East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met March 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The March 13, 2023, meeting of the Olney City Council was called to order at 6:00 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. Jeff Belmear 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 Council Meeting on February 27, 2023”

4-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable March 14, 2023” Pooled Cash $99,149.18, Pooled Cash $114,844.87, Foreign Fire $1,146.50, Cemetery Perpetual Care $9,542.50, MFT $1,944.45, IMRF $19,898.93, Christmas Light Display $25.26, Route 130 TIF $23,471.25, South Olney TIF $260.00

4-C “Raffle License: Mentor Richland County”

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 Fehrenbacher 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 “Discussion/Possible Action: Ordinance 2022-12 & the Development Agreement with Brad A. Ederer, Rebecca S. Ederer, and B & B Transport, LLC.” The Council was provided with a copy of Ordinance 2022-12 and the development agreement with Brad A. Ederer, Rebecca S. Ederer, and B & B Transport, LLC. Mr. Ederer was present to speak with the Council.

The development agreement stated that a permanent structure of at least 6,000 square feet should be completely built and fully operational by February 28, 2023, but the facility was not yet operational. Mr. Ederer told the Council that the development was taking longer due to the process of getting electrical access from Ameren. Mr. Ederer expected that he would need 2 more months in order to have the facility fully operational.

Mr. Zuber did not believe that the extension for this purpose would be worth re-writing the entire development agreement. If the Council had no problem, they could acknowledge Mr. Ederer’s presentation and take no further action at this time. The Council was agreeable to Mr. Zuber’s suggestion.

8-B “Request: Class A Liquor License for Lucky Lord Inc./RK Pool Hall” The Council was provided with a liquor license application from Lucky Lord Inc. for the RK Pool Hall. Jasminkumar Patel was present to speak with the Council.

Mr. Patel distributed a proposed layout of the pool hall. He explained that the current RK Party Supply at 801 S. Whittle Avenue had a vacant part of the building that was not being used. He hoped to create a separate suite that would house a pool hall to include a bar, pool tables, arcade games, and video gaming terminals.

Councilman Eyer noted that according to the City’s description of a Class A liquor license, at least 50% of the establishment’s revenue would need to come from the sale of alcoholic liquor for consumption on the premises. The Councilman and Mr. Zuber had concern with who would monitor this percentage of revenue, if needed, and what the City would do if there was non-compliance.

Mr. Patel offered that he could submit reports as necessary.

The Council then discussed differences between Class A and Class V liquor licenses. Mayor Lambird noted that the distinguishing factor would be whether or not a majority of revenue was coming from the sale of alcohol or gaming.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve a Class A liquor license for Lucky Lord Inc./RK Pool Hall, seconded by Mayor Lambird.

Councilman Eyer pointed out that the City already had 15 establishments that offered video gaming. If this license was approved, that would total 85 video gaming machines in Olney. He felt that with more opportunities to gamble, then people would only be losing more money. He also felt that most of these losses were coming from the citizens of Olney.

Councilman McLaughlin did not approve of the State’s actions to make gaming available to establishments with liquor licenses that offered on-premise alcohol consumption. He felt it would be difficult to control the gaming options unless the City limited the number of Class V liquor licenses.

Councilman Eyer disagreed. He felt that the City could control the gaming by way of liquor licenses in general. Already, Olney had about 24 places where alcohol could be purchased. He wondered how many establishments were really needed in a municipality of Olney’s size.

Mayor Lambird reminded the Councilman that a municipal election was forthcoming in April and that the makeup of the Council would soon be changing.

To the motion made above, Councilman McLaughlin and Mayor Lambird voted yes. Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, Henton, and Councilman Eyer voted no. The motion failed.

8-C “Possible Ordinance: Amend Section 5.12.070 (Restriction on Number of Licenses Authorized) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” Because item 8-B was not approved, no action was needed on this item.

8-D “Resolution: Accept Bid for the Musgrove Aquatic Center Roof Replacement Project” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a bid for the Musgrove Aquatic Center Roof Replacement Project.

Mr. Barker explained that bids were opened for this project on March 9, 2023, with 2 bids received. D.E. Martin Roofing Co. Inc. bid $46,992.00, and J&F Chiantello Construction bid $95,325.00. It was recommended to accept the low bid from D.E. Martin Roofing Co. Inc.

Depending on how quickly the project could be completed, Mr. Barker noted that it was possible that a budget amendment would be needed this fiscal year. If not, the project cost would be reflected in the 2023-2024 budget.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2023-R-18, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-E “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.

Mrs. Guinn reminded the Council that this transfer was recommended each year and would reimburse the General Fund for time spent by the City Clerk on tourism.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve 2023-R-19, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-F “Resolution: Amend the City of Olney Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend multiple items in 2022-2023 budget.

Mrs. Guinn explained that Project Community had $430,000.00 worth of Splash Pad donations that had been given to the City so that the City could pay invoices. The entire amount would likely not be spent in the current fiscal year, so the remaining portions would be carried over into the new budget.

Like with the Splash Pad, the White Squirrel Pickleball Association had $410,000.00 in provided donations so that the City could also pay invoices. This entire amount would also not be spent in the current year, so remaining portions would be carried over into the next budget.

Additionally, the original budget for the Whittle Avenue railroad crossing improvements had been $40,000.00. An additional $246,617.00 was approved by the Council as pre-payment to CSX for this project. The City should be reimbursed for this additional amount, but that would likely not be until the next fiscal year.

Lastly, work done to help repair some cemetery headstones had came in about $3,375.00 more than expected, so funds would need to be moved from the Perpetual Care Fund to cover this difference.

Councilwoman Henton moved to approve 2023-R-20, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

8-G “Discussion/Possible Action: Enterprise Zone” The Council was provided with a copy of an e-mail regarding residential incentives that had been approved for Effingham’s Enterprise Zone.

Mayor Lambird told the Council that Enterprise Zones could be amended to now include 20 square miles instead of 15. Richland County shared its Enterprise Zone with Jasper County, and Mayor Lambird was in full support to increase its square footage. He believed that those in Jasper County also felt the same way.

Effingham also amended their Enterprise Zone to include residential properties. Mayor Lambird also strongly supported such an amendment to Richland County’s and Jasper County’s Enterprise Zone. If the Council was also in support, then principals from the taxing bodies would need to be met with to discuss the proposal.

Councilman Eyer asked how much such amendments would cost the City. Mayor Lambird replied that the cost could total between $25,000.00 and $35,000.00, but he pointed out that cost would be shared with Jasper County.

Councilman Eyer asked if the proposed incentives were adequate for area developers. Mayor Lambird believed so. The incentives were not just on new construction, either. New construction would see some property tax abatements, but residential rehabilitation projects that totaled $50,000.00 or more would also be eligible for sales tax exemptions on certain materials.

Councilman McLaughlin also encouraged residential construction in order to support the City’s tax base. Additionally, he also encouraged other possible incentives that could incentivize residential development.

Overall, the Council seemed to be in favor of moving forward with amending its Enterprise Zone.

8-H “Discussion/Possible Action: Authorization to Submit a Grant Application for Lead Service Line Inventory through the IEPA” Mr. Bridges told the Council that all services lines in the City were required to be inventoried by April of 2024. A Lead Service Line Inventory Grant was available through the IEPA that could assist with this project. The grant could provide up to $40,000.00. The City had about 4,700 services, and such a project would take quite a bit of time.

Mayor Lambird asked if the City had inventoried any lines. From the audience, Water Distribution Supervisor Brandon Williams indicated so. Some lines had been inventoried, and the ones that had been would not need to be re-done.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to authorize submission of a grant application for Lead Service Line Inventory through the IEPA, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #9 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”

9-A “Status Report-City Manager” The Council was provided with a Status Report from the City Manager.

Mr. Barker reported that the start date for the Whittle Avenue railroad improvements was still slated for May 1, 2023, but that would be dependent on receipt of needed materials.

Mr. Barker also reported that the Fire Department had been awarded a $25,000.00 grant to be used towards additional equipment and turnout gear.

9-B “RCDC Report” New RCDC Executive Director Shelly Herman introduced herself and wished to give the Council a brief report. She stated that the townhouse development project with North Arrow Partners was still pending. The organization would know in the early Summer whether or not they would receive necessary funding. Additionally, Nextlink Internet had closed on the Gayer property off of Union Drive and had recently purchased the Bspeedy internet business.

The Council welcomed Mrs. Herman.

9-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher said that the upcoming Ladies Night Out event was sold out.

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

9-E “Tourism Board Report” Councilwoman Henton said that the Tourism Bureau was working on events for the 2024 eclipse. The center point for the eclipse would be in Albion.

AGENDA #10 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” From the audience, Herb Meeker wished to speak. Mr. Meeker said that he was a reporter for the Hometown Register and that he would be adding Richland County to his coverage area. Mr. Meeker complimented the flow of this evening’s meeting and said that he would be fair to the City.

From the audience, Bryce Fehrenbacher approached the Council. Mr. Fehrenbacher reported that in 2013, the City had 7 establishments that offered gaming with a total of 32 machines. At that time, the City received a revenue of $39,000.00. Last year, the City had 16 establishments with 82 machines. The City received a revenue of $240,000.00.

AGENDA #11 “2023/2024 BUDGET DISCUSSIONS”

11-A “Water Fund” Mrs. Guinn forecasted revenue in the Water Fund for the next fiscal year to total $1,952,280.00 with expense totaling $2,212,941.00. While this appeared to be unfavorable by ($260,661.00), she pointed out that the Glenwood/Franklin Waterline Project costs would be carried over from the current fiscal year into the next.

Mrs. Guinn had left projected income from water and sewer rates the same as she did not expect any upcoming increases.

For Capital, the Water Plant was hoping to budget $35,000.00 for a pickup truck, $7,500.00 for siding, and $12,500.00 for a riding mower.

Capital for Water Distribution included a $100,000.00 placeholder for necessary waterline repair, $303,229.00 for the Glenwood/Franklin Waterline Replacement Project, $65,000.00 for a hydrovac trailer, and $3,400.00 for e-billing.

Councilman Eyer asked how the hydrovac trailer would be used. Mr. Williams replied that it would be used when digging up utility lines. It would work similar to a power washer to blast through and suck up dirt. Currently, the Department used the Sewer Department’s vac truck, when necessary, but it was not as sufficient as what the Department needed.

Councilman Eyer asked if the machine would be used often. Mr. Williams indicated so.

Councilman Eyer then asked if the billing fee would still be necessary on e-bills. Mrs. Guinn replied that the billing fee would still be necessary. That helped to pay for salaries related to the administration of the bills as a whole.

11-B “Sewer Fund” For the Sewer Fund, Mrs. Guinn anticipated revenue in the new fiscal year to total $2,389,545.00 with $2,827,253.00 in expenses.

Capital Outlay would include $349,165.00 for the UV Disinfection Project, $35,000.00 for a pickup truck, $33,000.00 for a blower motor, a $30,000.00 placeholder for necessary sewer line repairs, $11,000.00 for the filter building wet well pump, $60,000.00 for the Wayne Street lift station, and $3,400.00 for e-billing.

Another project listed in Capital Outlay would be the Sanitary Sewer Relining Project at $1,260,470.00. Mrs. Guinn pointed out that a $500,000.00 grant would be received for this project, so the City would only be expending $760,470.00 of its own funds.

11-C “Tourism Fund” In the Tourism Fund, Mrs. Guinn would expect a revenue of $118,115.00 with expenses at $67,520.00.

Councilman McLaughlin recalled that the Tourism Grant Program had been suspended a few years ago so that the program could be re-worked. He wondered if that program could yet be re instated.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher remembered meeting with Councilwoman Henton and Mr. Barker about that topic a few years ago. Councilwoman Henton said that at that time, they believed that keeping the program on hold would be wise in order to see how the obligations would unfold related to the Arcadia agreement. Since the status of that agreement was also pending, Councilwoman Fehrenbacher felt that the Tourism Grant Program could be re-visited.

Councilman Eyer asked why the Cummins Municipal Band was not included in the Tourism budget. Mrs. Guinn replied that was because the City levied for the Band’s expenses and it had its own budget.

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 Henton moved to adjourn to closed session to discuss the sale or lease price of real property; acquisition of real property; appointment, employment, compensation, an performance of specific employees; and collective negotiating matters, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:45 p.m.

AGENDA #13 “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 6:53 p.m.

Councilman Eyer told the Council that the contract with the Cummins Municipal Band had expired in 1983 and was authorized by an ordinance from 1937. He was aware that the City levied anywhere from $6,500.00 to $8,000.00 per year for the Band. He felt that a current contract should be in place so the City had some sort of governance over the funding. The Councilman offered to speak with Band President Don Graham about bringing the old contract up to speed. The Council was agreeable to have Councilman Eyer begin a conversation with Mr. Graham.

AGENDA #14 “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 6:56 p.m.

https://cms2.revize.com/revize/olneynew/cc%20Mar%2013%202023%202.pdf