East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Jan. 24.

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: Mark Lambird, John McLaughlin, Belinda Henton, Morgan Fehrenbacher, and Greg Eyer. Also present were City Manager Allen Barker, City Treasurer Jane Guinn, City Attorney Bart Zuber, City Engineer Mike Bridges, and City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi.

AGENDA #4 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”

4-A “Approve Minutes of the Special Council Meeting on January 10, 2022”

4-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable January 25, 2022” Pooled Cash $95,908.31, Manual Pooled Cash $2,907.92, MFT $16,256.00, Unemployment Insurance $410.63, Christmas Light Display150.65

4-C “Raffle License: Olney Quilt Guild”

4-D “Raffle License: Mentor Richland County”

4-E “Raffle License: Rolling Thunder IL 3”

4-F “Approval: Payment Request for the Elliott Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project”

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 “Request: Class B Liquor License for GK 2022, LLC., d.b.a. B&L Package Liquor” The Council was provided with a Class B liquor license application for GK 2022, LLC., d.b.a. B&L Package Liquor.

From the audience, Jayanti Patel approached the Council. He let them know that he would be the manager at the location.

Mrs. Sterchi explained that the request was necessary since the corporation name would be changing. Paperwork and background checks had been received for the new owner and manager. The individuals were also a part of the same family that had previous ownership.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve the Class B liquor license application for GK 2022, LLC., d.b.a. B&L Package Liquor, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-B “Request: Class B Liquor License for AG 2022, LLC., d.b.a. RK Party Supply” The Council was provided with a Class B liquor license application for AG 2022, LLC., d.b.a. RK Party Supply.

This liquor license request was being presented under the same circumstances as agenda item 8-A. The same owner and manager were applying for this liquor license.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve the Class B liquor license application for AG 2022, LLC., d.b.a. RK Party Supply, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-C “Ordinance: Amend Section 2.04.070 (Time of Meetings – Exception) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Section 2.04.070 (Time of Meetings – Exception) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.

Mr. Barker reminded the Council that at the last Council meeting, discussion had taken place about moving the time of the City Council meetings from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve Ordinance 2022-02, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-D “Discussion/Possible Ordinance: Amend Paragraph B of Section 5.40.040 (Filing of Application and Fee Provisions) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Paragraph B of Section 5.40.040 (Filing of Application and Fee Provisions) of the City of Olney Municipal Code. The Council was also provided with a Fact Sheet from IML regarding updates to video gaming laws.

At the last Council meeting, the Council had discussed raising the video gaming terminal fee from $25.00 per machine, per year, to $250.00 per machine, per year. The Council had interest in the fee increase, but was also curious if not-for-profit organizations could be exempt from the increases.

Mr. Zuber had not found any information that would prohibit the Council from providing a different fee structure for not-for-profits. Mr. Zuber expected that would be similar to the different classes of liquor licenses. For example, not-for-profit clubs (Class D) paid lesser amounts for their liquor licenses than other establishments.

Mayor Lambird reminded the Council that of the proposed $250.00 fee per terminal, $125.00 would be paid from the terminal operator and $125.00 would be paid from the terminal owner.

Councilman Eyer felt that the fee for not-for-profit organizations could stay at $25.00 per terminal, per year.

Councilwoman Henton recalled that Councilman Eyer was against video gaming. She felt that Councilman Eyer would be in favor of the increase as a deterrent.

Councilman Eyer stated that he had spoken with the local VFW and American Legion. The clubs would be willing to pay the higher fee, if necessary, but it would cut into their pockets. To Councilman Eyer, this meant that less would be going back into the community. Councilwoman Henton argued that several for-profit businesses also gave back to the community.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve Ordinance 2022-03, as presented, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. Councilmen Eyer, McLaughlin, Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, and Henton voted yes. Mayor Lambird abstained. The motion carried.

8-E “Ordinance: Amend Paragraph B of Section 12.32.030 (Annual License Fees) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Paragraph B of Section 12.32.030 (Annual License Fees) of the City of Olney Municipal Code. The Council was also provided with a request letter from Gerry & Jeane Geltz of Lakeside RV Park.

The letter from the Geltzes requested that the City allow authorized agents selling boat permits to charge an additional amount of $10.00 for each license sold as a service charge or commission as opposed to the currently allowed $5.00.

Councilman McLaughlin asked if The Holiday would be given the same permission if the request passed. Mrs. Sterchi confirmed.

Councilwoman Henton asked why Mr. Geltz was making the request. From the audience, Mr. Geltz replied that he was trying to offset the yearly boat dock fee that the City assessed as part of its lease.

Councilman Eyer asked how many boat slips were on the property. Mr. Geltz replied that there were about 14 slips.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2022-04, seconded by Mayor Lambird.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked Mr. Geltz if he felt that he would sell fewer boat stickers with the proposed increase. Mr. Geltz did not believe so.

Councilman McLaughlin did not have a problem with the request. Mr. Geltz was providing a service. If customers did not want to pay the additional charge, then they could purchase the permits at City Hall.

A majority affirmative voice vote was received with Councilwoman Henton voting no.

8-F “Resolution: Amend Resolution No. 2021-R-29 Accepting a Bid for Calcium Polysulfide 29% at the Wastewater Treatment Plant” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend 2021-R-29 which accepted a bid for Calcium Polysulfide 29% at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Mr. Barker told the Council that Chemstream., Inc., had notified the City that force majeure was now affecting the price of the Calcium Polysulfide 29% for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Chemstream had been absorbing numerous price increases over the past few months due to these circumstances, and they could no longer afford to absorb any more increases.

The price on the chemical would be increasing from $0.56 per pound to $0.66 per pound. Because these circumstances were affecting all manufacturers, it was not believed to be advantageous to re-bid this chemical.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2022-R-05, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-G “Discussion/Possible Action: Upcoming Road Projects” Councilman McLaughlin asked what the difference would be in resurfacing some streets with oil and chip versus asphalt.

Mr. Bridges indicated that depending on traffic from trash trucks, asphalt roads would last about 10 to 15 years. Oil and chip roads would need resealed every 3 to 5 years.

At the budget planning meeting to be held the next afternoon, Councilman McLaughlin wanted to discuss some future road projects. He wanted the process to get started as soon as possible on upcoming projects.

8-H “Resolution: Accept Quote for Highway Route 130 Manhole Repair, Waive Formal Bidding Procedures & Amend the 2021-2022 Budget” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a quote for Highway Route 130 manhole repair, waive formal bidding procedures, and amend the 2021-2022 budget.

Mr. Barker explained that three manholes along Highway Route 130 needed to have frames and lids removed and replaced. Kieffer Brothers Construction Co., Inc., of Mt. Carmel, Illinois submitted a quote in the amount of $19,400.00 to do the work. This work also included traffic control.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve 2022-R-06, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-I “Resolution: Accept Quote for a Partial Rebuild of the Foster Lift Station, Waive Formal Bidding Procedures & Amend the 2021-2022 Budget” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a quote for a partial rebuild of the Foster Lift Station, waive formal bidding procedures, and amend the 2021-2022 budget.

Recently, the Sewer Department had noticed that the amperage of the pumps was abnormally high at the Foster Lift Station. Not taking care of the issue would reduce the life of the pumps. Straeffer Pump & Supply, Inc., of Chandler, Indiana, submitted a quote in the amount of $19,895.00 to rebuild the pump base assembly and install new check valves.

Councilman McLaughlin recalled work being done on this lift station not long ago. Mr. Barker replied that the previous work was not a total rebuild and had only addressed pumps.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve 2022-R-07, 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” Mr. Barker had nothing additional to report.

9-B “RCDC Report” Mrs. McClain had nothing to report.

9-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher reported the Chocolate Tour was coming up on February 11, 2022, and tickets were currently on sale at the Chamber. The Ladies Night Out event was also coming up on March 10, 2022, and tickets were now available for purchase.

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

9-E “Tourism Board Report” Councilwoman Henton said that she would be attending the quarterly Tourism Board meeting via Zoom on Wednesday.

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 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, seconded by Councilwoman Henton. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 7:21 p.m.

AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Councilwoman Henton moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 8:02 p.m.

Mr. Barker was aware of some continued concern about semi trailers being parked and left along Herman Drive. Recently, portions of the road were inaccessible because someone was power washing their trailer at that location. Mr. Barker asked the Council if they had any suggestions.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher suggested placing signage, and Councilwoman Henton felt that an ordinance would be needed to support the signage.

The Council then discussed how some nearby businesses may be rightfully utilizing that area for trailers and that such prohibition could hinder their operations. Trailers with no affiliation would be more of a problem. The Council suggested finding out who owned the trailers for more information.

A couple of Council members had requested information from Mr. Barker regarding the lease with Little League. If any changes were to be made to the lease this year, then notice would need to be given soon. The City had received a bit over $2,600.00 from Little League since 2018. These funds came from 10% of the fees that Little League charged for third party tournaments.

Councilman McLaughlin still requested a part-time recreation director. He also felt that the dugouts were very unsafe. Mr. Barker stated that the Park Department Supervisor had notified him just the week before that the dugouts had been repaired.

12-A “Discussion/Possible Ordinance: Authorizing Execution of a Development Agreement Between the City of Olney and Brad A. Ederer & Rebecca S. Ederer, Individually, and as Authorized Agents of B&B Transport, LLC, and Execution of a Warranty Deed and a Mortgage and Acceptance of a Promissory Note Between the City of Olney and Brad A. Ederer and Rebecca S. Ederer” This topic was tabled.

12-B “Discussion/Possible Action: Road Work Near Industrial Parks” This topic was tabled.

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

The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.

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