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Last Updated: 22 January 2025

PUBLIC HEARING – PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Monday, December 16, 2024

The Public Hearing with the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 6:00p.m., with proper notice given.

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 Official

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Andrew Bowns, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Veolia Water

Absent:

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

Public Participation:

There was no one present to speak for public participation.

Notice of Proposed Property Tax Levy for the City of Lincoln, Illinois

There was no one present to speak on this topic. 

Adjournment:

Alderman Downs made the motion to adjourn, Alderwoman McClallen seconded. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 6:01 pm. 

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

Details

Last Updated: 17 December 2024

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Monday, December 2, 2024

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 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

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Absent:

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Remotely:

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Presiding:

Tracy Welch, Mayor

Public Comment:

There was no one present for public comment.

Students of Land of Lincoln CEO Program

Ivy Sandel was present to inform the council of the program and its current activities.

Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote:
A. Payment of Bills

B. Approval of minutes November 12, 2024 Committee of the Whole, November 18, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting

C. Approval of City Council Meeting Schedule for Calendar Year 2025 (Removed, see below)

D. Approval of City Holiday for Calendar Year 2025.

Mayor Welch pulled item C from the consent agenda.  The item will need an amendment and will be voted on later in the meeting.

Alderman Downs made the motion to approve items A, B, & D, Alderman Eimer seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion, there being none, City Clerk Bateman call the roll. 

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Ordinances and Resolutions:

A. Resolution #2024-502 of the City of Lincoln in Support of State Action to Protect the Mahomet Aquifer.

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

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

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

New Business/Communications:
A.  Approval of designation of ARPA funds for a park Pavilion in the amount of $136,514.44.

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

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

The pavilion is estimated to cost $200,000.00.  Ms. Metelko is applying for a T-Mobile grant in the amount of $50,000.00.  The remaining ARPA funds will not cover the entire cost.  The ARPA funds do not need to be expensed until 2026 so other grants will be applied for in the meantime to cover the difference. 

It was asked if these remaining funds be transferred into the Economic Development Grant fund.  According to the new rules for the ARPA funds, it cannot.

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Item moved from the Consent Agenda

B. Approval of City Council Meeting Schedule for Calendar Year 2025

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

Mayor Welch called for City Clerk Bateman to explain the reason for the amendment.

With the council approving the holiday change of working on President’s Day (February 17^th), the Regular City Council meeting needs to be moved to that same day, instead of the 18^th.

Alderman Bateman made the motion to amend the meeting date to be on February 17^th, Alderman Downs seconded. 

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

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)        

City Clerk Bateman called roll on the item as amended. 

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Announcements:

·         Christmas Parade is Thursday at 6:30pm.

·         Ribbon Cutting on Dec 7^th at 9:45pm at 1400 Woodlawn Road.

·         LWF will be open on Wednesday 12/4.  Two more leaf collections

·         Railer Rumble on 12/8 at LCHS

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Downs motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderwoman McClallen.  Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 6:41 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

Details

Last Updated: 07 January 2025

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 6:01 p.m., 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

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 David Sanders, Ward 2

Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Ward 4

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

Public Participation

Kathie Williams – Winter Wonderland theft

Crawford, Murphy & Tilley – Wastewater Treatment Plant Dechlorination Addition

This is a law change that is taking place that requires relatively zero chlorination to enter Salt Creek.  Engineering is needed for this project and is work order is #12. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Funding Agreement between City of Lincoln and Logan County Tourism Bureau

This agreement is for FY 2025.  Tourism duties/commitments have not changed.  Funding is proposed to stay at 95/5.   95% to Tourism, 5% remains with the City. 

Prior to the meeting, Alderman Bateman asked the Treasurer to put together some year to date numbers of what the City has taken in for Hotel/Motel Tax and how those numbers would change should the City decided to change the percentage given to Tourism to 90% or 85%. 

YTD (over 7 months) the City has taken in $131,761.60. 

95% = 125,173.52

5% = $6,588.08

90% = $118,585.44

5% = $13,176.16

85% = $111,997.36

15% = $19,764.24

Alderwoman Rohlfs asked for a list of expenditures from the Hotel/Motel line.

Alderwoman Parrott asked if a list of expenditures from Tourism that are spent here in Lincoln. Alice will gather that information. 

Alderman Bateman asked the council to consider the city take back tourism to promote itself and acquire the two ladies as city employees. 

Tourism received a $100,000 grant from the State. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

Resolution abating Tax heretofore for the year 2024 to pay debt service on $2,285,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Alternative Revenue Source Series 2014) of the City of Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Resolution abating the tax heretofore for the year 2024 to pay debt service on $3,270,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Alternative Revenue Source Series 2018) of the City of Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Tax Levy Ordinance 2024

Details listed in the packet. 

3.4% = $55,000 in additional revenue for the city

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

Demolition of 605 Lincoln Ave

This large dilapidated property has been in this condition for a decade.  The city went out for demo bids.  The lowest bid was from All Industrial Group out of Springfield.  Harold Goodman was the second lowest.  According to the City of Lincoln’s Purchasing policy, if under a 2% difference, the bid goes to the local responsible bidder. 

This item will go on the regular agenda with Harold Goodman as the bidder

An Ordinance regarding Baseline Building costs

The State of Illinois is encouraging municipalities to adopt new international building codes. Municipalities must operate under a building code within 10 years of the current year.  If there is no action by the council then come Jan 1^st, the city must adopt the State’s building codes.

Building & Safety Official Wes Woodhall has been working on adopting the 2024 building codes.  He plans to have that done within the year.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda.

Announcements:

• Mayor Welch thanked all first responders and the community for the assistance at the Idle Hour fire on Broadway St.
• Senator Turner is introducing a bill to demolish the LDC buildings and to turn them over to the city.
• Illinois American Water was granted a rate increase on December 5^th from the ICC for the new project that will be beginning. The city has already seen a rate increase for the local water plants. It is not known at this time if this will cause another rate increase.
• Alderman Parrott thanked all involved with the Christmas Parade.
• Huge turnout for the Railer Rumble wrestling tournament this past weekend.
• Painting will begin on Tuesday inside City Hall.
• Tomorrow is the last scheduled leaf pickup.

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 7:37 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

Details

Last Updated: 17 December 2024

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

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:

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

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Absent:

Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Ward 1

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

Public Participation

Susan Adams – CO2 Sequestration and the Mahomet Aquifer

Allocation of remaining ARPA funds.

The total remaining in ARPA funds is $136,514.44.  These funds need to be allocated by Dec 31, 2024 or the funds will need to be returned.  Ms. Metelko is suggesting the remaining funds be put towards the pavilion at 8^th St Park. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

City of Lincoln scheduled meetings for Calendar Year 2025.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

City of Lincoln 2025 Holidays.

City Clerk Bateman asked that for 2025 only, the day off for President’s Day (Feb 17^th) be moved to December 26^th since it’s a Friday making for a long weekend.  The council agreed.  The holiday sheet will be updated. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Resolution of the City of Lincoln in support of state action to protect the Mahomet Aquifer.

Other municipalities and counties are passing resolutions to protect the aquifer that provides drinking water to nearly 1 million people in Central Illinois.  With the Mayor’s blessing, City Attorney John Hoblit drafted a resolution to support State Action against CO2 drilling under/through the aquifer. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

City of Lincoln Tax Levy

Treasurer Conzo went over the timeline for filing requirements. 

He also went over the past comparative tax levies. 

Discussion was had on how the levy works.  By voting to raise the levy, the city is not voting to raise taxes (the county raises the taxes according to the property values) they are voting to raise the portion the city receives.  If the city votes to not raise the levy, those funds will be up for other taxing bodies to receive. 

Funding the fire/police pensions with the funds from the levy was discussed. 

This item will be brought back to another COW.  Mayor Welch urges the council to do their research. 

Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda.

Announcements:

• The LWF will be closed Thursday, November 27, 2024 through Tuesday, December 3^rd, 2024
• Demo has begun on the Sangamon Street building.
• Thank you to the Lincoln Police Department and all assisting Law Enforcement departments for the joint task for getting weapons and drugs off the streets in town.
• Thank you to the Street Department, Ashely Metelko and Charity Hutchison for the work on getting the Woodlawn Christmas Lights hung and operational again.
• Chief Meister asked the members of the public that are organizing Neighborhood Watch programs, to do just that…watch. Do not take matters in your own hands and risk legal issues for yourself. If you see something, contact the Police Department. 

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Parrott motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Eimer. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary