City of Olney City Council met June 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The 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: Mark Lambird, John McLaughlin, Belinda Henton, Morgan Fehrenbacher, and Greg Eyer. Also present were City Manager Allen Barker, City Treasurer Jane Guinn, Deputy City Clerk Cindy Harlan, and City Engineer Mike Bridges. Section 6 of Governor Pritzker’s COVID-19 Executive Order No. 5 allows for attendance to take place via video, audio, and/or telephonic means. Attending by audio and video was City Attorney Bart Zuber.
AGENDA #4 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”
4-A “Approve Minutes of Council Meeting on May 26, 2020”
4-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable June 9, 2020” Pooled Cash $49,271.95, Manual Pooled Cash $111,421.59, Petty Cash $249.70, Fire Pension $454.93, Police Pension $1,035.26, MFT $8,742.15, IMRF $31,979.57, Tourism $2,500.00.
4-C “Ordinance: Amend Ordinances 76-26 & 83-37 Establishing Stop and Yield Signs (Ordinance No. 2020-13)
AGENDA #5 “REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from the consent agenda.
AGENDA #6 “CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve the items on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilman Eyer. 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 “Discussion/Possible Ordinance: Waiver of June’s Late Fees and/or Water Disconnections Due to Non-Payment” In May the City Council did not impose late fees for water bills, but reinstated disconnections for non-payment. If requested, Deferred Payment Plans were allowed even if there had been one in the past six months and/or the account had not been disconnected within the past six months. City Manager Barker informed the Council that typically late fees range between $4,000 and $4,500 per month.
Councilman McLaughlin asked Mr. Barker to review the Governor’s orders with respect to the City’s ability to impose or waive late fees for utilities.
After a short discussion Councilman McLaughlin moved to not impose late fees in June, continue disconnections due to non-payment, and allow deferred payment plans, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
8-B “Adoption of a Supplemental Resolution for Maintenance of Streets and Highways by Municipality Under the Illinois Highway Code” Previously, the Council approved a resolution allocating $160,000 in MFT funds for the City’s oil and chip program. A supplemental resolution to approve an additional $41,000 for contract grading and equipment rental fees associated with the oil and chip program is needed. These amounts were included in this year’s budget.
Councilwoman Henton moved to approve the supplemental resolution as presented, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
8-C “Resolution: Accept Quote for a Water Tank Mixer and Waive Formal Bidding Procedures” At the last Council meeting, there was discussion about a mixer for the water tank on the south side of Olney in the Industrial Park. Both Frank Bradley and Mike Bridges were present to answer any questions related to this topic. Pulsair is the only company known to Mr. Bradley that supplies the system wanted for this water tank.
Councilwoman Henton moved to approve Resolution 2020-R-41 accepting the quote from Pulsair in the amount of $24,290.00 and waiving formal bidding procedures, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
8-D “Discussion/Possible Ordinance: Musgrove Aquatic Center Summer 2020 Opening Proposal for Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan” At the last meeting, the Council requested Matt & Michelle Powell to develop a plan to open the Musgrove Aquatic Center. The plan that was developed is based upon moving to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan at the end of June which limits groups to 50. City Manager Barker advised that he, Frank Bradley, Kelsie Sterchi and Cindy Harlan met with Matt and Michelle Powell last week to discuss the plan. The plan includes procedures for cleaning, Adult Lap Swim, Competitive Swim Conditional Practice, three 2-hour sessions per day for public swimming, and private parties. The plan suggests a $2.00 fee for the adult lap swim, $2.00 for public swim (children and adults), and $200.00 for private parties. The fee for the competitive swim conditional practice would be the same as last year’s recreation fees.
Councilman McLaughlin advised that the Illinois Department of Public Health posted rules for swimming facilities during Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan. Facilities may open for lap swimming, diving, swimming lessons, swim team practices, and therapy pool use. Group sizes are limited to no more than 10 people, but multiple groups of up to 10 people may be permitted if social distancing is maintained.
Councilwoman Henton agreed with the Powell’s recommendation not to have swimming lessons due to the close contact needed for beginning swimming.
Councilman McLaughlin was in favor of opening the pool when Phase 4 begins on June 27th, however, he also suggested allowing the Powell’s and Mr. Bradley to have the flexibility to determine if the pool could be opened sooner than that for permitted uses.
Mr. Bradley stated the pool will be ready for opening closer to June 27th because there are several things that have to be done to get ready.
Mayor Lambird stated the City is fortunate to have excellent managers so he is confident the pool will be operated properly and agrees it should be opened as early as possible for our citizens.
Councilwoman Henton asked about the minimum number of swimmers before the pool is closed. Reservations may be made or if there are spots available, they will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Councilman McLaughlin stated that the Powell’s will be able to make those determinations. Lifeguards may also be sent home if there are not that many swimmers.
Councilman McLaughlin moved to allow Mr. Bradley, Matt Powell and Michell Powell to move forward with opening the pool for lap swim and swim team practices starting tomorrow or anytime they see fit, and open for public swimming on June 27th using the plan as proposed or amended as necessary. The motion was seconded by Councilman Eyer.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked if there was any doubt the pool would be able to open on June 27th. Mr. Bradley advised if the pool is going to open by June 27th or before, chemicals needed to be ordered now. If the chemicals are not used this season, they most likely will not be good for next year.
Councilman Eyer asked about the price for chemicals to operate the pool. Mr. Bradley advised it will be approximately $8,000.
A majority affirmative voice vote was received on the motion made by Councilman McLaughlin and seconded by Councilman Eyer.
Mr. Barker pointed out that on the proposed ordinance establishing fees for 2020, the $2.00 fee is for each two-hour session. The fee for private parties will be $200.00. The fees for the competitive swim conditional practice will be the same as last year’s summer recreation fees.
Councilwoman Henton moved to approve Ordinance 2020-14 as presented, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
Councilman McLaughlin made a motion that should the Governor’s Executive Order be struck down in court and be declared invalid, that the City revert back to normal operations with no restrictions, seconded by Councilman Eyer. City Attorney Zuber advised that just because the Executive Order is declared invalid in another County, it doesn’t necessarily have an effect on the City of Olney’s operations. The motion failed.
8-E “Discussion/Possible Ordinance: Whittle Avenue Block Closure on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday Evenings” Mayor Lambird advised that at the last meeting, the Council authorized the closure of Whittle Avenue from Chestnut to Market from 5:00 p.m. until midnight on Thursday through Sunday nights. There has been a request to extend the closure to 1:30 a.m. on Friday’s and Saturday’s.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher was not in favor of approving this request. She was also not in favor of the block party that happened last Saturday evening. Within two blocks of this area are residential properties. Councilman Eyer believed extending the closure was helpful in energizing business, but was not aware there were plans for a band to be involved. Mr. Eyer asked if this closure will be rescinded once Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan begins. Mayor Lambird responded that this topic could be discussed again at the June 22nd meeting prior to the start of Phase 4.
Councilwoman Henton stated Special Use Permits would be more appropriate for this request. Councilman McLaughlin stated that the minutes of the last meeting specifically mentioned block parties would not be allowed. Police Chief Paddock was not aware of any complaints that had been received, but he had not reviewed reports from the weekend. There were approximately 250 people in the street. Chief Paddock believes 1:30 a.m. is a little late to allow the closure of Whittle Avenue.
Consensus of the Council members was to not extend the time beyond midnight on Friday’s or Saturday’s.
8-F “Discussion/Possible Resolution: Establish Deadline for Partnership with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant” Mr. Barker asked the Council how long they want to accept applications for the Downtate Small Business Stabilization grant. In April, the City Council partnered with DCEO to accept applications on behalf of eligible businesses. So far, there has been one applicant, Hill’s Resources. RCDC Director Courtney Yockey has two other businesses that have inquired about the grant. Mr. Barker is recommending that the deadline to submit an application be June 15th as City Treasurer Guinn processes the applications, and she has a tremendous work load right now.
Councilwoman Henton moved to approve Resolution No. 2020-R-42 as presented, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
Mayor Lambird asked that the deadline be publicized so that businesses interested in applying may do so.
AGENDA #9 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”
9-A “Status Report-City Manager” City Manager Barker stated the grant application for the Sanitary Sewer Relining Project is ready for Greater Wabash to submit through the Rebuild Illinois Fast Track Program. Work has also begun on the grant application through the Rebuild Illinois program for the Main Street Storm Sewer Project
9’B “Fire & Police Pension Boards Actuary Update” City Treasurer Guinn advised that in the past Art Tepfer has done actuarial studies for both the fire and police pension programs, however, Mr. Tepfer is retiring. Both pension boards met within the last couple of weeks and voted not to continue with the actuarial service at this time, but use Department of Insurance recommendations until the downstate funds are consolidated. It is estimated the consolidation process will take 30 months.
9-B “RCDC Report” No report was given.
9-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher announced the Chamber board is meeting on Thursday. The Golf Outing Committee met recently and is moving forward with plans for the outing on Friday, July 31st. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. with tee time at 1. The traditional four-person team will be in place with no caddie auction this year.
9-D “Parks & Recreation Board Report” No report was given.
9-E “Tourism Board Report” Councilwoman Henton reported that the Tourism Office is now open with limited access.
AGENDA #10 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS”
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher advised that the Project Community organization met regarding the splash park to be placed in Musgrove Park. The project is not forgotten by any means, but is delayed due to recent circumstances. It is hoped the project will begin to move forward by the first of next year.
Councilman McLaughlin commented that the planters downtown look really nice. Sam Benson deserves the credit as he has painted most of them.
Chief Paddock asked for clarification on the time for closing Whittle Avenue and if no bands are allowed. The Council stated the designated area of Whittle Avenue will be closed until midnight Thursday through Sunday evenings and no bands are allowed. If bands are requested in the future, it should be through a Special Use Permit. Any other type of music played outside should be at a noise level not to disturb the surrounding residential areas.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher advised she did not observe any trash in the Whittle Avenue area after last Saturday’s event, however, she did notice beer bottles, etc. in surrounding areas which may or may not be related to the event.
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 7:43 p.m.
https://www.ci.olney.il.us/cc%20June%208%202020.pdf
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