East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Oct. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The October 23, 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. Joel Harrison led the group in prayer.

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

AGENDA #4 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public wished to speak.

AGENDA #5 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”

5-A “Approve Minutes of the Council Meeting on October 9, 2023”

5-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable October 24, 2023” Pooled Cash $374,454.42, Manual Pooled Cash $5,572.90, Liability Insurance $43,130.97, Unemployment Insurance $1,682.44, Workers Compensation Insurance $62,019.36, Tourism $275.00, Route 130 TIF $44.00

5-C “Raffle License: Claws & Paws”

AGENDA #6 “REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from the consent agenda.

AGENDA #7 “CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve the items on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #8 “CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from the consent agenda.

AGENDA #9 “PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.”

9-A “Resolution: Amend the City of Olney Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 for the Fire Department” The Council was provided with a copy of a proposed resolution that would amend the Fire Department budget.

Mrs. Guinn explained that Fire Chief Holmes had applied for a State Fire Marshal Grant last year. Grant revenue was not included in this year’s budget because it was not certain that the grant would be received. Grant funds had now been received with the Department purchasing needed equipment. The budget amendment would reflect receipt and disbursement of grant funds.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve 2023-R-75, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-B “Ordinance: Authorize Execution of an Illinois Water & Wastewater Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the execution of an Illinois Water & Wastewater Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement. The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed agreement.

Several years ago, the City entered into its original Illinois Water & Wastewater Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement. This particular agreement had been updated and the updated agreement needed to be formally adopted by the Council.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve Ordinance 2023-29, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #10 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”

10-A “Status Report-City Manager” Mr. Barker said that the bulk trash drop off event that was held over the weekend seemed to be an outstanding success. He gave a “hats off” to those individuals that coordinated the event such as Councilwoman Eichhorst, City staff, and community members.

Councilwoman Eichhorst said that she would like to see such an event offered twice per year. She would also like to be able to expand the types of acceptable items. Councilman Eyer agreed and specifically would like to see acceptance of hazardous material.

Councilwoman Eichhorst specifically thanked Street Department Supervisor Tyler Kocher and Street Department employee Ryan Higginbotham for their great work. She added that the new backhoe recently purchased by the City was very helpful. She also stated that members of the community brought donuts and pizza out to the volunteers.

10-B “RCDC Report” There was no report.

10-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that the Moonlight Madness event was being planned, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony was planned for November 22nd.

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

10-E “Tourism Board Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst would be attending a Tourism Board meeting later in the week. Additionally, she reported that Governor Pritzker had authorized a $15.4 million Tourism program that she hoped would help to improve new and existing Tourism.

Mayor Lambird noted that the Fall Market that had taken place in Bower Park on Saturday seemed to have a nice turnout.

AGENDA #11 “CLOSED SESSION: SALE OR LEASE PRICE OF REAL PROPERTY; ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY; AND APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, AND PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES” No closed session was needed.

AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” No closed session was needed.

Before adjourning, Councilman Eyer wished to remind the public that fruit, seeds, and nuts in City parks should not be removed. The Council had passed an ordinance last year that made such removal unlawful. The fruit, seeds, and nuts served as a food source for the squirrels.

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

The meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m.

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