East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Feb. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The February 12, 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. Roger Boyd led the group in prayer.

AGENDA #3 “ROLL CALL” The following Council members were present: Mark Lambird, John McLaughlin, Jack Eyer, and Julia Eichhorst. Morgan Fehrenbacher was absent. Also present were City Manager Allen Barker, City Treasurer Jane Guinn, City Engineer Mike Bridges, 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 Meetings on January 22, 2024 (Special & Regular), and February 1, 2024”

5-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable February 13, 2024” Pooled Cash $113,386.81, Manual Pooled Cash $101,063.98, Utility Refunds $799.97, Walnut/Main Storm Sewer $16,550.00, IMRF $23,109.56, Christmas Light Display $2,105.63, Route 130 TIF $1,254.50, Olney Business District $66.00

5-C “Request: Closure of Whittle Avenue, from Market Street to Chestnut Street, on August 3, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to Midnight for the 4th Annual Pig & Swig”

5-D “Raffle License: Olney Little League”

5-E “Raffle License: First National Bank in Olney – Mentor Richland County”

5-F “Raffle License: Noble Rod & Gun Club”

5-G “Raffle License: Olney Chamber of Commerce (50/50)”

5-H “Raffle License: Olney Chamber of Commerce (BINGO)”

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

AGENDA #7 “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 #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 “Ordinance: Authorize Execution of Lease Between the City of Olney and Richland County Farm & Fair Association, Inc.” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize a lease with the Richland County Farm & Fair Association, Inc. (Fair Board) and a copy of the proposed lease.

The State of Illinois required that leased fairground areas must have a lease with a term of no more than 20 years. To keep the Fair Board in compliance, the Council should renew this lease each year.

Fair Board President Doug Westall provided the Council with information regarding Fair Board activities. He stated that the Spring Crash would take place on May 18th. Additionally, the fireworks show on July 4th was going to be a spectacular show. He appreciated the City’s additional contributions.

The Fair itself would take place July 19th through July 27th. A new carnival would be utilized that would bring 18 rides. The carnival was “top notch.” The first Friday evening of the Fair would be for the Truck Pulls with Tractor Pulls taking place on Saturday. Sunday would be Family Fun Day and would include inflatables that would be free for kids to enjoy. Monday evening would be the Queen Pageant, Tuesday evening would be Go-Karts with the Talent Show taking place at the Band Shell. Wednesday evening would be the Rodeo, Thursday evening would be Mud Bogs, Friday evening would be Motocross, Saturday evening would be the Demo Derby, and Sunday morning offer a Horse Show.

Councilwoman Eichhorst asked what a Mud Bog event would entail. Mr. Westall replied that the track would be dug down about two feet and then filled with water. Side-by-sides and four-wheelers would run all throughout the area. He noted that the event would not be dangerous. Only one vehicle would be allowed down the track at a time.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2024-07, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-B “Request: Waiver of Ball Field Use Fees for a Fundraiser” The Council had recently made changes regarding use of the ball fields and one of the changes was that the City would charge a fee of $50 per team, per tournament, if teams were required to pay in order to participate. Drew Pottorff was present to speak to the Council regarding the waiver of these fees for a fundraiser.

Mr. Pottorff told the Council that three years ago, a group provided financial help to him and his family as his wife passed from cancer. After that, Mr. Pottorff was inspired to help families in need each year. Each year since his wife’s passing, Mr. Pottorff held a fundraising ball tournament with the proceeds going to a local family in need.

Councilman Eyer asked which family would be the recipient of this year’s fundraiser. Mr. Pottorff replied that a family had yet to be selected since he was not sure if a waiver would be granted for this purpose. When able, Mr. Pottorff and his son would put information on Facebook requesting ideas for beneficiaries.

From the audience, Ean Pottorff stated that the prior year’s fundraising tournament had generated about $4,000.00.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve a waiver of ball field use fees for Mr. Pottorff’s fundraiser, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-C “Ordinance: Amend Section 2.04.310 (Prerequisites) of Article III (Electronic Attendance at Meetings Rule) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Section 2.04.310 (Prerequisites) of Article III (Electronic Attendance at Meetings Rule) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.

Public Act 103-311 had amended Section 7(a) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act which would now permit a public body member to attend a meeting electronically due to unexpected childcare obligations. Mr. Barker reminded the Council that the Code had been reflecting the permissible reasons for electronic attendance as per the Illinois Open Meetings Act. This new provision would simply amend the Code to match the update.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinance 2024-08, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-D “Discussion/Possible Action: Authorization to Apply for a FEMA Grant for a Ladder Truck” Fire Chief Holmes approached the Council to ask for authorization to apply for a FEMA grant that would go towards the purchase of a ladder truck. The Chief reminded the Council that he asked for permission each year to apply for FEMA grants for needs of the Department. During the budget work session meeting held in January, Chief Holmes explained a high ticket need for a ladder truck within the next 5 years. He anticipated a cost of about $1,800,000.00, and felt that this FEMA grant would be helpful.

If awarded, the highest grant award amount would be $1,000,000.00 and the City would be obligated to a 5% match in addition to any remaining amounts.

If the Council was not interested in this first suggestion, Chief Holmes would instead ask the Council for approval to apply for a FEMA grant to replace the exhaust system at the Fire Station. The current system was about 20 years old and needed replaced. The estimated cost of this project would be $60,000.00. If awarded the $60,000.00, the Council would still be required to contribute a 5% match.

Councilman McLaughlin asked when the last time was that the City was awarded a FEMA grant. Chief Holmes believed the last one was awarded around 2008 or 2009 for a tanker.

Councilman Eyer asked how long the current ladder truck could be certified. Chief Holmes indicated that the truck was certified annually. If the truck remained repairable, he believed it would be quite a while before it was unable to be certified. Even so, the current ladder truck was old and came with disadvantages of age. Because of its age, it was usually the third truck out.

Councilman Eyer moved to authorize application for a FEMA grant for a ladder truck, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-E “Resolution: Accept Quote for Police Department Drone, Waive Formal Bidding Procedures, & Amend the 2023-2024 Budget” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a quote for a Police Department drone, waive formal bidding procedures, and amend the 2023-2024 budget. The Council was also provided with a $13,479.55 quote from Unmanned Vehicle Technologies of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Mr. Barker reminded the Council that the City had received an insurance claim payment from the Fire Department’s total loss on their drone in the amount of $9,924.50. Since the Fire Department was not interested in a replacement, the claim funds would go towards the purchase of this drone for the Police Department.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2024-R-12, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-F “Discussion/Possible Ordinance: Amend Section 12.16.100 (Hunting) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a copy of Section 12.16.100 (Hunting) of the City of Olney Municipal Code, and a memo from City Attorney Bart Zuber.

Water Plant/Park Department Supervisor Frank Bradley approached the Council and told them that he had recently received a phone call from an individual asking if he could launch a kayak on the east side of St. Marie Road in order to duck hunt. As the City Code and State law currently stood, this would be allowable, but Mr. Bradley had concerns. He felt that the Council should be aware of the situation in order to consider any changes that they may want to make to the hunting ordinance.

Councilman McLaughlin asked if the City owned the portion of the lake on the east side of St. Marie Road. Mr. Bradley confirmed.

Councilman Eyer asked if there were nearby residences. Mr. Bradley also confirmed this.

Councilman Eyer felt that this could turn into a safety issue. Mr. Bradley said that State law read that waterfowl hunting would be permissible as long as there was no discharging within 100 yards of a home or shooting over a roadway.

Councilman Eyer asked if the City’s ordinance could be stricter than State law. Mr. Bradley confirmed. He then added that enforcement may become an issue.

Councilwoman Eichhorst asked how long of a distance bird shot could travel. Councilman Eyer believed that bird shot would not go more than 100 yards.

The Council would look into the issue and may present the topic for action at a future meeting.

9-G “Resolution: Authorize Execution of a Professional Service/Consultant Agreement for the Sanitary Sewer Relining Grant” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize the execution of a Professional Service/Consultant Agreement with Charleston Engineering for the Sanitary Sewer Relining Project and grant. The Council was also provided with the proposed agreement.

Mr. Barker stated that this agreement was a grant requirement which would authorize Charleston Engineering to conduct necessary work in relation to the project.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2024-R-13, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-H “Ordinance: Authorize Execution of Second Amendment to Redevelopment Agreement Dated October 26, 2017” This topic was tabled until the next regular Council meeting.

9-I “Request: Final Contribution for the White Squirrel Blackout 2024/Eclipse Event” The Council was provided with a budget for the upcoming eclipse as provided by the Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. Sterchi explained that the Chamber had originally believed that they would need a $40,000.00 contribution from the City for events related to the upcoming eclipse. Last Summer, the City issued a $10,000.00 deposit. The Chamber now felt that they would only need a total of $30,000.00, so they were requesting for the City to issue payment for an additional $20,000.00. Funds would come out of the Tourism budget.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to issue a $20,000.00 payment to the Chamber of Commerce out of the Tourism Fund, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-J “Resolution: Amend the 2023-2024 Tourism Budget for Fireworks Contributions” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend the Tourism budget for fireworks contributions.

At the budget work session meeting, Mayor Lambird had expressed interest in providing $15,000.00 per year for the fireworks show that was put on by the Fair Board. For the past few couple of years, the City had been contributing $5,500.00. The City had already paid the $5,500.00 that was budgeted this fiscal year, but the Mayor wished to go ahead and issue an additional $15,000.00 to the Fair Board now in order for them to secure pricing. Each year hereafter would budget $15,000.00 only for fireworks.

Councilman McLaughlin asked if the Tourism Fund was healthy enough to make this change. Mrs. Guinn confirmed.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2024-R-14, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #10 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”

10-A “Status Report-City Manager” The Council was provided with a Status Report from the City Manager. Mr. Barker had nothing further to add.

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

10-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that Chocolate Tour held on February 9th was a success. Around 100 tickets were sold and several individuals were seen walking around town enjoying themselves. Local store owners were also pleased with the foot traffic.

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

10-E “Tourism Board Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that she would be attending a Tourism budget meeting on February 14th.

Before adjourning to closed session, Councilman McLaughlin wished to address the “migrant” rumors. He was aware that Facebook was helping to spread a rumor about Chicago bussing migrants to The Holiday. The Police Chief and Mayor had verified that the rumors were not true.

AGENDA #11 “CLOSED SESSION: SALE OR LEASE PRICE OF REAL PROPERTY; ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY; AND APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, AND PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES; AND COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATING MATTERS”

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

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:24 p.m.

AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Councilman Eyer moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 7:19 p.m.

12-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Session on January 22, 2024, & February 1, 2024” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve minutes of closed session from January 22, 2024, and February1, 2024, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

12-B “Discussion/Possible Action: Acknowledgement of Succession Plans for the Water Plant” The Council had been discussing having Mr. Bradley be supervisor of only the Parks & Cemeteries Department and having Cortney Runyon succeed him as Supervisor of the Water Plant, effective May 1, 2024.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve the succession plans for the Water Plant, as detailed above, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

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

The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

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