East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met May 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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

AGENDA #3 “ROLL CALL” The following Council members were present: Mark Lambird, Jack Eyer, Julia Eichhorst, Bryce Fehrenbacher, and Matt Miller. 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 May 12, 2025”

5-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable May 28, 2025” Pooled Cash $155,648.78, Manual Pooled Cash $54,133.54, Utility Refunds $931.52, ISO $11,246.16, Walnut/Main Storm Sewer $2,430.21, MFT $9,099.24, IMRF $26,046.19, Route 130 TIF $58,327.50, South Olney TIF District $130.00

5-C “Resolution: Amend the 2025-2026 Tourism Budget for Chamber of Commerce Grant” 2025-R-33

5-D “Resolution: Accept Quote for Fire Chief Squad Vehicle & Waive Formal Bidding Procedures” 2025-R-34

5-E “Resolution: Accept Proposal for Taylor Lakeside Drive Storm Sewer & Waive Formal Bidding Procedures” 2025-R-35

5-F “Resolution: Support SWAN Grant Application” 2025-R-36

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 remaining items on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilman Eyer. 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 “Request: Class S Liquor License for Whittletown Holding Hovey’s LLC, d.b.a. Hovey’s, for the 2025-2026 Liquor License Year” The Council was provided with an Application for Special Use Permit (Class S) Licenses for Whittletown Holdings Hovey’s LLC., d.b.a. Hovey’s.

If approved this evening, the action would indicate that the Council felt that Hovey’s was an appropriate establishment to serve at special events during the liquor license year. From here, each specific event in the license year would require the applicant to submit an event-specific application for approval by the Local Liquor Commissioner (Mayor Lambird) only.

From the audience, Joseph Greifzu approached the Council. Mr. Greifzu was one of the owners of Hovey’s. He explained that the Richland County Fair was coming up, and Hovey’s had been approached to serve alcohol at the events. In past years, The Fireside had provided this service, but they were now closed.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve Class S liquor license authorization for Whittletown Holdings Hovey’s LLC., d.b.a. Hovey’s, for the 2025-2026 liquor license year, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-B “Ordinance: Honor the Life and Legacy of William “Bill” Jennings and Dedicate an Honorary Street in His Memory” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would honor the life and legacy of William “Bill” Jennings and dedicate an honorary street in his memory. The Council was also provided with an image of the proposed location of the honorary street.

Mayor Lambird explained that there was a section of thru-road behind the grandstand that he wished to dedicate in honor of Mr. Jennings. This honorary street naming would not affect any 9-1-1 addresses. For many years, Mr. Jennings was an integral part of the success of the Richland County Fair and this dedicate would be appropriate.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinance 2025-26, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-C “Discussion/Possible Approval: MFT Concrete Bid for Use in Miscellaneous Construction Work” The Council was provided with a bid tabulation and an Acceptance of Proposal to Furnish Materials and Approval of Award form.

Bids for this concrete were opened earlier this day at 10:00 a.m. The concrete would be used for this year’s summer road maintenance program.

Mr. Bridges told the Council that 2 bids were received for this concrete. Doll’s had bid a total of $32,800.00. Schrey Systems bid a total of $30,000.00. Mr. Bridges recommended acceptance of the low bid from Schrey Systems.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to accept the low bid from Schrey Systems, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-D “Discussion/Possible Approval: MFT Bids for Oil & Chip” The Council was provided with a bid tabulation and Acceptance of Proposal to Furnish and Approval of Award forms for this oil and chip.

Mr. Bridges told the Council that 2 bids were received for the furnishing of CA-16. 3 Sisters Logistics bid a total of $15,740.00, and Charles H. Carter & Sons, Inc. bid a total of $14,553.00. He recommended accepting the low bid in that category from Charles H. Carter & Sons.

Councilwoman Eichhorst asked if the City had utilized Charles H. Carter & Sons before. Mr. Bridges confirmed.

Councilman Eyer moved to accept the low bid from Charles H. Carter & Sons, Inc., seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

Mr. Bridges then told the Council that Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group was the sole bidder for the application of the CA-16 and the furnishing of the seal coat. They bid a total of $10,773.00 for the application of CA-16 and a total of $44,881.56 for the seal coat.

Councilman Miller moved to approve the bid from Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group for the application of the CA-16 and the furnishing of seal coat, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-E “Discussion: Potential Walnut Street IDOT Grant Project” Since the last Council meeting, Mr. Bridges had completed cost estimates for the repair of Walnut Street.

The first estimate to replace the pavement from on Walnut, from Butler Street to Scott Street, would include curb and gutter work in addition the installation of ADA ramps and the replacement of pavement. Some new storm sewer would also be needed near the intersection of E. Laurel Street.

From Scott Street to Hardman Street would include removing the pavement, laying a new base, widening the roadway to 25-foot wide, and the repaving.

Hardman Street to Mack Avenue would include some concrete work, curb and gutter, widening, and overlay. New storm sewer would also be needed.

The entire project as described would cost approximately $4,000,000.00.

The waterline underneath of the roadway between Butler Street and Scott Street would also need relocated. It was a 6-inch, cast iron waterline. Mr. Bridges reminded the Council that utility relocations could be an allowable expense under this grant. Typically, utility relocations meant relocating of power

lines and fiber optic manholes, but this may be allowable. Even so, Mr. Bridges indicated that the overall project could be conducted without relocating the waterline, but it should be moved if possible.

Mayor Lambird agreed that the waterline should be moved. Mr. Bridges stated that there was not much room available to move the waterline. As such, it would need to be placed under sidewalk. This waterline project alone could total $650,000.00.

Overall, the Council felt it would be best to “load up” the grant application to include as much work as possible.

Mayor Lambird asked about a timeline. Mr. Bridges replied that he believed that the State would want a grant agreement within two years.

Mayor Lambird asked if Water Fund reserves should be used for the waterline instead of grant funds. Mrs. Guinn replied that reserves in the Water Fund did already have some earmarks for replacement of the North Avenue waterline and the possible replacement of a portion of waterline on Whittle Avenue.

Mr. Bridges added that he did not have a cost estimate yet for the Whittle Avenue waterline, but confirmed that it was in bad shape.

Mrs. Guinn went further to explain that Water Distribution Supervisor Brandon Williams was also planning to re-paint a water tower next year. Because of all of these reasons, she recommended including the waterline work in with the grant application.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if the City would be able to reduce the scope of work if the State provided only partial funding. Mr. Bridges felt that would be hard to say. Additionally, if the City were to decline any type of grant award, that would hurt the City’s chances for award in the future.

Councilwoman Eichhorst wondered when the State would make decisions on grant awards. Mr. Bridges felt that there would be several applications submitted, so it would take quite a while for them to be reviewed.

9-F “Resolution: Approve the Downtown Façade Grant Application & Program” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would approve a Downtown Façade Grant application and program. The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed application and program.

Mayor Lambird explained that he had interest in developing this grant program for the past several years. His intention was to wait until Love’s Travel Stop was generating revenue from its video gaming machines. The machines were up and running, and Mayor Lambird expected the revenue to generate about $20,000.00 per year.

Mayor Lambird continued by saying that the grant program could award up to $5,000.00 as a funding match towards certain façade projects in the downtown area.

Councilman Eyer was historically not in favor of the vast amount of video gaming in town. However, if the machines were placed and generating revenue, then the City would need to do something with the funds. He felt that this grant program would be suitable.

The Council wondered what areas of downtown would be eligible to apply. Mayor Lambird was going to supply a proposed map, but he felt that instead the Council could determine that as a whole. He suggested Main Street, from Kitchell Street to Boone Street, and also Whittle Avenue, from Main Street to the railroad tracks.

Councilwoman Eichhorst felt that the Main Street section should extend to Morgan Street rather than Boone Street. Councilman Eyer agreed.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked how many years this grant program would be active. Mayor Lambird replied that the program could remain active until a Council decided to discontinue.

Councilman Miller wondered if the grant funding limit should be listed on the application. Mayor Lambird stated that the limit, and other information, could be found on the cover sheets that would accompany the application.

Councilman Fehrenbacher noted that if the City was out of available funding, then applications should not be given out.

Councilman Miller felt that the Main Street portion should begin at Camp Avenue and then go down to Morgan Street. The Council was agreeable.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-37, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Mrs. Sterchi would create a map of the eligibility area to include Main Street, from Camp Avenue to Morgan Street, and Whittle Avenue, from Main Street to the railroad tracks.

9-G “Ordinance: Amend Section 5.12.070 (Restriction on Number of Licenses Authorized) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Section 5.12.070 (Restriction on Number of Licenses Authorized) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.

Mayor Lambird informed the Council that the number of Class A (Tavern) and Class C (Restaurant) licenses would need to be reduced. The Fireside held a Class A liquor license, but had not renewed due to their recent closures. Richland Motels d.b.a. The Holiday Motel & Restaurant had also not renewed even after being contacted.

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

9-H “Discussion: Licenses/Restrictions for Smoke Shops” Mayor Lambird noted that smoke shops were starting to pop up around town. There were concerns from law enforcement and citizens about this issue. According to his research in the statutes, Mayor Lambird believed that the City could regulate smoke shops within the City. He requested for Mr. Zuber to see what options would be available.

From the audience, Sergeant Seth Elliott agreed that smoke shops were causing problems for communities. Smoke shops and some liquor stores were selling inappropriate items that were technically legal unless the City enlisted additional regulations.

Councilman Miller asked if the City could create its own definition of “drug paraphernalia.” Even if so, Mr. Zuber indicated that an item could only be considered drug paraphernalia if drugs were in it.

The topic would be researched and discussed further in the future.

AGENDA #10 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”

10-A “Status Report - City Manager” Mr. Barker told the Council that interviews were being conducted for the vacancy at the Water Plant.

Mrs. Guinn then told the Council that Frontier was continuously raising its prices for landline service. She had investigated internet phone service with Frontier and also changing internet service from Sparklight to Frontier. These changes could save the City approximately $600.00 to $700.00 per month. However, a new firewall would be needed in the amount of $2,000.00.

She noted that the Fire Department would be the only location still on Sparklight service as they were still in a 3-year contract. Cancelling the contract would cost $6,700.00.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked how the electric aggregation change would affect supply charges for City of Olney accounts. Mrs. Guinn replied that the City’s accounts had been under a separate contract good through January of 2026.

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

10-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that the Chamber thanked the City for its grand funding increase. Their first ever 5th Friday event was set to take place on May 30th, and the Sounds of Summer Free Concert Series was set to begin as of June 5th. She continued to report that the Humble & Kind boutique now had a new owner, and Gratitude & Grace would be offering Lemonade Saturdays for not-for-profit organizations to hold lemonade stands outside of their business. Lastly, the Thomas Factory Outlet retail location had closed.

10-D “Tourism Board Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst reported that the Spring/Summer Tourism Times was available at 20 different locations around town.

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 Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:31 p.m.

AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 6:43 p.m.

12-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Session on May 12, 2025” Councilman Eyer moved to approve the minutes of closed session from May 12, 2025, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

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

The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.

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