East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Aug. 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The August 25, 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 Meetings on August 11 (Special), August 11 (Regular), & August 14 (Special), 2025”

5-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable August 26, 2025” Pooled Cash $115,695.91, Manual Pooled Cash $14,328.34, Utility Refunds $580.11, Adjustments $110.25, MFT $20,461.68, IMRF $252.17, Tourism $5,000.00, Route 130 TIF $76,552.00

5-C “Raffle License: St. Joseph Church”

5-D “Raffle License: Olney USBC”

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 “Request: Class S Liquor License for B.P.O.E. Elks #926 for the 2025-2026 Liquor License Year” The Council was provided with an Application for Special Use Permit (Class S) Licenses for B.P.O.E. Elks #926.

If approved this evening, the action would indicate that the Council felt that the Elks 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.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve Class S liquor license authorization for B.P.O.E. Elks #926 for the 2025-2026 liquor license year, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-B “Discussion: Fencing for the North Side of the Musgrove Park Playground” The Council was provided with a $7,200.00 quote from Fence Worx LLC. for fencing additions for the north side of the Musgrove Park playground that would include necessary gates for Park Department equipment.

Councilman Fehrenbacher felt that the fencing should have been added years ago. If such fencing was requested at the City Park, he would be willing to budget the expense in the next budget year. However, because he felt this was a significant safety issue and public awareness was present, he felt it would be optimal to fit the cost into this year’s budget.

When the fencing was originally discussed, Councilman Eyer thought he recalled Ronda Easton offering to contribute funds or fundraise. He wondered if Councilman Fehrenbacher had heard any more information about that funding.

Councilman Fehrenbacher had not heard any more from Mrs. Easton on the funding, but wondered if the City should even ask such a thing from the public as it was a public park and would contribute to a municipality’s responsibility for public safety.

Since the last meeting, Councilman Eyer had taken another look at the area. He noted that the swing sets were considerably far from the roadway by about 30 to 40 yards. No safety issues had been present.

Speaking as a parent, Councilman Fehrnebacher felt that it was nice to visit a park where there was a confined space for the children to play as this made management of children easier. He also felt that even though Mrs. Easton had spoken in favor of fencing, that this addition would not simply be because of her request and her daycare center.

Councilman Eyer wondered if requesting bids would be a better option. He felt that the cost of fencing seemed high and that he would like to see a better-itemized statement.

Councilwoman Eichhorst personally preferred parks to be open spaces.

Councilman Miller had never had issue with supervising his children at Musgrove Park. He was not certain that it was the City’s responsibility to bring Mrs. Easton’s daycare into compliance with State daycare rules. If the daycare owners offered to pay 60% or more, he would be more in favor of the request. With the current pricing and the playground already being so far set back from the road, he admitted that his vote would likely be a no.

Mayor Lambird asked if Councilman Fehrenbacher wanted to ask Mrs. Easton if the daycare wished to contribute towards the project.

Councilman Fehrenbacher said he would get in touch with Mrs. Easton and also see about pushing the project into the next fiscal year. If Mrs. Easton indicated that the daycare would contribute enough to put the City’s cost at $3,500.00, he wondered if the Council would then be willing to explore having the project be completed this year.

Councilman Eyer indicated that he would consider that idea.

9-C “Discussion/Possible Ordinance: Amend Section 12.12.120 (Swimming Pool Fees) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Section 12.12.120 (Swimming Pool Fees) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.

A local benefactor had reached out to Councilman Fehrenbacher to see if he could sponsor a Free Swim Day during the 2026 pool season. Because of this, the Councilman wished for the Council to discuss a flat fee that someone could pay in order to have the public attend Public Swim for free on a given day.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked how much it cost the City to operate the pool during Public Swim. Mrs. Guinn did not have daily numbers, but was aware that it cost the City $164,000.00 per year to operate. In 2024, the pool generated $75,000.00 of income. She noted that revenue also depended on weather and any closings due to swim meets, and stated that it cost $300.00 to rent the pool for a 2-hour private party.

Councilman Miller did some rough math and estimated it cost the City about $833.33 per day of the season to operate the pool.

Mayor Lambird recognized that the City sponsored two Free Swim Days per year. He was aware that the benefactor was interested in sponsoring two more per year. The Mayor also pointed out that the pool would never be a revenue source for the City, but was more of a provided service to the community.

Councilmen Miller and Eyer stated that a $500.00 fee seemed fair.

Councilman Miller moved to approve Ordinance 2025-33 to add a $500.00 fee for a Sponsored Public Swim Day, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-D “Discussion/Possible Action: Recognition Plaque in Musgrove Park in Honor of the Musgrove Family” Councilman Eyer had visited Musgrove Park and surveyed the memorial wall on the west side of the pool. The wall was missing one plaque, and he felt that some movement of the other plaques would allow for the addition of this new plaque.

While the park had been named after the Musgroves, Councilman Eyer noted that there was no signage to indicate why it had been named after the family. He wanted the Council to consider adding a plaque in honor of their donation of land for the park. He was not interested in recognizing the Council that was seated at that time.

Councilman Fehrenbacher felt that this topic may be related to Dave Shafer’s letter to the Council from a few months ago. If that was the case, Councilman Fehrenbacher was aware that Mr. Shafer requested recognition of that prior Council.

Councilman Eyer admitted he was not in favor of Mr. Shafer’s full request, but was in favor of recognition of the Musgrove family.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if he had spoken to Mr. Shafer. Councilman Eyer admitted that he had not.

Mayor Lambird assumed that individuals that saw the Musgrove Park entrance signs were aware that these were placed and/or named in honor of the Musgroves. He wondered what else could be needed.

Councilman Eyer pointed out that facilities were sometimes named after someone following a tragedy, or after a war hero. This proposed plaque would explain the “why” of these names.

Councilman Miller asked if this recognition sign should be placed under the entrance sign. Councilman Eyer felt that could be a location, but felt that there was already a spot on the aforementioned wall for the new plaque.

Councilman Fehrenbacher had spoken with prior Mayor Henby, and he had indicated that he did not care whether or not the Council of that time was recognized with a plaque.

Councilman Eyer would look into pricing.

9-E “Discussion/Possible Action: Authorize Solicitation of Bids for Eastgate Storm Sewer Project Materials” Mr. Barker told the Council that work on the Eastgate storm sewer was much needed and was work that City crews could complete. An amount of $100,000.00 had been budgeted this year for the project. Mr. Barker was seeking the Council’s approval to go ahead and solicit bids for project materials.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to authorize solicitation of bids for the Eastgate Storm Sewer Project materials, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-F “Ordinance: Amend Title 17 (Zoning) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend several Sections in Title 17 (Zoning) of the City of Olney Municipal Code.

Mayor Lambird told the Council that the proposed amendments would more closely align the City’s regulations regarding cannabis-related businesses with State statute. When the Sections were added to the Code, they were as suggested by IML with local provisions that could be added. This proposed ordinance would clean up these Sections to now follow State statute.

Councilman Fehrenbacher was aware that guests may wish to speak on this topic. He clarified that any votes would not say whether or not a cannabis-related facility could be placed in Olney, but what the restrictions could be.

From the audience, Jamie O’Neil wished to speak. Ms. O’Neil had been working over the last 6 years to help people with substance abuse disorders. Some statistics that she had found that communities with cannabis dispensaries saw a substance abuse mortality rate increase of 17% with an increase on homelessness at 35%.

Ms. O’Neil had also been witness to individuals choosing to purchase marijuana instead of a safe place to live, and/or instead of a job. She also felt that marijuana increased the rate of DUIs, domestic incidents, traffic fatalities, mental illness, and loss of job force.

She continued to state that the CDC had reported that 3 out of 10 people that use marijuana can develop a cannabis use disorder, including minors.

In Ms. O’Neil’s experience, marijuana was a gateway drug that led to other addictions with gambling, meth use, etc. In these instances, the well-being of children was left behind. Additionally, seeing such establishments in Olney could make children and adults alike begin to normalize such facilities.

Councilman Fehrenbacher has also heard that when marijuana was fully illegal, THC levels were at 1%, but now the legal marijuana had THC levels at 35%. He felt that frequent use compounded motor skill problems, anxiety, etc. Despite studies, results seemed to horseshoe as marijuana could provide a short-term boost and relief, but over time, problems were found to compound.

Ms. O’Neil agreed and stated that while Colorado may have gained revenue from cannabis establishments, mental illness and the cost of providing additional people with State funding had increased tremendously.

Councilman Eyer asked why the ordinance was being proposed for change. Mayor Lambird replied that he felt that the current ordinance was too restrictive. He then recalled that Edwards County used to be a dry county, but that they did not have any more alcoholics there now than when they had not allowed the sale of alcohol. The Mayor felt that people would not choose to partake simply because

such a product could not be purchased in town. He was already aware of several individuals that left Olney to purchase cannabis products.

Councilman Fehrenbacher disagreed and felt that if cannabis was within arm’s reach, more individuals would be likely to partake.

Mayor Lambird asked Ms. O’Neil how many people she knew that got their marijuana from a legal dispensary or through other, illegal means. Ms. O’Neil admitted that she did not ask people that question.

Mayor Lambird assumed that a good amount of marijuana was purchased through means that were not as well controlled as a dispensary.

Councilman Miller’s biggest concern was illegal marijuana laced with fentanyl. While he was not a big fan of cannabis, he would prefer if someone purchased from a dispensary versus getting “laced road ditch weed.”

Councilman Eyer asked when the cannabis zoning conditions were added to the Code. Mayor Lambird did not have the exact date, but stated that it was a few years ago with the Council approving the addition to the Code.

Councilman Eyer said that he had been contacted by people indicating that they did not want a dispensary in Olney. The Councilman agreed with those opinions. He also pointed out that allowing for cannabis-related businesses was not required by the State, and that the City could choose to prohibit the businesses altogether. Prior ordinances could be repealed with a majority vote, and the Councilman stated his interest in repeal.

Councilman Fehrenbacher then noted that cannabis was not regulated on the Federal level. Because of this, he did not believe use of cannabis was as “up to snuff” as some people may believe.

Councilman Eyer was aware that proposed Code amendments often came to the Council with reline strikeout versions. Mrs. Sterchi agreed, but noted that instead of some small changes in certain Sections, all of these Sections would be full amendments, not partial, and that the proposed ordinance did state such.

The Councilman then noted that the proposed amendments would not restrict such businesses from areas such as residences, schools, churches, etc. Councilman Eyer wondered if public opinion had been sought. Mayor Lambird replied that all Council meetings were open to the public.

Councilman Fehrenbacher would be open to a referendum to settle the issue.

Councilman Eyer felt that a future agenda could have a public hearing regarding the issue.

Mr. Zuber found that the cannabis-related zoning regulations were added in 2019.

Councilman Eyer moved to table the topic and have it put on a future agenda that would specifically ask for public attendance and comment, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #10 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”

10-A “Status Report - City Manager” Mr. Barker reported that the City had received its necessary permit for the waterline work on North Avenue. Bids were hoped to be solicited soon.

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

10-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said the Chamber was hosting an After Hours networking event on August 26th at the Elks, and the next 5th Friday event would be on August 29th.

Mayor Lambird was aware that Halloween evening would be eventful. Councilwoman Eichhorst agreed. Several activities were being planned in downtown Olney for Halloween.

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

AGENDA #11 “CLOSED SESSION: SALE OR LEASE PRICE OF REAL PROPERTY; ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY; APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, AND PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES; AND LITIGATION 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 litigation matters, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:39 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 7:27 p.m.

12-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Session on August 11, 2025” Councilman Eyer moved to approved the closed session minutes from August 11, 2025, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

12-B “Discussion/Possible Action: Authorize Request for Proposals to Acquire City Owned Real Estate” The Council was provided with a draft Request for Proposals to Acquire City Owned Real Estate as provided by Mr. Zuber. The land available for sale was approximately 5.06 acres with Parcel Index Number 11-10-301-026.

The Council discussed information to be included with proposals, and determined that the opening of proposals would take place on September 22, 2025.

Councilman Miller moved to authorize the Request for Proposals for the sale of approximately 5.06 acres with Parcel Index Number 11-10-301-206, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

12-C “Discussion/Possible Action: Authorize the City of Olney to Proceed with Working in Cooperation with Solar Connect on a Proposed Project Located on City Property” Mayor Lambird had met with Solar Connect representatives about a proposed project on the roof of Pacific Cycle. They were wanting to submit a formal proposal, and the Mayor was seeking opinion of the Council as to whether or not to continue work on the proposed project.

Councilman Miller asked how the project would affect the future value of the building. Mayor Lambird indicated that there would be a lower cost of power for some parts of the building. Additionally, Solar Connect would install a new roof with a 25-year guarantee.

The Council had no issue with moving forward with this project.

Councilman Eyer asked for an update regarding the solar project near the Sewer Plant. Mayor Lambird had spoken with the project manager a few weeks back and he had indicated that they were in the queue with Ameren.

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 7:32 p.m.

https://cms2.revize.com/revize/olneynew/cc%20Aug%2025%202025.pdf?t=20250828130447086&t=20250828130447086