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Last Updated: 04 September 2024

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Monday, July 15, 2024

The Regular Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Welch at 6:30pm, 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

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Absent:

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

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

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

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Mayor Welch moved to other items on the agenda.

Ordinances and Resolutions:

A. Ordinance #2024-1031 adopting amendment No 2 to Appropriation Ordinance for FY 2023-2024.

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

Treasurer Conzo explained the amendments that are detailed line by line in the ordinance.

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, Alderman Craig Eimer, Alderman David Sanders, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Nays: (1) Alderman Kevin Bateman

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

B.  Ordinance #2024-1032 creating 3-3-8 of the Lincoln City Code.

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

Alderman Eimer feels the number of gaming licenses/machines shouldn’t change.  He doesn’t agree with cutting the revenue when it could be put towards the Police/Fire pensions that are underfunded. 

Alderwoman McClellan is in favor of this reduction in the number of gaming machines in the City.  She receives feedback on the appearance of the city’s corridor with all of the gaming signs and businesses.  She’s also concerned of the addiction and its repercussions that video gaming can cause. 

Alderman Downs feels there will still be plenty of machines to generate revenue, but he’d like to address the signs. 

Mayor Welch shared that even though the city has stopped signing new gaming licenses, the revenue still increases annually. 

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

Nays: (1) Alderman Craig Eimer

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Mayor Welch moved to other items on the agenda.

Reports:

A. City Treasurer’s Report for June, 2024

General Fund balance is up to $5 million.

Police Pension/Fire Pension funds both have seen an increase from the previous month

Municipal Sales tax – up from last year

Non-Home Rule Sales tax – up from last year

State Income Tax – up to $80,000

MFT – same as a year ago

B. City Clerk’s Report for June, 2024

$218,033.04 was collected in sewer payments for June 2024.  $22,859.62 was received from the prisons.

C. Department Head Reports for June, 2024

These reports are either on file or will be shortly. 

Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda. 

New Business/Communications:
A.  Approval of Crawford, Murphy & Tilley Work Order No 10 for Engineering Services for the 2024 Curb & Sidewalk Project in an amount not to exceed $33,000.00.

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

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

B. Revocation of previously assigned interest and approval of Assignment of Interest to Hometown Redevelopment LLC.

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

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (0)

Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda. 

Announcements:

·         3^rd Friday is this Friday.

·         Alderman Parrott had a constituent contact him regarding the poor condition of the alley behind the Library.  This item will be brought back soon to the council for discussion. 

·         Alderwoman Rohlfs shared two flyers that were given her.  One is a softball tournament for the prions and a food drive. Both are on the 26^th. 

·         Still needing volunteers for the tiny home construction in Atlanta.

·         A burglary to the trailer owned by Central Illinois Veteran’s Commission was reported.  Several thousands of dollars in equipment was stolen.  Please reach out to the Lincoln Police Dept. with and information. 

·         Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers shotgun sports team took 2^nd in the Nation in a competition in Michigan. Several Lincoln public school students participate on that team. 

Executive Session 2C5 Purchase of Real Estate:

There being no further announcements to come before the council, Alderman Eimer made the motion to move into Executive Session, seconded by Alderman Downs.  All were in favor. 

The Council recessed from the Regular City Council meeting at 7:06pm in order to enter Executive Session.  Mayor Welch announced there would be a Public Hearing meeting upon reconvening. 

Return from Executive Session:

The council reconvened from Executive Session at 7:31pm in order to reconvene the Regular City Council meeting.  Roll call was taken.

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

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Eimer motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderwoman McClallen. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

Details

Last Updated: 20 August 2024

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Tuesday, July 9, 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 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

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

Public Comment:

There is no one present for public comment. 

Engineering Services Crawford, Murphy & Tilley Work Order No. 10.

This is for the engineering services for the 2024 sidewalk project in an amount of $33,000.00.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Ordinance adopting Amendment #2 to Appropriation Ordinance City of Lincoln May 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024.

Amendments are included in the packet. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Ordinance adopting Appropriation for FY 2024/2025

There was an error in the Street Dept. line for repairs.  It should be $55,000.00

ARPA funds for projects not completed, were carried over.

Chicago Street building demo is included. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

Establishing a limit for Video Gaming Licenses

The City is down to 200 video gaming licenses from 240.  Other towns the same size, possibly a bit larger, have half the amount of licenses.  The liquor commission has stopped approving new gaming licenses.  They would like to set a limit of 175 licenses for the City.  The mayor is asking to codify this limit. 

This item will be placed on the regular agenda. 

Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda.

Announcements:

• Special thanks to the Street Department crew for the help during the beam removal project at the Courthouse.
• Veterans Homes #6 & #7 will begin in Atlanta
• Ribbon cutting this Saturday at Barn Boutique.
• Hoblit is requesting an item be added to the agenda regarding amending a name change in an amendment. This item will be placed on the regular agenda.
• The public notice in the paper states the public hearing should begin at 7pm. The Council agreed to change it to 6:30pm.  

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Downs motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderwoman O’Donoghue. All were in favor. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

Details

Last Updated: 04 September 2024

PUBLIC HEARING – BINA Notice

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Monday, July 15, 2024

The Public Hearing with the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Tracy Welch at 7:37p.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

Absent:

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Official

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Andrew Bowns, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Veolia Water

Presiding:

Mayor Tracy Welch

Public Participation:

There was no one present to speak for public participation.

BINA Notice

This hearing is for the purpose of hearing public comment on the proposal to sell bonds to an amount not to exceed $6,000,000.00 for the purpose of (i) financing various capital related items within the City, and (ii) paying certain costs of issuance of the Bonds. 

There were not comments.

Adjournment:

Alderman Bateman made the motion to adjourn, Alderman Sanders seconded. Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:39 pm. 

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary

Details

Last Updated: 06 August 2024

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway Street | Lincoln, Illinois

Monday, July 1, 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

Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue, Ward 4

Staff Present:

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Joe Meister, Police Chief

Ty Johnson, Fire Chief

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Absent:

Alderman Craig Eimer, Ward 4

Presiding:

Tracy Welch, Mayor

Public Comment:

Todd Henry – Lincoln Work Camp 2024

Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote:
A. Payment of Bills

B. Approval of minutes for May 14, 2024 Committee of the Whole, May 20, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting, May 28, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting, June 3, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting, June 11, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting, June 17, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting

C. Request from Cale West with PRYNT Digital to close various streets Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 9am – 1pm for the Mustang 60^th Celebration with Ford Motor Company.

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

There is another event being held downtown on the same day.  The request is to move the street closure from Kickapoo St to Broadway St. so that both events can run smoothly. 

The council was in agreement to keep the road closures the same for safety and less confusion.  City Hall will also work more closely with the downtown businesses for events not to double up. 

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

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (1) Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Absent: (1) Alderman Craig Eimer

Mayor Welch moved to other items on the agenda.

Ordinances and Resolutions:

A. An ordinance 2024-1029 authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) in one or more series of the City of Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $6,000,000 for the purpose of financing the costs of various capital related items within the City and paying for costs related thereto.

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

This is the process needed to fund the 5^th St Road project.  The City will not use this all at once.  The project will be done in phases over a minimum of 2 years. 

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

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Craig Eimer

B. An ordinance 2024-1030 authorizing the purchase of real estate known as 718 S. College St. 

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, Alderman David Sanders, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Craig Eimer

Bids:

A. Approval of bid from Harold Goodman Inc. for the demolition and removal of the property at 513 N. Madison St. in an amount not to exceed $5,200.00.

Alderman Sanders made the motion to approve, Alderwoman Rohlfs 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, Alderman David Sanders, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Craig Eimer

New Business/Communications:
A.  Approval of Economic Development Grant to Hild Brothers Construction 118 N. McLean for roof replacement in an amount not to exceed $7,500.00.

Alderman Downs made the motion to remove the item from the table, Alderman Sanders seconded.

City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Craig Eimer

B. Approval of Economic Development Grant to John Agee/Agee Farms 1240 Keokuk St for beam replacement in an amount not to exceed $7,500.00.

Alderman Parrott made the motion to approve, Alderman Sanders seconded.  Mayor Welch called for discussion.

Alderwoman Rohlfs will abstain from voting on this item.  She does not feel this request is compatible with the other grants the committee has looked at.  Alderwoman Rohlfs sits on the Economic Development Committee.  

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

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (1) Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs

Absent: (1) Alderman Craig Eimer

C. Approval of Economic Development Grant to MLWH LLC 1200 N Logan for roof replacement in an amount not to exceed $7,500.00

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, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman David Sanders, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Craig Eimer

D. Approval of Economic Development Grant to Chuck’s Glass 221 S. Sherman for front entrance door & windows in an amount not to exceed $7,390.00.

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, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman David Sanders, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Craig Eimer

E. Assignment of Interest for properties at 112 S. Chicago St, 114 S. Chicago St, and 116 S. Chicago St.

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, Alderman Kevin Bateman, Alderman David Sanders, Alderwoman Robin McClallen

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Craig Eimer

Mayor Welch moved on to other items on the agenda. 

Announcements:

·         Ribbon cut tomorrow at the Oasis. 

·         Family Fun Day was a HOT, fun event.  The Police Department plans to do more events in the future. 

·         Two races coming up.  Regular race on Friday.  Big televised raced will be on Monday.

·         A portion of Washington St for a sewer repair.

Executive Session 2C11 Litigation and 2C1 Personnel:

There being no further announcements to come before the council, Alderman Parrott made the motion to move into Executive Session, seconded by Alderman Downs. City Clerk Bateman called the roll.

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

Nays: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Absent: (1) Alderman Craig Eimer

The Council recessed from the Regular City Council meeting at 6:45pm in order to enter Executive Session.  Mayor Welch announced there would be no further city business conducted upon reconvening. 

Return from Executive Session:

The council reconvened from Executive Session at 7:52pm in order to reconvene the Regular City Council Meeting.  Roll call was taken.

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

Absent:

Alderman Craig Eimer, Ward 4

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderwoman McClallen motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderwoman Rohlfs.  Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Charity Hutchison, Recording Secretary