East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met April 28.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The April 28, 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. Roger Boyd led the group in prayer.

AGENDA #3 “ROLL CALL” The following Council members were present: Mark Lambird, John McLaughlin, Morgan Fehrenbacher, Julia Eichhorst, and Jack Eyer. 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 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 April 14, 2025”

5-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable April 29, 2025” Pooled Cash $130,497.45, Manual Pooled Cash $181,725.19, Adjustments $91.63, Utility Refunds $1,459.32, ISO $1,400.00, Cannabis Excise Tax $12,000.00, MFT $2,378.80, IMRF $252.17

5-C “Resolution: Re-Appoint City Clerk” 2025-R-22

5-D “Resolution: Re-Appoint City Treasurer” 2025-R-23

5-E “Request: Closure of a Portion of Whittle Avenue, from Chestnut Street to Market Street, for the Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Shake, Raffle, & Roll Event’”

5-F “Request: Closure of a Portion of Main Street, from Fair Street to Whittle Avenue, for the Friends of Olney’s/Chamber of Commerce’s 5th Friday Flea Market & Sidewalk Sales Events”

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 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 “PUBLIC HEARING: PROPOSED ANNEXATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF OLNEY AND US WEIGHT, INC., SOMETIMES D/B/A ESCALADE, FOR THE ANNEXATION OF 4594 E. RADIO TOWER LANE, OLNEY, ILLINOIS, WITH PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 11-10-300-021” The Council was provided with a Petition for Annexation from US Weight, Inc., sometimes d/b/a Escalade for the annexation of 4594 E. Radio Tower Lane in Olney.

The purpose of this public hearing was to consider the terms of the proposed Annexation Agreement. Mayor Lambird asked if anyone from the public wished to speak. Seeing none, the public hearing was closed.

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

10-A “Ordinance: Authorize an Annexation Agreement Between the City of Olney and US Weight, Inc., Sometimes d/b/a Escalade, for the Annexation of 4594 E. Radio Tower Lane, Olney, Illinois, with Parcel Identification Number 11-10-300-021” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize an annexation agreement between the City of Olney and US Weight, Inc., sometimes d/b/a Escalade, for the annexation of 4594 E. Radio Tower Lane in Olney. The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed annexation agreement.

Mr. Zuber told the Council that US Weight, Inc. had submitted a Petition for Annexation for their property at 4594 E. Radio Tower Lane. All qualifications were met for the property to be annexed, and the proper statutory requirements had also been met. The Council could approve the proposed ordinance and agreement as submitted, or they could choose to continue negotiating the agreement terms.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2025-20, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-B “Ordinance: Annex Certain Territory to the City of Olney, Richland County, Illinois – 4594 E. Radio Tower Lane” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would annex 4594 E. Radio Tower Lane into the City of Olney.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2025-21, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-C “Request: Acceptance of Buddy Poppy Donations at the Intersection of Main and East Streets from 10:00 A.M. Until 2:00 P.M. on May 10, 2025” Councilman Eyer moved to approve the VFW to accept Buddy Poppy donations at the intersection of Main and East Streets from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on May 10, 2025, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-D “Resolution: Designate a Developer for Redevelopment of Certain Property Being Considered for Tax Increment Redevelopment Project and Declare an Intent to Reimburse Certain Redevelopment Project Costs” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would designate Illinois Eastern Community College District #529 Board of Trustees (IECC) as a developer for redevelopment property being considered for a TIF redevelopment project. The proposed resolution would also declare an intent to reimburse certain redevelopment costs retroactive to October 14, 2024.

Mr. Zuber reminded the Council that last October, the Council indicated an interest in contributing $25,000.00 towards IECC’s Allied Health Addition at Olney Central College. Research was made into whether or not TIF funds could be used for this purpose, and the use of TIF funds via a redevelopment agreement would be allowable. This proposed resolution would act as an inducement resolution and would be the first step in the redevelopment agreement process.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-24, seconded by Councilman Eyer. Mayor Lambird, Councilwomen Eichhorst, Fehrenbacher, and Councilman Eyer voted yes. Councilman McLaughlin abstained.

10-E “Ordinance: Authorize the Execution of Redevelopment Agreement Between the City of Olney and Illinois Eastern Community College District #529 Board of Trustees” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the execution of a redevelopment agreement between the City of Olney and IECC. The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed redevelopment agreement.

Mr. Zuber explained that the agreement would limit the amount of TIF-eligible costs to $25,000.00. Certain documents would also need to be supplied to the City Treasurer in order to receive the reimbursements.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinance 2025-24, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. Councilman Eyer, Councilwomen Fehrenbacher, Eichhorst, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. Councilman McLaughlin abstained.

10-F “Resolution: Approve 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would approve the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget. The Council was also provided with a spreadsheet provided this evening by the City Treasurer.

Mrs. Guinn explained that her spreadsheet reflected changes from the last few meetings, and she had also trued-up some line items with receipts and payouts from certain grants.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-25, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-G “Resolution: Accept Quote for Tennis Court Repair & Waive Formal Bidding Procedures” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a quote for tennis court repair and waive formal bidding procedures. The Council was also provided with a recommendation memo from Park Department Supervisor Frank Bradley and a copy of the $115,960.00 quote from Courts & Cracks of Effingham, Illinois.

Mr. Bradley told the Council that the 2025-2026 budget that was just passed included an amount of $250,000.00 to rebuild tennis courts 4 through 6. Mr. Bradley had been working with Courts & Cracks since January, and they had come up with a great alternate plan that included a crack repair system and re-coating of these courts. This process would keep the courts in good shape for several years. This system was tested out 17 years ago on the east cost and had not needed any more repair since that time. Additionally, going this route should leave Mr. Bradley with additional funds in this line item that could be used to make additional improvements at the courts such as upgrading of lights and parking lot improvements.

Mr. Bradley was aware that the Council was typically interested if there were any warranties included. He indicated that this type of work did not come with any warranty due to installation and various other conditions.

The quote Mr. Bradley had received was a good quote under industry standards. Industry standards put a cost of repair at $35.00 per square foot whereas this quote came in at $30.00 per square foot.

Mayor Lambird asked for a timeline on the work. Mr. Bradley expected to get on the schedule for Summer. Once work started, he expected it to take 7 to 8 days for the south courts and 10 to 12 days for the north courts.

Councilwoman Eichhorst asked how long after repair until the courts could be used. Mr. Bradley expected that courts could be used after one week. He pointed out that at any time work was being completed, three courts would still be available to the public.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2025-R-26, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-H “Resolution: Designate Funds for Capital Expenditures” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would designate funds for capital expenditures.

Mrs. Guinn explained that at the end of each fiscal year, she reviewed funds to see what could be transferred into capital improvement accounts. This year, she recommended to do designate $550,000.00 for capital in the Water Fund, $450,000.00 for capital in the Sewer Fund, $350,000.00 for road projects in the General Fund, and $50,000.00 for capital equipment expenditures in the General Fund.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-27, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-I “Adoption of a Resolution for Maintenance of Streets and Highways by Municipality Under the Illinois Highway Code” The Council was provided with an IDOT resolution that would appropriate $150,000.00 of MFT funds to Summer road maintenance.

Mr. Bridges and Street Department Supervisor Tyler Kocher had reviewed streets to come up with this year’s Summer maintenance program.

This year, portions of Cypress Road, S. Jackson Street, E. Elm Street, E. Harmon Street, Ridgway Street, Esmeralda Street, Franklin Street, Mapledale Street, and S. Fair Street would see work.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2025-R-28, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-J “Ordinance: Authorize Sale of Items of Personal Property Owned by the City of Olney – Various Vehicles/Equipment/Scrap Metal” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the sale of personal property from various departments.

Mr. Barker told the Council that the attached exhibit included vehicles, equipment, and scrap metal that the City could no longer use.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve Ordinance 2025-23.

Councilman Eyer asked if the items were recommended for sale by the Mechanic. Mr. Barker indicated so.

Councilman Eyer noted that a truck was proposed for sale that had a cracked frame. He wondered why that cold not be repaired. From the audience, Mr. Kocher confirmed that the Mechanic said it could not be repaired. This vehicle had previously been used as a salt truck.

Councilman Eyer seconded the motion made above. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-K “Discussion/Possible Ordinance: Amend Section 10.20.030 (Rules and Regulations) of the City of Olney Municipal Code Relating to Golf Carts and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Section 10.20.030 (Rules and Regulations) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.

Mayor Lambird called on Jackson Williams to speak to the Council.

Mr. Williams introduced himself and stated that he was soon to turn 18 years of age. Currently, the City ordinance stated that individuals needed to be at least 21 years of age to drive a golf cart or UTV inside of City limits with a permit. Mr. Williams’ family owned a golf cart, and he was interested in having the driving age lowered to 18.

Mr. Williams felt that several activities for young individuals had diminished over the years. He felt that cruising on a golf cart was a good recreational activity. Additionally, he was a lifeguard at the pool and hoped to commute using the golf cart. He pointed out that at the age of 12, he could drive a boat. At the age of 16, he could drive an automobile. At the age of 18, he could enlist in the military, vote, purchase lottery tickets, etc.

Mr. Williams had researched golf cart ordinances in nearby communities. Several not only allowed the driving age to be 18, but many only had an age limit of 16.

Councilman Eyer was interested in only lowering the driving age for golf carts. Alternatively, Mayor Lambird felt if the driving age was to be lowered, then it should be for both golf carts and UTVs.

Councilman Eyer was concerned with UTVs as he felt they were more powerful and also had access to more main roads without being as safe as an automobile. He cited that AAA reported that the highest accident rates came from individuals aged 16 to 19 years.

Councilwoman Fehrenbacher asked for the opinion of the City’s insurance. Mrs. Sterchi stated that when the ordinance for golf carts and UTVs was created, the City’s insurance wanted drivers to at least be licensed and insured.

Councilman Eyer asked for the recreational value of golf cart cruising. Mr. Williams replied that he would likely stop and chat with people he saw along the way while driving.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinance 2025-23 which would lower the driving age of golf carts, only, to 18 years of age, seconded by Councilman McLaughlin. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-L “Request: Approval for Youth Tournament Creel Limit Per Boat of 5 Fish and Over 12 Inches” The Council was provided with a written request from Flora High School Bass Club Head Coach Nathan Jones.

Mrs. Sterchi explained that Mr. Jones was interested in hosting some youth tournaments on East Fork and Borah Lakes this year. IDNR-governed lakes had exceptions for youth tournaments that lowered the creel limit. Because City lakes were not governed by IDNR, and rather the City itself, the Council would need to authorize the requested lower creel limit of 5 bass over 12 inches.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve the lowered creel limit, as presented, for Flora High School bass tournaments at East Fork and Borah Lakes in 2025, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #11 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS” 11-A “Status Report - City Manager” Mr. Barker reported that work continued on the Main Street storm sewer. The City was also still waiting on CSX for direction on bridge repairs.

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

11-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that the Chamber was planning an event to be held downtown.

Mayor Lambird noted that he had just heard that the contractor would be placing temporary asphalt on Main Street around May 12th. Mr. Kocher confirmed that time frame, weather permitting.

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

This evening’s meeting was the last meeting for Councilman McLaughlin and Councilwoman Fehrenbacher as their terms ended at the end of April.

Mayor Lambird presented Councilman McLaughlin with a plaque in recognition of his dedicated years of service since 2013.

Mayor Lambird then presented Councilwoman Fehrenbacher with a plaque in recognition of her dedicated years of service since 2017.

Councilman McLaughlin thanked everyone and acknowledged that he could be a bit difficult on some issues. Looking back, there were a few things he would have done differently, but overall, he enjoyed his 12 years on the City Council. He always tried to do what he thought was best even if the opinion was not shared with everyone. He said that he would miss serving on the Council, but he would now be serving on the IECC Board of Trustees

Mayor Lambird asked if anyone else had anything to say before moving on to closed session. No one had anything additional to add.

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 McLaughlin 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 Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:25 p.m.

AGENDA #13 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilwoman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 6:35 p.m.

13-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Session on April 14, 2025” Councilman Eyer moved to approve the minutes of closed session from April 14, 2025, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

13-B “Resolution: Authorize Execution of Agreement Between the City of Olney and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4301 Representing Olney Firefighters” The Council was provided with a resolution that would authorize the execution of an agreement between the City of Olney and the IAFF. The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed agreement.

Councilman McLaughlin moved to approve 2025-R-29, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #14 “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 6:36 p.m.

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