City of Olney City Council Met Aug. 9.
Here are 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. Steve Wingert led the group in prayer.
AGENDA #3 “ROLL CALL”
The following Council members were present: Greg Eyer, Morgan Fehrenbacher, Belinda Henton, and Mark Lambird. Also present were City Manager Allen Barker, City Treasurer Jane Guinn, City Attorney Bart Zuber, City Engineer Mike Bridges, and Deputy City Clerk Cindy Harlan. Councilman McLaughlin was absent.
AGENDA #4 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”
4-A “Approve Minutes of Council Meeting on July 26, 2021, & August 2, 2021” 4-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable August 10, 2021” Pooled Cash $70,781.35; Manual Pooled Cash $218,642.83; Petty Cash $170.19; MFT $48,905.25; IMRF $30,568.26; Tourism $11,195.27; Route 130 TIF $2,824.40
AGENDA #5 “REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from the consent agenda.
AGENDA #6 “CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA” Councilman Eyer moved to approve the items on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
AGENDA #7 “CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from the consent agenda.
AGENDA #8 “PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.”
8-A “Update/Possible Action: Richland County Farm & Fair Association Additional Event(s)” Doug Westall, representing the Richland County Farm & Fair Association, requested approval from the Council to sponsor a Motocross event on September 18, 2021, since the one scheduled during fair week was rained out.
Councilwoman Henton moved to approve the request, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
8-B “Request: Class S Liquor License for The Fireside at the Le Bal du Cornichon Event on September 11, 2021” The White Squirrel Pickleball Association is planning a fundraising event to be held on September 11, 2021. The Association is requesting to offer alcohol as part of this event hence the request from The Fireside for a Class S Liquor License. Tosha Hancock and Trevor May were present to answer any questions.
Mr. May informed the Council that in addition to the application filed by The Fireside, a Special Event Application was filed by the Pickleball Association. The fundraising event will consist of a dinner in the City Park in the area of the north tennis courts and adjacent property. Mr. May reported there will be two auxiliary officers in attendance, and there will be a fence around the perimeter.
Councilman Eyer expressed concern that alcohol will be available in a public park and suggested that the event be held at another venue. Mr. May responded that the Association wants the opportunity to show the people in attendance the courts and answer questions as to why fundraising is taking place to build new pickleball courts.
In response to a question asked by Councilman Eyer if other events held at the City Park were allowed to serve alcohol, he was informed that at the last Council meeting a Class S Liquor License was approved for the Pig & Swig event to be held on August 28th. Liquor was also allowed to be served at the City’s 175th anniversary celebration.
Mr. May stressed the event includes a dinner, not just alcohol. Mr. May offered to provide extra signage and barricades to contain the area.
Councilman Eyer was concerned about children playing in the area during the event.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher noted that a band is scheduled to play until 10:00 p.m. Mr. May said the band could quit playing earlier if needed. He offered to talk to the residents in the area. Invitations will go out this week.
Councilman Eyer suggested that this request be presented again at the next Council meeting with a mitigation plan to control pedestrian and children traffic.
Ms. Hancock stressed that this event will be enclosed with a snow fence. There will be one entrance and exit, and it is a ticketed event. People will not be able to just show up and walk in. It is more formal than that. Pickleball is a sport enjoyed by the community, and the event is a way to raise money for new courts.
Councilwoman Henton moved to approve the request from The Fireside for a Class S Liquor License for an event to be held on September 11, 2021, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
8-C “Resolution: Accept Donation from Project Community for the Splash Pad, Accept Quotation for Splash Pad, Waive Formal Bidding Procedures, and Amend the 2021/2022” City Treasurer Guinn reported that Project Community is moving forward with ordering equipment for the splash pad. It is proposed to administer this project the same as the Together We Play Project by having Project Community donate the funds to the City, and the City pay the invoices. Mrs. Guinn requested authorization by resolution to accept the donation from Project Community, accept the quotation received for the splash pad, approve payment, and amend the budget for the initial deposit of $101,690.50 for the equipment.
Councilman Eyer moved to approve Resolution No. 2021-R-56 as presented, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. Mayor Lambird, Councilman Eyer, and Councilwoman Henton voted yes. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher abstained. The motion carried.
8-D “Ordinance: Pertaining to the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund” City Treasurer Guinn informed the Council that she submitted the application for the City to receive the American Rescue Plan Act funding. To apply, the mayor was required to sign the following two agreements: (1) Assurances of Compliance with Civil Rights Requirements, and (2) Award Terms and Conditions. After submittal of the application, Illinois Municipal League sent out a draft ordinance recommended for approval by the Council which would authorize the execution of the agreements. City Attorney Zuber has reviewed the ordinance and agreements and did not find any issues.
Councilwoman Henton moved to approve Ordinance No. 2021-19 as presented, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
8-E “Resolution: Authorize Bank Account & Amend the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Budget for the American Rescue Plan Act Funds” City Treasurer Guinn requested authorization from the Council to set up a bank account for the American Rescue Plan Act funds, and to amend the budget to receive one-half of the funds this fiscal year.
Councilwoman Henton moved to approve Resolution No. 2021-R-57 as presented, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
8-F “Resolution: Authorize Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement for Financial Assistance from City of Olney to Preston Township for Road Maintenance” In November of last year, the City Council approved an ordinance to collect a surcharge of $2.50 for each daily Class B, C, and D boat license sold, and to collect a surcharge of $5.00 for each annual Class B, C, and D boat license sold during each calendar year to assist in maintaining certain roads or portions of roads in Preston Township to and from East Fork Lake.
City Manager Barker reported that when the surcharge was implemented, the Council expressed interest in entering into an agreement with Preston Township for the road maintenance. Mr. Barker met with Derek Patton, the Preston Township Road Commissioner. to discuss the terms of the agreement.
Proposed for the Council’s consideration was an Intergovernmental Agreement outlining the criteria for the road maintenance. The City will be responsible for all material costs, and Preston Township will provide the labor for preparation and finishing the projects. Mr. Patton is in agreement to the terms as proposed.
A short discussion was held on the roads included in the agreement.
The Council members confirmed that only the surcharge on the boat license fees will be used to purchase the materials. City Treasurer Guinn reported that, to date, approximately $8,140.00 has been collected which can be used to pay for the needed materials.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve a resolution authorizing the Intergovernmental Agreement, seconded by Councilman Eyer.
Prior to the vote, City Attorney Zuber suggested a change to Paragraph 7 in the Agreement to clarify that if the City so requests, the Township shall order the materials. No agency besides the Township or the City shall be authorized to order the materials.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve Resolution No. 2021-R-58 and the suggested amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
8-G “Resolution: Authorize the Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Olney and Bird Rides, Inc., for the Deployment of a Stand-Up Electric Scooter Sharing System in the City of Olney” After discussion at the last meeting, most of the Council indicated that they would be in favor of moving forward with a memorandum of understanding with Bird Rides, Inc., for the deployment of a stand-up electric scooter sharing system in the City of Olney.
Mayor Lambird reported he had received a proposed Memorandum of Understanding from Bird Rides, Inc., a copy of which was included in the Council packets. City Attorney Zuber has reviewed the Memorandum and had nothing further to add.
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher pointed out there was some discussion at the last meeting on whether to allow the scooters on sidewalks. She noted she prefers them not to be, and the Memorandum does prohibit the scooters from sidewalks.
Councilwoman Henton was pleased that Paragraph 11 in the Memorandum provides that either party may terminate the agreement without cause upon 30 days prior written notice. She also prefers that the scooters not be on sidewalks.
Councilman Eyer wondered if the scooters should have the same restrictions as golf carts.
Mayor Lambird suggested that as soon as an individual has been selected to manage the Olney operation, a meeting should be held with that person to discuss final details. City Attorney Zuber was of the opinion that the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding are acceptable.
Councilman Eyer moved to approve Resolution No. 2021-R-59 authorizing the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
8-H “Accept Quote for Riding Lawn Mowers for the Park Department & Waive Formal Bidding Procedures” City Manager Barker told the Council that Park Supervisor Frank Bradley is ready to purchase two new zero-turn lawn mowers for the Park Department. Mr. Bradley received two quotes for Husqvarna mowers with the low quote being $18,899.90. Two 2014 Husqvarna mowers will be sold upon receipt of the new ones. Mr. Barker did point out that the other quote was quite a bit higher, and that he believes this is a good price. The City is very happy with the service provided from the company with the low bid
Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve Resolution No. 2021-R-60 accepting the quote from Stanley’s Mower Repair & Sales and waiving formal bidding procedures, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
AGENDA #9 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”
9-A “Status Report-City Manager” City Manager Barker had nothing to add to the status report.
9-B “RCDC Report” Lauren McClain, RCDC Director, had nothing new to report.
9-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher reported that the golf outing was held on July 30th with 12 teams participating. The Bicycle Classic is scheduled for September 18th with more details coming. The Bicycle Classic will be held at the City Park instead of downtown, and the event will not conflict with the Motocross to be held that evening. Ladies’ Night Out will be on October 14th. Tickets will go on sale soon.
9-D “Parks & Recreation Board Report” There was nothing to report.
9-E “Tourism Board Report” Councilwoman Henton will have some facts and figures to present at the next meeting.
AGENDA #10 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS”
AGENDA #11 “CLOSED SESSION: SALE OR LEASE PRICE OF REAL PROPERTY; ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY; APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, AND PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES” Councilwoman Henton 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, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
The meeting adjourned to closed session at 7:23 p.m.
AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 7:41p.m.
12-A “Discussion/Possible Action: Purchase of Real Property to be Owned by the City of Olney” There was no action taken as a result of closed session.
AGENDA #13 “ADJOURN” With no further business to discuss, Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
https://www.ci.olney.il.us/cc%20August%209,%202021%20Open%20Session.pdf
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