East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Jan. y.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The January 8, 2024, 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. Jason Burkhartt led the group in prayer.

Mayor Lambird then addressed Agenda #4. Sergeant Schlick had passed away on January 2, 2024. Sergeant Schlick was a police officer for the City of Olney for 17 years. Mayor Lambird called for a Moment of Silence in remembrance.

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 Attorney Bart Zuber, and City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi.

AGENDA #4 “MOMENT OF SILENCE – POLICE SERGEANT (WILLIAM) JOSHUA SCHLICK” Actions related to this item were taken under Agenda #2.

AGENDA #5 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public wished to speak.

AGENDA #6 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”

6-A “Approve Minutes of the Council Meeting on December 11, 2023”

6-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable December 26, 2023, & January 9, 2024” Pooled Cash $217,229.67, Manual Pooled Cash $137,379.99, Utility Refunds $1,605.17, IMRF $122,238.28, Cochran Cemetery Flowers $255.00, Fire Pension $8,896.00, Police Pension $11,549.00, Tourism $1,650.00, Christmas Light Display $2,258.22, Route 130 TIF $37,084.74, Olney Business District $49.50

6-C “Appointment of Derek Mason to the Library Board”

6-D “Payment Request: Storm Sewer & Culvert Relining Project”

6-E “Raffle License: Olney Memorial VFW Post #4226”

AGENDA #7 “REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from the consent agenda.

AGENDA #8 “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 #9 “CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from the consent agenda.

AGENDA #10 “PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.” 10-A “Request/Possible Ordinance: Closure of the North/South Alley Between St. John Street and W. Butler Street & N. Woodlawn Street and N. West Street” The Council was provided with a request letter from Kevin Ochs, President & CEO of First National Bank in Olney (FNBO), and a satellite image of the alley proposed for closure.

FNBO was requesting full closure of the alley listed above in order for them to continue their expansion/new building plans. The bank owned property on both sides of this alley, so no notices were sent out to any other property owners. If approved, the fee would be $0.25 per square foot, plus the $91.00 recording fee since no apparent easements were located in this alley.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve Ordinance 2024-01, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The City Attorney would draft this ordinance.

10-B “Resolution: Approve Final Plat of Northfield Subdivision” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would approve the final plat of Northfield Subdivision, a copy of the draft minutes from the Plan Commission meeting held on January 2, 2024, and a copy of the proposed final plat.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve 2024-R-01, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-C “Resolution: Accept Bid for Demolition of 207 N. Saratoga Street & Amend the 2023-2024 Budget” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a bid for the demolition of 207 N. Saratoga Street and amend the 2023-2024 budget. The Council was also provided with detail in relation to code enforcement issues at this property, as provided by Code Enforcement Officer Dallas Colwell.

Mr. Colwell told the Council that this property had been a problem property for quite some time with several complaints having been received. He had been working on this property for approximately the past four years.

After a structure fire at this address last year, the property owners signed over ownership of this property to the City, and the City could now demolish the property and remove this eyesore.

A total of five bids had been received with Steve Hemrich, of Noble, Illinois, submitting the low bid in the amount of $5,800.00. Mr. Colwell recommended approval of this low bid.

While the demolition price was only $1,198.00 over what Mr. Colwell had remaining in his budget, costs related to asbestos abatement would total another $1,590.00. Even so, Mr. Colwell stated that the City has spent more money than that trying to get this property into compliance over the years.

Mrs. Guinn added that funds for the budget amendment would come out of Contingencies.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2024-R-02, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-D “Ordinance: Establish Stop Sign on Clem Street for Cottage Hill Road – Linn Street” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize a stop sign on Clem Street for Cottage Hill Road (turning south) or Linn Street (turning north). The Council was also provided with a satellite image of the area.

Mr. Barker explained that this stop sign request was at the recommendation of the Street Department and the Police Department due to the number of accidents taking place at this location.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinance 2024-02, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-E “Discussion/Possible Action: Enterprise Zone Residential Incentives” The Council was provided with a listing of possible residential Enterprise Zone benefits as prepared by Mr. Colwell. Mr. Colwell was also the City’s Enterprise Zone Administrator.

Mr. Colwell reported that Jasper County was also ready to move forward with Enterprise Zone amendments that would allow for additional square mileage and residential benefits. Mr. Colwell recalled that the Council seemed to have no issues on the previously-discussed list of proposed incentives other than benefits related to remodels.

The City would not be required to offer benefits related to remodels. If they did wish to offer benefits, a minimum investment amount would need to be established. Mr. Colwell felt that a minimum investment of $50,000.00 for remodels would be sensible considering the amount of paperwork involved.

Mayor Lambird asked what types of remodeling work could be completed at $50,000.00. Mr. Colwell did not believe that it would take much work to hit $50,000.00, especially with labor costs. The Council could also decide if minimum dollar amounts would be for material only or materials and labor.

Councilman Eyer believed that a minimum investment of $50,000.00 for materials only would be appropriate.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher commented that she had not be a big fan of offering benefits for remodels. If the City did such, she would be more in favor of setting the minimum investment amount at $75,000.00 for materials and labor.

Mr. Colwell noted that commercial benefits included both materials and labor. It would be simpler for him to have that match for residential, but it did not need to match.

Mayor Lambird wanted residential benefits to also incentivize individuals that would be doing work on their own. He felt that high minimum investment amounts could put certain parts of town out of reach for having these incentives utilized in areas where they were needed the most.

Mayor Lambird asked what minimum investment that Jasper County established. Mr. Colwell had last heard that Jasper County would be setting theirs at $10,000.00.

Mr. Barker asked if property tax abatements would be pro-rated over five years. Mr. Colwell indicated that property tax abatements would be eligible only on new construction and not for remodels.

Mr. Zuber added that the only benefits offered for remodels would be the sales tax exemptions. Mr. Colwell indicated that Enterprise Zone benefits were only offered on projects where building permit applications had been submitted. While the City did not require building permits on remodels, individuals could still submit the applications in order to be eligible for the benefits. Another benefit in this instance would be the waiver of building permit fees.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher did not believe that interior remodeling gave any real gain to the City. Councilwoman Eichhorst felt that a gain to the City would be higher property values if the residences should sell. Mayor Lambird added that there was also a potential to stabilize some neighborhoods in the long run.

Councilwoman Eichhorst offered to meet in the middle between Councilwoman Fehrenbacher and Councilman Eyer’s suggestions. She offered a minimum investment amount of approximately $65,000.00.

Mayor Lambird pointed out that it was also possible that not many people would apply for residential remodeling benefits anyhow. Mr. Colwell confirmed and noted that some individuals did not want to have to publicly report certain information.

Councilman Eyer moved to establish a minimum investment amount of $50,000.00, for materials only, on residential remodel benefits with the Enterprise Zone, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-F “Resolution: Accept Quote for Pump Repair of the Park Lift Station, Waive Formal Bidding Procedures, & Amend the 2023-2024 Budget” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a quote for pump repair of the Park lift station, waive formal bidding procedures, and amend the 2023-2024 budget. The Council was also provided with copies of quotes received for pump repair and pump replacement.

Mrs. Guinn told the Council that one of the pumps at the Park lift station had gone down. The pump could be replaced at a cost of $66,730.89 with an 8 to10-week timeframe for the repair work. It was believed that the pump repair should last about 10 years. The other best option would be to spent $85,200.00 on a new pump with a 20 to 22-week lead time.

Mr. Barker and the Sewer Department Supervisor had recommended going with the pump repair. If going that route, a budget amendment of $70,000.00 would be needed with funds coming out of reserves in the Sewer Fund.

Councilman Eyer and Councilwoman Fehrenbacher were curious if a new pump would have a better life expectancy and what kind of warranties would be offered. Mr. Barker was unsure about warranty on a new pump but stated that the repair would have a 90-day warranty.

Mrs. Guinn pointed out that the other pump at the Park lift station had been repaired about five years ago and it had experienced no problems since.

Mr. Barker added that if the pump was not repaired, the City would be charged an additional $3,500.00 for inspection and disassembly.

Councilman Eyer seemed more in favor of purchasing a new pump unless the new pump was also only expected to last another 10 years. Mayor Lambird believed that this pump was originally put in around the year 2011.

Councilman Eyer asked how urgent it was to have both pumps running on this lift station. Mr. Barker replied that both pumps would need to be online as soon as possible in order to appropriately handle the volume.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2024-R-03, authorizing the pump repair option, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-G “Resolution: Accept Quote & Waive Formal Bidding Procedures for 50% Sodium Hydroxide for the Olney Wastewater Treatment Plant” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a quote and waive formal bidding procedures for 50% sodium hydroxide at the Olney Wastewater Treatment Plant (Sewer Plant). The Council was also provided with three quotes for this chemical.

Mrs. Guinn told the Council that the Sewer Plant had received notice from the EPA that they were out of compliance on zinc levels. In order to come into compliance, 50% sodium hydroxide (caustic) would be needed for treatments. It was recommended to approve the quote from Hawkins, Inc., in the amount of $0.325 per pound because they would not also assess a transport fee since the Sewer Plant was already purchasing another chemical from them. A budget amendment would also be needed at a later time once the City had a better idea of how much of this chemical would be needed.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve 2024-R-04, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-H “Ordinance: Amend a Residential Development Assistance Program” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend a Residential Development Assistance Program as originally set by Ordinance 2017-61.

At the November 13, 2023, Council meeting, the Council had discussed the possibility of amending this Program in order to raise reimbursable amounts from sewer and water installations from $7,000.00 to $10,000.00 per lot and to lengthen the expiration of the agreement with developers from 10 years to 15 years.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve Ordinance 2024-03.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher recalled discussing the possibility of lowering the minimum square footage amount from 1,600 square feet to 1,500 square feet. Mr. Barker advised that he had been assured that 1,600 square feet was appropriate.

Councilman Eyer wondered if it would be appropriate to lower the square footage to 1,200 in order to accommodate for building of “golden-year” homes. Mr. Colwell advised that the average square footage in the area was easily between 1,600 to 1,800 square feet.

Councilman Eyer seconded the motion made above. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-I “Resolution: Amend the City of Olney Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 for the East Fork Trails” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend the 2023-2024 budget for work done at the East Fork Trails.

Mr. Barker explained that the White Squirrel Saddle Club had offered to complete some much-needed work on the East Fork Trails if the City would reimburse material costs. A budget amendment in the amount of $5,931.00 was being requested for this purpose.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2024-R-05, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #1 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS” 11-A “Status Report-City Manager” The Council was provided with a Status Report from the City Manager.

Mr. Barker reminded the Council that the 2024-2025 budget work session would take place at 4:00 p.m. on January 22, 2024, before the regularly-scheduled Council meeting.

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

11-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that the Chocolate Tour was scheduled for February 9, 2024. Ladies Night was also being planned for March and would have a theme of “Back to the 80s.”

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

11-E “Tourism Board Report” There was no report.

AGENDA #12 “CLOSED SESSION: SALE OR LEASE PRICE OF REAL PROPERTY; ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY; AND APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, AND PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES” Councilman Eyer moved to adjourn to closed session to discuss the sale or lease price of real property; acquisition of real property; and appointment, employment, compensation, and performance of specific employees, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:25 p.m.

AGENDA #13 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Councilman Eyer moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 6:37 p.m.

13-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Session on December 11, 2023” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve minutes of closed session from December 11, 2023, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

Before adjourning, Councilman Eyer expressed his concern with traffic flow at the intersection of Market Street and S. Fair Street. He felt that this intersection was dangerous and wondered if a stop sign should also be placed on Market Street.

Mayor Lambird believed that only S. Fair Street had the stop sign because the traffic was higher coming from Market Street. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher agreed.

Councilman Eyer then wondered if the S. Fair Street stop sign could be larger or have LED lights added.

Mayor Lambird believed that signage should be considered when coming up with plans for the downtown improvements.

Mr. Barker believed that engineering work and a proposed layout for that project would be completed by early Spring or Summer. He believed that the City Engineer’s drafts would come to Council for review before a public hearing. The Council could then take action on the plans after the public hearing.

AGENDA #14 “ADJOURN” With no further business to discuss, Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.

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