East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met July 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The July 1, 2024, special meeting of the Olney City Council was called to order at 4:15 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. Mayor Lambird led the group in prayer.

AGENDA #3 “ROLL CALL” The following Council members were present: Julia Eichhorst, Jack Eyer, Morgan Fehrenbacher, John McLaughlin, and Mark Lambird. Also present were City Manager Allen Barker, City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi, City Treasurer Jane Guinn, Interim Fire Chief Daron Harmon, and Paid-on-Call Firefighter Steve Gardner.

AGENDA #4 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public was present.

AGENDA #5 “CLOSED SESSION: ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY; AND APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, AND PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to adjourn to closed session to discuss 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 4:16 p.m.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 4:51 p.m.

AGENDA #6 “DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION: PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY” Mr. Barker stated that he would be pursuing the purchase of real property per the guidelines discussed in closed session. He hoped to have a report by July 8, 2024. If purchase of the real property got to the point of needing to be finalized, action would be taken by the Council at a future meeting.

AGENDA #7 “DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE RESOLUTION: AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT REGARDING EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize the execution of an agreement regarding employment benefits for an Assistant Fire Chief.

The Council was in agreement to create a new full-time position within the Fire Department for an Assistant Fire Chief. Paid-on-Call Firefighter Steve Gardner would be appointed to this position by the City Manager.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2024-R-59, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #8 “DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ORDINANCE: ESTABLISH SALARY OF A FULL TIME EMPLOYEE OF THE CITY OF OLNEY” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would establish the salary of the Assistant Fire Chief.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2024-29, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #9 “ADJOURN” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The special meeting of City Council adjourned at 4:53 p.m.

https://cms2.revize.com/revize/olneynew/sp%20cc%20July%201%202024.pdf