City of Olney City Council met Feb. 23.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The February 23, 2026, meeting of the Olney City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Olney City Hall located at 300 S. Whittle Avenue, Olney, Illinois, with Mayor Mark Lambird presiding.
AGENDA #2 “PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG-PRAYER” Council members and visitors joined in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Samuel L. Padgett led the group in prayer.
AGENDA #3 “ROLL CALL” The following Council members were present: Mark Lambird, Jack Eyer, Julia Eichhorst, Bryce Fehrenbacher, and Matt Miller. Also present were City Treasurer Jane Guinn, City Engineer Mike Bridges, City Attorney Bart Zuber, and City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi.
AGENDA #4 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public wished to speak.
AGENDA #5 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”
5-A “Approve Minutes of the Council Meeting on February 9, 2026”
5-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable February 24, 2026” Pooled Cash $83,160.31, Adjustments $47.76, Manual Pooled Cash $16,739.26, Tourism $5,000.00, Route 130 TIF $9,373.80
AGENDA #6 “REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from the Consent Agenda.
AGENDA #7 “CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve the items on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
AGENDA #8 “CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from the Consent Agenda.
AGENDA #9 “PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.”
9-A “Ordinance: Authorize the Execution of Lease Between the City of Olney and Richland County Farm & Fair Association, Inc.” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize a lease with the Richland County Farm & Fair Association, Inc. (Fair Board). The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed lease.
The State of Illinois required that leased fairground areas must have a lease with a term of no more than 20 years. To keep the Fair Board in compliance, the Council should renew this lease each year.
Fair Board President Doug Westall was also present to give the Council his Annual Report. Mr. Westall stated that the Board planned to host its 2026 Spring Crash Demo Derby on May 16th, the Fireworks Spectacular on July 4th, and the Richland County Fair July 17th through 25th.
Fair events would include truck pulls, tractor pulls, a horse show and Family Fun Day, the Queen Pageant, a rodeo that would include kids’ mutton busting, pig penning, mud bogs, motocross, and a demo derby. The carnival for this year would be the same company that provided the service last year.
Councilwoman Eichhorst typically volunteered at the Fair, and she commented that the Fair Board did a wonderful job. Mr. Westall appreciated her comments.
Councilman Miller asked for the Fair Board’s plans for the south half of the fairgrounds as it looked to be in the same poor condition since 2012. Mr. Westall reminded the Councilman that the Fair Board was a volunteer organization. The current plan was to demolish what was left in the area and to asphalt most of the ground. During the Fair, this area was used for staging and storage.
Councilman Miller thought he recalled some City funds being budgeted to help with clean up of the area. Mrs. Guinn confirmed that $150,000.00 had been budgeted out of the TIF. Some work had already been completed relating to electricity, and work was currently being conducted on the bathrooms. The prior and current City Managers’ plans were to work with the Fair Board to assist with some of that demolition using City labor. Overall, Mrs. Guinn did not expect to utilize the full $150,000.00.
Councilman Miller admitted that he did not like the way that the fairgrounds looked and the long time that it had remained that way. Mr. Westall understood and noted that such a process was quite time consuming.
Councilman Miller then said he had received several phone calls about the issue. He would prefer for the City to just go ahead and clean up the area and then revisit the lease with the Fair Board. He added that the south half of the fairgrounds may be ideal for placement of soccer fields.
Councilman Fehrenbacher thanked the Fair Board for their efforts and noted how much he appreciates the Fair. Even so, he shared Councilman Miller’s concerns. The City was aware that the Richland County Soccer Association (RCSA) would no longer be able to use Olney Central College fields in the near future. It was proving difficult to find an appropriate location, and the Councilman agreed that the south portion could be an option as it seemed to be the least utilized area within the fairgrounds. If this idea was do-able, he wanted to be sure to get Fair Board, RCSA, and City input.
Councilman Fehrenbacher was also aware of some chatter saying that the fairgrounds could only be used for either soccer or the Fair, but he did not believe that to be true. He felt that both organizations could conduct their activities without interference.
Mayor Lambird asked how much of the infield and track was needed by the Fair Board. Mr. Westall said they need at least two-thirds.
Mayor Lambird asked if the east side was utilized as a horse arena. Mr. Westall confirmed.
In reviewing the lease, it was the Mayor’s understanding that if it was not renewed this evening, the soonest that the RCSA could break ground would be 2045 based on the 2025/2026 lease. Mr. Zuber confirmed.
Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if it would take 4 Council votes to void the contract. Mr. Zuber indicated that if the Fair Boar was in default, the City could send a 60-day notice of the default. After that, the City could terminate the lease upon a 4/5 vote.
Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if the City had any power to utilize the fairgrounds without permission of the Fair Board. Referencing the lease, Mr. Zuber said that Section 8 indicated that, “…no use of the grandstand, racetrack and racetrack infield may be made by the City or other organizations without written consent of the Association.”
Mayor Lambird gave a brief history of the Fair over the past 169 years and noted that it was not just history, but heritage. Richland County was a deeply rooted agricultural community that was shaped and sustained by farmers. He was concerned that some Council members wanted to turn their backs on this partnership by suggesting that the City renege on its lease and obligation.
The Mayor was aware that some argued that the Fair Board only utilized the fairgrounds a few weeks out of the year with the thought that the area would be better used for soccer. He reminded those present that the Fair was the City’s single largest annual event which brough in more than 32,000 people each year. Additionally, approximately 300 youth participated in 4-H, and the Fair was utilized as a time for those youth to showcase their work and premiums. Without a Fair, youth would lose $20,000.00 in funding each year, and the Fair would lose at least $12,000.00 in funding.
Volunteer boards had some members that could give their time freely, and many others gave up evenings, weekends, and worked in hot summer days to make this event possible without proper recognition.
The ballfields were moved to Musgrove Park 14 years ago so that the Fair Board could better utilize the fairgrounds. The Mayor felt that there was available space at Musgrove Park to place additional soccer fields. Recent work had been done to rebuild the relationship between the City and the Fair Board. The Mayor vowed that he would do what he could to make sure that the fairgrounds were not taken.
Councilmen Eyer and Miller voiced agreement with most of the Mayor’s statements. Councilman Miller made it clear that he had no intention to discontinue the Fair, rather he was attempting to help find 450 kids a place to continue their soccer program.
Mayor Lambird felt that Musgrove Park could be the solution. Councilman Miller wondered where seven soccer fields could possibly go at that location. According to the Mayor’s review of the land, he believed that six or seven soccer fields could easily be placed there.
Councilman Eyer was also aware that there was a large area on the southeast corner of Musgrove Park that was open, but he believed that the charter of that park included that some of the area should be retained as open space.
Councilman Eyer hoped that a solution could be found that would result in a “win” for all involved. He recognized that seldom would entities get everything they want without compromise. He asked Mr. Westall if he would be willing to discuss possible use of a portion of the fairgrounds for soccer. Mr. Westall was hesitant and indicated that the Fair Board really needed the ground that was there. He was also aware that if soccer fields were there, and there was nasty weather, the grounds would get so tore up that they would be back to square one.
Councilman Fehrenbacher had a drawing that an engineer had given him with a basic concept of soccer fields at the fairgrounds. He gave a copy to Mr. Westall to review. The Councilman agreed that a comprise could be found that would be agreeable to all.
Mayor Lambird disagreed with Councilman Fehrenbacher, and did not believe that there was even enough space at the fairgrounds to install enough needed fields. He also recalled that when Little League and the Fair Board shared that area, it had not worked well.
Councilman Eyer asked Mr. Westall how often the Fair Board used the entirety of the track for events. Mr. Westall said that they did not. From the audience, Fair Board member Bill Clow noted that the track area was used for staging, except for at turns three and four.
Councilman Eyer asked how much time was necessary for Fair preparation and cleanup. Mr. Clow responded that the Fair Board reserved two weeks before and after the Fair for the bulk of the work. Mr. Westall added that some work started well before that time.
Councilman Eyer felt that out of 10 open months of the year, there could be other uses for the space. He wondered if the Council could table the topic for this evening. Councilman Miller was in support of that idea.
Mr. Zuber reminded everyone that the State required Fair Boards to maintain a 20-year lease. The current lease would expire in 5 days.
Mr. Westall told the Council that if the lease expired, the Fair would not happen this year. They would lose State aid money and State premium totaling about $30,000.00. This could also lead the Fair Board to need to cut out the youth activities, and he would hate to do so.
Mr. Zuber clarified that the real issue would be for the Council to convince the Fair Board to provide written consent per the provision in Section 8. As it stood this evening, the Fair Board would have another 19 years on their current lease.
Councilman Miller asked Mr. Westall if he would be open to getting together some time to discuss the matter. Mr. Westall indicated so.
Councilman Miller moved to approve Ordinance 2026-11, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-B “Resolution: Authorize Execution of Intergovernmental Agreement Between Richland County, Illinois, & the City of Olney Regarding Radio Tower Use and Access” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize the execution of an intergovernmental agreement Richland County, Illinois, regarding radio tower use and access. The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed agreement. This topic was briefly discussed at the last Council meeting, and the Council was agreeable to move forward.
Richland County IT Director Corey McDonald was present. No changes had been suggested since the last Council meeting. The only thing that Mr. McDonald needed to know would be if the County would be required to pay anything as part of this agreement. He reminded the Council that the project should only increase the City’s electric bill by about $3.00 per month.
The Council was agreeable to not charge the County.
Councilman Miller moved to approve 2026-R-08, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-C “Contributions Request: Richland County Development Corporation” The Council was provided with a Municipal Contributions & Sponsorships Program application for $25,750.00 from the Richland County Development Corporation (RCDC). RCDC representatives Shelly Herman, Ryan Hawkins, and Larry Volk were present to speak on the request.
Mr. Hawkins began by expressing his appreciation to the Council for this new process that showed transparency and fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers. Historically, the City had planned and budgeted for funds that they then contributed to RCDC, but under the new program, RCDC would need to go through these steps.
This request would be for the second half of RCDC’s yearly funding from the City. Mr. Hawkins reminded those present that RCDC was the primary economic development arm for the City, and they hoped to continue a good partnership with the City.
Councilman Miller had recently met with RCDC to discuss their organization. He found the meeting to be very educational, and he appreciated their time. Mr. Hawkins indicated they were also happy to have met.
Councilman Eyer moved to approve a $25,750.00 contribution to RCDC for the second half of their fiscal year, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-D “Ordinance: Amend Chapter 5.12 (Liquor Control) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Chapter 5.12 (Liquor Control) of the City of Olney Municipal Code. The proposed amendment would create a new class of liquor license (Class SNP), combine the Class D and Class D-S licenses, extend the length of Class S licensure dates, and update the fee schedule.
Mayor Lambird told the Council that the Class SNP (Special Event Not-for-Profit) would allow for not-for-profit organizations to obtain a liquor license for special events, similar to how the Rotary Clubs were able to serve at Oktoberfest.
Councilman Miller was aware that the Fair Board utilized a local licensee to obtain a Class S (Special Event) liquor license. Mayor Lambird agreed. The proposed amendment would drop the Class S fee to a flat $10.00 for up to 7 days.
Councilman Miller agreed with this proposal as this would help the vendor make money at a special event. Regarding the Fair, he would like to see beer sold closer to the grandstand. Mr. Westall explained that the Fair Board had attempted to move their beer tent closer, but that was not helpful.
Councilman Miller then stated that he would be agreeable to allow beer in the grandstands. Mr. Westall was not yet ready to go that far as they lacked manpower.
Councilman Eyer commented that it was time for some of the proposed fee changes. Regarding the proposed Class SNP license, he noted that those would need to be approved by a majority of the Council.
Councilwoman Eichhorst often volunteered to work at the grandstands. She noted that the crowds were usually tame and recognized the Fair as a vacation for some people.
Mr. Zuber recommended to delete a sentence in Section 5. The Council was agreeable.
Mr. Zuber recommended changing the Class SNP sales hours for Saturday and Sunday to 12:01 a.m. The Council was agreeable.
Mr. Zuber then pointed out a typographical error on the spelling of “wristband.” The Council agreed that should also be corrected.
Councilman Miller suggested changing the Class S allowable amount of days to 10 days. The Council was agreeable.
Mr. Clow wondered if either of the special event licenses would be limiting on location. Mayor Lambird indicated that the applications would state exactly what area(s) the applicant wished to include.
Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if sales tax was collected on special event alcohol sales. Mr. Zuber indicated so.
From the audience, Chuck Martin asked if alcohol was even allowed in the City Park. Mayor Lambird replied that it was allowed with City permission.
Councilman Miller moved to approve Ordinance 2026-12, including the agreed-upon changes, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-E “Discussion/Possible Action: Authorize Solicitation of Bids for the Main Street Resurfacing Project” There had been many discussions regarding this topic. The City Engineer was ready to solicit bids upon the Council’s authorization.
Mr. Bridges told the Council that he recommended to alter the base bid to include the turn lane at Van Street. Cost estimates now came in at about half of what he had originally thought to add this turn lane. It would be a big improvement to that area at a much lower cost. The Council was agreeable.
Mr. Bridges then recited the alternates that could also be bid:
▪ Mill and resurface Main Street from Van Street to Route 50 with no islands.
▪ Island repair and replacement coming up to Route 50.
▪ Mill and resurface Walnut Street from Main Street to Butler Street, Fair Street from Market Street to Butler Street, all including ADA ramps.
▪ Mill and resurface Boone Street from Chestnut Street to York Street, Morgan Street from Chestnut to York Street, York Street from Kitchell Avenue to Silver Street, all including ADA ramps.
▪ Mill and soil cement Kitchell Avenue and then resurface the concrete approach at Butler Street.
▪ Reconstruct East Street from Main Street to Butler Street, including ADA ramps.
Mayor Lambird asked if the City would capture savings if all of the alternates were also included. Mr. Bridges indicated so. He noted that asphalt may be a less expensive in Alternate 1 from Van Street to Route 50 since there was not as much traffic.
Mayor Lambird asked when bids would be opened. Mr. Bridges expected towards the end of March.
Mr. Bridges did point out that Alternate 1 also would include improvement to the intersection of Main Street and Holly Road by installing concrete approaches. He also felt that improvement should be made regardless.
Councilman Fehrenbacher asked about installing a turn lane at the intersection with Holly Road. Mr. Bridges agreed that would be an improvement, but there was not much right-of-way and the ditches/storm sewer was too deep.
Councilman Eyer moved to authorize the solicitation of bids for the Main Street Resurfacing Project, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-F “Resolution: Authorize the Closure of Certain Accounts & the Transfer of Remaining Funds” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize the closure of certain accounts and transfer of remaining funds.
Mrs. Guinn explained that since the Walnut/Main Storm Sewer Project had been completed, the need for the account no longer existed. She recommended closing this account and transferring the $6,956.00 (plus interest) balance to the Roads Capital Improvement Account.
The Sanitary Sewer Relining Project was also completed, and the need for this account no longer existed. There was no remaining balance in this account.
Enough time had passed since receiving CURES funds that the Council had shown interest in designating those funds. In addition to closing this account, Mrs. Guinn recommending transferring $100,000.00 to the Equipment Reserves Account and $310,675.00 (plus interest) to the Roads Capital Improvement Account.
Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2026-R-09, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
AGENDA #10 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”
10-A “Status Report – City Manager” There was no report.
10-B “RCDC Report” There was no report.
10-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that the Chamber was busy planning this year’s Sounds of Summer Concerts. The Ladies Night event was also close to sold out.
AGENDA #11 “CLOSED SESSION: SALE OR LEASE PRICE OF REAL PROPERTY; ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY; APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, AND PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES; AND CONSIDERATION OF THE SALE OR PURCHASE OF SECURITIES” No closed session was needed.
AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” No closed session was needed.
12-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Session on February 9, 2026” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approved minutes of closed session on February 9, 2026, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
AGENDA #13 “ADJOURN” With no further business to discuss, Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Miller.
The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
https://cms2.revize.com/revize/olneynew/cc%20Feb%2023%202026.pdf?t=2026022709341554&t=2026022709341554
