East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met June 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The June 10, 2019, meeting of the Olney City Council was called to order at 7:00 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. David McNabb led the group in prayer.

AGENDA #3 “ROLL CALL” The following Council members were present: Greg Eyer, Morgan Fehrenbacher, Belinda Henton, John McLaughlin, and Mark Lambird. Also present were City Manager Allen Barker, City Treasurer Jane Guinn, Deputy City Clerk Cindy Harlan, City Engineer Mike Bridges, and City Attorney Bart Zuber.

AGENDA #4 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”

4-A “Approve Minutes of Council Meeting on May 13, 2019”

4-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable June 11, 2019” Pooled Cash $285,775.26, Manual Pooled Cash $112,915.26, Water Deposit Refunds $1,671.94, Petty Cash $103.06, Police Pension $18,312.31, MFT $1,627.49, Tourism $2,726.85

4-C “Raffle License: B.P.O. Elks #926 (1)”

4-D “Raffle License: B.P.O. Elks #926 (2)”

4-E “Raffle License: CRMH Auxiliary”

4-F “Raffle License Amendment: CRMH Auxiliary Raffle from May 18, 2019, to March 14, 2020”

4-G “Raffle License: Olney Quilt Guild”

4-H “Appointment: John McLaughlin to JEDS Board”

4-I “Appointment: Courtney Hunt to the Parks & Recreation Board”

4-J “Raffle License: American Legion”

4-K “Special Event Request: Closure of Whittle Avenue from Market Street to Chestnut Street from 12:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. on July 28, 2019, for the Fireside Cornhole Tournament” 4-L “Special Event Request: Closure of 100-300 Blocks of E. Main Street & 100 Block of S. Whittle Avenue from 5:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. on September 7, 2019, for the Olney Bicycle Classic”

4-M “Raffle License: Southeastern Illinois Youth Golf Foundation”

AGENDA #5 “REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from the consent agenda.

AGENDA #6 “CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA” Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve the items on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #7 “CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No consideration was necessary since no items were removed from the consent agenda.

AGENDA #8 “PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.”

8-A “Request: Closure of a Portion of the East/West Alley between E. Chestnut and E. Elm Streets & S. Washington and S. Jefferson Streets” Frank Weiler (901 E. Chestnut) was present to answer any questions the Council had with respect to his request to close at least his portion of the East/West alley between E. Chestnut and E. Elm Streets & S. Washington and S. Jefferson Streets. Notices of the request were sent to all adjoining property owners noting that they would have the option to purchase their portion(s), if approved. No objections to the closure have been received. From the audience, Jim Laughlin (900 E. Elm St.), Aaron McDonald (915 E. Chestnut), and Ken McKinney (223 S. Jefferson) also expressed interest in purchasing their portions of the alley.

Because there is a cable easement in the alley, the purchase price will be $.15 per square foot plus the cost of recording. The dimensions of the alley are 293’ x 16’. If the Council approves the closure, the remaining three adjoining property owners will be contacted again.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to close the east/west alley between E. Chestnut and E. Elm Streets & S. Washington and S. Jefferson Streets, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Ordinance 2019-19 will be prepared.

8-B “Tourism Grant Request: Rotary Oktoberfest on October 5, 2019” Deb Phillips, representing the Rotary, informed the Council that the Rotary Clubs are planning an Oktoberfest event at Rotary Park on October 5, 2019. If successful, the Rotary Clubs hope to make this an annual event. Proceeds will be donated to community projects with proceeds from this year’s event to go towards the Walldogs project. There will be several bands in attendance, along with food vendors and beer trucks. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher expressed her appreciation for the Rotary Clubs’ efforts, but was concerned that tourism money would be used for this grant and then given back to the City for tourism.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve the requested Tourism Grant for up to $1,500 hoping it will only be used if needed, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-C “Ordinance: Amend Section 5.12.060 (Classification of Licenses) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” Mayor Lambird stated that currently, the City Code only allows for one entity to have no more than 12 Class S liquor license days per year. Some of the events (such as Sounds of Summer and the Richland County Fair) run multiple days. Councilman Eyer suggested approving each Class S liquor license on an as needed, case by case basis. Mayor Lambird agreed with that idea saying that each request has to be approved by the Council anyway.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve Class S liquor licenses on as needed, case by case basis with no annual limits, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Ordinance No. 2019-20 will be prepared.

8-D “Request: Class S Liquor License for the Richland County Fair” Tosha Hancock, the Fireside, was present to request a Class S Liquor License for a beer garden at the Richland County Fair. Dates requested are July 7, 11, 12 & 13. The State of Illinois does not have the money to help fund local fairs, and thirty percent of the profits from the beer tent goes back to the Fair Board. Past beer garden events have gone very smoothly with no problems. A member of the audience inquired why beer was not sold during all events at the fair. Bill Clow, a Fair Board member, responded that the events on the other nights were more family oriented. It was pointed out that the first date of the four day request should be July 6, not July 7.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve a Class S Liquor License for the Richland County Fair events on July 6, 11, 12 & 13, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-E “Resolution: Accept Bid for MFT Concrete for Use in Miscellaneous Construction Work” City Manager Barker stated that on May 14th, sealed bids were opened for the supply of concrete for miscellaneous construction to be paid with MFT funds. The only bidder was Schrey Systems for $99.99 per cubic yard.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to accept the bid as received, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-F “Resolution: Accept Bid for MFT Oil & Chip” Mr. Barker reported that also on May 14th, sealed bids were opened for the annual MFT oil & chip street maintenance program. Low bidders were Charles Heuerman Trucking and Mt. Carmel Stabilization.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to accept the bids as received, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-G “Accept a Donation from Country Financial and Amend the 2019/2020 Budget” Mr. Barker advised that the City was in receipt of a $1,000 donation from Country Financial to be used towards the purchase of an in-car computer for the Police Department.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve Resolution 2019-R-46 to accept the donation and amend the 2019/2020 budget, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. Councilwoman Henton, Councilman McLaughlin, Mayor Lambird, Councilman Eyer and Councilwoman Fehrenbacher voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

Mr. Barker advised that Country Financial also donated $1,000 to the Olney Firefighters Association. A thank you letter will be sent to acknowledge receipt and appreciation of the donations.

8-H “Resolution: Amend the 2019/2020 Budget for a Water Slide Pump” Mr. Barker reported that the pump for the water slide at the Musgrove Aquatic Center had to be replaced. The cost of the pump was $4,175. There are enough funds in the Swimming Pool Water Heaters line item to accommodate this purchase.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve Resolution 2019-R-47 to amend the 2019/2020 budget, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. Councilman McLaughlin, Mayor Lambird, Councilman Eyer, Councilwomen Fehrenbacher and Henton voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

8-I “Resolution: Accept Quote for Motorola Solutions Project for the Police Department and Waive Formal Bidding Procedures” Mr. Barker reminded the Council that during the budget process this year, Police Chief Paddock discussed the City, Richland County, and Richland County 911 purchasing an improved and cohesive communications system. It is recommended to accept a quote in the amount of $64,011 from Motorola Solutions for the City’s portion of the project and waive formal bidding procedures.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve Resolution 2019-R-48 as presented, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-J “Ordinance: Authorize the Sale of Personal Property Owned by the City of Olney – Misc. Scrap Metal from the Park Department” Mr. Barker announced the Park Department has some miscellaneous scrap metal to dispose of by recycling to Scrap Daddy Inc.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2019-21, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-K “Request/Possible Ordinance: Reduce the Capacity of the Musgrove Aquatic Center from 885 to 575 Attendees” Mr. Barker informed the Council that Matt Powell, one of the managers of the Musgrove Aquatic Center, has recommended to reduce the capacity from 885 to 575 attendees. It is the opinion of pool management that 575 would be a more manageable number. If approved, signage to that effect would need to be posted.

Councilman McLaughlin stated that on normal days the number of swimmers does not even get close to that amount. He questioned how this change would affect events such as swim meets and the triathlon where there are large numbers in attendance.

Mr. Barker answered that he was sure Mr. Powell took these events into consideration when calculating the limit on attendees. On Memorial Day, which was also one of the two free swim days per year at the pool, there were 669 admissions. The free swim days bring out a lot of additional patrons. Mr. Barker will discuss the Council’s concerns with Mr. Powell and report back to the Council. There was no action taken on this agenda item.

AGENDA #9 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”

9-A “Status Report-City Manager” The Council was provided with a Status Report from the City Manager. Mr. Barker advised the Council that during a wind storm a couple of weeks ago there was damage to the fence, backstop, dugout roof and bleachers at one of the ball diamonds at Musgrove Park. All repairs are complete and the field is now operational. Insurance covered most of the damage.

The Sounds of Summer concert series began last Thursday. There will be concerts every Thursday throughout the summer except for July 4th and during fair week. During the weekly event, Mr. Barker is grilling some food items as a fundraiser for Walldogs.

9-B “RCDC Report” No report was given.

9-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher announced the Chamber office is closed this week. The Chamber luncheon will be held on June 18th at The Holiday with a representative from Wabash Communications as the featured speaker. Preparations for the golf outing on August 9th have begun.

9-D “Parks & Recreation Board Report” No report was given.

9-E “Tourism Board Report” No report was given.

AGENDA #10 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS”

10-A “Steve Bryan” Steve Bryan was present to speak to the Council about allowing golf carts on City streets. He lives at 309 W. South Avenue. Last year he was driving his golf cart to Dollar General and received a ticket from a City officer. Mr. Bryan would like for the Council to consider passing an ordinance for golf carts to be legal on secondary streets only, not on Main Street or Route 130. His golf cart has headlights, tail lights, a slow moving vehicle sign, and he always gives cars the right of way. He has seen several times electric wheel chairs, scooters, motorized bicycles, and lawn mowers on the roads. He believes he was singled out the day he received a ticket stating that if it is legal for one sort of transportation, it should be legal for all. He feels it is the same in the county where farmers can have 4x4’s and 4 wheelers on the county roads, but others cannot.

Mayor Lambird stated this topic has been discussed for 10 years. Communities such as Palestine and Flora allow golf carts on roadways.

Councilwoman Henton informed everyone that Flora allows side by sides and has had no problems with doing so. She wondered if something has been changed in the State regulations. In the past, these types of recreational vehicles could not go over 30 miles per hour on public streets. City Attorney Zuber stated there is a $100 fee to register these types of vehicles in Flora.

Police Chief Paddock expressed concern about safety. If a golf cart with kids in the back gets hit by a car, there could be serious injuries.

Mrs. Bryan stated that her husband is disabled and it is easier for him to get in a golf cart than a car, plus it is safer than a wheel chair.

Councilwoman Henton wants to know what the state limitations are. Councilman Eyer believes the Council should consider this request. This topic will be revisited in June or July.

AGENDA #11 “CLOSED SESSION: SALE OR LEASE PRICE OF REAL PROPERTY; ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY; APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, AND PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES; AND COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATING MATTERS” Councilwoman Henton moved to adjourn to closed session to discuss sale or lease price of real property; acquisition of real property; appointment, employment, compensation, and performance of specific employees; and collective negotiating matters, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

Councilman McLaughlin, Eyer, Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, Henton, Mayor Lambird, City Manager Barker, City Treasurer Guinn, City Attorney Zuber, and Deputy City Clerk Harlan left the Council Chambers at 7:30 p.m.

AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Upon return of those who were in closed session to the Council Chambers, Councilman McLaughlin moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 7:45 p.m.

Councilman McLaughlin asked for the Council’s thoughts on the purchase of two portable soccer goals to be placed to the west of the soccer field at Musgrove Park. Mr. McLaughlin stated that he is aware of someone willing to donate $3,000 toward the project if the City will commit to a contribution of $1,000.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher inquired if RCRC has been approached about contributing to this project. Councilman McLaughlin did not believe RCRC had been contacted, but was willing to do so.

Mayor Lambird reported that because of the capital bill in the State’s budget, the City should be getting 68% to 69% more in MFT funds. Also, Mayor Lambird reported that in the State’s list of projects for the future, Route 130 will be resurfaced from North Avenue to Route 50. Mayor Lambird believes if the City has long range plans to construct sidewalks in this area, the State will construct the sidewalks in conjunction with the resurfacing project.

AGENDA #13 “ADJOURN” With no further business to discuss, Councilman McLaughlin moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

http://www.ci.olney.il.us/City%20Council%20June%2010%202019%20-%20Unapproved.pdf