City of Olney City Council Met March 22.
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 7:01 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. Tim Loomis led the group in prayer.
AGENDA #3 “ROLL CALL” The following Council members were physically present: Mark Lambird, Belinda Henton, Morgan Fehrenbacher, and Greg Eyer. Also physically present were City Manager Allen Barker, City Treasurer Jane Guinn, City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi, and City Engineer Mike Bridges. Several State of Illinois Executive Orders allowed for attendance to take place via video, audio, and/or telephonic means as the COVID-19 crisis continues. Attending by audio/video was City Attorney Bart Zuber. Councilman John McLaughlin entered the meeting under item 8-A.
AGENDA #4 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”
4-A “Approve Minutes of Council Meeting on March 8, 2021”
4-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable March 23, 2021” Pooled Cash $102,863.55, Manual Pooled Cash $3,023.34, OSLAD Grant-City Park $8,850.00, MFT $1,606.02, IMRF $29,376.62, Tourism $3,090.00, Route 130 TIF $125.40 \
4-C “Raffle License: Olney Masonic Lodge 140”
4-D “Ordinance: Amend Multiple Sections of City of Olney Municipal Code”
AGENDA #5 “REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT AGENDA” Mayor Lambird stated that “in the City of Olney” should be stricken in the second highlighted portion in the first section paragraph of the proposed ordinance in item 4-D.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher requested to remove item 4-D from the Consent Agenda.
AGENDA #6 “CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA” Councilman Eyer moved to approve the remaining items on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. Councilman Eyer, Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, Henton, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.
AGENDA #7 “CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher requested more information regarding the proposed Code amendment in Section 9.12.010 (Consumption of alcoholic liquors prohibited—Where.) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.
Mrs. Sterchi explained that the proposed amendment was for clarification. The intent of the Section was to not allow for general use of alcohol on City property, so the proposed changes would detail that alcohol consumption would not be allowed on any public property that was owned or controlled by the City. Additionally, the Mayor as Liquor Commissioner could provide written permission for consumption under certain circumstances. The proposed amendment would also detail that allowance.
Councilman Eyer asked if the Mayor could provide written permission that would grant a Class S liquor license. Mr. Zuber replied that would not be allowed. Mr. Zuber offered that additional clarification could be detailed in the last highlighted section of that paragraph. Mr. Zuber proposed that the last highlighted portion of that Section read, “…or specific written permission for consumption, but not sale of, alcoholic liquors, has been granted by the Liquor Commissioner.”
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve Ordinance 2021-06, as amended, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, Henton, Mayor Lambird, and Councilman Eyer voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.
AGENDA #8 “PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.” 8-A “Ordinance: Authorize Execution of Lease Between the City of Olney and Richland County Farm & Fair Association, Inc.” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the execution of a lease agreement with the Richland County Farm & Fair Association, Inc., (Fair Board). The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed lease.
The State required that leased fairgrounds maintain a 20-year lease. Because of this, the Council renewed its lease with the Fair Board each year. Mr. Barker reminded the Council that the topic had been placed on the last meeting’s agenda, but it was requested at that time that a member of the Fair Board be present to answer questions.
Fair Board President Doug Westall wished to first address the Council with their expected events for the 2021 year. Mr. Westall stated that the Spring Crash demolition derby would be held on May 15th, and the Richland County Fair would be held July 3rd through 10th. Independence Day would fall on a Sunday this year, and the Fair Board would be holding their Fireworks Extravaganza that evening. A new event that the Fair Board would host for this year would be the Southern Illinois Farm Collectors Show, and the event would be held July 15th through 18th.
Years ago, Councilwoman Fehrenbacher recalled that the Fair Board had planned on repairing, and possibly painting, the fencing that remained on their leased portion of the park. That work had yet to be completed.
Mr. Westall confirmed that the fence work was still part of the Board’s plans. He pointed out his feelings that the City should not have taken down their portion of fencing near Route 130, as he felt it was a safety issue.
Councilman McLaughlin entered the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
Councilman Eyer asked how much longer it would be until the fence work was completed. Mr. Westall was unsure and noted that the Fair Board was comprised of volunteers that each had their own lives and families. He hoped to see the work completed before the Fair.
Councilwoman Henton then stated that the City had received several complaints regarding weeds and junk in the infield. Mr. Westall advised that the Board did spray for weeds and tried to do the best they could. He added that two semi-trailers that were in the area had been sold, but would not be removed until there were drier conditions. He was aware that rolls of fencing were also located in the infield. Much of that fencing was removed by the Board as it was left when the ballfields were abandoned. Mr. Westall expected that some of that fencing could be re-used, and some could be scrapped.
Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2021-07, seconded by Mayor Lambird. Councilwomen Henton, Fehrenbacher, Councilmen McLaughlin, Eyer, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.
8-B “Request: Class S Liquor License for The Fireside at the Spring Crash Event & Richland County Fair” The Council was provided with Class S Liquor License Applications from The Fireside for the Spring Crash and the Richland County Fair. Owner of The Fireside, Tosha Hancock, was present to speak to the Council.
Mrs. Hancock told the Council that the requests for Class S liquor licenses were similar to her Class S liquor license requests in the past for such events. She planned to set up in the pit area with a controlled beer garden. Wrist bands would be required, and security would also be present.
Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Class S liquor licenses to The Fireside for the 2021 Spring Crash and Richland County Fair, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. Councilmen McLaughlin, Eyer, Mayor Lambird, Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, and Henton votes yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.
8-C “Resolution: Authorize the Execution of an Agreement Between the City of Olney & Charleston Engineering, Inc., for Professional Services & Consulting Related to the Olney City Park Multi-Use Trail and Restrooms Project” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize the execution of an agreement with Charleston Engineering, Inc., for professional services and consulting related to the Olney City Park Multi-Use Trail and Restrooms Project. The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed agreement.
Mr. Barker told the Council that an agreement was needed, per OSLAD grant requirements, with Charleston Engineering regarding the engineering work to be done for the multi-use trail and restroom portion of the upgrades at the City Park.
Councilwoman Henton moved to approve 2021-R-22, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. Mayor Lambird, Councilmen Eyer, McLaughlin, Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, and Henton voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.
8-D “Resolution: Authorize Execution of an Agreement for Testing of Water Between the City of Olney & the Village of Noble” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize the execution of an agreement for testing of water with the Village of Noble. The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed agreement.
The City of Olney sells water to Noble for distribution to its residents. During the February 8, 2021, Council meeting, it was brought to the Council’s attention that IEPA regulations would now require for Noble to have its water tested weekly and monthly. The best solution would appear to be having City personnel test the water at the Water Treatment Plant at a fee of $130.00 per month.
Councilwoman Henton asked how the $130.00 fee was determined. Water Plant Supervisor Frank Bradley indicated that number was the City’s true cost on testing and labor.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve 2021-R-21, seconded by Councilman Eyer. Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, Henton, Councilmen McLaughlin, Eyer, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.
8-E “Discussion/Possible Action: Boating & Motor Restrictions” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher told the Council that she had been receiving complaints regarding wake boats on East Fork and Borah Lakes. She wanted to see if the Council was interested in discussing some regulations or bans in regards to wake boating.
From the audience, Gregg Gibson wished to address the Council. Mr. Gibson stated that he owned property on East Fork Lake. He was aware that other lakes did have some restrictions for wake boats, and felt that Olney should also consider such restrictions. The wakes were causing increased erosion and were becoming an additional safety issue to kayaks, pontoons, skiers, and tubers.
Councilwoman Henton asked how the City would determine if a boat was a wake boat when they purchased their boat sticker. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher indicated that the boat itself was not the problem. Rather, accessories such as bladders and other devices were installed to create wakes.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher had also asked if it would be difficult for Lake Patrol to tell if a boat was in wake mode. She was told that it would not be difficult to tell.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher then asked for Mr. Bradley’s input. Mr. Bradley stated that he agreed that wake boats were a problem. He felt that defining exactly what to ban could be difficult. Additionally, Mr. Bradley had become aware that wake boats that ran in shallow water also release nutrients into the water which would contribute to the growth of algae.
Overall, the Council expressed interest in continuing to research the issue.
8-F “Resolution: Transfer Money from Tourism Fund to General Corporate Fund” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would transfer $10,000.00 from the Tourism Fund to the General Fund.
As included in the 2020-2021 budget, Mrs. Guinn recommended the transfer of $10,000.00 from the Tourism Fund to the General Fund to reimburse the General Fund for time spent by Mrs. Sterchi on tourism tasks.
Councilwoman Henton moved to approve 2021-R-23, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. Councilwomen Henton, Fehrenbacher, Councilmen McLaughlin, Eyer, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.
8-G “Discussion/Possible Action: Railroad Crossings” In working with the Illinois Commerce Commission on the upgrades to the Whittle Avenue railroad crossing, Mr. Bridges had also been approached by them regarding the proposed closure of two other railroad crossings in Olney.
The Illinois Commerce Commission, IDOT, and CSX would provide incentives for the closures. In total, the agencies had offered payment of $172,500.00 for the closure of the Linn Street crossing, and $350,000.00 for the closure of the S. Morgan Street crossing.
Councilman McLaughlin recalled that several years ago the proposition to close the Linn Street railroad crossing had been discussed with much opposition. He wondered if any word had been received by nearby residents regarding this proposition. Mr. Barker indicated that word had not been received. If the Council was interested in the possibility of these closures, Mr. Barker would recommend public hearings before taking any action. However, if the Council was not interested at all, there was no reason to move forward any further.
Councilman McLaughlin stated that he was not interested in closing either crossing.
Councilwoman Henton thought she recalled interest in the closure of the crossing at S. Fair Street. She asked if that was still being considered. Mr. Bridges was not certain if the Commission was still interested in S. Fair Street, but reminded the Council that the Commission was only asking for Linn Street and S. Morgan Street closures at this time.
Councilman Eyer stated that he was not interested in closing the Linn Street or S. Morgan Street crossings, however he would be interested in considering the S. Fair Street closure if it were still on the table. He added that the Council should think about future development and how such closures could affect certain situations at that time.
Mayor Lambird expressed his interest in closing the Linn Street crossing, but not S. Morgan Street. Councilwoman Henton agreed. The Mayor felt that the Linn Street crossing was dangerous, and noted that it only saw an average traffic count of 75 vehicles per day.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked if the City could be forced to close any crossings. Mr. Bridges replied that he had never heard of a forced closure.
Councilman McLaughlin warned that once those crossings were closed, they would never be opened again. He felt that the monetary incentives sounded good in the short term, but was concerned about the future. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher agreed.
Councilman McLaughlin then asked if word had been received about moving forward with the Whittle Avenue crossing upgrades. Mr. Barker indicated so. Discussed in the contract were approaches, sidewalks, and improvement of the railroad itself. Signals were not included, but would come later through CSX.
Since some members of the Council were interested in possible closures, this topic would be discussed again in the future.
AGENDA #9 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”
9-A “Status Report-City Manager” Mr. Barker said that several projects were beginning to see movement.
Councilman Eyer asked if the needed easement had been received from CSX for the Elliott Street Bridge Project. Mr. Barker confirmed.
Councilman McLaughlin asked if bridge work would start this year. Mr. Barker hoped to have the project begin by the Fall. Mr. Bridges added that the City’s deadline to spend the grant funds was January of 2022.
9-B “RCDC Report” RCDC Executive Director Lauren McClain reported that her office had been seeing a lot of activity.
9-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher told the Council that Chamber Luncheons would be resuming starting in April.
9-D “Parks & Recreation Board Report” There was no report.
9-E “Tourism Board Report” Councilwoman Henton had nothing to report.
AGENDA #10 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS”
10-A “Gene Brauer – Tennis Association” Mr. Brauer was present representing the Olney Tennis Community. He wished to address perceived misconceptions regarding Olney tennis.
Mr. Brauer felt that Jim Pottorff had taken numerous opportunities in the past few years to imply that tennis was dying, and that no one played anymore. Mr. Pottorff had once again voiced this misconception at the last Council meeting. Mr. Brauer stated that he took exception to Mr. Pottorff’s comments and resented the mischaracterization of Olney Tennis. He wanted the tennis community to be thrown under the bus no more. “Tennis is not dead!” Mr. Brauer emphasized.
Mr. Brauer clarified that tennis participation in the evenings was light, but certainly not non-existent. In fact, the majority of the tennis groups that regularly played did so in the morning, mid-day, or afternoon.
Additionally, Kyle Shipman had built an indoor tennis facility to support the increased interest in tennis in the Olney area. The high school tennis teams were also seeing an increase in participation, and three high school girls were able to advance to the State tournament this year.
Mr. Brauer then added that for the past 60 years, Olney Tennis had a history of working closely with the City in maintaining the tennis courts, providing financial support, and labor. Working relationships with City employees such as Dan Hovey, Mike Belcher, and Frank Bradley had been positive. Mr. Brauer thanked the Council and the City for all of the support given over the years, and looked forward to working with the City in the future.
Also from the audience, Kyle Shipman wished to speak. Mr. Shipman was the lead coordinator for the southern section of the Mid-South Tennis Association. He agreed that tennis was far from being dead, and noted that youth from three hours away would regularly visit Olney for tennis-related purposes. For tournaments, youth would travel to Olney from across the country. He detailed some of the success of the youth he helped to coach.
For the past five years, the junior teams held their playoffs in Olney. Mr. Shipman utilized the courts at the City Park, high school, and middle school for this purpose. Without these resources, the playoffs would need to be held at U of I or at Springfield. Overall, Mr. Shipman believed that 150 unique youth participants were involved with tennis in Olney each year.
Mr. Shipman then pointed out that some of the public may see fewer activity at the City Park courts since building his facility. He had recognized a disservice to those that wanted to play recreational tennis and pickleball if his groups were always using the courts. Otherwise, Mr. Shipman stated that he could easily fill all six courts at the City Park each night for at least four hours.
10-B “Kyle Henton & Jeremiah Bahl” Mr. Henton was present as a representative of the Preston Township Board. Jeremiah Bahl was present as a candidate for Preston Township Road Commissioner on the April 6, 2021, ballot.
Both gentlemen were aware that the Council had taken action late in 2020 to assess a surcharge on Class B to Class D boat permits to accrue funds that would help with the repair of roads to and from East Fork and Borah Lakes. Both gentlemen were also aware that the current Preston Township Road Commissioner had not made any advances on moving forward to help address the issue of those roads. Mr. Henton expressed strong interest in moving forward.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher had recalled various ways that the Council had tried to help the situation with no interest from the current Commissioner. RCDC Executive Director Lauren McClain agreed. Mrs. McClain was also a member of the Olney Rotary Club. Both the Olney Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Richland County had made plans with the City to address the roads. The City had offered to donate rock with the Clubs offering to donate oil. The agreement was that the Preston Township attorney would review the agreement, but no steps had been taken in that direction.
Mayor Lambird had estimated that the boat permit surcharge could generate about $6,000.00 to $7,000.00 each year. The City would expect some road work each year if those funds were turned over to Preston Township. Councilwoman Henton said that the City had also offered the ability to assist with some equipment and labor.
Mrs. McClain indicated that the Rotary Clubs were also still interested in helping, especially since some of those roads also accessed Rotary Park.
Mr. Henton said that he had recent discussions with Mr. Barker about solidifying an intergovernmental agreement.
The topic of these Preston Township roads was a sore subject for Councilman McLaughlin. If and when the agreement moved forward, the Councilman wanted some solid assurances that work would be completed. He indicated that the City received a lot of complaints about those roads, but the roads were not even the City’s responsibility to maintain. Additionally, he felt the City was basically “blackmailed” into getting those Preston Township roads fixed. He was also told that those roads were intentionally ripped up as a way to get money from the City of Olney. Councilman McLaughlin was hopeful that after the election the City would be able to move forward with Preston Township to get the problem addressed.
AGENDA #11 “2021-2022 BUDGET DISCUSSIONS”
11-A “General Corporate” Mrs. Guinn ran through a slideshow of General Corporate’s proposed budgets for 2021-2022. Mrs. Guinn used assumptions based on the 2010 census, a 10% decrease on income tax, and increased sales tax based on the addition of the Love’s truck stop. Additionally, she included a $0.25 increase over the City’s cost of the proposed sanitary hauling fee increase, moved street project costs to MFT, and added no additional costs for the Police Department.
Mayor Lambird asked when the 2020 census numbers would be received. Mrs. Sterchi replied that the last update she had received had said that the numbers should be received in April of 2021.
In the General Corporate budget, Mrs. Guinn expected to receive $6,469,019.00 in revenue with $7,287,838.00 in expenditures. The budget would appear to be unfavorable by ($818,819.00), but she noted that some items that were budgeted in the current fiscal year would actually be transferred into the next year’s budget. Some of those projects would also utilize reserved funds.
Mrs. Guinn then explained some changes made to the proposed budget since its initial reviews. Since the last Council meeting, Mrs. Guinn had added $50,000.00 for Pickleball Courts. She had also removed ($10,000.00) from the Pacific Cycle line item because that work was completed in the 2020-2021 fiscal year instead. An amount of ($15,000.00) had also been removed for the bullet proof glass window, and ($22,000.00) had been moved out of the General Fund for City Park Fountain repair and placed into the Route 130 TIF budget.
Mrs. Guinn continued to explain that while a $25,000.00 Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grant had been approved for Ophelia’s Cup in 2020, it appeared that the funds would not be received until the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Because of this, she altered the income and expense portions of the 2021-2022 budget for that purpose.
The Tourism budget had also been adjusted since no major funds were any longer expected to be used in the 2020-2021 fiscal year for Walldogs. Instead, those expected expenses had been transferred into the 2021-2022 budget. The funds raised for the Walldogs project were earmarked and should cover all expense.
In the Administrative Department, Mrs. Guinn showed the increase in expected sales tax revenue, again due to the opening of Love’s. She had also removed about ($100,000.00) from expected income tax revenue due to government changes. Telecommunications tax seemed to decrease each year, so she again expected to see an additional ($10,000.00) decrease in the next fiscal year. Lastly, she noted that the expected decrease in farming income for next year was only because the 2020-2021 year had done better than originally anticipated.
Councilman McLaughlin was aware that the City could expect about $1,000,000.00 coming in additional federal aid. He wondered if anyone knew when that would be received and what the funds could be used towards.
Mr. Barker had heard that the funds should be received in two separate years. Mr. Barker was strongly considering using the funds towards the needed re-lining of sanitary sewers, but that would be up to the Council. Mrs. Guinn added that when funds were received, the budget would be amended at that time.
The Legislative budget would be similar to the prior fiscal year. A majority of the Contractual Services was for the $20,000.00 for Animal Control.
For Industrial Commission, a majority of the budgeted expense of $60,000.00 would be for RCDC support.
The Board of Fire & Police Commissioners would have an expected expense of $5,025.00, and a majority of this expense would be testing for Fire and Police eligibility lists.
Personnel Expense in Administrative would be increased due to contractual raise amounts. Contractual Services would be a bit higher for 2021-2022 as circumstances surrounding COVID-19 hindered a lot of the spending for 2020-2021. Administrative’s Capital Outlay included $15,000.00 for a telephone system, $6,500.00 for East Fork Lake road repairs, $70,000.00 for Main/Whittle enhancements, and $50,000.00 for contingencies.
The Sanitary Hauling budget saw an increase in expense due to the expected 3% fee increase to be assessed from Republic Services. The City would still charge its $0.25 per month for administrative expense.
The City Clerk budget showed a larger increase in Supplies as all Capital Outlay had been removed. For the 2021-2022 budget, the threshold for Capital had increased to $5,000.00. Therefore, any expected needs that did not hit that total would now fall under Supplies. Some of those needs would include computers, printers, and banners.
The City Treasurer Department was about the same as the prior year.
For Legal Services, this budget was also similar to prior year, but since COVID-19 made such a drastic difference in expenditures, the project amount to actually spend in 2020-2021 was much lower than what had been budgeted.
The Engineering budget was about the same as the prior year.
The Code Enforcement budget on Personnel Services showed a deduction in Personnel Services of about ($7,000.00) due to not hiring a part-time Code Enforcement Officer this year. Contractual Services would be for demolitions.
City Hall Maintenance included two capital projects which were $50,000.00 for the City Hall parking lot, and $10,000.00 for general building improvements.
Most of the expected income in the Fire Department would be from the tax levy and the contribution from the Rural Fire District.
Councilman McLaughlin was aware that it had been about four years since the Rural Fire District had increased their pay rate to the City. Since the City’s Fire Department expenses continued to increase each year, he wondered if it should again be time to speak with the Rural Fire District to see whether or not their contributions were appropriate.
Mrs. Guinn explained that the District had been raising their tax levy each year by 4.99%, so their contributions had been increasing somewhat. Councilman McLaughlin requested for Mrs. Guinn to see if the District’s contributions made sense. He wanted to be sure that City taxpayers were not assuming more of a burden than was necessary.
With Fire Department expenses, Mrs. Guinn said there was nothing particularly new. She pointed out that Capital Outlay included $21,000.00 for air packs, $30,000.00 for bunker gear, and $7,160.00 for air pack cylinders.
Debt Service on the newer fire truck would again be $17,500.00. The 2021-2022 year would be the 6th year of this debt service. She reminded the Council that Richland County was also contributing that same amount, but only for 10 years.
Police Department income would be similar to the prior year with the exception of the IPRF Grant. For the 2021-2022 year, that grant would be going to the Fire Department.
The Police Department expenses looked different for the 2021-2022 year because several previous Capital Outlay items that are under $5,000.00 were moved into Supplies. The in-car camera and in-car computer were also included in the next budget, but Mrs. Guinn pointed out that the expense could come out of the 2020-2021 budget, depending on when the new squad vehicle was received.
The biggest difference in the Parks & Cemeteries budget was from the transfer in of the OSLAD match from the TIF Fund.
For the 2020-2021 year, Contractual Services expenses came in much lower than expected due to COVID-19. The budgeted amount was expected to rebound again for the next fiscal year.
Capital Outlay for the Parks & Cemeteries Department included $23,500.00 for a half-ton pickup, $19,200.00 for riding mowers, $8,500.00 for mulch, $22,000.00 for the drainage ditch, and the $397,658.00 total expense for the OSLAD walking trail and restrooms.
Recreation income was projected to be much higher in the 2021-2022 year as the Musgrove Aquatic Center was expected to have a normal year compared to the strict COVID-19 restrictions in 2020. Capital Outlay included $40,000.00 for tennis court repair to courts #1 through #3, and $50,000.00 towards pickleball courts.
Band income for the next fiscal year was projected to come in at $8,159.00 from the tax levy. Contractual Services in the amount of $8,100.00 for utilities and the concerts.
Street Department income was projected to be higher in the next fiscal year due to receipt of CDAP funds for the Elliott Street Bridge Project. Also included was the transfer in of TIF funds for the Route 130 sidewalk.
Compared to what had been budgeted in 2020-2021, the Street Department was not able to make several anticipated purchases due to COVID-19. For 2021-2022, Capital Outlay included $616,231.00 for the Elliott Street Bridge Project, $23,500.00 for a half-ton pickup truck, $40,000.00 for the Whittle Avenue railroad crossing upgrades, $115,000.00 for a dump truck, $75,00.00 for a salt spreader, $120,000.00 for the Orchard Drive box culvert, and $73,939.00 for the Route 130 Sidewalk Project.
The Mechanic Department had no Capital Outlay. Instead, the Supplies line item was increased by about $7,000.00 due to the capital threshold changes.
For Library, $5,000.00 was contributed towards books in 2020-2021. For 2021-2022, an amount of $7,000.00 was requested by the Olney Public Library.
For the Council’s information, Mrs. Guinn then reported that $4,338,800.00 was in Unrestricted Funds. Designated Funds included $687,398.00 for the Main Street Resurfacing Project, $369,301.00 in the Local CURE Program Funds, and $102,385.00 for the Walnut & Main Street Storm Sewer Project.
11-B “Miscellaneous Funds” Mrs. Guinn ran through a slideshow of each of the Miscellaneous Funds’ proposed budgets for 2021-2022.
Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) income included $5,000.00 in interest, $200,238.00 in Rebuild Illinois funds, and $358,000.00 in MFT allocations.
The MFT expenses would include $175,000.00 for maintenance of streets, $17,000.00 for rental of equipment, $17,000.00 for street grading, $2,500.00 for painting of traffic lines, $350,000.00 for the 300 and 400 block of Silver Street reconstruction, $82,000.00 for the Whittle Avenue Project, and $380,000.00 for the reconstruction of the 200 and 300 blocks of E. Cherry Street and the 300 and 400 blocks of S. Morgan Street.
Mrs. Guinn pointed out that for all of the proposed street reconstruction projects, not quite enough MFT funds were available to spend. Overall, the MFT bank balance held $938,078.00, but about $200,000.00 of that amount was from Rebuild Illinois funds that would need to be used for the East Street Bridge Project.
The Route 130 TIF District would be expecting $177,500.00 in income for 2021-2022. For expenses, $15,000.00 would be budgeted for TIF disbursements, $5,000.00 in legal fees, $15,000.00 in professional services, $800.00 for the audit, $73,939.00 for the transfer of funds for the Route 130 sidewalk, $4,350.00 for Hill’s Solutions, Inc.’s TIF agreement, $150,000.00 for the signal upgrades at Main Street and Route 130, $50,400.00 for Parkside Inn, LLC.’s TIF agreement, $95,911.00 for the transfer of funds for the matching portion of the OSLAD grant, and $22,000.00 for repair to the City Park fountain.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher was not in favor of taking TIF funds and using them towards repair to the City Park fountain. She recalled that a group of interested parties had offered monetary and labor contributions in order to save the existing fountain instead of having it replaced with the VFW memorial. Mayor Lambird agreed with the Councilwoman’s recollection.
Councilman Eyer felt that those interested in saving the fountain should not have to contribute additional funds. He felt that those citizens were already contributing by taxation and that since the fountain was an existing feature in the City Park, it should therefore be maintained by the City. Councilman McLaughlin pointed out that it could also be removed by the City.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher struggled with the fact that the VFW was more than willing to improve the fountain area by placing a memorial with a water feature at no cost to the City. However, another group wanted to have the current fountain saved but were not willing to put forth any contributions towards that effort.
Councilman Eyer did not feel that the fountain repair may even total $22,000.00. Park Department Supervisor Frank Bradley disagreed. He stated that dollar amount was what he had been quoted. He clarified that the repair work to the current fountain would not make it look new by any means. He detailed that the funds would be used towards new drainage, a new concrete floor, epoxy coating on the inside, and paint on the railing. Additionally, Mr. Bradley had just discovered during the prior week a leak in the water line that would also need to be addressed.
Councilman Eyer also pointed out that the Council’s understanding was that the VFW would be returning to the Council after exploring Parkside Plaza as an alternative site. They were going to do this before a vote took place on the topic. However, the VFW never returned to the Council, and the Council was then told that they had pulled the memorial project off of the table.
Councilman McLaughlin reminded Councilman Eyer that the reason some people were in favor of the memorial being located at the fountain site in the City Park is because of the knowledge that the current fountain was going to be expensive to repair and maintain. The memorial would have also provided a water feature to replace a fountain that was past its prime. Councilman Eyer still did not like the fact that the water feature would not make sound.
Councilman McLaughlin then stated that he agreed with Councilman Eyer on one thing. If it appeared that the current fountain was going to be staying, and that the VFW project was truly off of the table, then the City would either need to fix the fountain or remove it.
Mayor Lambird believed that the VFW was interested in returning to discuss the project if the Council was interested.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher did not feel that sinking $22,000.00 into fountain repair would make it any less of an eye sore. Councilman McLaughlin agreed. The Councilwoman believed there were better uses of TIF funds.
Councilwoman Henton also expressed her disappointment in the lack of follow-through by those who were interested in saving the fountain and who had offered to contribute. Councilman Eyer felt that could be because Winter-time had approached. The Councilwoman countered that such a time would have been perfect to start fundraising.
Councilman Eyer wished to address the topic directly with the public and was curious on the best way to do so. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher suggested he could do so as a concerned citizen.
For the time being, Councilman McLaughlin recommended keeping the TIF funds in the budget for fountain repair. He reminded the Council that the expenditure would need their approval first, so if the Council was not interested at that time, the money would not need to be spent.
Councilman Eyer felt that the VFW likely retracted their request since so many members of the public seemed interested in saving the current fountain. Mayor Lambird did not believe the Councilman knew that for a fact.
Mrs. Guinn then continued with her proposed budgets. For Police Pension, $841,181.00 would be expected for income in the next fiscal year with $681,111.00 in expenditures. She added that investments had done very well in the current year.
Fire Pension should see $300,170.00 worth of income for the next fiscal year with $286,050.00 in expenses. She noted that during the current fiscal year, the Fire Pension Fund had hit the $2,500,000.00 threshold that would allow for more investment into variables.
Mayor Lambird asked when the State would be taking control of the consolidated pension funds. Mrs. Guinn replied that should be completed by July of 2022, but it sounded as if the Fire Pension consolidation could be completed later in 2021.
Councilman McLaughlin asked how quickly work could begin on the street reconstruction projects. Mr. Bridges recommended starting the process as soon as possible. He pointed out that projects could not go out for bid until environmental reviews were completed. Such reviews could take about six months. Councilmen McLaughlin and Eyer wished to put approval of moving forward with those projects on the next agenda.
Mayor Lambird asked how long environmental studies were valid. Mr. Bridges replied that they should be valid for about a couple of years. The reviews were at no cost to the City. Mayor Lambird suggested completing as many projects as possible while relevant environmental reviews were still valid.
Given the lengthy process of such projects, Mr. Bridges felt that if the Council approved moving forward at the next meeting, it would be running tight to get the projects completed in 2021. The ideal time to approve projects would be a year before expected work.
AGENDA #12 “Closed Session: Sale or Lease Price of Real Property; Acquisition of Real Property; Appointment, Employment, Compensation, and Performance of Specific Employees; and Collective Negotiating Matters” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher 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 Councilwoman Henton. Councilmen McLaughlin, Eyer, Mayor Lambird, Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, and Henton voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.
AGENDA #13 “Reconvene Open Session” Councilman McLaughlin moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 9:10 p.m.
13-A “Resolution: Authorize Employment Agreement with Part-Time Fire Chief” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize an employment agreement with Rusty Holmes as part-time Fire Chief.
Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2021-R-24, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. Councilwomen Henton, Fehrenbacher, Councilmen McLaughlin, Eyer, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.
Mr. Barker had indicated that the flooring at the Community Building needed some maintenance work. He had spoken with Dustin Smith who was ready to complete the work as soon as the Council wished.
Councilman McLaughlin was in favor of the suggested repair work. Mr. Barker then indicated that a budget amendment for the work could be on the next agenda.
Councilman Eyer and Councilwoman Fehrenbacher were also agreeable to the maintenance work, but wished to also explore longer-term solutions.
Mr. Barker then asked if the Council had any preference on how to utilize the government stimulus funds. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher suggested the storm sewer work on Main Street.
Councilman McLaughlin asked about what should be done regarding the concrete island at Main Street and Route 50. Mr. Barker believed that was actually owned by IDOT and would likely not see repair until the resurfacing of Main Street. Mr. Barker added that another island near on Route 130, near the DMV, was also in poor condition.
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 9:19 p.m.
https://www.ci.olney.il.us/cc%20mar%2022%202021%202.pdf
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