East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Jan. 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The January 20, 2020, special meeting of the Olney City Council was called to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Fire Station Training Room located at 501 N. Walnut Street, 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. Mayor Lambird 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 Clerk Kelsie Sterchi, City Treasurer Jane Guinn, Code Enforcement Officer Dallas Colwell, Fire Chief Mike Hill, Police Chief Kevin Paddock, Park/Water Plant Supervisor Frank Bradley, Street Department Supervisor Tyler Kocher, Water Distribution Department Supervisor Brandon Williams, City Mechanic Roger Fulk, and Sewer Plant Supervisor Jeff Lathrop.

AGENDA #4 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public was present.

AGENDA #5 “RAFFLE LICENSE: RICHLAND COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL” The Council was provided with a Raffle License Application for the Richland County High School.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve the Raffle License Application for the Richland County High School, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #6 “WORK SESSION: PRIORITIZE PROJECTS FOR COMING YEAR” Prior to the meeting, department heads and Council members submitted goals, equipment, and personnel needs to the City Manager. The items submitted were categorized on handout sheets and distributed to everyone in attendance. Also, everyone was given the five-year capital improvement plans for all departments.

All department heads and Council members were allowed to discuss and answer questions about their suggested goals, equipment and personnel needs.

6-A “FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS” Mrs. Guinn explained that the top sheet of the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan packet was a general summary. The current budget for 2019/2020 was at $3,060,253. Projected expense for the 2019/2020 fiscal year was at $1,339,813. Mrs. Guinn explained that the difference was due to projects such as the Ultra Violet Treatment Project and the Elliott Street Bridge Project that were no longer anticipated to be completed in the 2019/2020 year. Mrs. Guinn then told that the proposed 2020/2021 budget totaled $3,872,992.

The reserve balances shown were as of December 31, 2019. The Main Street Resurfacing account held $436,025, the Walnut/Main Storm Sewer account held $101,220, the General Capital Improvement (IRP Loan Closeout) account held $132,758, and the Pacific Cycle Roof account held $73,016.

Mrs. Guinn continued that the MFT account balance was at $473,360, the Water Capital Improvement account was at $277,074, the Sewer Capital Improvement account was at $465,410, and the Route 130 TIF account was at $309,289.

Mayor Lambird asked if there were any outstanding expenses related to the Route 130 TIF. Mrs. Guinn replied that there were no outstanding invoices, but the City had committed to use some funds for the Route 130 sidewalk and signal lights. She noted that $150,000 was included in the budget for the signal upgrades, and the City portion of the sidewalks would be about $80,000.

6-B “CAPITAL OUTLAY / GOALS & PROJECTS”

Sewer Department Supervisor Jeff Lathrop told the Council that the roof on the main and filter buildings at the Sewer Plant would need to be repaired. Additionally, the #1 and #2 filter tanks would need to be repainted as they were badly rusting.

Mr. Lathrop then stated that the digester lid would need to be repaired and painted. He hoped to have most of that project completed in the 2019/2020 fiscal year. Lastly, Mr. Lathrop reminded the Council of the need for Ultra Violet-Fecal Coliform Treatment, but he was anticipating a loan from the IEPA to complete that project.

The communitor at the Sewer Plant was also in very poor condition ($54,000). Two sludge pumps ($16,000) also needed replaced, and a used pickup truck ($15,000) was also needed. The pickup truck needing replaced had its bottom rusting out. Lastly, Mr. Lathrop requested a new computer ($2,000).

Mayor Lambird asked how long the roof repairs would last if the whole roof was not replaced. Mr. Lathrop expected another 10 years. Mr. Barker added that the roof of the filter building was suggested for only patching because if a filter ever needed replaced, the whole roof would need to be removed in order to replace the filter.

Mayor Lambird wondered how much longer it would be before a filter needed replaced. Mr. Lathrop indicated that parts were still available to maintain the current filters, and he planned to do that as long as possible. Otherwise, a total filter replacement project could total about $2,000,000.

Councilman McLaughlin wondered why securing the loan from the IEPA was taking so long. Mrs. Guinn indicated that the IEPA was needing more information. City Engineer Bridges would be working on providing the necessary information. Mr. Barker felt that it was likely that the loan would not be received until 2022. He also felt that it would be wise to look into a CDBG grant for the Ultra Violet Project, though the grant process would be burdensome.

Councilman McLaughlin asked how the funding problem affected the City’s compliance. Mr. Lathrop indicated that the City was in possession of their new permit, and was continuing to send in samples. Although the City was currently out of compliance, as long as efforts were being made to come into compliance, it was not an issue at this point.

Next, Water Distribution Supervisor Brandon Williams read off his list of projects and needs. Mr. Williams planned to continue work on the GIS mapping, would be cleaning the Taylor Water Tower interior, and replacing the Jasper/Lincoln watermain.

Mr. Williams’ department was also in need of a used pickup truck ($15,000), a water leak detector ($2,5000), and a four-foot ditching bucket ($2,000).

Mayor Lambird asked how the GIS project was coming along. Mr. Williams felt the project was coming along nicely. Phase 1 of the project was completed for Water Distribution. The entire GIS project for sewers and storm sewers was also completed.

Councilman McLaughlin had heard that the City had been approved for a grant to be used on the Jasper/Lincoln water main replacement. Mr. Barker confirmed that a $411,000.00 grant had been approved.

Moving on to the Water Plant, Supervisor Frank Bradley stated that the Granular Activated Carbon in all four filters would need to be replaced ($95,000). The replacement was scheduled for every five years, and was necessary. In the past, such work would cost about $75,000, but the current tariff issues with China were causing the price increase.

Mr. Bradley continued that a compressed air mixing system was needed in the #3 water tower ($35,000). The system would help to de-stratify and increase chlorine residuals. The cost for this could perhaps be shared with Water Distribution.

The City was also required by law to at all times analyze the chlorine residual leaving the Water Plant. The plant currently had two analyzers online so that there would be no down time in case of a fail. One of the analyzers is experiencing problems and needs to be replaced ($4,200).

Mr. Bradley then explained that the needed turbidimeter replacement ($4,500) was similar to that of the chlorine analyzer. The City was also required by law to monitor turbidity. The spare turbidimeter was recently placed, so a new spare was needed.

Earlier in 2019, an amperometric titrator had failed and was replaced. The Water Plant did still need a spare ($5,000). The amperometric titrator is essential for a test that is ran every two hours.

Mr. Bradley was also the supervisor of the Parks/Cemeteries/Recreation Departments. Mr. Bradley noted that the listed project to repair the roof at the swimming pool bathhouse could be omitted.

The fountain in the Olney City Park needed repair ($20,000). Mr. Bradley explained that the existing floor would be removed, new flooring would be poured, and a new drain line would be installed. Once that was complete, then the interior would be coated with epoxy.

The Community Building was also in need of some roof repair ($41,000). While the entire roof did not need replaced, Mr. Bradley indicated that a good portion would need repair, and the material underneath was failing.

Mr. Bradley then described how the Olney City Park tennis courts needed some repair work as well ($10,000). The north three courts were cracking. The proposed repair would only fill the cracks and paint over the fill. Mr. Bradley cautioned that these repairs would not be a permanent solution to the problem, and may last only about five years. A permanent solution would cost much more. Mr. Bradley estimated permanent repair would be slightly under $200,000. He also recommended that before a permanent solution was sought, the courts should be cored.

Playground mulch got replaced every other year. As such, Mr. Bradley explained that the 2020-2021 year made replacement due ($8,500). Three zero turn mowers were also scheduled to come out of service, and that meant that three new mowers would be needed ($23,500).

Mayor Lambird asked how the Husqvarna mowers were holding up. Mr. Bradley replied that the Husqvarnas were very tough and made great machines. Mr. Bradley added that some funds were available in the cemeteries’ perpetual care fund that could help pay for the mowers. Mrs. Guinn stated that the perpetual care fund balance was about $27,000.

Mayor Lambird then asked how the old mausoleum was holding up. Mr. Bradley replied that some repairs were needed on the door, as well as some gutter work. Otherwise, the mausoleum was in fine shape.

Mr. Bradley continued that the Band Shell at the City Park also needed some work with outside lighting and wiring ($1,000). Mrs. Guinn pointed out that the recent tax levy included $1,000.00 for this purpose.

Councilman McLaughlin wondered if the slide at the Musgrove Aquatic Center would need to be replaced soon. Mr. Bradley felt that the slide was in fairly good shape. He noted that some gel coating would be needed soon, however. He expected that the slide could last another five to ten years.

Councilman McLaughlin then asked what Mr. Bradley had planned for the area where the Musgrove House had been demolished. Mr. Bradley indicated he would do whatever the Council desired.

Councilwoman Henton asked when the fountain at Bower Park would be repaired. Mr. Bradley replied that the problem with the Bower Park fountain was a water line issue. He was unsure exactly where the line was leaking. The problem showed up not long after the Street Department had poured new concrete near The Stage. He was apprehensive about cutting into the new concrete right after it had been poured.

Mr. Williams offered that a tap could be made on the main to get away from the original connection all together. He could install a curb box to turn water service on and off, as well.

Mayor Lambird commented that he would like to see some lighting added to The Stage. Mr. Bradley believed that could be done.

Councilman Eyer believed that he recalled that the Tennis Association and RCHS would be assisting with costs related to tennis court repair. Mr. Bradley indicated that the assistance would only go towards a long-term solution.

The City had also been awarded an OSLAD grant for repairs to pavilion roofs in the City Park and the addition of a walking trail. Mr. Barker hoped that work could start on those projects in the early Fall.

Mayor Lambird believed that TIF funds could be used for projects in the City Park.

Mr. Barker then informed the Council that he and Mr. Bradley had been speaking to the City Attorney about the problems with the pour-in-place rubber surface at the Together We Play Park. They were having issues with the vendor repairing a portion where a hole was being created. Instead of repairing, the vendor wanted the City to replace the entire surface at a price of $54,000. Additionally, the third-party installer for the vendor was no longer in business. The issue had been going on for about two years.

Councilman Eyer wondered if the site preparation was not done properly. Councilman McLaughlin indicated that the vendor had approved all of the site preparation, and Doll’s had done a great job.

Mayor Lambird then told the group that the Rotary Clubs planned to donate some money in order to build a sidewalk at Rotary Park from the pavilion down to the boat slips. He also praised Mr. Bradley on another successful year with the Christmas Light Display.

The Street/Sidewalks/Traffic/Signage Department had several needs and projects to present for the 2020-2021 year. Mr. Kocher began by stating that the annual MFT oil and chip program would take place again for the upcoming year, as well as sidewalk repairs and sidewalk placement. The Elliott Street Bridge Project was not done in the 2019-2020 year, so that would likely take place in 2020-2021. Additionally, the Route 130 sidewalk and signal upgrades were also expected to begin in the upcoming fiscal year.

Mr. Kocher then told how two galvanized culverts had gone bad on Orchard Drive. The City Engineer wished to place a box culvert ($120,000), and felt that would be the best plan. Alternatively, City crews could instead just replace the galvanized pipes for a lower cost ($52,000).

Mr. Kocher was also interested in reconstructing N. Silver Street from Butler to Locust ($300,000), placing an asphalt overlay on E. Cherry Street from Elliott to Fair, and S. Morgan from Elm to North ($300,000). Mr. Kocher noted that the price for those projects had gone up about 10% in the last year.

Mr. Kocher also wished to asphalt overlay S. Camp Street from Chestnut to North ($200,000). He indicated that this project would be less expensive because not as much curb work would be needed.

With the resurfacing of Main Street coming up within the next few years, Mr. Kocher hoped to start engineering work on the Main and Walnut Street storm sewer replacement ($100,000). He added that when Main Street gets resurfaced, all sidewalk ADA ramps must be compliant, and other requirements would also apply. Because of the additional requirements, Mr. Kocher believed the resurfacing project would now cost about $1,300,000.

Mr. Kocher continued that the Shurron Street storm sewer could be replaced in the upcoming fiscal year ($30,000). City crews would be able to complete the work.

Mr. Kocher’s department was also in need of a dump truck with a plow and controls. A new dump truck would be about $115,000. A used dump truck would be about $60,000. The department also needed a new backhoe ($90,000), a used half ton pickup truck ($15,000), a stainless steel salt spreader ($7,500), and a used bucket truck ($60,000). The department would also need a new one ton truck with a plow and controls. A new truck would be about $40,000. A used truck would be about $10,000.

Mayor Lambird asked Mrs. Guinn how much extra MFT funding was expected. Mrs. Guinn expected an additional $100,000, but she had not had that amount confirmed.

Councilman McLaughlin asked if Main Street would be resurfaced from Route 50 to Route 130. Mr. Kocher confirmed. The Councilman then asked if the concrete island near Route 50 would be removed. Mr. Barker indicated that the City Engineer would be speaking with IDOT on the matter as the State’s right-of-way could be a problem with the island replacement.

For the Mechanic’s Department, Mr. Fulk requested a new software update for the scan tool ($1,000), and a steam pressure washer to replace the current one that was 10 years old and low on pressure ($4,000).

Before speaking on the needs of the Police Department, Police Chief Paddock thanked Fire Chief Hill and the Fire Department for their assistance on a huge accident that had taken place on Route 130.

Chief Paddock then told the group that the Police Department needed a Ford Explorer Interceptor ($46,000). The last vehicle that was purchased was a sedan due to a price increase on the Explorers. It was still the Chief’s preference to purchase the Explorer because the SUV would provide more room and better elevations. Whichever vehicle was purchased would also need a new camera ($4,000) and a laptop computer ($5,000).

The Chief then explained that it was time to replace vests ($15,000). Chief Paddock believed that IPRF and Ballistic Vest grants would help to offset the cost.

Chief Hill requested new radios that would be capable of cross communication with law enforcement ($15,000). Chief Paddock added that would be very helpful. Chief Hill was currently applying for a grant that would pay for most of the cost of the radios.

Chief Hill also requested 10 sets of structural fire gear ($29,000). The last sets were purchased in 2013, and had a 10-year life span. More than 10 sets were needed, but Chief Hill was going to try to split up the purchase.

The Fire Department was also in need of 10 SCBA cylinders and 30 cylinder adapters ($13,380). A brush truck would also be needed before long ($183,000). The current brush truck was about 30 years old.

Chief Hill also requested that the Council start to set aside funds for an engine replacement that would be needed in fiscal year 2025-2026. The new engine would be a consolidation of Engine 1651 and Snorkel 1659. The replacement would be about $1,200,000.

Chief Hill was also hoping to add an additional full-time firefighter to assist with daytime coverage. The Chief would submit a SAFER grant application to FEMA to provide 75% of personnel costs for the first two years.

Continued quality training for the firefighters was also desired and would help increase the Department’s capabilities. Chief Hill also wanted to work with Code Enforcement on adopting new building and fire codes, establishing a fire inspection program, and establishing fire pre-planning in order to protect local businesses and infrastructure.

Lastly, Chief Hill told the group that the Fire Department building was 17 years old. Some smaller upkeep projects would be needed in the 2020-2021 year.

Councilman Eyer recalled that the Fire Department had recently purchased a drone. He wondered how well drone use was working out. Chief Hill replied that the program was going well so far, and he did have pilots in training. The drone is used mostly for purposes in the County and not inside City limits. Chief Hill was also working with OCC and their students that were involved with the new drone program.

For City Hall maintenance, Mr. Colwell described the need for replacement of two fiberglass doors in the bay area, and an opener for the south bay door ($7,500-$8,400). The south door was cracked very badly.

Additionally, the rubber roof over the bay area needed replaced ($28,000). The roof over this area was placed back in 1994. Mr. Colwell also hoped to continue replacing ceiling tile in the breakroom, and to finish the ceiling tile replacement in the hallway. Ceiling tile was already on hand, so no purchases would be necessary.

Mr. Colwell continued that the carpets in the Council Chambers would need to be cleaned, and tuck pointing was needed on the north side of City Hall. The parking lot would also need to be repaved ($50,000).

For Code Enforcement, Mr. Colwell hoped to continue with the demolition of structures, but noted that the budget would need to be increased. For example, during the 2019-2020 fiscal year, $20,000 had been budgeted for this purpose, but the demolition of the Musgrove House alone cost $15,000.

Mr. Colwell would also be continuing efforts to clean up the City, enforce junk ordinance violations, code violations, and weed complaints. He wanted to try more verbal warnings and communications versus only issuing letters. Councilwoman Henton wondered if enforcement would even be legal without something in writing. Chief Paddock replied that would still be legal.

Mr. Colwell also hoped to incorporate InCode Code Enforcement Software into the department’s daily operations, and to adopt 2018 building codes.

Mayor Lambird wondered if anything in the 2018 building codes would making doing business in Olney more difficult. Mr. Colwell did not believe so. He indicated that the City could opt out of some portions of the new codes.

Mr. Colwell would also attend continuing education seminars, and would join the Code Enforcement Officials of Southern Illinois.

For equipment, Mr. Colwell would need a two-tray printer ($300), tires for the Code Enforcement truck ($800), and tires for the Code Enforcement car ($450).

Going back to the Fire Department, the Mayor asked what adopting new fire codes would entail. Chief Hill indicated that State law already stated that the City should be doing fire inspections. The problem was that the City’s existing code did not allow for the City to enforce that power. The inspections would be done on every commercial building, and not just new construction.

In the Treasury Department, Mrs. Guinn explained that she was interested in continuing education as well. She also wished to automate some manual processes, and look into various kinds of additional Tyler Technologies software applications.

Mrs. Guinn also wanted to clean up and re-organize files in her department, establish a better W-9 system, and establish a process for TIF payouts.

Lastly, Mrs. Guinn expressed interest in reviewing services provided by Kemper Technology, and possibly go out for bids for an IT provider.

For the City Clerk Department, Mrs. Sterchi explained the need for additional storage. She would also be finishing up creation of the Online Forms application for the City website. This would also allow for her to re-evaluate forms and applications for improvements and clarifications.

Mrs. Sterchi also hoped to submit some minor Code amendments that could likely be placed on the Consent Agenda at upcoming Council meetings, per support from the City Attorney. Continuing education was also desired.

For capital outlay, Mrs. Sterchi would be in need of a new laptop computer ($1,600), and was interested in replacing some of the downtown banners ($2,800).

In Tourism, Mrs. Sterchi reminded the group that the Walldogs project was set for June of 2020. She indicated that the Walldogs committee may be asking various departments for assistance, and requested that all provide their support and promotion of the event.

The ILLINOISouth Tourism Bureau had some newer staff members with some fresh ideas on promotion. Because of this, she was interested in exploring those options with the Tourism Bureau. Mrs. Sterchi added that after a recent visit from the Tourism Bureau staff, they offered to gift three billboards to help support the Walldogs event. Once the event concludes, she would utilize the information to see about future billboard advertisements for Olney.

Mrs. Sterchi also hoped to continue assisting the Friends of Olney in promotion of their events, and hoped to support the creation of a local Tourism Committee and support the revamp of the Tourism Grant program.

In the City Manager’s Department, Mr. Barker explained that he would need a computer replacement ($2,000) as his current computer was seven years old. He also planned to again include a Contingencies line item for 2020-2021 ($50,000).

Mr. Barker was also interested in adding and/or upgrading planters, benches, and trash cans downtown ($50,000). Other enhancements could also be done. The additional enhancements could be made by contributing $50,000 each year for five years.

Mr. Barker had also submitted a list of projects that he was currently managing.

Councilman Eyer asked if the Pacific Cycle Roof Project had been completed. Mr. Barker replied that the total project had not been completed, and work on the damaged wall had not yet been completed.

Mayor Lambird understood that discussion was taking place on adding turnouts downtown. He wondered if those should wait until after Main Street was resurfaced. Mr. Barker believed that the turnout project could begin on Whittle Avenue. Any other improvements along Main Street, until after the resurfacing, could be more related to the addition of benches and other amenities.

Regarding light pole upgrades, Mr. Barker had spoken with an electrical engineer out of Carmi. The gentleman had offered to come to Olney and lay out some plans. The City Engineer indicated that he would welcome the assistance. It has also been learned that LED lights had caused some problems elsewhere, so Mr. Barker was not sure how that would affect placement in Olney.

Councilman Eyer asked how promotion and education was coming along regarding the.5% sales tax referendum for road maintenance. Mayor Lambird said he had seen some Facebook advertisement, and understood that Bryce Fehrenbacher was getting ready to do some additional promotion, including radio advertising.

Councilman Eyer also had some concern with Foster’s property at the intersection of Main Street and W. North Avenue. Mayor Lambird told the Councilman that the property was outside of City limits, but understood that there was some litigation underway from other entities.

Councilman Eyer also felt that Mr. Bradley had a lot on his plate with managing both the Park Department and the Water Plant. He wondered if it would be beneficial to separate the responsibilities and have dedicated supervisors for each department. Mr. Bradley replied that he had been managing both departments for nine years and felt he had a good handle on both departments.

Councilman Eyer then asked if the Park Department or Street Department would handle the sidewalk area near Musgrove Park, along Mack Avenue, that seemed to have some drainage

issues. Currently, water had frozen over the sidewalk. Mr. Bradley and Mr. Kocher indicated they both would share work in that area.

Councilman Eyer then asked about street light replacement around town. Mr. Kocher replied that most of the light poles were Ameren’s. The City paid $5.10 per light, and that amount would stay the same even if the lights were upgraded to LED bulbs. The light poles along Main Street were the City’s and were already LED. The City also owned the lights in the Northside and Doenges Subdivisions. Northside Subdivision lights were LED, but Doenges’ were not yet. Additionally, the street lights at the intersection of Route 50 and Route 130 were the City’s, but were not LED.

Councilwoman Henton told the group that she also wished to see some Code updates to get rid of antiquated definitions, consolidate information on the lakes, update job duties, etc. She also wished to see the creation of a local Tourism Committee.

The Councilwoman explained that the white squirrel population was drastically decreasing. She strongly encouraged everyone that if Olney was at all interested in remaining the “Home of the White Squirrels,” that proactive measures should be taken to provide food and shelter. Better enforcement on potential predators, such as cats, would also be necessary.

Councilwoman Henton also recommended a sound system for the Council Chambers. She was aware that some audience members had difficulty hearing discussion at the dais.

About a year ago, Councilwoman Henton had asked if the Plan Commission was interested in reviewing the current sign ordinance in order to make any recommended changes, but her efforts were ignored. She wondered if the current ordinance encompassed too much. Mr. Colwell did not feel that the ordinance encompassed too much, but felt that a few changes could be made.

Councilwoman Henton also felt that volunteers and public service workers could be better utilized for litter control, watering, feeding squirrels, picking up debris, sweeping sidewalks, etc. In the parks, Mr. Bradley had an employee that did all of the watering when necessary. He felt that finding a volunteer to do much watering could be difficult. He gave an example that watering the Tree Identification Park alone took a full day. Councilwoman Henton felt that a volunteer could use a side-by-side to help keep the downtown planters watered.

Chief Paddock added that in his opinion, the Sheriff’s Department did not have many community service workers to provide. To the contrary, Mayor Lambird stated that he had been told by Pam Taylor that they did have people available, but that the City did not seem interested. Chief Paddock pointed out that a supervisor would also be needed for community service workers, and that could present an issue. Mr. Kocher pointed out that community service workers did pick up trash around the area. Once completed, Mr. Kocher’s department was called to pick up the trash bags.

Mayor Lambird stated his interest in a community bulk clean up program. He was aware that the franchise agreement with Republic Services provided for up to (8) 30-yard dumpster containers each year for the City to use at no additional charge. It was the Mayor’s proposal that a letter be attached with junk ordinance violations that would make residents aware of the upcoming community bulk clean up day so that the violators would have an easy remedy of disposal. The Mayor also recommended that City workers help to load and dispose of bulk items. If the violations were not remedied around the community bulk clean up, then violators would be prosecuted.

Councilwoman Henton felt that more dumpsters would be needed. Even if that were the case, the Mayor felt that such an effort would be a start in getting the town more cleaned up. Additionally, he felt that the allotted dumpsters were a free resource that the City was not using. Mrs. Sterchi added that two dumpsters were requested and utilized in 2019.

Councilwoman Henton had a few concerns about the Street Department handling the bulk trash pick up, and asked Mr. Kocher for his opinion. Mr. Kocher stated that he did not want any of the dumpsters being located at Public Works for the general public to use. A better location would the municipal parking lot near the Eagles. Mr. Kocher also advised that if his department were to pick up the bulk items, he would send out backhoes and a dump truck for mattresses and any cloth items due to concern with bedbugs. He also cautioned that if his department handled the pick up, that would take the workers away from other needed projects.

Councilwoman Henton also wondered if a better system could be created in regards to leaf pick up. She felt that way too much time and expense was spent on the program. She felt that residents should be more encouraged to take their own leaves to the Brush Dump or to mulch their leaves.

Mr. Kocher detailed that it took eight people working eight hours per day to make it all the way through town in one week. Mr. Kocher would be in favor of having a definitive start and end date. Finding part-time help during the Fall was also an issue.

Councilman Eyer wondered if the leaf burning ban would be in place forever. Mayor Lambird believed so. The ban was put into place because it made so many asthma sufferers’ conditions worse. He felt that residents had the right to not have to breathe in someone else’s smoke.

Mayor Lambird then expressed interest in a $5.00 increase for each type of boat sticker. The additional fee would then be passed along to Preston Township for maintenance of roadways leading to and from East Fork and/or Borah Lakes since the Preston Township Road Commissioner was refusing to properly maintain those roads.

If passed, Councilwoman Fehrenbacher stressed that proper documentation would need to be maintained that would show how much of those funds were used for those roads and when.

Councilman McLaughlin said he would be in favor of such a surcharge, especially since the City received revenue from the boats that traveled out to the lakes. He felt an intergovernmental agreement would be appropriate and would help to address any of Councilwoman Fehrenbacher’s concerns.

Mayor Lambird would discuss a $5.00 boat sticker surcharge at the January 27, 2020, City Council meeting.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher had the understanding that the Fair Board would be removing the old fencing on their leased portion of the City Park. Mr. Bradley advised that the Fair Board wanted fencing to remain in order to prevent people from getting onto the track during the Fair.

AGENDA #7 “ADJOURN” Councilwoman Henton moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The special meeting of City Council adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

http://www.ci.olney.il.us/sp%20cc%20Jan%2020%202020.pdf