East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Nov. 8.

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. Mason Wibbenmeyer led the group in prayer.

AGENDA #3 “ROLL CALL” The following Council members were present: Greg Eyer, Belinda Henton, John McLaughlin, and Mark Lambird. Also present were City Manager Allen Barker, City Treasurer Jane Guinn, City Attorney Bart Zuber, and City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi. Councilwoman Morgan Fehrenbacher was absent.

AGENDA #4 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”

4-A “Approve Minutes of Council Meeting on October 25, 2021”

4-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable November 9, 2021” Pooled Cash $15,762.07, Manual Pooled Cash $10,933.45, Petty Cash $410.44, MFT $95,777.98, IMRF $30,711.05, Tourism $558.10, $11,495.63

4-C “Raffle License: Salvation Army”

4-D “Ordinance: Amend Section 5.12.070 (Restriction on Number of Licenses Authorized) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” 2021-25

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 McLaughlin moved to approve the items on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilman Eyer. 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 “Request/Possible Ordinance: Closure of a Portion of the North/South Alley Between E. Chestnut Street and the Unimproved Portion of E. Elm Street & S. Polk Street and the Unimproved Portion of S. Van Street” The Council was provided with a letter of request from Marty Mitchell, and a copy of a GIS photo of the alley.

Mr. Mitchell had submitted a request to close at least a portion of a north/south alley that adjoined his property at 210 S. Polk Street. The alley sat between E. Chestnut and the unimproved portion of E. Elm Street and S. Polk Street and the unimproved portion of S. Van Street. Notices of the request were sent to all adjoining property owners to that alley notifying them of the request and informing them that they would have the option to purchase their portion(s), if approved. If interested in purchasing their portion(s), the property owners were requested to indicate so at City Hall prior to the meeting or to attend the meeting. Mr. Mitchell was present to help answer any questions.

Gregory Amerman owned 1501 E. Chestnut, and the alley in question adjoined this property. Mr. Amerman did not wish to see the alley closed, and he stated that he did not like being told he needed to purchase property that he was being taxed for. Councilwoman Henton replied that Mr. Amerman did not pay property taxes on the adjoining alley.

Mr. Mitchell clarified that his request was to close at least the portion of the alley that adjoined his property.

Mr. Amerman then asked why the City did not maintain the alley that they owned. Councilman McLaughlin replied that there were several platted alleys throughout the City that were not used for traffic. Mr. Amerman also believed that the City did not bother to maintain a ditch they also dug behind the alley.

Mr. Amerman asked how much it would cost to purchase the alley. Mrs. Sterchi indicated that there was a gas easement in the alley, therefore any purchases would be $0.15 per square foot plus the cost of recording.

Councilwoman Henton asked what the opinion was of Mr. Mitchell’s neighbor directly to the east. Mr. Mitchell was not sure. Mrs. Sterchi told the Council she had not received any correspondence from other neighbors.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2021-26 which would close both halves of the portion of the north/south alley behind 210 S. Polk Street only, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The ordinance would be drawn up by the City Attorney. Mrs. Sterchi would get in touch with Mr. Mitchell later in the week regarding payment.

8-B “Discussion/Possible Action: Boat Permit Fees” The Council was provided with a compilation from Councilwoman Fehrenbacher that listed suggestions that had been discussed at the October 25, 2021, meeting, a proposal from Utility Billing Clerk Lori Zimmerle, a proposal from Mayor Lambird, a proposal from Councilwoman Henton, and a list of considerations from the City Clerk’s office.

Councilman Eyer felt that the Council may be losing perspective as to why discussion on boat fees originated. He believed it was because of the eroding shorelines. Mayor Lambird disagreed. He believed it was due to some people not liking large boats. Councilwoman Henton said that the two topics went hand-in-hand.

Overall, Councilman Eyer knew that the purpose of increasing boat permit fees was to generate revenue that would allow for shoreline protection and maintenance. He wondered how much money was presently being spent for that purpose. Several of those present responded that no money was being spent for that purpose. All funds generated by boat permit fees, less the Preston Township surcharge, just went into the General Fund.

Councilman Eyer wondered how much money was needed for shoreline purposes. No one present knew the answer. The biggest area of concern currently was the area of East Fork Lake near Bird Haven.

Some of the considerations from the City Clerk Department included concerns that could hinder boat permit sales altogether. Councilman Eyer wondered if the proposals could be simplified but still meet the needs of the lakes.

Councilwoman Henton still did not like County Resident rates and the Non-Resident rates for those outside of Richland County. She felt that purchasers were either City of Olney taxpayers or they were not. Councilman Eyer understood, but noted that many County residents conducted a lot of business in Olney whereas some other tourists spend money in town during much more limited times. Councilwoman Henton then pointed out that several people with permanent addresses outside of the county spent their entire summers at the campgrounds. She also felt that it just created another category that would confuse people.

The Council then discussed whether or not to include the Preston Township surcharge in the presented fees or if they would be in addition to the fees. The Council decided that the fees should include the Preston Township surcharge.

Lauren McClain wished to speak as a County resident. She stated that many County residents spent a lot of money in the City, that many County residents worked in the City, and that several County residents also spent volunteer hours in the City trying to make it a better place. While she understood that County residents did not pay City property taxes, she thought the additional category was thoughtful.

The Council continued to review the proposals and made amendments.

There would no longer be a requirement to permit non-powered watercraft.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinance 2021-27 that would amend the City of Olney Municipal Code and assess the fees for boat permits as listed in the above schedule, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The ordinance will be created.

8-C “Resolution: Estimated Amount of 2021 Tax Levy” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would estimate the amount of the 2021 tax levy.

State statute required that the City Council establish the estimated amount of the tax levy at least 20 days prior to the passage of the tax levy ordinance. The proposed ordinance was scheduled to be heard by the Council at their meeting on December 13, 2021.

Mrs. Guinn explained that the proposed resolution estimated a tax levy consisting of a 4.99% increase for the City of Olney and a 4.99% increase for the Olney Public Library. Mrs. Guinn did not expect that the levy rates would end up at 4.99%, but the resolution would set that as a cap. Mrs. Guinn would have options to present to the Council at the next meeting.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve 2021-R-72, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-D “Resolution: Amend Resolution 2021-R-28 Accepting Bids for Chemicals for the Water Plant” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend 2021-R-28 and a copy of an e-mail sent to the Water Plant Supervisor from Brenntag Mid-South, Inc.

Mr. Barker told the Council that the City had been notified that the supplier of poly aluminum chloride had informed them that force majeure was now affecting the price of this chemical. Brenntag Mid-South had been absorbing numerous price increases over the past few months due to this and could no longer afford to absorb any more increases.

The price increase would be an additional $0.03 per pound or $16.95 per drum. Because these circumstances were affecting all manufacturers, it was not believed to be advantageous to re bid this item.

Councilwoman Henton recalled that another Water Plant chemical had the same situation come up a month or so prior. She wondered what the point in bidding was if the suppliers could just demand price increases. Mayor Lambird indicated that there were tremendous amounts of force majeure taking place in several industries. Councilman McLaughlin agreed.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2021-R-73, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-E “Request: East Fork Bassmasters Exceptions for Fishing Tournaments on East Fork Lake” The Council was provided with a memo from Mrs. Sterchi regarding fishing tournament exception requests for the East Fork Bassmasters (EF Bassmasters).

Mrs. Sterchi reminded the Council that the EF Bassmasters asked for a few exceptions each year, and this year’s requests were similar to those in the past.

The EF Bassmasters were hoping to have more than 30 boats for two tournaments, and they were also requesting to hold 7 tournaments instead of the allowable 6 tournaments at East Fork Lake.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve the tournament exceptions for the EF Bassmasters as presented, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-F “Resolution: Accept Donation from the Richland County Tennis Association as a Contribution Towards the Resurfacing Project at the Tennis Courts & Amend the 2021-2022 Budget” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept an $8,000.00 donation from the Richland County Tennis Association and amend the 2021-2022 budget.

Mrs. Guinn reminded the Council that at the last meeting, Gene Brauer had presented a check on behalf of the Richland County Tennis Association that was a contribution towards the tennis courts resurfacing project. The resolution would amend the budget to reflect the acceptance of the donation.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2021-R-74, seconded by Councilman Eyer. Councilwoman Henton, Councilmen McLaughlin, Eyer, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

AGENDA #9 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS” 

9-A “Status Report-City Manager” Mr. Barker told the Council that progress was being made on several of the current projects. He hoped that the Elliott Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project would finish by the end of the week.

Mr. Barker was also in receipt of correspondence from IDOT that they found that no historic properties would be affected by the proposed Cherry/Morgan Street project. Mr. Barker felt that it could be Spring of 2022 before work would begin on this project.

9-B “RCDC Report” RCDC Executive Director Lauren McClain told the Council that FlannelFest had taken place the prior Saturday. The event was well-attended, and she thanked the Council for their support.

9-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Mayor Lambird reminded those present that the Moonlight Madness event was coming up in December.

9-D “Parks & Recreation Board Report” There was no report.

9-E “Tourism Board Report” The Council was provided with a copy of a digital marketing recap and a website recap from the ILLINOISouth Tourism Bureau. Councilwoman Henton told the Council that the annual visitors guide was being completed. She had also recently attended the quarterly meeting of the Tourism Board, and she said that Bureau employees wished that every county had a “Kelsie” because they could depend on Mrs. Sterchi for their work with Olney.

Councilman McLaughlin said that the RCHS Interact Club was putting together the Christmas Parade that would take place on November 27, 2021.

Mayor Lambird stated that the new owners of The Arcadia were very impressed with the turn out at FlannelFest. Over 500 people attended the event. The owners were very excited to be in Olney and felt great support.

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

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 Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 7:27 p.m.

AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Councilman McLaughlin moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 7:41 p.m.

12-A “Discussion/Possible Action: Employee Compensation” The Council had discussed their appreciation for employees’ dedication to the City during the tough pandemic. The City Manager had suggested three options for the Council to consider regarding a COVID-appreciation bonus that could be given to the full-time employees this holiday season versus the traditional $50.00 in SOS Bucks.

Overall, the Council seemed most interested in Option 3 which would provide a bonus to full-time employees through payroll in the amount of $500.00. There was a possibility that ARPA funds could be used for this purpose. If not, the bonus could come from the General Fund.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to authorize a one-time $500.00 COVID-appreciation bonus to full-time employees, and to use ARPA funds if possible, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

12-B “Discussion/Possible Action: City Park Walking Trail Signage” Carle Richland Memorial Hospital (CRMH) was interested in donating $50,000.00 to be used towards lighting, and possibly a few other amenities, at the new multi-use trail in the City Park. As a condition of the contribution, CRMH requested that the trail be named the Carle Trail. They request a sign with that name and a tagline to read “Encouraging Health & Wellness”. The proposed location of the sign would be near the entry road to the northern park of the park that comes off of the circle drive.

Councilman Eyer was apprehensive to the request. He felt that the proposed signage would give the impression that CRMH had footed the bill on the entire project. Councilwoman Henton agreed.

Councilman Eyer had no problem with some signage acknowledging the CRMH contribution, but felt that the City had been so invested in the project that it did not seem right to put CRMH front and center.

Mr. Barker informed the Council that there would be additional signage acknowledging the OSLAD grant and the City of Olney.

Councilman McLaughlin had no problem with CRMH’s request. He also added that it was not uncommon for features to be named after a sponsor or a donor to a project.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve naming the multi-use trail in the City Park the Carle Trail and to accept the proposed sign design and placement, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. Mayor Lambird, Councilwoman Henton, and Councilman McLaughlin voted yes. Councilman Eyer voted no. The motion carried.

Before adjourning, Mayor Lambird told the Council that Mrs. McClain had been extremely instrumental in the planning and execution of FlannelFest. He wished for his appreciation to be noted.

AGENDA #13 “ADJOURN” With no further business to discuss, Councilman McLaughlin moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

https://www.ci.olney.il.us/cc%20Nov%208%202021.pdf