East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met July 27.

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, City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi, City Engineer Mike Bridges, and City Attorney Bart Zuber.

AGENDA #4 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”

4-A “Approve Minutes of Council Meeting on July 13, 2020”

4-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable July 28, 2020” Pooled Cash $93,839.32, Manual Pooled Cash $4,013.64, Utility Refunds $1,391.29, Unemployment $865.91 4-C “Appointments to the Library Board: Brandan Michels and Michelle Simpson”

4-D “Resolution: Amended Agreement with the Rotary Club of Olney and the Rotary Club of Richland County for the Addition of Dusk-to-Dawn Lighting Services at Rotary Park” 2020-R-50

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 McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received to approve the items on the consent agenda.

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 Action: Small Business Utility Relief Program” The Council was provided with a general overview of a City of Olney COVID-19 Business Utility Relief Program, a proposed application for the program, and a copy of a COVID-19 Q2 2020 Economic Impact Survey sent out by the Chamber of Commerce. The Council was also provided with a listing of Commercial Account Categories, account totals, and February 28, 2020, billing totals.

Referencing the listing of Commercial Account Categories, Mayor Lambird said that he did not feel that all account categories would qualify for the program. Listed account categories included banks, commercial, church, church outside City limits, clubs, commercial outside City limits, government, health care facilities, hotels, nursing homes, restaurants, residential group homes, schools, schools outside City limits, and utilities.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher wondered why such a program was needed when the City had waived late fees, a few disconnections, and offered flexible deferred payment plan options for a few months due to COVID-19. Those actions applied to all accounts. According to the City Clerk’s Office, there were no problems with commercial accounts falling behind on their utility bill. Because of this, she did not believe there was a large problem that needed addressed. She clarified that she was more than willing to help if there was a need, but she did not see a need in this circumstance.

The Councilwoman then questioned if commercial accounts such as churches would be qualified as a business to receive an abatement as they did not pay sales tax. Mayor Lambird felt that would be up to the Council to decide.

Looking at the listing of Commercial Account Categories, Councilwoman Fehrenbacher pointed out that the total dollar amount for all 456 accounts during the February 18, 2020, billing totaled $50,162.31 for one month. Mayor Lambird believed that a truer number would be about $20,000.00 to $26,000.00 if the City removed listed accounts that would not qualify for the program.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher continued by expressing concern that it would not be fair to not offer the proposed program to all commercial accounts. Mayor Lambird replied that the program would be offered to all, but applications would only be approved based on if certain qualifications were met.

Councilwoman Henton questioned if home-occupied businesses would qualify. The Council pointed out that the proposal suggested that eligible businesses would be brick and mortar only; no businesses inside of their own residence.

Mayor Lambird stated his same concern from the meeting prior that he felt as if other cities had done far more than Olney had for local businesses. He felt that such a relief program was the least that the City could do.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher stated that the City was also affected by COVID-19. The Council had been having discussions on monitoring its finances even more so due to the current state of affairs. She felt that if business owners were truly struggling to pay their utility bill, then they would have been asking for help. She did not feel that abating their utility bill for three months was a wise decision on the part of the City, and she felt that the Council needed to run the City as a business in that manner.

Mayor Lambird countered that if a business closed, it would also be detrimental to the City’s budget. He felt it was wise to stimulate economic activity that would serve as a dividend to the City.

Councilman Eyer asked Mrs. Sterchi if she felt that businesses were struggling with payments. Mrs. Sterchi replied that all her office had to go on was whether or not payments were being made. At this time, there was not a problem with commercial payments.

Councilman McLaughlin asked how the City’s water budget was coming along. Mrs. Guinn replied that so far, the budget had not really been too hurt by COVID-19.

Councilman McLaughlin then stated that he was inclined to be in favor of the proposal. He felt the City should do something to help businesses because the loss due to the COVID-19 was so extreme. He was not sure that there was any other way the City could help such businesses.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher then asked Mr. Zuber if the City would be crossing the line by not offering abatement to everyone. Mr. Zuber replied that it would only be unconstitutional if the City discriminated against a protected class. Based on this evening’s discussion, Mr. Zuber believed that the program would be offered to all, but an application could fail depending on certain program requirements. The answers submitted on the application would need to be truthful because the City did not have appropriate staff to investigate the information to be provided.

Mayor Lambird offered that a certified letter from an accountant should vouch for the validity of the application. Mr. Zuber agreed, but pointed out that some businesses may not even apply if that was required due to the cost of paying an accountant to do so.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher wondered who would be going through all of the applications if it was likely that hundreds would be submitted. She felt the proposal would be stirring up a lot of work for those that already had a lot of work on the table. Mayor Lambird felt that was the City’s duty as public servants.

Councilwoman Henton commented that a loss of revenue lower than 50% should not be considered.

RCDC Executive Director Courtney Yockey wished to share some information. According to research, 17 local businesses had acquired a PPP loan of $150,000.00 or more and 238 businesses had received a PPP loan of up to $150,000.00. Some, all, or none of those loan funds could be forgiven, depending on certain factors. None of the businesses yet knew if any their loans would be forgiven.

Councilwoman Henton felt that the PPP loan funds should be counted as revenue for businesses because it helped those businesses in paying bills and meeting their bottom line. Mayor Lambird and Councilman McLaughlin disagreed because the income was not from taxable sales.

Councilwoman Fehrnebacher asked for information regarding the results of the COVID- 19 Q2 2020 Economic Impact Survey. Mr. Yockey replied that 380 people had been e-mailed the survey through the Chamber’s contact list. Of that amount, 180 individuals opened the e- mail, and 40 responded. According to respondents, 68% of them had lost more than 25% in revenue for Q2.

Councilman McLaughlin felt that if the proposed program helped even five businesses, then it would be worth the extra paperwork. He added that the City made water every day anyway. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher agreed that helping even five businesses would be great, but wondered why a full program was needed now instead of inquiring on payment options the past few months.

Referencing the commercial account listing, Mr. Yockey told the Council that of the 295 accounts, 196 of those had been paying minimum bills. Additionally, some large water users were included. Examples of such businesses included Doll’s, car washes, WalMart (store), WalMart D.C. the Trident Group, Dollar General, and Red Rooster.

Mrs. Sterchi asked if the Council was interested in abating future bills, or offering a credit on certain months past. Councilman McLaughlin asked which would be easier. Mrs. Sterchi replied that administratively, applying a credit to qualifying businesses for a certain amount of months would be easier.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve a Small Business Utility Relief Program that would abate water and sewer charges for July, 2020, and August, 2020, usage for businesses that were either mandated to close or saw a 50% or greater loss in Q2 2020 revenue compared to Q2 2019 revenue, with an application deadline of August 17, 2020, seconded by Mayor Lambird. Councilman McLaughlin and Mayor Lambird voted yes. Councilwomen Fehrenbacher and Henton voted no. Councilman Eyer abstained. The motion failed due to lack of a majority.

Councilwoman Henton wondered if any other Council members would vote yes if the usage months were changed. She commented that she would rather give credit for months when the Stay at Home Order was in effect. None of the Council members indicated that the change in months would change their votes. Mayor Lambird stated that the months of the Stay at Home Order would be the least impactful for the businesses.

Mayor Lambird then asked the Councilwoman if there were any other alterations to the plan that could be made to change her vote. Councilwoman Henton was not sure. She added that the abatement would not include individuals, and noted individuals were also affected with hardships from COVID-19.

8-B “Discussion/Possible Action: Regulations for Food Trucks” The Council was provided with an excerpt of City Council minutes from May 14, 2018, and a copy of a proposed ordinance that was given to the Council in 2018 that would authorize food trucks and food trailers on public property.

Mayor Lambird told the Council that he had been approached to have the Council again discuss food trucks. The concern seemed to be with food truck requirements being fair and equal with other businesses.

Currently, food truck vendors were allowed to vend on private, commercial property with the permission of the property owner. If setting up for more than one day, the vendor would need to be inspected by the Wabash County Health Department.

Representing Ginger Ale’s, Mike Hill was present to speak with the Council. Mr. Hill told the Council that several other cities required a permit for food truck vendors. He felt that brick and mortar businesses suffered from mobile units. He added that mobile vendors also did not pay property tax, often did not have local employees, and did not offer local donations. He felt that a permitting process would help to level the field. He suggested a “no fly zone” of 100 to 200 feet away from brick and mortar businesses. Permitting would also allow for the City to have verification of an Illinois business license.

Mr. Hill continued that food trucks could also vend every other day to get around the ordinance regarding health inspections. To his knowledge, about five mobile vendors frequented Olney about every other week. Mr. Hill explained that several local restauranteurs were involved in an online group chat, and they were concerned with mobile vendors taking away business.

Mrs. Sterchi told the Council that there was currently no provision for a food truck to attain a City license, according to the City Code, because they were producing products themselves. If someone wanted to set up on private, commercial property to sell homemade pies or crocheted blankets, that would also be allowed because those were products produced themselves. Vendors selling pre-packaged or pre-manufactured items were required to receive a Transient Merchant License, like the Daisies & Denim Boutique.

Mr. Hill stated that some other cities had specific areas set up for food trucks to vend. Mayor Lambird suggested that the City Park could be possible. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher indicated she was not in favor of allowing food trucks on City property.

The Council took no action on this topic, but indicated they would again review the proposed ordinance from 2018 and further research the issue.

8-C “Discussion/Possible Resolution: Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Office of the Comptroller Regarding Access to the Comptroller’s Local Debt Recovery Program” At the June 22, 2020, City Council meeting, Mrs. Guinn relayed a concern she had regarding the agreement with the State on collections for ordinance violations, specifically weeds. The Council had taken prior action to enter into this agreement with the State in order to have a better chance of collecting on charges incurred for mowing of problematic properties. A condition of the agreement was that the City would need to issue citations. Code Enforcement was having a problem with several of the Certified Mail citations being returned because the properties were abandoned and/or in foreclosure.

Since that time, Mrs. Guinn had spoken with the State, and they had indicated that citations being returned as undeliverable did not give sufficient proof that their office would need in order to collect. Because of this, Mrs. Guinn wondered if the Council would want to stop issuing citations and return to placing liens.

Mr. Zuber stated that through his office, he often sends mail via Certified Mail and regular mail. Sometimes addressees would not acknowledge a Certified mailing, but would keep one sent by regular mail and often reply.

Councilman McLaughlin recalled that one issue with liens was that the City rarely got paid, and the City had to pay $91.00 to even have the lien filed. Councilwoman Henton agreed and pointed out that if a property was in foreclosure or sold at a tax sale, the City would most likely not ever see repayment.

Councilman McLaughlin wondered how much the City had spent on filing liens over the years. Mrs. Guinn was not sure, but recalled that the City had spent $2,600.00 last year alone on mowing. That amount did not include any other costs such as the administrative fee or fee for filing.

Overall, the Council was not interested in going back to filing liens. They requested for Code Enforcement to do their best on getting citations into the hands of violators.

8-D “Ordinance: Authorize the Sale of Items of Personal Property Owned by the City of Olney – 2005 Chevrolet Impala from the Code Enforcement Department” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the sale of the 2005 Chevrolet Impala from the Code Enforcement Department. The City Mechanic recommended that the vehicle be taken out of service and sold on GovDeals.com.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2020-22, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-E “Resolution: Accept Quote for Two Riding Lawn Mowers for the Park Department & Waive Formal Bidding Procedures” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a quote for two riding mowers for the Park Department and waive formal bidding procedures. The Council was also provided with a memo from Park Department Supervisor Frank Bradley and a quote from Stanley’s Mower Repair & Sales, LLC., of Olney, Illinois.

The quote provided was in the amount of $14,000.00 for the purchase of two new 2017 Husqvarna PZ60 riding lawn mowers. The mowers would come with a full 4-year warranty.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2020-R-51, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-F “Ordinance: Authorize Sale of Items of Personal Property Owned by the City of Olney – Two Riding Lawn Mowers from the Park Department” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the sale of two riding lawn mowers from the Park Department, and a memo from Mr. Bradley.

Mr. Bradley wished to take out of service a 2013 John Deere and a 2014 Husqvarna. He suggested selling the mowers on GovDeals.com.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2020-23, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-G “Resolution: Accept Quote for Repairs to the Community Building Roof & Waive Formal Bidding Procedures” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a quote for repairs to the Community Building roof and waive formal bidding procedures. The Council was also provided with a memo from Mr. Bradley and a proposal from A.C.I. Commercial Roofers, LLC., of Olney, Illinois.

A.C.I. Commercial Roofers, LLC., had submitted a quote in the amount of $41,000.00 to repair and replace the north and south sections of the Community Building roof. The expense would be paid for out of the TIF.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2020-R-52.

Councilman Eyer recalled that the City had spent quite a bit of money with A.C.I. Commercial Roofers, LLC., in the past on repairs to the Pacific Cycle roof. He wondered if any consideration was given to that fact in order to negotiate a lower price. A few members of the Council felt that the $41,000.00 was a good price. Mr. Barker added that quotes are often received for projects to help with budgeting. The original quote was received for that purpose, and A.C.I. Commercial Roofers, LLC., was honoring that quote.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher seconded the motion. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-H “Resolution: Amend the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget in the Water and Sewer Departments” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend the budget in the Water and Sewer Departments.

Mr. Barker explained that the air conditioning unit in the main Sewer Plant building had quit working. With the lab equipment located in that building, it was imperative to have a controlled temperature. No money was budgeted for this expense, so it was proposed to adjust the budget by moving $5,350.00 from the Sewer Line Replacement line item to cover the cost of replacing the air conditioner.

Additionally, there had been $5,000.00 budgeted for an Amperometric Titrator at the Water Plant. The actual cost was $5,720.00. There was $4,200.00 budgeted for a Chlorine Analyzer of which the actual cost will be less. It was proposed to adjust the budget by moving $750.00 from the Chlorine Analyzer line item to the Amperometric Titrator line item.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2020-R-53, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher.

Councilman Eyer wished to simply point out that 125 tons of rock would be about half of the price of the Amperometric Titrator.

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

8-I “Discussion: Sewer Rate Increases for Grant Purposes” The Council was provided with a Sewer Rate Proposal.

Mr. Barker told the Council that the City had another possible funding opportunity for repairs to sanitary sewer lines located along Main Street. While videoing the storm sewer in the area, sanitary sewer was identified as being dumped in the storm drainage system. This was one of the projects submitted for under the Rebuild Illinois Program (RIP), and the City was still awaiting a determination of funding.

Funding from the RIP was very competitive and limited. In anticipation of not being funded from the RIP, Mr. Barker had been exploring other options. CDBG grants were an option for water and sewer projects. Mr. Barker had contacted the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission in order to obtain details for this round of CDBG funding.

The first requirement would be for the City to make an adjustment of sewer rates. The current residential sewer rate was $19.85 for 5,000 gallons of usage. The required minimum rate to qualify for a CDBG grant was $30.52.

CDBG grants could be awarded at a rate of $550,000.00 per year. Mr. Barker believed the City had a strong chance of award.

Councilman McLaughlin was not in favor of a rate increase. He felt the City had been raising water and sewer rates too frequently over the past few years.

Councilwoman Henton wondered if rates could be raised in order to apply, but then be reduced if the grant was not awarded. Mr. Barker indicated that would be possible, but Councilwoman Fehrenbacher pointed out that rates would then need to be raised again each time the City applied for the next round of funding.

Mr. Bridges told the Council that in order to apply for this round of CDBG funding, the sewer rate increase would need to be in place by the end of September.

Councilman Eyer asked if the City had enough funds available to address the Main Street sewer issue without grants. Mr. Barker said that the City did not.

Councilman McLaughlin recalled that the City had been successful in the past with low interest EPA loans. Often, those loans were also forgiven.

Mr. Bridges added that a problem with grants was lag time between award and completing the project. In reality, Mr. Bridges suspected this particular process could take about 10 years. Mayor Lambird did not believe the City had that many years to wait before Main Street would need to be resurfaced.

Councilwoman Henton wondered how the minimum required rates were figured. Mr. Bridges was unsure, but Mr. Barker felt that the numbers were likely from a HUD survey or something similar.

Councilman Eyer asked if the City was under duress from the EPA for the issues under Main Street with sewage and sanitary sewer. Mr. Bridges replied that the City was not yet under duress, but it could come to that point.

A majority of the Council wished to have a sewer rate increase ordinance placed on the August 10, 2020, agenda for formal action.

8-J “Discussion: Drainage at the Olney City Park” Mr. Barker told the Council that the drainage canal running through the City Park had silted in to the point of needing to be dredged. Approximately 150 feet, running westerly from the end of the large metal culvert near the north tennis courts, was in need of attention. The embankment had also eroded.

The proposed repairs would include backhoe work to remove debris from the bottom of the ditch, reshaping of the slopes, and rip rapping the north side of the ditch. Mr. Barker had estimated the cost to repair to run between $11,000.00 and $12,000.00. This work had not been included in the budget, so a budget amendment would be needed.

It was discussed that the repair work would need to be completed before the new walking path was placed.

The Council wished to put a budget amendment on the next meeting’s agenda.

8-K “Ordinance: Authorize the Disposal of Items of Personal Property Owned by the City of Olney – KTC Server” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the recycling and disposal of the City’s old KTC server through Kemper Technology Consulting of Robinson, Illinois.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2020-24, 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” City Manager Barker had nothing to add.

9-B “RCDC Report” Mr. Yockey told the Council that construction work on RCHS, Love’s, and the new medical clinic was making progress. Site preparation was also taking place on the new Dollar General and Best Western Plus event center.

9-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher said that 13 teams were currently registered for the Chamber’s golf outing coming up on July 31st.

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

9-E “Tourism Board Report” Councilwoman Henton had nothing to report.

AGENDA #10 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS”

11-A “Travis Sharp” Mr. Sharp read to the Council a letter that he had written regarding the request for the Council to make a Code amendment. Recently, Mr. Sharp had purchased some person watercraft (PWC) jet skis to enjoy on Olney’s lakes. He had been told by friends that a City ordinance was in place that would not allow PWCs to pull tubes or skis. While Mr. Sharp understood that such rules were usually placed due to safety concerns, he had researched some other area lake rules and manufacturer recommendations. He was unable to determine why a PWC would impose any greater safety risks in pulling tubes and skis. Additionally, the State of Illinois did allow for PWCs to pull tubes and/or skis.

Mr. Sharp requested that the Council amend their Code to take out the provision that would not allow PWCs to pull tubes or skis.

Overall, the Council seemed interested in making such a Code amendment. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher requested that a Lake Patrol Officer or other lake-related employee be present at the next meeting for their input.

The topic would be placed on the next agenda.

AGENDA #11 “CLOSED SESSION: COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATING MATTERS” Councilman Eyer 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 Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 8:24 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 8:40 p.m.

12-A “Ordinance: Establish Wages for Full-Time Non-Bargaining Employees of the City of Olney” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would establish wages for full-time non-bargaining employees.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2020-25, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Eyer, McLaughlin, and Councilwoman Fehrenbacher voted yes. Councilwoman Henton voted no. The motion carried.

12-B “Resolution: Authorize Agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Number 702” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize an agreement with the IBEW Local Number 702, and a copy of the proposed agreement.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve 2020-R-54, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher then told the Council that Project Community was still working on plans for the splash park, though the project had been delayed. While working on plans, it was discovered that a tree currently existed where a building was proposed. Even if the building was moved, the City Engineer was concerned that the tree’s roots could damage concrete and/or that the tree could be killed. Because of this, Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked the Council if they would mind if the tree was removed. Project Community would then be planting new trees around the area.

The Council was in consensus that the tree removal would be fine.

Mr. Barker then wished to give some updates on several of the City’s projects.

On the Jasper/Lincoln Waterline Project from the CDBG grant, the City was still waiting on the environmental report from the State. Environmental reports generally took a long time, but COVID-19 had extended that timeline even farther. Mr. Barker expected it would be Spring before a contractor could begin work on the project.

On the City Park improvements from the OSLAD grant, the City was still waiting on the signed contract from the State. Nothing could move forward until that contract was received. Any work done before receipt would not be eligible for reimbursement.

The Route 130 Sidewalk Project had the City waiting on IDOT’s plans for the intersection of Main Street and Route 130, and the environmental report. Mr. Bridges pointed out that no dirt could be removed from Route 130. This was because the State assumed the dirt would be contaminated, so it would need to stay on State right-of-way and be used to build up certain areas. Mr. Bridges expected it would be next year before the project began.

Mayor Lambird asked Mr. Bridges if he recalled ADA improvements in the State’s five year plan. Mr. Bridges did not recall, but would look into that provision.

On the Elliott Street Bridge Project, Mr. Bridges told the Council that he had been having several issues regarding IDOT requirements that must be completed by a structural engineer. All structural engineers from Mr. Bridges’ contact had left, so it was likely that he would need to finish the work himself.

Additionally, Mr. Bridges explained that CSX demanded an easement for where the bridge is located. Records had been searched at City Hall, and no easement could be located. A title search could be conducted to be sure. Mr. Bridges noted that an easement had been found for the East Street Bridge that was dated in 1982.

Regarding the Whittle Avenue railroad crossings, the City was waiting on the Illinois Commerce Commission to supply the City with a formal agreement.

The UV Treatment Project was in the final stages of paperwork on the loan, and was currently waiting on the Bond Attorney.

On repairs to the East Street Bridge, Mr. Bridges recommended to get the ball rolling right away in case several issues come up like with the Elliott Street Bridge. Mrs. Guinn pointed out that if the money was not used by 2025, it would no longer be available.

Mr. Barker told the Council of another issue at the City Park near the tennis courts. The bottom of the pipe that kept the courts from falling in was rusting out. Mr. Barker was interested in relining that pipe, but did not have an estimate yet. The project could wait until Spring.

Mayor Lambird commented that the VFW has chosen a memorial design and felt it was attractive. He expected representatives from the VFW to be in attendance at the next meeting.

Councilman Eyer asked if the VFW was still proposing placement where the current fountain sat in the City Park. Mayor Lambird confirmed.

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 9:00 p.m.

https://www.ci.olney.il.us/cc%20July%2027%202020.pdf