East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met April 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The April 14, 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, Morgan Fehrenbacher, Julia Eichhorst, and Jack Eyer. John McLaughlin was absent. Also present were City Manager Allen Barker, City Treasurer Jane Guinn, City Attorney Bart Zuber, City Engineer Mike Bridges, and City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi.

AGENDA #4 “PUBLIC HEARING: 2025/2026 FISCAL BUDGET” The Illinois State Statute requires the Council to hold a public hearing for the tentative fiscal year 2025/2026 budget. Notice was given to the media that the tentative budget was available for viewing at City Hall. The purpose of the hearing would be to allow the public to express opinions and to ask questions regarding the tentative budget. Mayor Lambird then addressed the audience by asking if anyone had comments concerning the proposed budget. No one from the public wished to speak. The public hearing was closed.

AGENDA #5 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public wished to speak.

AGENDA #6 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”

6-A “Approve Minutes of the Council Meeting on March 24 & April 4, 2025”

6-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable April 15, 2025” Pooled Cash $180,691.55, Manual Pooled Cash $115,712.57, Petty Cash $134.00, Walnut/Main Storm Sewer $447,741.13, Foreign Fire $991.00, IMRF $25,572.02, Unemployment $6,638.44, Christmas Light Display $5,800.00, South Olney TIF District $869.00

6-C “Application for Permit to Sell Merchandise in City Park or Recreation Area – Olney Downtown Market 2025”

6-D “Payment Request: Main St. Storm Sewer Project”

6-E “Raffle License: Richland County Hope Inc.”

6-F “Raffle License: Claws & Paws”

6-G “Raffle License: Olney Quilt Guild”

6-H “Application for Permit to Sell in City Park or Recreation Area – For-Profit Yoga Classes”

AGENDA #7 “REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from the consent agenda.

AGENDA #8 “CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA” Councilman Eyer moved to approve the items on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #9 “CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from the consent agenda.

AGENDA #10 “PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.”

10-A “Bid Openings: Sale of 502 W. Chestnut Street, 207 N. Saratoga Street, and 526 S. Saratoga Street” Earlier in the year, the Council approved Ordinance 2025-04 which authorized solicitation of sealed bids for the sale of 502 W. Chestnut Street, 207 N. Saratoga Street, and 526 S. Saratoga Street. After complying with publication requirements, bids were accepted until 4:00 p.m. this day. Mrs. Sterchi received one bid each for the sale of 502 W. Chestnut Street and 526 S. Saratoga. No bids were received for the sale of 207 N. Saratoga Street.

Mrs. Sterchi opened the bid for 502 W. Chestnut Street and handed it to the Mayor. The Mayor indicated that Ronald R. Holtz had submitted this bid in the amount of $1,200.00.

Mrs. Sterchi opened the bid for 526 S. Saratoga Street and handed it to the Mayor. The Mayor indicated that Vicki L. Newton had submitted this bid in the amount of $1,500.00.

10-B “Ordinance: Authorize the Sale of Public Real Estate Owned by the City of Olney” Councilman Eyer moved to accept the $1,200.00 bid from Ronald R. Holtz for the purchase of 502 W. Chestnut Street and the $1,500.00 bid from Vickie L. Newton for the purchase of 526 S. Saratoga Street by Ordinance 2025-10, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. The City Attorney will draft this ordinance.

10-C “Resolution: Designate the Name of the New Dog Park” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would designate the name of the new dog park. Representing the citizens’ Dog Park Committee, Gwen Gassmann approached the Council.

Ms. Gassman stated that the progress seen in the dog park had not happened overnight, and it had been a collaborative effort. She acknowledged assistance from the County, City, local businesses, individuals, and especially Wilder Ellison with his lemonade stand. An opening ceremony would be scheduled at a later time.

Through the process, Ms. Gassman explained that coming up with a name for the dog park had been difficult because so many people had so many opinions. In the end, they wished to offer a suggestion that was a compromise of a couple of name suggestions. The committee formally requested a name designation of Canine Playground for the dog park.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve the name of the dog park as Canine Playground by 2025-R-16, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-D “Ordinance: Amend Chapter 12.12 (Park and Recreation Areas Generally) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Chapter 12.12 (Park and Recreation Areas Generally) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.

The citizens’ Dog Park Committee had drafted a listing of proposed rules that were reviewed by the City Manager and the City Attorney. Established rules would be posted on signage at the Canine Playground. In order for any of the provisions to be enforceable by law enforcement, they would need to be established by ordinance.

Councilman Eyer asked who would provide enforcement. Mr. Zuber replied that any law enforcement, including Code Enforcement, could handle the task. From the audience, Belinda Henton also suggested Animal Control.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve Ordinance 2025-11, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-E “Ordinance: Amend Section 6.04.020 (Running at Large Prohibited) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Section 6.04.020 (Running at Large Prohibited) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.

Mr. Barker explained that this amendment would not prohibit dogs being off-leash in Canine Playground.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve Ordinance 2025-12, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-F “Ordinance: Amend Section 12.16.150 (Boat Ramps, Piers, Platforms, Boathouses, and Docks) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Section 12.16.150 (Boat Ramps, Piers, Platforms, Boathouses, and Docks) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.

Stemming from recent discussions, this proposed amendment would authorize that addition of boat lifts up to 10 feet in width on either side or both sides of a boat dock. The permitting process would still apply.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinance 2025-13, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-G “Resolution: Accept Bids for Furnishing & Delivery of Concrete for Street Patching, Curb and Gutter Construction, and Miscellaneous Construction” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept bids for furnishing and delivery of concrete for street patching, curb and gutter construction, and miscellaneous construction.

Mr. Barker explained that bids were opened for concrete on April 10th with bids submitted from Schrey Systems and Doll’s, Inc. Schrey Systems was the low bidder on all concrete categories, and it was recommended to accept all of those bids.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher moved to approve 2025-R-17, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-H “Resolution: Accept Bids for Furnishing & Delivery of Sand, Pea Gravel, Crushed Stone and Riprap” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept bids for furnishing and delivery of sand, pea gravel, crushed stone and riprap.

Mr. Barker stated that bids for crushed stone and sand were also opened on April 10th with bids submitted from Wolf Creek Trucking, Charles H. Carter & Sons, and Doll’s, Inc. Charles H. Carter & Sons was the low bidder on all crushed stone. Doll’s, Inc., was the low bidder on sand. It was recommended to accept the low bids from each bidder for each category.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve the low bid for sand from Doll’s, Inc., seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve the low bids for crushed stone from Charles H. Carter & Sons, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

Resolution 2025-R-18 passed.

10-I “Resolution: Amend the 2024-2025 Water Plant Budget for Truck Maintenance” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend the Water Plant budget for truck maintenance.

Mrs. Guinn told the Council that the Water Plant had two trucks that needed transmissions replaced. Extra funds from the ½ Ton Truck and Tubidimeter line items could be transferred in order to repair these trucks.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-19, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-J “Resolution: Accept Quotes for the Purchase of Trucks, Waive Formal Bidding Procedures, & Amend the 2024-2025 Budget” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept quotes for the purchase of trucks, waive formal bidding procedures, and amend the budget.

Mr. Barker stated that this resolution would approve quotes for three Street Department trucks and three Park Department Trucks. This would put each department in good shape for a while.

Eagleson Automotive quoted $31,550.00 each for 2, 2024 Chevrolets. McClane Motor Sales quoted $27,500.00 each for 3, 2023 Dodges. They also quoted $28,500.00 for another 2023 Dodge with fewer miles.

Councilman Eyer asked how these purchases would fall into the budget. Mr. Barker replied that closing out this fiscal year, several line items had enough remaining funds that could be transferred to cover these purchases.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2025-R-20, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-K “Resolution: Re-Designate Funds for Road Projects & Close a Bank Account” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would re-designate funds for road projects and close a bank account.

From discussions that took place at the last Council meeting, it seemed that most of the Council desired to make some changes regarding designation of certain funds. For several years, the City had been setting aside funds for the Main Street Resurfacing Project, and this was prior to the establishment of the Business District. Most of the Council indicated that they wished to re-designate those funds for road projects that did not include Main Street and to rather use Business District funds for the Main Street Resurfacing Project.

Mrs. Guinn explained that there was $968,000.00 in a designated CD that would come due at the end of May, and there was $39,333.00 in a local bank account. Both sets of funds had been designated for Main Street. Following passage of this resolution, Mrs. Guinn would cash in the CD and put the $968,000.00, plus interest, into the Road Projects bank account. She would also close the local bank account and transfer the $39,333.00 into the Road Projects bank account.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2025-R-21, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received with Councilwoman Fehrenbacher voting no.

10-L “Ordinance: Authorize Execution of Crop Share Farm Lease Between the City of Olney and Robby & Jay Burgener” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the execution of a crop share farm lease with Robby and Jay Burgener.

The Council wished to discuss items 10-L through 10-Q in closed session under “lease price of real property” before taking action.

Action on this item was taken under agenda item 13.

10-M “Ordinance: Authorize Execution of Crop Share Farm Lease Between the City of Olney and Ronald W. Blank” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the execution of a crop share farm lease with Ronald W. Blank.

Action on this item was taken under agenda item 13.

10-N “Ordinance: Authorize Execution of Crop Share Farm Lease Between the City of Olney and John Dehlinger” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the execution of a crop share farm lease with John Dehlinger.

Action on this item was taken under agenda item 13.

10-O “Ordinance: Authorize Execution of Crop Share Farm Lease Between the City of Olney and Weiler Enterprises, Incorporated” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the execution of a crop share farm lease with Weiler Enterprises, Incorporated.

Action on this item was taken under agenda item 13.

10-P “Ordinance: Authorize Execution of Crop Share Farm Lease Between the City of Olney and John & Natasha Benton” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the execution of a crop share farm lease with John and Natasha Benton.

Action on this item was taken under agenda item 13.

10-Q “Ordinance: Authorize Execution of Crop Share Farm Lease Between the City of Olney and Brian L. Scherer” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the execution of a crop share farm lease with Brian L. Scherer.

Action on this item was taken under agenda item 13.

AGENDA #11 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”

11-A “Status Report - City Manager” The Council was provided with a Status Report from the City Manager. Mr. Barker had nothing additional.

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

11-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that Chamber dues notices had been mailed, and she reminded everyone to RSVP for the Chamber Social by Friday.

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

AGENDA #12 “CLOSED SESSION: SALE OR LEASE PRICE OF REAL PROPERTY; ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY; APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, AND PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES; AND COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATING MATTERS” Councilman Eyer 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 Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:17 p.m.

AGENDA #13 “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 6:55 p.m.

For items 10-L through 10-Q, Mr. Zuber stated that the Council had clarified that the lessees would not be responsible for paying for any lime to be applied to the land. Also, if the City terminated any leases after November first of a given year, the tenant would be compensated an amount equaling the four-year average of production history.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinances 2025-14, 2025-15, 2025-16, 2025-17, 2025-18, and 2025-19, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

13-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Session on March 24 & April 4, 2025” Councilman Eyer moved to approve the minutes of closed session from March 24 and April 4, 2025, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

Before adjourning, Mrs. Guinn notified the Council that the State had made some changes regarding Use Tax which would result in the City receiving less in this revenue. Because the City would be receiving less Use Tax revenue, she felt that $110,000.00 would need to be removed out of the upcoming 2025/2026 budget. She suggested removing $25,000.00 from firing range improvements, reducing the Fire Department’s squad line item from $90,000.00 to $50,000.00, and reducing the Police Department’s squad line item from $95,000.00 to $55,000. She would also add $10,000.00 to interest income to make up the $110,000.00.

Mrs. Guinn would also be removing electric aggregation revenue since the City chose to not sign the new contract.

Councilman Eyer asked if the Fire Chief and Police Chief were aware of these suggested budget changes. Mrs. Guinn replied that they had not yet been notified.

AGENDA #14 “ADJOURN” With no further business to discuss, Councilman Eyer moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

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