman Eimer does not feel that flowable-fill is needed and painting the wall is a free service to the owner.  He has a similar situation with a building he owns in Mt Pulaski and dirt was used instead of flowable fill which was cheaper.

Alderman Bateman feels that this building is an eyesore in his ward and he wants it done right.

Flowable fill was recommended by Mr. Woodhall and the Structural Engineer agreed.  Mr. Landers said, if dirt was used, there could be concern with damaging the building when compacting the dirt down.

City Attorney suggest getting a release of liability from the owner before work.

Alderman Eimer made the motion to amend the item to replace the flowable fill with clay dirt and exclude the painting, Alderman Parrott seconded.     

Deputy City Clerk Landers called the roll on the amendment.

Yeas: (3) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs

Nays: (5) Alderman Sam Downs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman David Sanders

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Motion fails.

Alderman Sanders and Alderman Parrott rescinded their motions.

Alderman Parrott made the motion to amend the original item cost to $53,570.00 (which is 10% contingency), Alderman Sanders seconded. 

Deputy City Clerk Landers called roll on the amendment.

Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman David Sanders

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

At the recommendation of the City Attorney, Alderwoman O’Donoghue made the motion to amend the item to say contingent on release of liability from the building owner, Alderman Sanders seconded. 

Deputy City Clerk Landers called 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 David Sanders

Nays: (1) Alderman Craig Eimer

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Deputy City Clerk Landers called roll on the item as amended.

Yeas: (6) Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman David Sanders

Nays: (2) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Craig Eimer

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

New Business/Communication:

A. Approval of Annual Audit for FY 2023-2024

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

Yeas: (8) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman David Sanders

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Announcements:

·         Treasurer Conzo reminded everyone of the 10% discount going on for sewer bills from now until Feb 20^th.

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderwoman O’Donoghue motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Bateman. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

Details

Last Updated: 04 March 2025

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, January 21, 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:

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:

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Absent:

Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Ward 1

Alderman David Sanders, Ward 2

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Presiding:

Tracy Welch, Mayor

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 December 16, 2024 Public Hearing Meeting, December 16, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting.

C. Request from Logan County Pride to close S. Kickapoo Street from Broadway Street to Pulaski Street, Pulaski Street from S. Kickapoo Street to S. McLean Street and S. McLean Street from Pulaski Street north to the US Post Office driveway for the Fourth Annual Logan County Pride Festival on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 12:00 noon until 9:00pm.

Alderwoman O’Donoghue made the motion to approve, Alderman Bateman seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion. 

Referring to Item C, Alderman Parrott stated that he could not be in support of a group that supported gender affirming care and biological males competing in women’s sports. 

Alderman Downs stated that Logan County Pride has never made a stance on those topics, they are simply asking for a road closure.  This event is not a rally or protest. 

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

Yeas: (4) Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Kevin Bateman

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (2) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Craig Eimer

Absent: (2) Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Alderman David Sanders

Mayor Welch moved to other items on the agenda.

Ordinances and Resolutions:

A. Resolution 2025-505 authorizing execution of a Service Agreement with the Lowest Responsible Bidder for the Supply for Residential Customers and Small Commercial Retail Customers who do not opt out of the program.

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

This is for Electrical Aggregation to provide a lower rate for citizens that wish to participate.

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

Yeas: (6) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Sam Downs, Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (2) Alderman David Sanders, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

B. Resolution 2025-506 Section Number 94-00076-01-TL in the amount of $127,163.07 for Construction of Lighting Improvements.

Alderman Bateman made the motion to approve, Alderwoman O’Donoghue 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 Craig Eimer, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (2) Alderman David Sanders, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

C. Resolution 2025-507 Section Number 98-00083-00-TL in the amount of $140,447.06 for installing traffic signals at the intersection with Zion Lutheran School Road and interconnecting the signals and improving Connelly Road

Alderwoman O’Donoghue made the motion to approve, Alderman Eimer 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 Craig Eimer, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (2) Alderman David Sanders, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

D. Resolution 2025-508 Section Number 00-00086-00-TL in the amount of $2,794.05 for Traffic Signal Replacement and Resurfacing.

Alderwoman O’Donoghue made the motion to approve, Alderman Downs 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 Craig Eimer, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (2) Alderman David Sanders, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

E. Resolution 2025-509 Section Number 02-00090-00-RS in the amount of $196,558.18 for resurfacing of various city streets in downtown square area.

Alderwoman Rohlfs made the motion to approve, Alderwoman O’Donoghue 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 Craig Eimer, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (2) Alderman David Sanders, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

F. Resolution 2025-510 Section Number 98-00081-00-PV in the amount of $6,000,000.00 for the 5^th Street Road Project.

Alderman Eimer made the motion to approve, Alderman Parrott 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 Craig Eimer, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (2) Alderman David Sanders, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Reports:

A. City Treasurer’s Report for December 2024

General Fund - same as a year ago

Municipal Sales Tax – about $166,000 up from a year ago

Non Home Rule Sales Tax – up $13,000 from a year ago

State Income Tax – down $5,000 from a year ago

Motor Fuel Tax – up $21,000 from a year ago

Replacement Tax – down as predicted, approx. $40,000

Video Gaming – up $11,000 from last year

B. City Clerk’s Report for December 2024

$237,839.59 was received in the month of December. $22,622.98 was received from both prisons. 

The 10% discount can begin February 1^st and your account must be current to take advantage of the discount.

C. Department Head Reports for December 2024

These reports are on file or will be soon.

Announcements:

·         Ribbon cut – Ink and Imprint books at 125 N Kickapoo St at 4pm on Saturday.

·         Mayor Welch read a letter from Christian Village sharing their change in ownership

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 6:22 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary