East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Jan. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The January 13, 2025, 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 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 December 9, 2024”

5-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable December 26, 2024, & January 14, 2025” Pooled Cash $237,565.79, Manual Pooled Cash $158,590.16, Cochran Cemetery Flowers $315.00, Walnut/Main Storm Sewer $600,395.60, Fire Pension $9,233.00, Police Pension $11,995.00, IMRF $125,212.85, Tourism $2,787.00, Christmas Light Display $2,677.03, Route 130 TIF $1,039.50, Utility Refunds $845.84, Dog Park $12,830.00, Sanitary Sewer Reline Grant $112,631.76, Sewer Capital Improvement $4,938,16, Foreign Fire $3,251.33, MFT $3,076.00, South Olney TIF District $29,903.86

5-C “Payment Request: Division 1 of the Sanitary Sewer CIPP Lining Rehabilitation”

5-D “Payment Request: Division 2 of the Sanitary Sewer CIPP Lining Rehabilitation”

5-E “Payment Request: Main Street Storm Sewer”

5-F “Raffle License: Olney Eagles #2549”

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 Councilman McLaughlin. 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: Accept Bid for the Demolition of 502 W. Chestnut Street” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a bid for the demolition of a single-family residence at 502 W. Chestnut Street. The Council was also provided with a summary of the property as prepared by Code Enforcement Officer Dallas Colwell.

A bid opening was held on January 9th for this demolition. Three bids were received. Travis Excavating bid $8,340.50, Daughterty Excavating bid $7,975.00, and Hemrich Excavating bid $5,900.00. The proposed resolution would accept the low bid from Hemrich Excavating.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2025-R-01, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-B “Ordinance: Establish Stop Signs on Shurron Street for N. East Street and N. Silver Street & on Bonita Lane for N. Silver Street” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would establish stop signs on Shurron Street for N. East Street and N. Silver Street, and also on Bonita Lane for N. Silver Street.

Mr. Barker explained that this ordinance would establish necessary stop signs in the new Northfield Subdivision.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve Ordinance 2025-01, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-C “Resolution: Amend the 2024-2025 Budget in Various Departments” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend the budget in the Police, Administrative, and Fire Departments.

A few meetings ago, the Council authorized a budget amendment in order to move $10,000.00 from Contingencies to help pay the expense of 3 police trainees that attended the Academy. Mrs. Guinn explained that since that time, the Police Department had received a reimbursement offer in the mail. Reimbursement was applied for, and an amount of $14,800.00 was received. She was wanting the Council’s authorization to reflect receipt of that reimbursement and to reimburse some of that amount back in to the Police Department’s Travel & Training line item and Administrative’s Contingencies line item.

Additionally, the Fire Department was needing to purchase some portable and mobile radios. The cost was slightly above the budget in each of those line items. Mrs. Guinn was asking for this budget amendment in order to cover the cost, but noted that the Olney Firefighter’s Association would be making a donation to cover the additional funds.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2025-R-02, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-D “Discussion/Possible Action: Creating an Ordinance to Address Low Speed Electric/Gas Powered Bicycles” The Council was provided with information from Police Chief Bloomer regarding ordinance options relating to low speed electric/gas powered bicycles.

Chief Bloomer had concerns regarding the use of low speed electric/gas powered bicycles (“bicycles”) around town. Having ordinance guidelines could be helpful for the safety of bicycle users, motorists, and pedestrians. The Chief clarified that the goal would not be to prevent use of such bicycles. The State’s Attorney was also in support of such an ordinance and would be willing to aid in the enforcement.

The Chief suggested an ordinance that would require the bicycles to be outfitted in a safe manner for use on the streets and would require inspection and registration by the Police Department. The Council could also choose whether or not to establish a registration fee.

If a bicycle user continued to break the law, the user could be prosecuted and the bicycle impounded.

Councilman Eyer was in support of such an ordinance. He had seen several reckless bicycle users around town. Referencing the information provided, he liked how the ordinance from Mt. Carmel read, but wanted to make a couple of adjustments.

First, Councilman Eyer felt that the bicycle’s electric motor should be limited to less than 50cc. This would be easily identified on the side of the motor.

Additionally, the Councilman did not see any current need to limit hours of use for the bicycles.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher felt that Mt. Carmel’s $50.00 registration fee would be a bit steep for Olney. Councilman McLaughlin agreed. Both Council members felt that $20.00 would be appropriate.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked if there should be an age limit established. Chief Bloomer indicated that State statute required users to be at least 16 years of age. The Council could choose to raise that age for Olney, if they chose. The Council felt that 16 years of age would be appropriate for users of such bicycles.

The Council then discussed whether or not bicycle users should have a valid driver’s license. Ultimately, they felt that should not be required because they did not want to institute a hardship on individuals that needed such transportation but did not have a driver’s license.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher also felt that Mt. Carmel’s impoundment release fee of $150.00 would be steep for Olney. The Council felt that $50.00 would be more appropriate.

Overall, the Council wished for the City Attorney to draft a proposed ordinance for action at the next Council meeting. They wanted to use the Mt. Carmel ordinance as a guide, but to limit the

motor to under 50cc, not limit hours of use, establish a $20.00 registration fee, and establish a $50.00 impoundment release fee.

Chief Bloomer added that officers would provide bicycle users with information about rules of the road and other safety information.

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 Chocolate Tour would be coming up on February 7th and that tickets were available at the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber would also be hosting an event called “Dolly Does BINGO” in March.

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 Eichhorst 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 Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:18 p.m.

AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Councilman McLaughlin moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 6:45 p.m.

12-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Sessions on December 9, 2024” Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve the minutes of closed session on December 9, 2024, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

12-B “Discussion/Possible Action: Storm Water Project” Street Department Supervisor Tyler Kocher and City Engineer Mike Bridges were present to speak with the Council.

Currently, work was being done on the Main Street Storm Sewer Project. It was known that after this project would be the resurfacing project for Main Street and the downtown improvement project. Mr. Kocher and Mr. Bridges said that considering all of this information, now was the time to decide whether or not curbs should also be replaced down Main Street. This information was needed to that the Storm Sewer Project contractor could set grates correctly.

Councilman Eyer felt that curbs should be replaced in order make the most of all projects. Councilman McLaughlin agreed and noted that mismatched curbs would look silly.

Mayor Lambird asked when the curbs would need to be replaced. Mr. Bridges replied that the curb work would be part of the Main Street resurfacing.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher pointed out that the brick sidewalk would not stay if the curbs were removed. Mr. Bridges agreed and pointed out that new sidewalks would not come along until much later. He suggested to either temporarily remove the brick and re-place them or to remove the brick and put in crushed stone until the sidewalk work.

Councilman Eyer asked how much curb replacement would cost. Mr. Bridges estimated a cost of $600,000.00. Mr. Kocher added that would replace curb on Main Street from Kitchell Avenue to Elliott Street.

Councilman McLaughlin asked who would do the curb work. Mr. Bridges replied that would be done by the contractor.

Mayor Lambird noted that Business District revenue was trending ahead by about $200,000.00 per year. He felt that additional revenue could be used to pay for the curb work.

Mr. Kocher told the Council that the asphalt from the resurfacing would not go all the way to the curb. Rather, gutter would be showing and this would allow for better drainage.

Mr. Bridges warned the Council that Main Street would look patchy until the resurfacing project was completed down the line.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked how many rows of brick would need to be removed in order to form the curbs. Mr. Kocher expected at least a foot or more behind the curb.

The Councilwoman then asked if there were concerns with brick sidewalk removal in the historical areas. Mr. Bridges did not believe so.

Overall, the full Council believed that curb replacement on Main Street, from Kitchell Avenue to Elliott Street, should be included as part of the plan.

Mr. Kocher advised the Council that it would be about five years until Main Street was back to normal.

Councilman McLaughlin asked how long it would be before the Main Street Storm Sewer Project was complete. Mr. Bridges expected that the contractor could complete about one block per month and estimated completion near July.

The Councilman then asked about the timeline on the resurfacing project. Mr. Kocher expected that project to take place in the Summer of 2026. Mr. Bridges noted that 44 ADA ramps would also need re-done.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked if traffic signals would need replaced. Mr. Bridges believed that some pedestrian push buttons would be needed, and Mr. Kocher expected an addition of an advanced loop at the intersection of Main and East Streets.

Councilman McLaughlin asked how much longer that the Sanitary Sewer Relining Project would take. Mr. Bridges said that work would go on for quite a while.

12-C “Discussion/Possible Resolution: Façade Improvement Grant Program” The Council was provided with a Façade Improvement Grant Program outline that Mayor Lambird had presented in the 2022 Budget Work Session. In subsequent Budget Work Sessions, the Mayor continued to express this program as a goal.

Mayor Lambird told the Council that he was still interested in formally developing this program. He had planned to fund the program from gaming revenue generated by Love’s. He indicated that Love’s was in que to be approved for gaming by the State within the next few months. While an amount of $20,000.00 was included in this year’s budget, he wished to wait until the gaming revenue began being generated.

To clarify, Councilwoman Fehrenbacher pointed out that an official program had not yet been approved by the Council. The Council confirmed.

Mayor Lambird stated that more discussion on this topic could take place at the next meeting. The original program outline would need to change the annual budget allowance from $25,000.00 to $20,000.00.

Councilman McLaughlin then told the Council that he had met with the Sheriff, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Dispatch, the ambulance service, and the County Board to discuss radios for first responders. As it stood, each first responder department was not able to communicate with one another through their radios. Rather, they had to communicate with Dispatch as the go-between.

A few years ago, a large drug bust in the county led the Federal government to give back $500,000.00 to the County. The funds were intended to be used towards a cohesive radio system for all first responders. The total for these systems would be approximately $1,100,000.00.

In order to make up the $300,000.00 difference, grants were being sought and it was expected that $100,000.00 could be received in that manner. The County Board would also be considering a $100,000.00 contribution. As such, Councilman McLaughlin felt that the City should also contribute $100,000.00.

It was noted that the radios approved for purchase by the Fire Department would be compatible with the new system.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher felt that this was an extremely important issue that needed addressed and should be a priority. She and the other members of the Council were in favor of budgeting $100,000.00 towards the radio upgrades.

Mrs. Guinn reminded the Council that the Budget Work Session for this year would take place at 4:00 p.m. on January 27th.

Mrs. Guinn then explained a situation where the question came up as to whether or not the City should allow hunting on any City land, specifically farm land. Current City ordinance prohibited hunting on any City land and only allowed for water fowl hunting on East Fork Lake.

The City’s insurance carrier strongly advised against allowing hunting on any City property.

It was noted that the geese causing problems on a portion of City farm land were Canadian geese. The law provided that hunters could only shoot three geese per day. Therefore, hunting of the geese on this property would not provide any improvement.

Overall, the Council was in agreement to stand by the current ordinance that would not allow for hunting on City property. In addition, the City Attorney would clarify that position in land agreements that he was drafting.

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 7:14 p.m.

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