East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Feb. 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The February 10, 2020, 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. 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, City Attorney Bart Zuber, and City Engineer Mike Bridges.

AGENDA #4 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”

4-A “Approve Minutes of Council Meeting on January 27, 2020”

4-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable February 11, 2020” Pooled Cash $97,751.75, Manual Pooled Cash $105,547.74, Petty Cash $129.41, Elliott Street Bridge $892.50, Foreign Fire $3,770.35, IMRF $34,337.41, Tourism $285.99, Christmas Light Display $1,104.26

4-C “Raffle License: St. Joseph School”

4-D “Ordinance: Repeal Ordinance 1989-19 Relating to the Authorization for Handicapped Parking Spaces & Visitors Parking Spaces West of the Elm Street Christian Church Driveway” Ordinance 2020-03

4-E “Approve City Council Travel Expense Reports from January 2020 - Present”

4-F “Appointments/Re-Appointments to the Library Board: Beverly Loomis, Julie Hill, Herman Zuber”

4-G “Raffle License: Richland County High School (After Prom)”

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 Councilman Eyer. Councilmen Eyer, McLaughlin, Councilwomen Fehrenbacher and Henton voted yes. Mayor Lambird abstained. The motion carried.

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 “Ordinance: Authorize Execution of Lease Between the City of Olney and the Richland County Farm & Fair Association Inc.” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize a lease between the City and 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 any leased fairground areas must have a lease with a term minimum of 20 years. If the City enters into a lease more than 20 years, notice would need to be published for each year, and that would become very costly. As such, Mr. Barker indicated that a prior Council had decided that the lease with the Fair Board could be renewed each year to keep them in compliance.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2020-04, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-B “Report: Farm & Fair Association Activities for the Previous 12 Months & Plans for the Next 12 Months” Doug Westall, President of the Fair Board, was present to speak on this topic.

Mr. Westall told the Council that the Fair Board held the 2019 Fair during July 6 through July 15. They felt that the Fair had gone very well.

For 2020, Mr. Westall explained that the Spring Crash Demo Derby would be held on May 16. The Board was also interested in bringing in a toy tractor show and flea market. That event should take place during June 26 through 28.

This year, the Fair would begin on July 4. Because of this, the Fair Board’s fireworks show would take place on July 3 instead. Additionally, the Fair Board would be utilizing different promoters and a different vendor. The new vendor would bring three times the amount of fireworks for the same price.

The 2020 Fair would include a Demo Derby, Horse Show, Queen Pageant, Pig Penning, Dirt Racing, Tractor Pulls, Truck Pulls, and Motocross.

The Fair Board had also been working on a new roof on the restroom building, and would soon be remodeling a building on the infield.

The Council had no additional questions. Mayor Lambird thanked Mr. Westall for the report.

8-C “Resolution: Amend the Street Department Budget for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 for Repairs to the Shurron Street Storm Sewer” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend the Street Department’s 2019-2020 for repairs to the Shurron Street storm sewer. The Council was also provided with a written cost estimate for the project.

Mr. Barker told the Council that the Street Department had some leftover funds in a few budgeted line items for the current fiscal year. Mr. Barker and the Street Department Supervisor recommended amending the budget so that the extra funds could be used to make needed repairs to the Shurron Street storm sewer. Doing so would take the project out of plans for the 2020- 2021 fiscal year.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve 2020-R-07, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher.

Mayor Lambird asked for an update on the Linn Street storm sewer. Mr. Barker replied that the project had been completed.

Councilwomen Henton, Fehrenbacher, Councilmen McLaughlin, Eyer, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

8-D “Resolution: Amend the Sewer Department Budget for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 for Capital Outlay Items, Accept a Quote for Sludge Pumps, and Waive Formal Bidding Procedures for Sludge Pumps” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend the Sewer Department’s 2019-2020 budget for a computer and sludge pumps. The resolution would also accept a quote and waive formal bidding procedures for the purchase of the sludge pumps. The Council was also provided with a quote from Kemper Technology Consulting of Robinson, Illinois, in the amount of $1,359.98 for the computer. Two quotes were also included for the sludge pumps. Liberty Process Equipment Inc., of Arlington Heights, Illinois, bid $15,588.00. Continental Progressive Cavity Ultra Pump of Warrenton, Missouri, bid $14,800.00.

Mr. Barker explained that the Sewer Department also had some leftover funds in the Sewer Line Replacement line item for the current fiscal year. Mr. Barker and the Sewer Department Supervisor recommended amending the budget by using some of those leftover funds to purchase a new computer and two needed sludge pumps, and they also recommended accepting the low bid from Continental Progressive Cavity Ultra Pump in the amount of $14,800.00

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve 2020-R-08, seconded by Councilman Eyer. Councilmen McLaughlin, Eyer, Mayor Lambird, Councilwomen Fehrenbacher and Henton voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

8-E “Discussion/Possible Action: Summer Recreation Fees” The Council was provided with a listing of current summer recreation fees.

At the last Council meeting, a wage ordinance was passed reflecting new State minimum wage requirements. Because of this, the Council expressed interest in reviewing and possibly adjusting summer recreation fees.

Councilman McLaughlin asked how much the minimum wage increases would cost the City during pool season in 2020. Mrs. Guinn replied that she expected an approximate $15,000.00 increase.

Councilman McLaughlin recalled that the minimum wage rates would be increasing each year until 2025. He estimated that the increases could cost the City an additional $30,000.00 to $50,000.00 in order to operate the pool. Mayor Lambird pointed out that the increase each year would likely not be $15,000.

Councilman McLaughlin felt the City would need to raise summer recreation fees, however he also believed that the City should make additions that could create more value. For example, the Councilman felt that the City should have a pool heater. He expected that the City could apply for grants to help pay for that addition. He already felt that many people traveled to other area pools because they were heated.

Additionally, Councilman McLaughlin felt that a concession stand at the pool could draw additional revenue. He felt it could be owned and operated by the City with the same lifeguard staff that would be working at the pool. Councilman Eyer agreed.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher wondered if the proposed concession stand would only be accessible to those inside of the pool. Councilman McLaughlin replied that he would wish to have the concession stand be open on two sides to attend to those inside of the pool, but also others that may be enjoying other activities in the park.

Councilwoman Henton wondered how much it would cost to create a concession stand. Mayor Lambird felt that he recalled an estimate of about $75,000.00.

Mayor Lambird requested to see summer recreation fees from other communities to discuss at the next Council meeting.

8-F “Resolution: Establishing TIF Public Hearing – April 13, 2020” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would establish a TIF public hearing for April 13, 2020, in regard to the proposed South Olney Redevelopment Project Area. The Council was also provided with a copy of the Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Plan & Project as prepared by PGAV Planners.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked if the City Attorney had reviewed the documents. Mr. Zuber indicated that he and the TIF attorney had reviewed the documents and felt that all was in order.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve 2020-R-09, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-G “Resolution: Authorize Execution of Agreement between the City of Olney and Charleston Engineering Inc., for the Addition of UV Disinfection at the WWTP” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize the execution of an agreement between the City and Charleston Engineering Inc., for the addition of UV disinfection at the WWTP (Sewer Plant). The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed agreement.

Mr. Barker told the Council that the City needed to formalize an agreement with Charleston Engineering Inc., as required by the IEPA, before continuing with any more engineering work on the addition of UV disinfection. The IEPA requirement was a condition of the loan application.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve 2020-R-10, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-H “Resolution: Authorize Execution of Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Olney and the Illinois Office of the Comptroller for Access to the Local Debt Recovery Program” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize the execution of an intergovernmental agreement between the City and the Illinois Office of the Comptroller for access to the Local Debt Recovery Program. The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed intergovernmental agreement.

Mrs. Guinn and Mr. Barker recommended that the City enter into this intergovernmental agreement in order to help collect bad debt. Mrs. Guinn explained that once the agreement was signed, she could begin moving forward. Mr. Zuber had reviewed the agreement, and believed everything was in order.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2020-R-11, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

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 wished to update the Council on several projects that were in the works. He began by reporting that the Jasper/Lincoln water line grant had been approved, and an environmental review was taking place.

The Sewer Plant was waiting on additional information to submit for the IEPA loan for the UV disinfection.

For the Route 130 sidewalks, Charleston Engineering was continuing to work on the plans.

Mr. Barker warned the Council that costs continued to escalate related to the Elliott Street Bridge Project. The scope of work continued to become more complicated. Work for underneath the bridge was now estimating to cost $400,000.00, and work on the top portion was estimating to come in at $120,000.00. None of those estimates included sidewalk or curb work.

Mr. Bridges added that plans had been sent to IDOT and CSX for approval. He expected that the approvals from CSX would take quite a bit longer than from IDOT.

Mayor Lambird asked how many cars traveled over the Elliott Street Bridge per day. Mr. Barker believed around 350 vehicles per day used the bridge.

For the Whittle Avenue grade crossing, the Illinois Commerce Commission was in the process of approving the plans. Mr. Bridges felt that the street work could be completed this year, but felt that railroad work would take at least two more years.

Mr. Barker continued by stating that the Pacific Cycle roof was still being worked on, and that repairs to the wall would hold off until better weather arrived. Asbestos had been removed from some of the structures on top of the building.

The OSLAD grant for City Park improvements had been approved. Mr. Barker was waiting on contracts and authorization from IDNR before any more work could proceed. He expected that the work would start this year and end next year.

9-B “RCDC Report” Mr. Yockey had nothing to report.

9-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher said that the Chocolate Tour took place on February 7th with approximately 100 tickets sold. The Chamber was also gearing up for Ladies Night on March 19th. She said that only a few tickets remained for that event.

9-D “Parks & Recreation Board Report” The Parks & Recreation Board had not yet met for the month, so there was no report.

9-E “Tourism Board Report” Councilwoman Henton noted that work was taking place on the Spring/Summer Tourism Times ad.

AGENDA #10 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public wished to speak.

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

Councilmen Eyer, McLaughlin, Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, Henton, Mayor Lambird, City Manager Barker, City Attorney Zuber, City Treasurer Guinn, and City Clerk Sterchi left the Council Chambers at 7:28 p.m.

AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Upon return of those who were in closed session to the Council Chambers, Councilwoman Henton moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 7:51 p.m.

Mr. Barker told the Council that IBEW negotiations would begin mid-March.

Mayor Lambird told the Council he had received a request from a representative of MotoMart asking for a gaming license. He wondered if the Council was interested in making any Code amendments that would allow for such. The Council had no interest at this time.

Mayor Lambird had also been contacted by Aaron Wease about an addition that would take place on the property of Wease Equipment for an auto body shop. Mr. Wease wondered if the City would provide assistance with running water and sewer to that building on his property. The Council had no interest at this time.

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

The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

http://www.ci.olney.il.us/cc%20Feb%2010%202020.pdf