East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Jan. 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The January 27, 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. Jason Burkhartt 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” John Snider approached the Council. Mr. Snider owned and utilized a golf cart in Olney following the inception of Ordinance 2019-36. He felt that getting his golf cart permitted each year was too difficult of a process. He complained about the requirements needed in order to receive a permit and felt that getting a permit for a boat should not be any less difficult.

Councilman Eyer recalled that he was against the ordinance to permit golf carts and UTVs, but he was pleasantly surprised that they had not created as much of a safety issue as he had originally expected.

The Councilman told Mr. Snider that the Council would look into his concern.

AGENDA #5 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”

5-A “Approve Minutes of the Council Meeting on January 13, 2025”

5-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable January 28, 2025” Pooled Cash $119,917.60, Manual Pooled Cash $7,324.67, Utility Refunds $785.12, Walnut/Main Storm Sewer $24,040.00, Unemployment $961.36, Tourism $4,400.00

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

5-D “Appointment: Laura Lathrop 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” Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve the items on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. 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: Approval to Fundraise for Certain Projects” Members of Project Community had brought design renderings that were displayed during this discussion. Project Community member Gary Houchin was present to speak with the Council.

Mr. Houchin explained to the Council that Project Community was interested in fund raising for a couple of projects that would benefit the City and the community. As such, they were seeking authorization to declare these projects as fund raising goals in upcoming efforts.

The first desired project would be the addition of a Harmony Park in Musgrove Park. The Harmony Park would be an all-inclusive playground that would include sensory features, musical instruments, etc. The proposed location would be a 28-foot by 29-foot space outside of he pool, but near the pool slide.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher, also a member of Project Community, clarified that the images displayed were preliminary renderings. While some features could change, the overall design would give the Council an idea of the goal.

Councilman McLaughlin asked Park Department Supervisor Frank Bradley if he had any issues with the location, specifically in case of the pool slide needing repair. Mr. Bradley examined the images and did not believe the location would cause issue.

The next project that Mr. Houchin presented for consideration would be the addition of new “Welcome to Olney” signs. The signs would be 8-foot by 14-foot in size. The brick pillars shown on the design would need to be break-away, so the “brick” would actually be a foam-type of product to create a faux brick detail. Four possible locations would be considered which would include a spot on Route 130 near WalMart D.C., a spot on Route 130 near Miller Grove Lane, a spot near Trinity Lutheran Church, and a spot coming onto Whittle Avenue from Route 130.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher added that the signs would be lit with industrial solar lights. Mr. Houchin agreed and noted that the signs would also be placed on a concrete pad.

Project Community was hosting an event called “Project Love” on February 15th. Attendees would be able to vote on which project to complete first, but both projects would eventually be completed. She anticipated to return to Council again for final approvals.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Harmony Park and “Welcome to Olney” signs as the proposed projects for fund raising generated by Project Community, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. Councilmen Eyer, McLaughlin, Mayor Lambird, and Councilwoman Eichhorst voted yes. Councilwoman Fehrenbacher abstained. The motion carried.

9-B “Ordinance: Amend Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the City of Olney Municipal Code by Adding Chapter 10.24 (Authorizing the Operation of Low Speed Electric/Gas Bicycles on the City of Olney Public Streets) Thereto” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the City of Olney Municipal Code by adding Chapter 10.24 (Authorizing the Operation of Low Speed Electric/Gas Bicycles on the City of Olney Public Streets).

At the last Council meeting, Police Chief Bloomer gave a presentation regarding a potential ordinance that would regulate the operation of low speed electric/gas bicycles within the City. At that meeting, the Council agreed they would like to move forward with the City Attorney drafting an ordinance for presentation at this evening’s meeting.

A few key points of the proposed ordinance would require that:

• Such bicycles be limited to an electric motor less than 750 Watts or a gas motor limited to less than 50 cc; both with a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour

• Such bicycles be registered, annually, at the Police Department with necessary information provided

• An annual permit fee of $20.00 with the provided permit displayed on the bicycle

• Such bicycles only be used on roadways. Use on sidewalks or any other public property would not be allowed

• Persons in violation of the ordinance provisions could be fined for each violation

• Persons with multiple violations may be subject to impoundment of the bicycle with an impoundment fee of $50.00

Councilman McLaughlin asked if there would be a grace period in order for word to get out about the new requirements.

Chief Bloomer believed that there should be a grace period. He indicated that his officers did have frequent contact with many such bicycle users. He expected to encourage users to comply and then utilize enforcement if those efforts did not work. He felt that the time between now and March should be sufficient.

The Council agreed. Mr. Zuber indicated that the portions in the proposed ordinance would need to be amended to reflect March 1, 2025, as the effective date.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinance 2025-02, with an effective date of March 1, 2025, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-C “Resolution: Transfer Money from the Tourism Fund and Christmas Light Display Fund to the General Corporate Fund” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would transfer money from the Tourism Fund and the Christmas Light Display Fund to the General Corporate Fund.

As included in this year’s budget, Mrs. Guinn recommended a transfer of $10,000.00 from the Tourism Fund and a transfer of $5,000.00 from the Christmas Light Display Fund to the General Corporate Fund in order to reimburse the General Corporate Fund for time spent by employees on Tourism-related and Christmas Light Display-related tasks.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2025-R-03, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #10 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”

10-A “Status Report-City Manager” There was no report.

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

10-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that the Chocolate Tour was coming up on February 7th, and tickets were available at the Chamber Office. Additionally, the Dolly Does BINGO event was coming up in March, and tickets would go on sale February 3rd.

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 Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 7:01 p.m.

12-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Sessions on January 13, 2025” Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve the minutes of closed session on January 13, 2025, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

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

The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

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