East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Oct. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The October 14, 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. Steve Wingert led the group in prayer.

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

AGENDA #4 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS”

4-A “Gabrielle Lyell: Animal Control” Ms. Lyell was not present.

AGENDA #5 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”

5-A “Approve Minutes of the Council Meeting on September 23, 2024”

5-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable October 15, 2024” Pooled Cash $404,401.65, Manual Pooled Cash $118,064.83, Adjustments $597.25, Utility Refunds $867.37, Foreign Fire $325.46, Dog Park $16,690.12, Sewer Capital Improvement $211,411.26, MFT $73,831.83, IMRF $24,441.18, Levied Liability Insurance $35,806.21, Unemployment $2,091.99, Levied Workers Compensation $57,378.24, Tourism $2,125.00, Christmas Light Display $1,410.09, Route 130 TIF $148.50, South Olney TIF $75,844.80

5-C “Raffle License: Olney USBC”

5-D “Payment Request: Main Street Sanitary Sewer Relining Project”

5-E “Payment Request: Sanitary Sewer CIPP Lining Rehabilitation Project”

5-F “Appointment: Audra Clodfelter to the Library Board”

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 “Discussion/Possible Action: Musgrove Park Retention Pond Project” The Council was provided with a schematic of the Musgrove Park detention basin.

At the budget work session held back in January, Park Department Supervisor Frank Bradley briefly discussed the need for work on the pool retention pond in Musgrove Park. He had hoped to remove cattails and additional material from the area that would make it able to be mowed. The accumulated debris sometimes flowed into the neighbor’s yard. An amount of $10,000.00 had been included in this year’s budget for the project, if approved.

Councilman Eyer said that he had visited the site. The area was a habitat for redwing blackbirds. The birds used to habitat in a ditch by the Olney Baptist Church, but that was no longer an option so the birds transitioned to this location. The Councilman and other birders were aware of this habitat.

To Councilman Eyer, there would be three losses if this project moved forward. First, the redwing blackbirds would lose their habitat. Secondly, if cleared, this would be more area that the Park Department would have to mow. And lastly, he felt that taxpayer money could be put to better use in Musgrove Park for purposes such as parking or trees.

Councilman Eyer asked if the overflow into the neighbor’s yard was the biggest concern. Mr. Bradley replied that was an issue, but he also felt that the area was unsightly. Councilman Eyer disagreed.

The Councilman had also surveyed drainage in the area. He observed that the discharge pipe by Silver Street was being blocked by a large chunk of concrete which restricted flow. There was also a ditch area adjacent to the north side of the retention pond. It had a drain under the sidewalk that appeared to be crushed by a mower. Because both culverts were damaged, the Councilman believed that to be contributing to the overflow issues.

Mr. Bradley would look into the condition of both culverts.

Councilman Eyer asked if Mr. Bradley could first inspect the culverts before the Council took action. Mr. Bradley indicated that he hoped for action at this meeting as he was ready to move forward. He also pointed out that the budgeted amount of $10,000.00 was a safety number, but he felt that the project would come in at a lesser amount.

Councilman Eyer noted that unforeseen circumstances could also arise that could make the project more than $10,000.00. Mr. Bradley did not believe that would happen.

Councilman Eyer asked if this project was a good use of taxpayer money. Mr. Bradley indicated that the project would not provide his department with much more to mow.

Councilman Eyer then asked if the project was a want or a need.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked if the area frequently held standing water that would contribute to mosquitoes. Mr. Bradley indicated so. Mayor Lambird added that the mowing company that mowed the property to the north of the area had made a similar comment to him.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve the Musgrove Park Retention Pond Project.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked if the area would look similar to the area near the lighted sidewalk. Mr. Bradley replied that the retention pond area would be mowable, like the other location, but would also have riprap at the bottom of the channel to prevent washing out.

Mayor Lambird pointed out that a majority of the water came from backwashing the pool filters and Splash Pad discharge.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher seconded the motion made above. Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, Eichhorst, Councilman McLaughlin, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. Councilman Eyer voted no. The motion carried.

9-B “Resolution: Amend the 2024-2025 Police Department & Administrative Budgets” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend the 2024-2025 Police Department and Administrative budgets.

Mrs. Guinn explained that the Police Department had become fully staffed, and the new officers has needed to attend the Academy. This training was not included in the budget. Funds would be taken out of Contingencies for this reason.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2024-R-82, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-C “Ordinance: Establish Stop Signs on N. Elliott & N. Sycamore Streets for E. Locust Street” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would establish stop signs on N. Elliott and N. Sycamore Streets for E. Locust Street.

Mr. Barker explained that this ordinance was proposed by the Street Department Supervisor. It would authorize the placement and enforcement of the stop signs.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2024-38, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-D “Discussion/Possible Ordinance: Repeal Ordinance 2012-20 & Provide for the Prohibition of the Stopping, Standing or Parking of Vehicles on the East Side of N. Lincoln Street Between E. Main Street and E. Locust Street” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would repeal Ordinance 2012-20 and provide for the prohibition of stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles on the east side of N. Lincoln Street between E. Main and E. Locust Streets.

Ordinance 99-56 already prohibited parking on the west side of N. Lincoln Street all the way to E. Scott Street. Ordinance 2012-20 prohibited parking on the east side of N. Lincoln Street, but only from E. Main Street to the driveway of 114 N. Lincoln Street.

Mr. Barker explained that a request had been received from the RCCU #1 Superintendent for parking on the east side of N. Lincoln Street to be prohibited. The reason for this was due to the re routed bus traffic that caused a traffic and safety issue on N. Lincoln Street.

Councilman McLaughlin agreed that N. Lincoln Street was a busy road, but it was also a residential road with residents also using that street for parking. He wondered if RCCU #1 would be agreeable to only prohibit parking during school hours. He felt that there would be no need for the additional parking restrictions when school was not in session.

Councilman Eyer agreed but also wondered about parking in relation to ball games and other sporting events at the high school.

Police Chief Bloomer explained that when buses were running, traffic on N. Lincoln Street basically became one-lane due to the parking of vehicles along the road. The extension of no parking on N. Lincoln Street would impact the St. Paul Methodist Church and a few residents.

Councilwoman Eichhorst asked if RCCU #1 or the City had reached out to any of the residents. Mr. Barker indicated that the City had not made contact, but he was not certain about RCCU #1.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher recommended to table the topic so that Mr. Barker could speak with RCCU #1 to see if they would be agreeable to parking restrictions during school hours only.

Councilman Eyer moved to table this topic, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-E “Ordinance: Implement a Municipal Grocery Retailers’ Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax for the City of Olney” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would implement a Municipal Grocery Retailers’ Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax for the City of Olney.

Mayor Lambird explained that the issue surrounding this ordinance had been a hot topic for quite some time. Earlier in the year, State passed their budget and a sunset of the current 1% grocery tax. The 1% grocery tax went straight to municipalities. For the City of Olney, that would total between $500,000.00 and $750,000.00 in the General Fund. The loss of the tax would be a huge loss to City operations and drastic measures would be needed in order to keep operating to current standards.

As it stood, the legislation would sunset the 1% grocery tax as of January 1, 2026. The legislation did, however, allow the municipalities to implement their own 1% grocery tax if they wanted to continue to receive those funds.

Councilman McLaughlin felt that the legislation was a move made by the Governor in order to make himself look good. He felt that the Governor knew that every municipality would be hurt by the sunset of this tax. The allowance for municipalities to implement the tax themselves would make the municipalities look bad instead.

To be clear, the Councilman pointed out that this proposed ordinance would not be implementing any type of a new tax. Such tax was already in place, but implemented directly through the State. This change would make the tax implemented by the City. Losing this tax would hurt Olney too much, and the Councilman did not appreciate the State’s decision.

Mayor Lambird added that Olney was a regional center of commerce. More than 50% of the grocery tax received came from individuals outside of Olney. Therefore, the citizens of Olney received an even greater benefit with this tax being funded mostly from non-residents.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2024-39, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-F “Resolution: Accept Quote, Waive Formal Bidding Procedures, & Amend the 2024-2025 Budget for Sewer Plant Variable Speed Drive” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a quote, waive formal bidding procedures, and amend the 2024-2025 budget for a Sewer Plant variable speed drive. The Council was also provided with a copy of quotes from Olney Quality Electric for installation and electrical work, and Wabash Valley Motor & Machine for the variable speed drive and accessories.

Mr. Barker told the Council that the variable speed drive was a need for the Sewer Plant. Funds were included in the budget, but an additional $500.00 was still needed. The budget amendment would transfer those funds from the Sewer Line Replacement line item.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2024-R-83, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-G “Resolution: Accept Proposal & Waive Formal Bidding Procedures for Installation of a Boiler at the Sewer Plant” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a proposal and waive formal bidding procedures for installation of a boiler at the Sewer Plant.

Mr. Barker stated that CleaverBrooks had been a vendor for this type of product in the past, and such vendors were hard to come by. CleaverBrooks had quoted $13,500.00 for the work.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2024-R-84, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-H “Resolution: Accept Renewal Proposal for Liability, Property, Workers Compensation, Auto & Miscellaneous Coverages for 2025” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept the renewal proposal for liability, property, workers compensation, auto, and miscellaneous coverages for 2025 through IMLRMA. The Council was also provided with a copy of the detail showing the renewal proposal costs for each type of insurance.

Mr. Barker said that the premium for 2025 had increased by approximately 6.5%. The City had added several coverages, and property values had also increased.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2024-R-85, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-I “Resolution: Provide for the Payment of Outstanding Monetary Obligation & Amend the 2024-2025 Budget” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would provide for the payment of an outstanding monetary obligation and amend the 2024-2025 budget.

Mrs. Guinn explained that when the South Olney TIF District was established, the City incurred startup costs in the amount of $75,679.80. Enough funds now existed in that TIF District to reimburse the City for these costs.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2024-R-86, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-J “Resolution: Amend the 2024-2025 Budget for Pool Pump Repair” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend the 2024-2025 budget for pool pump repair.

Mrs. Guinn told the Council that this past Summer, the pool pump at the Musgrove Aquatic Center needed repair. After the repair, the problem was not completely fixed due to a faulty part. The part was under warranty and is now fixed. The repair was not an anticipated need, and now that the invoice had been received, a budget amendment would be needed. Funds would come out of reserves in the General Fund.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve 2024-R-87, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-K “Discussion: Possible TIF Agreement with IECC” Mayor Lambird told the Council that Olney Central College (OCC), part of the IECC District, was preparing to build an addition. As bids came in, the project was approximately $400,000.00 over their estimates. The OCC Foundation, Johnsie Fiock Fildes Foundation, Wabash General Hospital, and Richland County Board had made pledges to assist. RCCU #1 would also be considering a contribution. When the Route 130 TIF District was created, OCC was included in the TIF.

Mayor Lambird was interested in entering into a $25,000.00 TIF agreement to assist OCC with their expansion. The City’s TIF attorney had been consulted on the proposal, and the statutes would allow for this type of agreement.

Mrs. Guinn wondered how OCC would be eligible for a TIF agreement if they did not produce any increment. Mayor Lambird replied that there were special provisions for governmental type organizations.

Mr. Zuber clarified that the TIF agreement would allow for reimbursements on TIF-eligible costs. Councilman McLaughlin added that IECC would forgo their tax revenue over the life of the agreement.

Councilmen Eyer and McLaughlin were agreeable to the proposal. Councilman McLaughin felt that the OCC addition would benefit the community as a whole.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked how much was currently in that TIF Fund. Mrs. Guinn replied that the Fund held approximately $729,000.00. Some of that total was already committed and other projects were also being discussed.

Overall, the Council was agreeable to have the City Attorney begin working on a draft TIF agreement with IECC for OCC.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher stated that she would like to know how much the Richland County Board would be contributing.

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.

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

10-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that the Chamber would be hosting a luncheon at the City Park the next day. Luncheon sponsors were the First National Bank in Olney, Citizens National Bank of Albion, and TrustBank. The luncheon would be like an open house and there would be no speaker.

Councilwoman Eichhorst also said that the Chamber’s Facebook page could be found under “Olney & the Greater Richland County Chamber of Commerce.”

10-D “Tourism Board Report” There was no report.

AGENDA #11 “CLOSED SESSION: SALE OR LEASE PRICE OF REAL PROPERTY; ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY; AND APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, AND PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher 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 Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:30 p.m.

AGENDA #12 “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 6:43 p.m.

12-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Session on September 23, 2024” Councilman Eyer moved to approve the minutes of closed session from September 23, 2024, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #13 “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 6:43 p.m.

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