City of Olney City Council met Jan. 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The January 12, 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. Roger Boyd 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 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 December 22, 2025, & January 7, 2026”
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 “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable January 13, 2026” Pooled Cash $153,804.74, Manual Pooled Cash $151,980.34, Petty Cash $301.38, Foreign Fire $5,124.70, IMRF $40,815.91, Christmas Light Display $1,440.60, Route 130 TIF $43.93, South Olney TIF District $31,740.47
Accounts Payable was usually an agenda item found listed under the Consent Agenda. This round of payables held a $480.00 invoice for backflow testing payable to Tri-M Plumbing, and this business was owned by Councilman Miller. The Councilman had been performing this service for the City for several years preceding his seat on the Council.
Councilman Fehrenbacher moved to approve and authorize payment of Accounts Payable to be issued January 13, 2026, seconded by Councilman Eyer. Councilmen Fehrenbacher, Eyer, Councilwoman Eichhorst, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. Councilman Miller abstained. The motion carried.
9-B “Request/Possible Ordinance: Closure of a Portion of the North/South Alley Between S. Elliott and S. Morgan Streets & the CSX Railroad and E. South Avenue” The Council was provided with a request letter from Dr. Brandon and Tyra Cycholl regarding closure of a portion of the alley described above. The Council was also provided with map images of the area and photos of the area submitted by Mrs. Cycholl.
Mrs. Cycholl was present to speak with the Council. She owned Lots 1, 2, 3 and 7. Lot 7 was behind the other 3 lots. She requested closure of the north part of the alley that adjoined these lots so that she could join together the properties.
From the audience, June Lavine requested clarification that the southern portion of the alley would not be closed. Mrs. Cycholl confirmed and showed Mrs. Lavine the map.
Councilman Miller had looked at the area himself and saw no issue with this request.
A small part of Lot 7 extended farther south than the ending of Lot 3. Mr. Zuber noted that may affect the Smiths. Mrs. Sterchi stated that Mr. Smith had come in to speak with her about the request. After speaking, he understood and had no issues. Mrs. Cycholl indicated that she had also spoken with Mr. Smith and had received the same feedback.
The Council felt comfortable closing the portion of the alley that would directly adjoin the Cycholl’s properties and not the Smith’s. Mrs. Cycholl was agreeable.
Councilman Miller moved to approve Ordinance 2026-01, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Mr. Zuber would draft the ordinance.
9-C “Ordinance: Rezone 4898 N. IL 130, 4964 N. IL 130, Vacant Land on N. IL 130 with Property Index Number 06-27-300-005, and Vacant Land on N. IL 130 with Property Index Number 06- 27-300-119 from R-S (Single-Family Residence District) to C-2 (Commercial District) for Borgic Enterprises, Inc.” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would rezone the properties listed above from R-S (Single-Family Residence District) to C-2 (Commercial District). The Council was also provided with a copy of the Plan Commission minutes from December 1, 2025, and a Findings of Fact letter from Plan Commission Vice Chair Vic Colwell. Earlier in the day, Chad Brinkley had also brought in for the Council a letter of opposition to the zoning requests, a copy of a FOIA request, and a petition against the rezoning requests.
Mayor Lambird reminded the Council that these rezoning requests were first heard by the Council on December 8, 2025, but the requests were tabled at that time. Additional clarifications had been made since then.
Representing Borgic Enterprises, Inc., Jeff Borgic was present to speak with the Council.
Councilman Fehrenbacher was aware that rumors were circulating that a truck stop, dispensary, and/or casino would be placed at these properties. He asked Mr. Borgic to clarify his plans.
Mr. Borgic explained that originally, he had purchased the property just north of the WalMart Supercenter and wanted to put a convenience store there until someone told him that if someone built a similar establishment across the street, then he would be out of business. So, he worked with the property owners across the street and then also purchased those properties.
Mr. Borgic’s concept was to establish a convenience store called Cork’s as a way to honor his parents. He currently had the concept and feasibility study, and he was now developing cash flow. He planned to also develop the other lots for commercial use down the line. He felt that Olney was missing out on some commercial opportunities and felt that these developments would be helpful.
Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if Mr. Borgic planned for any gaming as part of his establishments. Mr. Borgic was not interested in gaming, was not interested in a truck stop, and he wanted his establishment to be a family friendly atmosphere.
Councilman Eyer moved to approve the rezoning requests with annexation concurrent with the rezoning.
Mayor Lambird said that motion was out of order as he did not believe that the City could require annexation for rezoning.
Mr. Zuber clarified that while other types of transactions could be more open to negotiation, rezoning requests were not the same. The rezoning requests were heard by the Plan Commission, the Plan Commission issued a recommendation to the Council to approve the rezoning, and now the Council would need to decide whether or not to approve the rezoning requests alone. Annexation would be a separate issue, and Mr. Borgic would have the option for recourse if it was found that the rezoning requests were unreasonably and unjustifiably denied.
Councilman Eyer voiced his favor in the rezoning requests. He recognized the area was right across the highway from the largest retail center in town. After the WalMart property was rezoned, they were quickly annexed. Alternatively, Olney had the Industrial Park south of town that was not annexed, but the City still provided infrastructure at the expense of the taxpayer. He simply wished for annexation to occur before infrastructure was provided.
Mayor Lambird recalled that the history of the Industrial Park was that it was originally purchased by the Chamber of Commerce in the 1960s for economic development. At that time, the area was not contiguous to City limits. As City limits expanded, there was no mechanism to require annexation for those services. As a remedy, in 2011, the City passed an ordinance that required a Contract for Utilities to be signed before water and/or sewer services could be provided. Now, those properties could be annexed within a few months once ownership changed over.
Mayor Lambird then asked Mr. Borgic if it was his intent to have water and sewer services provided by the City. Mr. Borgic confirmed.
In that case, Mayor Lambird noted that the Contract for Utilities would need to be signed. This would trigger the annexation requirement following that signature.
Councilman Eyer believed in good faith that Mr. Borgic did have the intent to have the City provide water and sewer, but he did not believe that was Mr. Borgic’s only option. He was not sure how to guarantee these intentions in the time between rezoning and development.
Mr. Zuber noted that Mr. Borgic would be unable to operate a convenience store on a septic system and water well. When it came time to need those services, Mr. Borgic would be required to annex within the appropriate time frame per the Contract for Utilities. In this case, Mr. Borgic should not annex in order to get rezoned. Mr. Borgic would need to annex in order to get the City’s services. Additionally, the City’s zoning jurisdiction extended one and a half miles outside of City limits. So, a property within that jurisdiction looking to get rezoned would not automatically be provided with City services. Overall, Mr. Zuber clarified that Mr. Borgic was asking for rezoning tonight and not City services.
Councilman Miller had met with Mr. Borgic earlier, and he believed that Mr. Borgic would, in good faith, annex in the future. He now agreed with Mr. Zuber that the Council should not make approval contingent on annexation.
Councilman Eyer’s motion died due to lack of a second.
Councilman Miller moved to approve Ordinance 2026-02, seconded by Councilman Eyer.
Councilman Fehrenbacher noted that there would also be benefits available to Mr. Borgic upon annexation. Mayor Lambird confirmed that he would have access to the Enterprise Zone. Boundaries of the TIF and/or the Business District would need to first be expanded before those benefits would be available.
From the audience, Martin Riggs asked if any liquor licenses were available. Mayor Lambird indicated that no liquor licenses were available at this time, but the Council could choose to increase that number. Even so, the Mayor noted that no such requests had been made to make a license available. In addition, the Council could also lower the amount of available liquor licenses as it saw fit.
To the motions made above, Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Miller, Fehrenbacher, and Eyer voted yes. Councilwoman Eichhorst voted no. The motion carried.
9-D “Ordinance: Rezone 4878 N. IL 130, Partially Used Land on N. IL 130 with Property Index Number 06-27-301-002, and Vacant Land on N. IL 130 with Property Index Number 06-27-300-104 from R-S (Single-Family Residence District) to C-2 (Commercial District) for Kristin L. Snyder” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would rezone the properties listed above from R-S (Single-Family Residence District) to C-2 (Commercial District). The Council was also provided with a copy of the Plan Commission minutes from December 1, 2025, and a Findings of Fact letter from Plan Commission Vice Chair Vic Colwell. Earlier in the day, Chad Brinkley had also brought in for the Council a letter of opposition to the zoning requests, a copy of a FOIA request, and a petition against the rezoning requests.
Mayor Lambird noted that the Plan Commission also recommended approval of these rezoning requests with one no vote.
Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinance 2026-03, seconded by Councilman Miller. Councilmen Fehrenbacher, Eyer, Miller, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. Councilwoman Eichhorst voted no. The motion carried.
9-E “Ordinance: Rezone 4751 E. Radio Tower Lane from M-1 (Light-Industrial District) to R-1 (Single-Family Residence District) for Brad Jones” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would rezone 4751 E. Radio Tower Lane from M-1 (Light-Industrial District) to R-1 (Single-Family Residence District). The Council was also provided with a copy of the draft minutes from the Plan Commission meeting held on January 5, 2026, and a copy of a Findings of Fact letter from Plan Commission Chair David Abell.
Representing Brad Jones, Ryan Jones was present to speak to the Council.
This particular property bordered the Industrial Park. Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if the City would be hamstringing itself from future development if this rezoning request was approved.
Mayor Lambird pointed out that this parcel was landlocked and was already purchased by the Joneses. Mr. Jones agreed and pointed out that they also owned another property located in the Industrial Park.
Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinance 2026-04, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-F “Contributions Request: Olney & Greater Richland Co. Chamber of Commerce” The Council was provided with a cover letter and a Municipal Contributions & Sponsorships Application.
Representing the Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Caiti Lambird, Board President Herman Zuber, and Treasurer Deb Mitchell.
Mrs. Lambird reminded the Council that the Chamber annually requested funds that were then included in the City’s budget each fiscal year. The current fiscal year followed the same process but since that time, the Council had passed this Municipal Contributions & Sponsorships Program that required application and submission of additional documentation in order to receive the funds.
Mrs. Lambird then pointed out that the application for funding was not for a one-time project, rather the Chamber was in partnership with the City, and the Chamber relied heavily on the grant funding provided by the City. As such, the Chamber was about to make their budget for their next fiscal year and could not continue planning until the City funding was approved. She then noted that the City would continue to be invoiced quarterly for the grant funding.
Mayor Lambird asked if this application was for the remainder of 2025/2026 invoicing. Mrs. Lambird replied that the request would be for the remainder of budgeted funding for this fiscal year, and also for funding in the 2026/2027 year.
Councilman Miller preferred to approve the funding for the remainder of the current fiscal year, but wished for the Chamber to re-apply for 2026/2027 funding at a later time and then annually thereafter.
Mrs. Guinn told the Council that the City would be working on its own budget and would need to know whether or not to include funding. Councilman Miller assumed that the City would continue to budget for the expense and assumed that the Chamber could continue to produce the simple application.
Mrs. Lambird asked for the City’s budget planning timeline. Mrs. Guinn replied that the City was currently working on budget planning. The budgets would be reviewed with the Council in March for approval in April. Mayor Lambird felt that the first meeting in April would be appropriate for the Council to hear the 2026/2027 application from the Chamber.
Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve a $10,000.00 grant to the Chamber for the remainder of the 2025/2026 fiscal year, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher.
Councilman Miller asked if the Chamber would be requesting $20,000.00 again in the next fiscal year. The Chamber representatives indicated so.
Councilman Miller asked when the City had increased its funding to that amount. Mrs. Lambird indicated that the City had recently increased the funding. Prior to that, the grant amount had not changed since 2014.
Councilwoman Eichhorst worked regularly with the Chamber as part of the Friends of Olney. She was impressed with the work that the Chamber was doing in the community.
To the motions made above, Councilmen Eyer, Miller, Fehrenbacher, and Councilwoman Eichhorst voted yes. Mayor Lambird abstained. The motion carried.
9-G “Ordinance: Amend Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the City of Olney Municipal Code by Adding Chapter 8.32 (Prohibition of Accessory Structures as a Dwelling)” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the City of Olney Municipal Code by adding Chapter 8.32 (Prohibition of Accessory Structures as a Dwelling).
Code Enforcement Officer Dallas Colwell told the Council that over the past few years, he and the Police Department had been having problems with people living in sheds, tents, etc. If the property owner was against this, the individual could be removed or charged with trespassing. Past that, it would be more difficult to prohibit these types of dwellings. The proposed ordinance would provide a better mechanism of enforcement. Mr. Colwell also pointed out that the way Mr. Zuber had written the ordinance would not prohibit activities such as kids camping for fun in their backyards.
Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinance 2026-05, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-H “Resolution: Accept Bid for the Demolition of 413-415 N. Mill Street” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a bid for the demolition of 413-415 N. Mill Street, and a history of property violation provided by Mr. Colwell.
Mr. Colwell told the Council that the City currently owned this property and had bought it before it went to tax sale. A total of 6 bids were received with the low bid coming from B4 Land Management LLC., of West Salem, Illinois, in the amount of $6,949.00.
Mr. Colwell then informed the Council that in 2025, 17 demolition permits had been issued. Of those, 4 were forced by the City. Another 7 of those demolitions were performed privately and at no cost to the City. He noted that after this demolition was complete, that would be all that he could do until the new fiscal year.
Councilman Fehrenbacher moved to approve 2026-R-01, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-I “Discussion/Possible Action: Price and/or Project Authorization for Improvements to the Police Firing Range” The Council was provided with an estimate from Hurn Lumber as provided by Councilman Miller. At the Council meeting held on December 22nd, the Council discussed topics related to the Police Firing Range. One of those topics was to make improvements to the Firing Line Shelter that was estimated to total $1,000.00. Since that time, Councilman Miller had discovered that the estimated total would come in higher than anticipated.
Councilman Miller explained that roofing improvements alone would total $1,001.00. For another $627.06, all rafters could also be changed for better longevity. He noted that he had forgotten to get an estimate on clips to secure the rafters, but stated that he would purchase those on his own for the City.
Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if the increased cost would come from the same part of the budget. Mrs. Guinn confirmed. At a future meeting, a budget amendment would be presented to take capital funds out of the Police Department budget and put them into Building Maintenance.
Chief Bloomer was agreeable to the budget changes.
Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to authorize materials for improvements to the Firing Line Shelter up to $1,628.00, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-J “Resolution: Amend the 2025-2026 Tourism Budget for Fireworks Contributions” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend the Tourism budget for fireworks contributions.
Mayor Lambird reminded the Council that 2026 would mark the United States’ 250th anniversary. Back in November, the Council voted to increase its contribution for fireworks to $25,000.00 for the 2026 Fireworks Spectacular. The invoice for this was expected to be received in the spring, so the budget should be amended for this upcoming expense. He noted that the $25,000.00 would be only for this year, and then would go back down to $15,000.00.
Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2026-R-02, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-K “Discussion: Prohibiting the Sale of Kratom” The Council was provided with information from Councilman Eyer that included detail about kratom, information about prohibiting kratom, a listing of towns that had banned kratom, and a copy of an ordinance from East Peoria prohibiting the possession, sale, and delivery of cannabis, synthetic drugs, and related substances.
Councilman Miller stated that he and several other citizens had concern about kratom being sold at the liquor stores and smoke shops. The FDA, the Mayo Clinic, and the DEA all condemned the substance. He felt it was the Council’s responsibility to prohibit such use in Olney.
Councilwoman Eichhorst asked if there was an age requirement to purchase such products. Councilman Eyer replied that some places required purchasers to be at least the age of 18, but some places had no regulation.
Councilman Miller was in favor of the prohibition as long as Olney establishments were issued a letter stating exactly when the product could no longer be sold.
Councilman Eyer asked if the Police Department could verify removal after a certain date. Police Chief Bloomer affirmed.
Councilman Fehrenbacher also recalled the Council being concerned with synthetic and/or actual cannabis be sold in such establishments. He asked if there had been any additional feedback.
Mayor Lambird and Chief Bloomer said it was difficult to determine what exactly was being sold due to testing issues.
Mr. Zuber felt that Olney could create an ordinance similar to East Peoria’s that would broadly prohibit unregulated substances containing synthetic hallucinogens, THC, and synthetic stimulants, except as otherwise permitted under Illinois law.
Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if the Police Department could send off substances for testing. Chief Bloomer replied that in order to send it to the crime lab, the incident must have already clearly been against State or Federal law. The crime lab would not test for City ordinances.
Overall, the Council was in favor of passing such an ordinance. Mr. Zuber would create a draft for discussion and/or possible action at a future meeting.
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 Chocolate Tour was coming up and would be held on a Saturday this year.
AGENDA #11 “CLOSED SESSION: SALE OR LEASE PRICE OF REAL PROPERTY; ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY; AND APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, AND PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to adjourn to closed session to discuss the sale or lease price of real property; acquisition of real property; and appointment, employment, compensation, and performance of specific employees, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:49 p.m.
AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 6:57 p.m.
12-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Session on December 22, 2025, & January 7, 2026” Councilman Miller moved to approved minutes of closed session on December 22, 2025, & January 7, 2026, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
12-B “Resolution: Authorize Employment Agreement for City Manager” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize an employment agreement for the City Manager. The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed employment agreement.
Councilman Miller moved to approve 2026-R-03, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received
12-C “Ordinance: Establish Wage for Non-Bargaining Employee” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would establish the wage for the City Manager.
Councilman Miller moved to approve Ordinance 2026-06, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
Before adjourning, Mrs. Guinn reminded all that there would be a special Council meeting on January 22nd for the budget work session.
AGENDA #13 “ADJOURN” With no further business to discuss, Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Miller.
The meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
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