East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met July 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the ouncil:

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. Steve Wingert 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 Meetings on June 22, 2020, & June 26, 2020”

4-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable July 14, 2020” Pooled Cash $131,088.28, Manual Pooled Cash $113,378.55, Utility Refunds $984.09, Petty Cash $336.67, Foreign Fire $252.99, IMRF $30,740.99

4-C “Raffle License: Olney Elks #926 (1) 4-D “Raffle License: Olney Elks #926 (2)

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. 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 “PUBLIC HEARING: DOWNSTATE SMALL BUSINESS STABILIZATION APPLICATION FUNDED BY CDBG FUNDS” Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and its detrimental impact on small businesses, the State invoked its option to adjust allocations to address specific needs to benefit Illinois’ non-entitlement communities in case of unforeseen circumstances, as included in the Consolidated and Action Plans. This allocation, along with unspent and recaptured funds from previous allocations, would be made eligible in a total of $20,000,000.00 for the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program.

The City’s application would be for the use of federal Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant funds through the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Community Development.

The Small Business Stabilization Program’s grant ceiling was $25,000.00 per business, and could be used for working capital for the benefit of the business in which the City of Olney was making application on its behalf. The intent of the grant program was for the urgent needs of the business due to the COVID-19 emergency. The grant funds could be used to assist private for-profit small retail and service businesses, or businesses considered non-essential by the Governor’s Executive Order without the ability for employees to work remotely.

Funds were available to all eligible applicants meeting program component requirements until all funds allocated to this component had been distributed. All awards would be predicated upon a demonstrated need for funds. This would include a review of all sources and uses of funds, an analysis of the recipient’s ability to comply with the terms of the program, and a determination that the CDGB participation is appropriate.

Mayor Lambird explained that the City would be submitting another application. A $25,000.00 grant would be sought for RDMNZ Inc. The City would not be expending any of its own funds on the project.

The Mayor continued that the City also did not propose to displace any persons on low- to-moderate income dwellings as a result of this project. A copy of the application package would be maintained on file at City Hall for public inspection.

Also open to discussion would be the community development and housing needs within Olney and the surrounding area in reference to housing rehabilitation, waterline replacement, and sanitary sewer upgrades.

The Mayor then asked if anyone was present and/or had questions regarding this public hearing. No one from the public wished to speak. The public hearing closed at 7:05 p.m.

AGENDA #9 “PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.”

9-A “Council Resolution of Support: Authorize the City of Olney to Apply to the State of Illinois for a Community Development Block Grant on Behalf of RDMNZ Inc.” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution of support that would authorize the City to apply to the State of Illinois for a Community Development Block (CDBG) Grant on behalf of RDMNZ Inc. Representing RDMNZ Inc., Kristen Jurgilanis was present to help answer any questions.

The CDBG grant would offer small businesses of up to 50 employees the opportunity to partner with their local governments to obtain grant funds for 60 days of working capital. RDMNZ Inc., had applied for this grant in the amount of $25,000.00 for Ophelia’s Cup.

Mr. Barker told the Council that a resolution of support must be approved by the City Council in order to move forward in the application process.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2020-R-47, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. Councilwoman Henton, Councilmen McLaughlin, Eyer, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher abstained. The motion carried.

9-B “Discussion/Possible Action: TIF Redevelopment Agreement – South Olney Tax Increment Financing District” The Council was provided with a memo from City Manager Barker and a copy of an Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Assistance Application from Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc.

The application for TIF assistance was received for the Olney Love’s Travel Stop for a convenience store, restaurant, fuel site, auto and truck parking spaces, CAT truck scale, laundry room and showers. The property was located in the new South Olney TIF District.

Mr. Barker told the Council that the City Attorney and TIF attorney had reviewed the application and felt that the content was in order.

RCDC Executive Director Courtney Yockey told the Council that Love’s would be making a private investment of about $12,920,000.00 into the project, and about 50 new, full-time jobs would be available as a result. Additionally, a portion of Gentry Road would be seeing improvements. Love’s was requesting a 50% property tax reimbursement on the increased increment for the duration of the TIF, or until all eligible offsite project costs had been fully reimbursed. Eligible expenses for the project were estimated at $1,350,885.00.

Mr. Yockey continued that the project would increase the City’s and RCCU #1’s sales tax revenues by $125,000.00 to $175,000.00. The County’s would increase by $90,000.00 to $130,000.00.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher was aware that the life of a TIF district could be extended. Because of this chance, she was interested in having language included in the redevelopment agreement that would cap the reimbursement at 23 years, or cap a specific dollar amount. Mr. Zuber agreed and noted that language could be included that would terminate the reimbursement at the end of the TIF’s natural term or until eligible costs were reimbursed, whichever came first.

Mayor Lambird pointed out that extension of a TIF district’s life could only be passed by State legislature.

Love’s Project Manager, Adam Fuller, attended the meeting via conference call. Mr. Fuller felt that the conditions being discussed by the Council all sounded reasonable. He did not believe Love’s would have any issues with such stipulations.

Regarding Gentry Road improvements, Councilwoman Fehrenbacher noted that semi trucks were not supposed to use that road for entry. She wondered what could be done to prevent semis from using the road for entry and/or parking if the Love’s lot was full. She had concerns with the semis damaging Gentry Road. Mayor Lambird felt that such concern could be taken care of by law enforcement. He offered that the Council could make no parking zones along Gentry Road.

Councilman McLaughlin wondered what kind of improvements would be made to Gentry Road. Mr. Bridges indicated that the road would become asphalt. The improvements on Gentry Road would extend about 150’ to 175’ from the highway. The asphalt improvements could last up to 15 years, but could last only up to 10 years if the road saw heavier traffic.

Councilman Eyer felt that the Offsite Improvements listed at $1,416,135.00 did not seem reasonable. Mr. Bridges stated that he had scanned unit prices and felt that the overall estimates were acceptable.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve entering into a TIF Redevelopment Agreement with Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc., in the South Olney Tax Increment Financing District, with the stipulation that reimbursements would end at the natural life of the TIF district with no extensions, seconded by Mayor Lambird.

Mr. Zuber clarified that such language would be put into a formal agreement to note that if the life of the TIF was extended, the agreement would not also be extended.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher wondered how a decision had been made to ask for a 50% tax reimbursement. Mr. Yockey replied that he and Mr. Fuller filled out the TIF application together. Love’s had several other such agreements where a 50% reimbursement was requested, and also several that requested a higher reimbursement. Mr. Yockey had suggested requesting a 50% reimbursement to act as a benchmark for the beginning of any negotiations. If the City reviewed the application and did not feel 50% was appropriate, more conversations could take place. Mr. Yockey and Mr. Fuller had decided on the 50% amount about seven months ago.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher felt that a problem existed because the Council was not aware that a 50% reimbursement request was on the table for seven months. The new TIF district had only been approved on June 22, 2020. Even so, Councilman McLaughlin pointed out that the 50% reimbursement request was lower than the last couple of TIF agreements that the City had entered into.

Mr. Fuller stated that Love’s felt that the 50% reimbursement request seemed very fair and mutually beneficial for both parties.

Councilwoman Henton, Councilmen McLaughlin, Eyer, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher voted no. The motion carried.

9-C “Ordinance: Amend Sections 8.28.020 (Notice of Violation) & 13.12.130 (Reinstatement of Utility Service) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Sections 8.28.020 (Notice of Violation) & 13.12.130 (Reinstatement of Utility Service) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.

Mrs. Sterchi reminded the Council that at the last Council meeting, it was recommended that the Code be amended to reflect the fact that the Code Enforcement Department now handled weed complaints. This had been the case since the part-time Code Enforcement Officer was hired.

The second proposed Code change would extend the time period for service connection after being disconnected for non-payment. The Water Distribution Department finished work at 3:00 p.m. each day, therefore in some instances, it could be impossible for service to be reinstated within 12 hours if an individual made a payment after 2:30 p.m.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve Ordinance 2020-21, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-D “Discussion/Possible Action: Alcohol Consumption on City Sidewalks” Mayor Lambird told the Council that he was approached by associates of Bar 209, and they were curious if the Council would be willing to allow alcohol consumption on City sidewalks outside of their establishment.

Councilman McLaughlin asked if Bar 209 was wanting tables outside for patrons. Mayor Lambird believed so.

Councilman Eyer, Councilwomen Fehrenbacher and Henton were not interested. Councilman McLaughlin had no opinion either way.

Mayor Lambird said he would get in touch with Bar 209 to let them know that the Council was not interested at this time.

9-E “Discussion/Possible Action: Van Street Drainage” The Council was provided with a map and options listing for Van Street drainage as provided by the City Engineer.

Mr. Barker reminded the Council that the topic of Van Street drainage had been discussed at the last Council meeting. At that time, the City Engineer and Street Department Supervisor were asked to assess the area to come up with different proposals that could remediate the issue.

Mr. Bridges explained that Option 1 would include re-grading of the ditch from the intersection with Locust Street south to the second house north of the church, removal of culverts, and re-installation of culverts at the new ditch grade. Mr. Bridges indicated that the area would still be fairly flat and this option would be the most expensive. He felt it would be difficult to get all residents in agreement to pay for culvert removal and re-installation. Overall, Mr. Bridges estimated that this option could cost about $12,000.00.

Councilman McLaughlin was pleasantly surprised to hear the estimated cost. He believed the solution would cost somewhere near $100,000.00. Mr. Bridges clarified that the $12,000.00 estimate was if the City performed most of the work. If the City contracted the work, the estimate would be closer to $18,000.00.

Option 2 would include work that would go from the Locust Street intersection to the field entrance across from the Laurel Street intersection. This option would leave the double drive with pipes in the middle. The work would include creating a flat ditch from Laurel to the double pipe. Three culverts would need replaced. The area south of the double drive would be dug out. Mr. Bridges noted that a potential issue would be that after replacing one of the culverts, the resident’s driveway would have a hump to accommodate the new culvert.

Option 3 was similar to Option 2 but would leave the culverts as-is. The ditches to the north of the double drive would still be filled in to the north and dug out to the south. Mr. Bridges noted that the culverts would still remain about half full of water, but the ditches would be more clear.

Mr. Kocher pointed out that regardless of any option, the area would still hold water at times. The entire area was so flat that it would be impossible to completely drain.

Councilman McLaughlin asked which of the options would give the most improvement. Mr. Bridges indicated that Option 1 would give the most improvement.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked if there were other places in Olney that had similar drainage issues due to improperly placed culverts. Mr. Kocher indicated so.

Mayor Lambird commented that the Van Street residents claimed that there was no drainage problem until the City came to do ditch work in 2018. From the audience, Mrs. Dvorak confirmed.

Mrs. Dvorak asked how Option 3 would help with draining. Mr. Bridges indicated that in Option 3, water will still stand but would disappear faster than it was currently.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve Option 3 to help remediate Van Street drainage issues.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher wondered where the money would come from for this project as it was not included in the budget. Councilman McLaughlin and Mr. Barker stated the funds could come out of Contingencies.

Mrs. Dvorak asked if Option 3 was the only option being considered by the Council for a motion. She was not sure that Option 3 would be the best.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked if each household would be willing to pay for culvert work. From the audience, Mrs. Woods indicated that she would not be willing to pay for culvert work.

Mrs. Dvorak asked if people needed permission from the City to place culverts. Mr. Kocher replied that no formal permissions specifically for culverts was needed. When an individual applied for a building permit, applicants were required to show locations of any planned driveways, curb cuts, etc., in order to show direction of drainage.

Mrs. Dvorak pointed out that the City Code stated that prior to installation of culverts or tiles underneath driveways or service entrances, a permit for such construction should be obtained from the Street Department Supervisor.

Depending when the ordinance was put in to place, Councilman Eyer pointed out it was likely that Mrs. Dvorak’s home, like most homes in Olney, was probably already in existence. In the future, Councilman Eyer agreed that culvert placement should be better monitored.

Mrs. Dvorak still felt that current residents should not be held responsible for prior residents that installed uneven culverts, especially if there was now an ordinance regarding such placement.

Councilman Eyer’s motion died due to lack of a second.

Mr. Kocher also pointed out that if culvert and driveway work was to be required for this drainage issue, the City could not replace concrete from the property line to the street. Mrs. Dvorak indicated she would be fine with that.

For clarification, Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked if water would still stand in the culverts. Mr. Bridges indicated so.

Councilman McLaughlin felt that the City should be issuing culvert permits if there is an ordinance stating so. Mr. Kocher again pointed out that building permit applications did provide for such plans to be included. That process was how culverts, driveways, etc. had been handled since before his employment.

Councilman McLaughlin felt that culvert and driveway approvals should be re-evaluated going forward so that future Councils would not have to deal with the same issue.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher reiterated that residents in that area did not have this problem until 2018 when the City dug out ditches. Mr. Kocher stated that the City had been able to research that a work order was made for the work at that time because water was not draining. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher then concluded that water must have been standing in culverts even at that time.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve Option 3 to help remediate the Van Street drainage issues, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, Henton, and Councilman Eyer voted yes. Councilman McLaughlin and Mayor Lambird voted no. The motion carried.

9-F “Discussion/Possible Action: Partnership with Preston Township on Roads to and from City Lakes” Rotarian Lauren McClain was present to address the Council. Mrs. McClain told the Council that the Rotary Clubs had been approached regarding the two-tenths of a mile on Branchwood Road, just west of the Rotary Park entrance. The road was in very poor shape.

The Rotary Clubs then reached out to Mayor Lambird, Mr. Barker, and Preston Township Road Commissioner Phil Kuenstler about the issue as Branchwood was located in Preston Township.

Mr. Kuenstler stated that an agreement was supposed to be made between Preston Township and the City of Olney regarding an increase in City boat sticker prices to be used towards the maintenance of roads to City lakes. During the time of such discussion, COVID-19 hit and the issue was tabled.

Mr. Kuenstler also told the Rotarians that an intergovernmental agreement would be needed for assistance with Preston Township roads. The agreement would need to be written and sent to Preston Township’s attorney for review.

In the meantime, the Rotarians wondered if the Rotary Clubs could pay for oil with the City of Olney donating 125 tons of chips and Preston Township providing labor. Mr. Kuenstler indicated he would be in favor of such an option.

Mrs. McClain hoped to see a draft agreement get sent to Preston Township’s attorney fairly soon so that road repair could still take place this year before winter weather.

Councilwoman Henton asked for the price of rock. Mr. Kocher replied that the price was $19.00 per ton with it being delivered to the Public Works Center. He said it would likely be more if the rock was delivered to Preston Township.

Councilwoman Henton asked what excuse Mr. Kuenstler told Mrs. McClain as to why he had not oiled the road. Mrs. McClain replied that Mr. Kuenstler told her that his constituents did not like for roads near the lakes being the only ones to get attention. His constituents also felt that they were not the ones causing damage to those roads.

Mayor Lambird asked how much chip the City typically had leftover after the summer maintenance program. Mr. Kocher replied that leftover amounts varied, but pointed out that since MFT money was used to purchase the chip, that rock could not be used in Preston Township.

Councilman Eyer and Councilwoman Henton stated that they were not in favor of the request.

Councilman McLaughlin reminded the Council that the City had no leverage. Preston Township’s road lead to the City’s Rotary Park. For all the City knew, Mr. Kuenstler could turn Branchwood into a dirt road and the City could do nothing about that. Mrs. McClain commented that Mr. Kuenstler had warned that he could go and make Branchwood even worse right now.

Recalling past discussions on boat sticker increases, Councilman Eyer remembered that the City had estimated that an additional $7,000.00 could be generated. However, the Councilman’s main concern came down with taking away City materials that could be used on City roads. He pointed out that not all City streets were in good condition, but were paid for by taxation. He did not want to take what should be used in the City and move it to another jurisdiction.

Mayor Lambird moved to order and donate 125 tons of City rock to Preston Township for maintenance to Branchwood Road.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher felt that some sort of written guarantee would be needed whether the City provided rock or funds for Branchwood. Without such an agreement, there would be no telling if the work would be completed.

Mr. Zuber indicated that an agreement would be similar to a handshake in writing. What Mrs. McClain was proposing was more like an actual handshake agreement. He felt that Councilman McLaughlin had a good point about the City not having any leverage on enforcement because he did not feel it would be prudent to file a lawsuit over an amount like $2,500.00. He recommended that the City could provide the rock at the time that road work would take place.

Councilman McLaughlin felt more comfortable with the entire situation with the Rotary Clubs involved. He felt that Mr. Kuenstler may be more interested with the Rotary Clubs on board. Mrs. McClain agreed, noting that Mr. Kuenstler had used colorful language when talking about the City.

Councilman McLaughlin seconded the motion.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher clarified that the agreement for funds from boat sticker sales would be a completely different action than what was taking place this evening.

Councilwoman Henton was not in favor of raising boat sticker prices. Mrs. McClain felt that boat sticker prices at the moment were at a rate that boats could get out on the lake very inexpensively.

Councilman Eyer was still concerned with how the Council would justify to the citizens of Olney that the City was taking road money and giving it to Preston Township. Councilman McLaughlin felt that Branchwood Road serviced a lake and park owned by the City, and that the lakes also brought in tourism money.

Even so, Councilman Eyer pointed out that that road was still the responsibility of Mr. Kuenstler to maintain. Additionally, Preston Township was still receiving MFT funds and property tax funds to be used on road maintenance.

Regarding the potential boat sticker agreement, Mr. Yockey wondered if language could be included that would allow the City to reimburse itself through boat sticker sales for the upfront investment. Councilman McLaughlin said he did not want any agreement to get too complicated.

From the audience, Rotarian Bob Guinn stated that if the City wanted to get improvements made to Branchwood Road, this was the solution. If the proposal was not good enough, then the road would not receive any work. It was that simple.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked where the money would come from in the budget to pay for the rock. Mayor Lambird felt the funds could come out of the Recreation Department (General Corporate). Mrs. Guinn felt the funds should come out of the Contingencies line item.

Councilmen McLaughlin, Mayor Lambird, and Councilwoman Fehrenbacher voted yes. Councilwoman Henton and Councilman Eyer voted no. The motion carried.

On a separate matter, Mrs. McClain told the Council that the Rotary Clubs were interested in having the City contact Norris Electric in order to have two dusk-to-dawn lights installed on existing light poles at Rotary Park. Mrs. McClain said that Norris would charge $7.00 per month for the lights, and that the Rotary Clubs were interested in reimbursing the City for that expense. She asked if the Council would be in favor of that request.

The Council was in favor of the request.

Mrs. McClain then offered that the deal could be put into an agreement. Because the Rotary Clubs’ administration roles change often, she felt this would be a great option to not let the deal be forgotten.

Mrs. McClain would be in touch with Mrs. Sterchi about moving forward with the dusk- to-dawn light placement.

9-G “Discussion/Possible Action: Small Business Utility Relief Program” Mayor Lambird told the Council that he had been in contact with the Chamber of Commerce and also some local businesses. He felt that there seemed to be a need for businesses to receive additional help from the City due to how COVID-19 had affected their bottom lines. Mayor Lambird felt that the City had done very little for businesses, other than making resources available.

Mayor Lambird suggested that the City could abate water and sewer charges for a month or more for businesses that either were mandated to shut down or that felt a drastic loss of business.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher pointed out that businesses had the opportunity to apply for different loans and grants that had come available. Mayor Lambird agreed, but still felt that other communities had done much more to help their local businesses.

Councilwoman Henton wondered what would determine a “significant need?” Mayor Lambird felt that at least a 50% reduction in business would qualify. Second quarter sales tax numbers would be an easy indicator of reduction and would be easy to provide. Such proof would be required of businesses that were still able to function at some capacity during the shut down. Establishments such as salons and barbershops were already known to have been mandated for closure.

Councilman McLaughlin stated that he would be in favor of some sort of abatement, but requested that the Mayor put a formal proposal together for the Council to review.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked Mrs. Sterchi if businesses were falling behind on their water bills. Mrs. Sterchi replied that there were no significant issues. Even so, Councilmen Eyer and McLaughlin felt that a water and sewer abatement was really the only help that the City could offer.

Councilwoman Henton felt that the abatement could exclude any business that had already received some sort of grant.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked who would be going through all of the information in order to determine who was eligible. Councilwoman Henton felt it would likely be the City Treasurer.

Mr. Zuber did not believe it was realistic to exclude businesses that had received aid elsewhere. He felt that would be difficult to track. Mr. Yockey added that data was available regionally, but did not list any specific businesses that had received loans or grants.

9-H “Discussion/Possible Action: Amendment to Re-Opening of City Offices to the Public” The Council was provided with a copy of the proposal for re-opening City offices to the public that the Council approve on May 26, 2020.

Mayor Lambird and Councilwoman Henton had been discussing the increase in COVID- 19 cases in Richland County. Because of this, they wondered if any amendments should be made to the policy that would trigger a closure of City offices to the public based on metrics specific to Richland County.

Councilwoman Henton expressed her concern with any City Hall employee becoming infected and the risk of spreading that infection to other City employees or requiring City Hall to be completely closed for a certain amount of time.

Councilman McLaughlin felt that in that case, City staff should be able to work from home. Councilman Eyer noted that most of the current COVID-19 cases were in teenagers, and he did not feel that many teens came to City Hall. Additionally, City Hall had new precautions with placement of plexiglass, social distancing, request for the public to wear masks, etc.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher felt that the topic of closure could be brought up on a case- by-case scenario. If it was becoming clear that City Hall should need to close, a special City Council meeting could be called.

Councilwoman Henton still felt that the Council should protect the “bottom line.” Councilman McLaughlin understood, but felt that everyone should stop living in fear. Additionally, he was saddened as a City leader by a lot of the negativity that had been spreading throughout the community recently. Councilwoman Henton agreed, but cautioned that everyone needed to be responsible and respectful.

AGENDA #10 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”

10-A “Status Report-City Manager” City Manager Barker told the Council that he had followed up with the Richland County Health Office. While the Health Office did not mandate closure of the Musgrove Aquatic Center (MAC), they did support the City’s action to temporarily close the pool. When asked for a recommendation on how long to keep the MAC closed, the Heatlh Office suggested that the MAC could re-open after July 20, 2020.

Councilwoman Fehrnebacher asked if the re-opening date would be altered if COVID-19 cases continued to rise. Mr. Barker believed that would be wise.

10-B “RCDC Report” Mr. Yockey thanked the Council for their willingness to consider a Utility Relief Program for local businesses.

10-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher reported that the Chamber was gearing up for their Golf Outing on July 31, 2020. Additionally, the Bicycle Classic in September had been cancelled. Instead, the Chamber would be promoting a Get Out and Move event.

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

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

AGENDA #11 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public wished to speak.

AGENDA #12 “CLOSED SESSION: COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATING MATTERS”Councilman McLaughlin moved to adjourn to closed session to discuss collective negotiating matters, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. Councilwoman Henton wished to add discussion of employment, compensation, and performance of specific employees. Councilman McLaughlin amended his motion, and Councilwoman Fehrenbacher amended her second to include that topic. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 8:19 p.m.

AGENDA #13 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 8:32 p.m.

13-A “Resolution: Authorize Destruction of Closed Session Audio” Councilwoman Henton wished to take action on 13-A and 13-B together.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve 2020-R-48 and 2020-R-49, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

13-B “Resolution: Authorize Release of Closed Session Minutes” Action on this item was taken under 13-A.

Water Plant and Park Department Supervisor Frank Bradley was present to address the Council regarding some capital expenditures, but wanted the Council’s consensus to move forward with taking care of some department needs that were in the budget.

Mr. Bradley told the Council that at the Water Plant it was time to replace granulated carbon. If the granulated carbon was not replaced every five years, big issues could arise. An amount of $95,000.00 had been budgeted for this purpose.

The Council was in consensus for Mr. Bradley to move forward with taking care of that project.

In the Park Department, Mr. Bradley reminded the Council that the purchase of three mowers had been budgeted in the amount of $23,500.00. Mr. Bradley had the opportunity to purchase two, 2017 mowers with a four year warranty for a total of $14,000.00. He recommended taking that deal for the two mowers and felt that the purchase of the third mower could wait a while longer.

The Council was in consensus for Mr. Bradley to move forward with purchasing the two 2017 mowers.

Mr. Barker added that the mowers being taken out of service would be sold on GovDeals.com. The used mowers usually sold for about $2,000.00 each.

Mr. Bradley then told the Council that of the two mowers to be purchased, he recommended that one be purchased from General Corporate, and the other purchased out of Perpetual Care. The Council agreed. Mrs. Guinn commented that the Perpetual Care Fund held about $29,000.00.

Mayor Lambird asked if any large cemetery projects were coming up. Mr. Bradley replied that some gutterwork would be needed on the mausoleum in the future. Additionally, some old headstones could be re-set.

Mr. Bradley continued to say that playground mulch was needed, and $8,500.00 had been budgeted for this purpose. Not replacing mulch would be a safety issue. The $8,500.00 would cover four loads of mulch, but Mr. Bradley believed he could get by with only three loads at about $6,300.00.

The Council was in consensus for Mr. Bradley to move forward with purchasing three loads of playground mulch.

Mr. Bradley then explained that the City Park tennis courts were in need of crack repair, and this project could be paid for out of the TIF. Courts four through six were in bad shape, and the winter would only make the conditions worse.

Mayor Lambird asked if the proposed repair work would prolong a bigger repair project. Mr. Bradley indicated so.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher recalled that the Tennis Association had offered to contribute funds for crack repair. Councilman Eyer also recalled that the Richland County High School had expressed interest in making a contribution due to the tennis team using the City courts for tournaments.

The Council was in consensus for Mr. Bradley to move forward with crack repair on the City Park tennis courts.

The south section of roofing on the Community Building was leaking, and the underlayment was wet. Mr. Bradley asked for approval on Community Building roof replacement. An amount of $41,000.00 had been budgeted for this purpose. Mr. Bradley believed that the $41,000.00 would also replace the northern part of the Community Building roof along with the underlayment.

The Council was in consensus for Mr. Bradley to move forward with re-roofing the entire Community Building.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked about LED light replacement on the lights attached to Pizza Fast that would benefit Bower Park. Mr. Barker replied that Lori Zimmerle would be speaking to contacts at Pizza Fast regarding permission.

The Council felt that the fountains now working in Bower Park and the City Park looked great. They thanked Mr. Bradley for taking care of the issues.

Mr. Barker told the Council that he had been approached by RCDC about cost assistance on replacement of a tenant sign in the Industrial Park for W.O.W.A. Councilwomen Fehrenbacher and Henton felt that would be the businesses’ responsibility if they wanted to include their business on the Industrial Park signage.

A majority of the Council was in favor of paying for half of the cost of signage for W.O.W.A.

AGENDA #14 “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 8:51 p.m.

https://www.ci.olney.il.us/cc%20July%2013%202020.pdf