East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Oct. 26.

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. Gary Wachtel 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 Attorney Bart Zuber, and City Engineer Mike Bridges.

AGENDA #4 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”

4-A “Approve Minutes of Council Meeting on September 28, 2020”

4-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable October 13, 2020 & October 27, 2020” Pooled Cash $118,744.76, $120,035.63, Petty Cash $201.52, Utility Refunds $1,400.00, Unclaimed Funds $557.73, Elliott Street Bridge $3,000.00, Foreign Fire $558.30, Police Pension $2,600.00, MFT $1,646.51, IMRF $31,084.93, Unemployment $677.01, Tourism $901.89, Christmas Light Display $1,475.60, Route 130 TIF $997.50”

4-C “Re-Appoint Paul Wirth, Gary Houchin, and Robert Webber to the Airport Authority”

4-D “Re-Appoint Todd Bettis, Chris Simpson, and Kelsie Sterchi to the Tree Board” 4-E “Appointment: Chelsea Rude to the Library Board”

4-F “Raffle License: Olney USBC”

4-G “Raffle License: OCC Phi Theta Kappa”

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 Fehrnebacher 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 “Resolution: Accept Donation from Country Financial for Bulletproof Vests and Amend the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget in the Police Department” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a $1,500.00 donation from Country Financial and amend the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget in the Police Department.

Mrs. Guinn told the Council that the donation from Country Financial was proposed to be used towards the purchase of bulletproof vests which had already been budgeted for in the current fiscal year.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2020-R-64, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-B “Resolution: Accept Donation from Country Financial for Cloud-Based Mapping Software, and Amend the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget in the Fire Department” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a $1,000.00 donation from Country Financial and a $5,000.00 donation from the WalMart D.C. #6059. The proposed resolution would also amend the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget in the Fire Department.

Mrs. Guinn told the Council that the donations received from Country Financial and WalMart D.C. #6059 would be used towards a five-year contract for cloud-based mapping software for the Fire Department.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2020-R-65, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher.

Mayor Lambird asked if the software was new or existing. Mrs. Guinn believed the software would be new.

A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-C “Ordinance: Amend Section 15.32.050 (Dangerous and Unsafe Building Procedures) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Section 15.32.050 (Dangerous and Unsafe Building Procedures) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.

Over the past few years, newspaper service had changed in Olney. Mr. Zuber explained that most recent changes had completely eliminated the option for notices to be published in editions released in consecutive days by any Olney newspaper.

State statute required that notices of dangerous and unsafe buildings be published in a newspaper that is either published or circulated in the town where the building was located for three consecutive days. Additionally, the City Code specifically listed that the notice would be published in the Olney Daily Mail.

Mr. Zuber’s research had found that the three consecutive day requirement could not be waived. Looking at what newspapers were circulated at the Olney Public Library and local gas stations, it appeared that the Decatur Herald & Review had the most subscribers in Olney, even at a low number of 27 subscribers. An additional 20 copies were also left available for sale throughout the community.

Mayor Lambird wondered why the Olney Gazette could not be used. Mr. Zuber replied that was because the Olney Gazette only published one day per week.

Councilmen Eyer and McLaughlin wondered if the notices needed to be published in print versus online. Mr. Zuber indicated that online publishing would not suffice. He added that he had received some information from the owner of the Olney Gazette that newspapers such as the Decatur Herald & Review were part of a central database where published material was available worldwide.

Councilman McLaughlin understood that the current statutes required the change presented at this evening’s meeting, but felt that the statutes were antiquated. He asked if the Mayor or City Manager may be interested in reaching out to the State Representative in effort to get the statute changed at the State level.

Mr. Zuber agreed that the statute was antiquated. He told the Council that he had also spoken to the counsel for the IML about this particular issue. His contact had not yet come across this statute as a problem, but that was likely because other municipalities may not take it so seriously. Mr. Zuber asked the counselor to consider the change when lobbying because it could become a worse issue in the future.

Councilwoman Henton pointed out that newspaper publishing was not the only way that notification was offered. She clarified that in addition, owners of record listed on the tax deed were also sent notices.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve Ordinance 2020-47, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-D “Discussion/Possible Action: Approval of Ditch Stabilization Project in the City Park” Mr. Barker told the Council that some work was still needed in the City Park before the new walking trail could be constructed. This work would be an extension of the project done in August to help stabilize the bank. The estimated cost of this extension work was $22,000.00. Mr. Barker recommended that the Council take action on approving this project so it could be completed as soon as possible. Mr. Barker added that money was still available in the current budget under the Street Maintenance line item that could be used for this purpose.

Councilwoman Henton asked if it was correct that only one side needed to be stabilized. Mr. Barker confirmed.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve the ditch stabilization project in the City Park, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-E “Discussion/Possible Action: Prices for Boat Permits” Over the past few years, the City Council had taken up discussions regarding an increase on boat permit fees in order to help repair Preston Township roads that led to City lakes. He wanted to have the Council consider an increase that would take place as of or early in the 2021 year.

Councilman McLaughlin recalled that in July, the Council had approved a partnership with the Rotary Clubs where the City would donate 125 tons of rock, Rotary would donate oil, and the Preston Township Road Commissioner would schedule the road work and provide the labor.

A condition of the agreement was that Preston Township would contact the City when the road work was scheduled, and the City would then provide the rock at that time. Mr. Barker told the Council that nothing had moved forward with that plan. Councilman McLaughlin wondered why not. Mr. Barker and Mayor Lambird were not sure.

Mayor Lambird pointed out that a fee increase on boat stickers would not automatically mean that the additional funds would go to those Preston Township roads. The City could use the funds however they like.

Mayor Lambird told the Council that no action was needed this evening, but that the members of the Council should consider a rate increase. The increase would put the City in a better position if any bargaining came up with Preston Township in the future.

Councilman Eyer asked if he recalled correctly on a proposed $5.00 increase per boat sticker. Mayor Lambird indicated so. Councilman Eyer then asked about increases on daily permits. Mayor Lambird suggested a $2.50 increase on daily permits.

Councilman Eyer then asked if he recalled correctly that an agreement was needed to be drawn up for the Preston Township attorney. Mr. Zuber recalled that the issue had been taken up twice. The first time, discussion of an agreement for the Preston Township attorney had taken place but that agreement did not happen. The most recent discussion was more of a handshake- agreement, and that also did not happen.

No action was taken on this item.

AGENDA #9 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”

9-A “Status Report-City Manager” Mr. Barker reported that last week, he and City Engineer Bridges had spoken with CSX regarding the needed easement for the Elliot Street Bridge repairs. CSX had made a commitment to have the easement to the City by the end of the year. Additionally, the City would need to make an offer on what it would pay for that easement. Mr. Barker and Mr. Bridges recommended offering $1,000.00.

Councilman Eyer asked if the easement would run the length of City limits. Mr. Barker replied that the easement would just be in the area of the bridge.

The environmental study had also been released for the Jasper/Lincoln waterline project. Mayor Lambird had signed necessary forms and the forms had been submitted to the State. Mr. Barker hoped to take bids on the project before long.

Mr. Barker had also received notice that 50% of the OSLAD grant funds would be in the City’s account within 60 days.

Councilman McLaughlin asked when the improvements at the City Park would begin. Mr. Barker believed the work would begin after the first of the year.

Mr. Barker continued to report that the sewer digester lid project was completed. The Taylor water tank painting project was paused to wait on dryer weather in order for the paint to adhere better. Additionally, the Community Building roofing project had also been completed.

Lastly, Mr. Barker stated that sometime between now and the first of the new year, he expected to take bids on the City Park improvements, Elliott Street Bridge project, the Jasper/Lincoln waterline project, and the addition of UV disinfecting at the Sewer Plant.

Councilman McLaughlin asked for an update on sidewalks along Route 130. Mr. Barker replied that the City was still waiting on the State. He expected construction could begin in 2021.

9-B “RCDC Report” Dan Sulsberger was present. Mr. Sulsberger introduced himself as the interim Executive Director for RCDC. After being contacted about the opportunity, Mr. Sulsberger was happy to help. He extended thanks to various City staff members, saying everyone had been very helpful and pleasant to work with.

Mr. Sulsberger then reported that RCDC had kicked off its annual investor campaign and was also in search of a permanent Executive Director.

Mr. Sulsberger then expressed gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Amy Bissey-Murphy for her helpfulness.

9-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher had nothing to report.

9-D “Parks & Recreation Board Report” Courtney Hunt was present to provide the report. Mrs. Hunt indicated that the Parks & Recreation Board had divided up amongst themselves the City’s parks to canvass. The goal was to evaluate the parks and compare them to the 2015 Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan. The board members would evaluate what was originally planned, what had been done, and what new goals may be for the future.

Additionally, Mrs. Hunt indicated that a member of the Board would be present at Council meetings that followed Parks & Recreation Board meetings in order to provide a report.

One of the current focuses of the Parks & Recreation Board was discussion on bringing a half-marathon to Olney. The Board was also interested in participating in the Bucket Brigade this year.

9-E “Tourism Board Report” Councilwoman Henton told the Council that the ILLINOISouth Tourism Bureau was continuing to try and find events and attractions to promote. She would also be attending a Tourism Board quarterly meeting on Thursday via Zoom.

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

AGENDA #11 “CLOSED SESSION: APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, AND PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES” Councilman McLaughlin moved to adjourn to closed session to discuss appointment, employment, compensation, and performance of specific employees, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 7:26 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 7:43 p.m.

Mayor Lambird told the Council that he was aware that Love’s had reached out to the City to inquire about a liquor license. He felt that the Council should decide whether or not they were even interested in such a proposal before Love’s put forth the effort of applying and attending a Council meeting.

No one from the Council was interested in increasing the amount of liquor licenses available in order to issue one for Love’s. The reason was because then it would open the floodgates of having other convenience stores apply and expect to be granted a license.

Mrs. Sterchi informed the Council that she told the Love’s representative that no liquor licenses were currently available. If interested, they would need to petition the Council to see if the Council would be interested in making one available. She did provide them with the steps that would need to be taken at that time. Based on the Council’s discussion this evening, she would get in touch with the representative from Love’s to inform her of the Council’s stance.

Councilman Eyer had received a call over the weekend that lights at the ball diamonds had been left on all night. He wondered who was responsible for turning off the lights. Councilman McLaughlin indicated that the responsibility would fall on Little League since they had the lease with the City. Councilwoman Henton also felt that the Police Department should be able to see if lights had been left on, and then turn them off as they patrol in the evenings.

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 7:46 p.m.

https://www.ci.olney.il.us/cc%20oct%2026%202020.pdf