East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met July 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The July 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. Tim Loomis 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 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 July 14, 2025”

5-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable July 29, 2025” Pooled Cash $175,513.81, Manual Pooled Cash $4,670.71, Walnut/Main Storm Sewer $2,305.00, Dog Park $3,629.54, MFT $4,995.45, IMRF $252.17, Tourism $1,300.00, Route 130 TIF $40,806.00

5-C “Re-Appointments: Beth Miller, Morgan Henton & Leah Wollin to the Parks & Recreation Board”

5-D “Appointment: Gary Houchin to the Plan Commission”

5-E “Raffle License: Richland Co. Homemakers Education Association”

5-F “Payment Request: Whittle Avenue Railroad Project”

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 Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #8 “CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA” No items were requested for removal from Consent Agenda.

AGENDA #9 “PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.” 9-A “Discussion/Possible Action: Flagpole for POW/MIA Chair Area Near the Carle Trail” The Council was provided with an e-mailed flagpole quote and a copy of Council meeting minutes from February 24, 2025.

Tim Anderson and Tony Schmidt approached the Council representing Flags of Valor. Mr. Anderson told the Council that they were looking to procure a 30-foot flagpole to place with the approved POW/MIA Chair of Honor near the Carle Trail. Rolling Thunder would also be adding a bench.

Mayor Lambird noted that the flagpole itself plus installation would run between $4,700.00 and $5,500.00. He asked if funds had been raised for the purchase. Mr. Anderson had understood that the Elks would assist with the costs, but he had not heard from the organization recently.

The Elks’ Exalted Ruler, Vic Colwell, was in the audience. Mayor Lambird asked Exalted Ruler Colwell if he had any information, but Exalted Ruler Colwell did not have any at the time.

Mayor Lambird asked where the flagpole, chair, and bench would be placed. Mr. Anderson replied that they wanted to put everything towards the west end of the walking trail and south of the pavilion. Electricity could also be accessed in this area.

Mayor Lambird asked how many local organizations were involved in the project. Mr. Anderson replied that the VFW, VFW Auxiliary, American Legion, Eagles, Rolling Thunder, and the Elks were all involved.

Mayor Lambird asked if any trees would be trimmed or removed for this project. Mr. Anderson said no.

Mayor Lambird asked for Mr. Anderson and Mr. Schmidt to update the Council once funds were raised and when additional guidance from the City would be needed.

Councilman Miller moved to approve the POW/MIA Chair of Honor, bench, and flagpole to be located at the Carle Trail in the area described above, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-B “Resolution: Amend the 2025-2026 Fire & Police Department Budgets” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend the 2025-2026 Fire and Police Department budgets.

Mrs. Guinn explained that Interim Fire Chief Daron Harmon was interested in transferring $400.00 from the Portable Radios line item to the Mobile Radios line item, and Police Chief Justin Bloomer had received a $500.00 donation that he hoped to use for water, snacks, coffee, etc. for his officers.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-46, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-C “Discussion/Possible Action: Fencing for the North Side of the Musgrove Park Playground” Councilman Fehrenbacher had received citizen comments related to concerns with the lack of fencing near the swings on the north side of the Musgrove Park playground. Because Mack Avenue was such a busy street, safety was felt to be an issue. The Councilman had invited concerned citizens to this evening’s meeting.

From the audience, Matthew Rose approached the Council. Mr. Rose had two children that attended the Small Blessings daycare center across the street from Musgrove Park. He felt that fully fenced playgrounds offered immense benefits regarding safety and provided easier supervision of children. Fencing would add a clear boundary for parents and caregivers to keep an eye on children. The Splash Pad area was fenced and allowed for children to play freely while the adults could feel more relaxed.

Ronda Easton then approached the Council. Mrs. Easton owned the Small Blessings daycare center. The center was licensed by the State and had to conform with State standards. Part of those standards required play spaces to be fenced or enclosed from traffic and other hazards. Because of this, Mrs. Easton could not allow for the children in her care to play on the swings because of their proximity to traffic.

Mrs. Easton was aware that Musgrove Park was an important and well-loved area for many people in the community. Other daycare centers and schools also appreciated the facility. Additional fencing would provide more safety for all children. Mrs. Easton also recalled that sidewalks were placed along Route 130 after a fatal pedestrian accident. She did not want the City to ignore this concern until another accident happened.

Councilman Fehrenbacher wondered what type of fencing would be most appropriate. The Council commented on chain link fencing in other areas at Musgrove Park, and felt that would be most appropriate and cost-effective. The Councilman felt that the addition of fencing would fit in this year’s budget.

Mrs. Guinn pointed out that funds for such a project were not included in this year’s budget. Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if there was any room for adjustments. Mrs. Guinn indicated that an amount of $50,000.00 had been budgeted for Contingencies. This line item is for unforeseen needs that come up through the year.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if the fencing project would go out for bid. Mayor Lambird believed so.

Mayor Lambird asked the Council if they were agreeable to explore the cost of additional fencing. Councilwoman Eichhorst indicated so. Councilman Miller also said he was agreeable to explore cost, but did not want to be bound to the project.

Councilman Fehrenbacher thought that the additional fencing should surround the swingset area and not just go along the northern portion.

Mrs. Easton was aware that fundraising efforts assisted with the Together We Play Park. She indicated that she would be happy to help with fundraising, if needed.

Mr. Barker noted that gates would need to be included with the fencing in order for the Park Department to access the area with necessary equipment.

Cost estimates would be presented at a future time.

9-D “Discussion/Possible Action: Tennis Court Parking Lot Improvements” The Council was provided with proposed plans for asphalt upgrades at the tennis court parking lot.

Mr. Bridges planned for a 4-inch overlay with needed slopes. Funds remained in the budget following a previous TIF project that would also qualify for this project. Mr. Barker expected that it may be difficult to find a contractor this late in the year for a smaller project like this, but if one could not be found this year, then perhaps the project would take place in the Spring.

Mayor Lambird asked if the contractor coming in to repair a road following the storm sewer project might be available for this project. Mr. Bridges believed that the area seeing repair would be oil and chip; not asphalt.

Councilwoman Eichhorst was aware that the tennis court parking lot was an area used to dump snow. Mr. Barker confirmed that the City would need to identify another location to dump snow.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to authorize the tennis court upgrades, as presented, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-E “Discussion/Possible Action: Code Compliance at 701 N. Silver Street” Councilman Eyer removed himself from the dais as this topic centered around property he owned as a citizen of Olney and not a member of the Council.

The Council was provided with a justification letter from Mr. Eyer for a native arboretum-style landscape at 701 N. Silver Street, photographs of the types of plants growing on his property, and a copy of Chapter 8.28 (Weeds) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.

Mr. Eyer had purchased this property about a year ago. He was a lover of nature and wanted to enjoy the property by having most of the acreage become arboretum-style. Mr. Eyer had asserted that the plants on this acreage were ornamental and/or flowers and that he consistently monitored the area to remove weeds. He also believed that the plants fell under his property rights for enjoyment of his property.

The City had been receiving complaints about this property and some citizens believed that the area should be subject to Chapter 8.28 (Weeds) of the City of Olney Municipal Code because they felt that the area was an eyesore. The chapter did declare weeds to be a nuisance, but also stated that trees, bushes, flowers, or other ornamental plants were not subject to the restrictions.

Based on guidance from the City Attorney and City Manager, it was determined that any further complaints about the property should be directed to the City Council to either affirm that Mr. Eyer’s plants were ornamental and/or flowers, or for the Council to request a citation to be issued, a court date determined, and then Mr. Eyer could contest the citation with the judge. The judge could then make the final determination.

Mayor Lambird stated that he had been receiving weed complaints regarding 701 N. Silver Street and he asked if anyone from the Council wished to make any other statements.

Councilman Miller said that he had asked Code Enforcement for a report on weed letters sent in 2025. So far, 276 letters had been issued with the City taking additional enforcement on 54 properties. Councilman Miller had also spoken with over 50 of his constituents and indicated that not a single person said that they liked how the area looked. In the Councilman’s opinion, the property should be mowed.

Councilman Fehrenbacher agreed with Councilman Miller. He understood that the biggest consideration was whether or not the plants were flowers or weeds. He felt that was a “slippery, flimsy” type of discussion, and pointed out that he also had not found anyone that regarded the plants in that area as flowers. By reasonable definition, he felt the City should treat the plants as weeds. He went further to explain that he had some construction work done earlier in the year that damaged his turf yard. He would not be able to replant grass until Spring, but he did make sure that the yard was mowed down. Taking all into consideration, he felt the City should treat the growth at 701 N. Silver Street as a violation of the ordinance.

Councilwoman Eichhorst agreed.

Mayor Lambird asked Mr. Eyer if he wished to speak. Mr. Eyer did not.

Councilman Miller moved to have Code Enforcement issue a citation for non-compliance of Chapter 8.28 (Weeds) of the City of Olney Municipal Code, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received with Councilman Eyer not voting on this item.

Councilman Eyer returned to the dais where he put his name plate facedown and exited the meeting at 6:22 p.m.

AGENDA #10 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”

10-A “Status Report - City Manager” Mr. Barker reported that the tennis court repairs should soon be completed. He also believed that the Fair had been a success this year, and he planned to continue working with the Fair Board on clearing some unused items off of the Fairgrounds.

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

10-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that Thursday’s Sounds of Summer concert would feature Wade & Jamie. August 6th would also be the day of the ribbon cutting for the Wabash General Hospital Clinic. The Chamber’s golf outing had also gone well, and the Elks would be hosting an “After Hours” Chamber event on August 26th.

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; appointment, employment, compensation, and performance of specific employees; and collective negotiating matters, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:24 p.m.

AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 6:57 p.m.

12-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Session on June 23, June 30, & July 14, 2025” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve the minutes of closed session meetings held on June 23, June 30, and July 14, 2025, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

12-B “Resolution: Authorize Destruction of Closed Session Audio” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize the destruction of closed session audio.

Councilwoman Eichhorst wished to vote on items 12-B and 12-C together.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-47 and 2025-R-48, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

12-C “Resolution: Authorize Release of Closed Session Minutes” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize the release of certain closed session minutes.

Action on this item was taken under item 12-B.

Regarding the asphalting of the tennis court parking lots, Mr. Barker asked the Council if the City should seek a couple of quotes or go through the bidding process. Coming up with bid specifications, soliciting bids, etc. would take up a fair amount of time and money for such a small project.

Councilwoman Eichhorst and Councilman Miller stated their approval.

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

The meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.

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