East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Sept. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The September 8, 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. Willard Anderson 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 August 25, 2025”

5-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable September 9, 2025” Pooled Cash $157,677.81, Manual Pooled Cash $118,372.07, Petty Cash $163.89, Foreign Fire $273.69, MFT $7,725.00, IMRF $25,151.75, Tourism $700.00, Route 130 TIF $13,060.28, Christmas Light Display $5,850.00

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 Eyer. 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 “PUBLIC HEARING: CANNABIS-RELATED ZONING AMENDMENTS” At the last Council meeting, the Council considered a proposed ordinance that would amend Sections in Title 17 (Zoning) of the City of Olney Municipal Code. The proposed ordinance would totally amend these Sections in order to take regulations regarding cannabis-related businesses and aligning them with State statute. Following discussion at that meeting, the Council decided that they would hold a designated public hearing this evening regarding the zoning changes. Mayor Lambird opened the public hearing.

The City Clerk had received 10 e-mails and 3 phone calls in support of the proposed cannabis related zoning amendments. She had also received 8 e-mails and 1 phone call in opposition of the amendments.

Rylan Thomas was first to speak. He felt that such establishments were inevitably going to come to Olney, so he felt that generated revenue would at least be beneficial. He would recommend locations that were more out-of-the-way.

Bel Cline felt that the Council’s decision should be objective and not based on opinions or morality as that was not what was being considered. They detailed some information that they felt was incorrect or misleading. In fact, they stated studies that reported cannabis-related businesses showed a 0% increase or a decrease in crime rates.

Bruce Johnson spoke next. Mr. Johnson felt that it was no question that cannabis was already being used in Olney, so he supported changes that would be beneficial to Olney. He noted that businesses such as dispensaries sold product that was tested for contaminants and was also strictly regulated. He was fully in support of the addition of such businesses where the location would make sense economically.

Rodney Linder then reminded the Council that cannabis use was still not legal under Federal law even though some states chose to allow for the regulated use. He could not reconcile how the City could allow for something that was not permitted by the Federal government. Additionally, if a driver was in an accident, even if not at fault, they could see charges if they were under the influence of cannabis.

Mayor Lambird clarified that any time a driver was under the influence of a substance, the driver would be breaking all law. Allowing for a cannabis-related business did not allow for driving under the influence.

Mr. Linder asked if the City of Olney would follow Federal or State law on the topic. Mayor Lambird replied that the City would follow the laws of its state.

Mr. Linder felt that making cannabis more accessible would increase use. Mayor Lambird disagreed and again referenced Edwards County. It had always been a dry county, but now that alcohol sales were permitted, he figured there were still no more alcoholics than there had ever been.

Mr. Linder asked if the City should open a meth dispensary. An audience member noted that meth was not legal in the State of Illinois.

Blain Hites felt that voting to allow cannabis-related businesses was voting for an increased amount of cannabis use in the City and the County.

Pastor Raymond Messerly then approached representing Olney Christian Fellowship Church. He explained his own past struggles with anger and addiction, and he knew how addiction worked. He said that cannabis was absolutely a gateway drug that ended up destroying families and livelihoods.

Pastor Messerly then reminded those present how not that long ago, cigarettes were promoted for health and not harm. Since then, science had proved otherwise. He also noted that the THC found in cannabis today was much higher than it was in the 1990s.

He understood that people were seeing potential benefits to the Olney economy through the addition of such businesses, but he did not think it was worth enabling the destruction of families for the love of money.

Kat Leaf spoke next as a business owner and Federal employee. She understood the negative effects of drug use from personal experiences, however she was aware how greatly the City and the County needed additional revenues. She noted that purchasing cannabis off of the street was much more dangerous than purchasing from a controlled entity. Even so, she was not sure why the City would want to change the distance a cannabis-related business could be to a school from 1,000 feet to 500 feet.

Anthony Motes told the Council that his heart cried out for the younger generation as kids were seeing how normalized the use of cannabis was becoming. He felt that cannabis greatly impaired thoughts and actions.

Mr. Thomas wished to speak again. He said that he was hearing the term “medically proven” mentioned as an argument against cannabis. Since it was not permitted on the Federal level, he pointed out that no Federal studies had been released.

Mr. Thomas also suffered from seizures. His doctor in Missouri felt that cannabis could help his condition, but could not prescribe a medical card as cannabis was not legal in Missouri. He used some colorful language during these statements.

Mayor Lambird reminded those present to please use appropriate language, and encouraged comments to be one round per person.

James Hanathan approached the podium and told the Council that while he was now sober, he had been a long time drug user. He first tried cannabis at the age of seven. He indicated that nothing good came of his drug use, and the Bible said to “be ye sober-minded.” Noting that, he wondered how the Council could have a prayer before the meeting and the go against what was biblical.

JD Langton spoke next. Mr. Langton felt that any medical studies were simply that. From the audience, Mr. Thomas exclaimed that there had been no medical studies.

Mr. Langton continued that even if studies had been conducted, the researches likely did not consider “boots on the ground” experiences and were therefore biased against solving the actual problem.

Mr. Thomas made another exclamation asking how epileptic seizures would not be considered “boots on the ground” as he jumped up from his seat and appeared to start moving towards the podium.

Chief Bloomer was called to remove Mr. Thomas from the meeting as other audience members also stood to assist, if needed. Mr. Thomas exited the meeting at 6:24 p.m.

It should be noted that Mr. Thomas was actually exiting the meeting on his own accord and not approaching Mr. Langton.

Mr. Langton stated that he understood the possible medical benefits that cannabis could serve to certain individuals, and he did not want to prevent any such individuals from gaining access. Even so, a dispensary open to the general public was something of which he was not in favor.

He continued to detail other concerns he had related to cannabis and the safety and well-being of his family and community. He told the Council that the government wanted to take away firearms while allowing people access to drugs. He could not understand how that was safe, especial with the No Cash Bail system.

Donna Greenwood was next to speak. She had “boots on the ground” experience in seeing how cannabis started to destroy her grandson’s life starting in his teen years.

David Leaf then urged the Council to not only look at income benefits, but to also weigh the cost to the community. He felt that alcohol was bad enough, and he did not see anything great coming from its generated tax revenue.

Olney Southern Baptist Church Pastor Don Hood approached the podium. He said that 19% of the country was at or below the poverty level. Of that percentage, 34% were cannabis users. Making cannabis more easily accessible to the low-income community would only be detrimental. He also felt that the City should not be to the point where revenues mattered more than families. Olney already had liquor stores and gambling. He wondered if brothels would be next if they brought in revenue.

Pastor Hood also had concerns with taxpayers bearing the burden on the cost of extra law enforcement, counseling, and other government programs. If individuals wanted to purchase cannabis, then he was fine with having them go elsewhere to purchase. Medical facilities should also be dispensaries if patients were being prescribed cannabis. Otherwise, individuals were self medicating.

Carter Anderson then approached. He was a recent graduate of RCHS and knew first-hand that drugs were available in the schools. He felt that dispensaries would affect the children. Children were already getting it from adults, and it would be no different for them to get it from customers of a dispensary. Mr. Anderson then gave a personal account of how drugs affected him personally.

Barb Barker told the Council that she and her husband had chosen to retire in Olney and moved here five years ago. What drew them here was the fact that Olney was quaint, friendly, and had a true sense of community. While she knew that cannabis would not ruin everything, she had also personally seen consequences of cannabis that reached one of her family members, and the families of her prior students.

Richland County Board Member Cynthia Given approached. She had heard several opinions about cannabis in general, but asked for clarity as to what zoning amendments the Council was actually considering this evening.

Councilman Fehrenbacher pointed out that instead of loosening restrictions, the Council could go the opposite direction.

Mr. Zuber indicated that the most substantive amendment would be to change the distance that a cannabis-related business could be from a school. The current restriction was 1,500 feet and the proposal was to lower that to 500 feet.

County Board Member Given clarified that the consideration this evening was not whether or not to vote for a dispensary, but rather distance changes in the zoning ordinance. The Council confirmed.

Mayor Lambird reminded those present that any cannabis-related business would also need to be in an area zoned for commercial. He was not aware of any commercial zones within 500 feet of the high school; other than Joe’s Pizza and the Marion Eye Center.

Councilman Eyer saw no reason to lessen the restrictions. He also wondered if any cannabis related business should be allowed and noted that the City could opt-out of allowing any such business.

The Councilman felt that if the people did not want a dispensary, then the proposed amendments would be moot. This is why he wanted to seek public opinion. He was also in favor of taking the topic to referendum in April 2026.

County Board Member Given agreed that the public feedback she had been hearing and seeing was not directly in line with what was being considered. If she was seeking clarity, then she was certain that others were also confused.

Councilman Eyer indicated that in December of 2019, the Council approved an ordinance for zoning amendments that would allow for cannabis-related businesses to come to town under certain conditions. Now, the proposal was to alter that ordinance.

County Board Member Given asked if this Council vote was time sensitive. Councilman Eyer did not believe so.

Bill Greenwood came to the podium and said that Councilman Eyer’s comments were the most reasonable things that he had heard all evening. His wife had spoken earlier in the meeting and agreed with her statements.

Reverend Willard Anderson explained that he was the director of The Master’s Hands. The organization centered around compassionate ministry and as a food bank. He had seen sad situations such as children being dropped off and left behind with their grandparents, and stated that they dealt directly with several drug addicts. Even though cannabis use may be legal, he felt it still hurt the body and the community.

Stan Weber had spent several years in work that helped to improve the Olney community. He then quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14 and testified how in 1987, Richland County had a 19.7% unemployment rate in dire times. Within a span of 5 years, unemployment went down to 5% with 2,500 new jobs created. This all started with a Community Day of Prayer that had impacted attendees. If the City really needed more revenue, he felt that leaders and residents should call unto the Lord for help.

Rather than branch out to unnecessary industries, Mr. Weber felt that the City should survey its local industries to assess needs. He felt it would be more wise to spent time and money to help industries that were already here.

Bob Gammon told he Council he had done much work-related travel before he retired, and he just knew that cannabis did not fit this community. Even though drugs were already in Olney, he did not want to promote their use and encourage people to come here to purchase drugs. He wished for the Council to consider the ramifications.

Dave Todd had been staying at Addiction Solutions. Through that facility, he learned to be a member of this community and learned to follow Christ. He discovered a foundation of recovery in Olney and felt that was important.

Kelly Eyer approached the Council. Referencing the current and proposed distances for cannabis-related businesses to be from schools, she asked the Council what they thought the core reason was for those provisions.

Mayor Lambird explained that when cannabis-related zoning was added to the Municipal Code, it was at the recommendation of the Illinois Municipal League. At first, State law was that the distance from schools needed to be at least 1,000 feet. The State had since reduced that down to 0 feet. The proposal this evening was to meet in the middle and change the distance to 500 feet.

While Mrs. Eyer would agree that not many people would put a joint directly into the hands of a child, she noted that the likelihood would increase if such businesses were close to schools.

Councilman Eyer agreed that the current restriction of 1,500 feet would at least keep a such a business far enough away from RCHS that it would be across Main Steet.

Mrs. Eyer felt that if no locations could be found 1,500 feet from a school, then it sounded to her like such a business did not belong in this town. Distance restrictions had been put in place for a reason.

Mayor Lambird stated that was for the Council to determine.

Mrs. Eyer then quoted Matthew 18:7. She felt it would be wrong for Olney to promote such stumble.

Mayor Lambird pointed out that kids would not be allowed into a dispensary just like they could not go to a bar. Some people felt the need to sell alcohol and other substances to underage kids. This would continue with or without a dispensary, and the Mayor suspected that 99% of cannabis sold to underage kids probably did not come from a dispensary.

Mrs. Eyer asked if the Mayor did not think that there would be more access with a dispensary available. Mayor Lambird did not and pointed out that the sale of the highly-regulated product from a dispensary was too expensive. He felt that people had forgotten the lessons of Prohibition in the early 20th century.

Pastor Chris Jennette was a pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, and he was also a school bus driver. He agreed with what several other individuals had stated about the detrimental effects of cannabis. He asked the Council to respect what would be brought home to families, and he wished to see as much distance as possible between Olney and cannabis.

Alice Anderson then told the Council about how her child had gotten hooked on cannabis at the age of nine and the trouble continued on with no help. In his 20s, she begged the State’s Attorney for a program to help, but was told there was no help due to his age. She wondered why no one helped before it was too late, and all of the trouble began with one marijuana cigarette.

Mrs. Leaf asked if the proposed dispensary was medical, recreational, or both. Mayor Lambird told her that he was not aware of anyone that wanted to open a dispensary.

Mr. Hanathan also had concerns with other non-regulated substances such as Delta-9. Mayor Lambird was aware that such substances were being sold in smoke shops. The topic has been discussed with law enforcement and Mr. Zuber.

As it stood, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products were federally legal up to 0.3% THC. Therefore, smoke shops could sell this product. Anything more potent being sold would need to be tested, and as it stood, Illinois did not have a comprehensive testing/labeling requirement.

Mx. Cline returned to say that there appeared to still be some disconnect within this hearing. While they could appreciate the opinions of those present, they again reminded the audience that other substances, and artificial cannabinoids, were readily being sold in Olney under much more danger. A regulated dispensary would at least help by giving some users a much less dangerous route to cannabis. The bottom line was not whether or not the Council vote would introduce weed into this community, but if changes allowing for a regulated dispensary would be a better option.

Mr. Langton asked if it was currently legal for someone to open a dispensary in Olney. Under the current Code regulations, Mayor Lambird confirmed.

Mr. Langton wondered what was preventing one from being opened. Mayor Lambird felt that Olney was not the most ideal location as it was not near an interstate or a state line.

Mr. Langton wondered if the current required distance from schools was preventing a dispensary from finding an available location in Olney. Mayor Lambird supposed it could and pointed out that in home daycares and daycare centers were also included in the restriction.

Mr. Langton concluded that if the zoning changes were approved, it opened up more geographical opportunity for potential cannabis-related businesses. He also wondered what would need to be done in order to pass law preventing such businesses.

Mayor Lambird did not believe that a binding referendum could be called on the topic. Past that, to answer Mr. Langton’s question, it would require a three-fifths vote of the Council.

In that case, Mr. Langton believed that it seemed that the public had more concern about whether or not to allow such businesses at all rather than the consideration of the zoning change regarding distances from schools.

Mayor Lambird was not certain that he agreed. He had received several e-mails about the issue, and more were in support than not.

Mrs. Leaf believed that the cost to open a dispensary was also a deterring factor to having one locate to Olney.

Knowing proximities to state lines, Mr. Hites knew that cannabis was not legal in Indiana. Places such as Grayville could be pushing use of cannabis in illegal locations.

Mayor Lambird understood and noted that situation was similar to fireworks having been purchased in Indiana in order to bring into Illinois.

Mr. Weber still wished for the Council to not err on the side of monetary gain.

Mr. Johnson told those present that he was a Navy combat veteran. He had never touched cannabis until his 30s as a source to aid in his PTSD and movement disorder. In addition, he was now able to get full nights of sleep. Mr. Johnson had an intact family and was a business owner. If cannabis was not abused, like many other products in the world, it was not going to automatically ruin peoples’ quality of life or ability to function.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if Mr. Johnson continued to use cannabis. Mr. Johnson indicated that he did on occasion and would rather spend his money in Olney.

With no more requested comments from the public, the public hearing closed at 7:25 p.m.

Councilman Miller moved to go into a five-minute recess, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The Council went into recess at 7:25 p.m.

Councilman Eyer moved to enter back into session, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. The meeting resumed at 7:33 p.m.

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

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

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to table this topic, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-B “Tourism Grant Request and/or General Fund Contribution: Olney Little League Improvements Project at the Musgrove Park Ball Complex” The Council was provided with a Tourism Grant Application from the Olney Little League for an Improvements Project at the Musgrove Park Ball Complex. The Olney Little League was requesting $30,000.00, but the Tourism Grant Program provided that no more than $5,000.00 could be awarded. No one from the Olney Little League was present to speak on the request.

Mayor Lambird believed that the Little League’s improvements would include dirt work, drainage work, etc. The League had $10,000.00 pledged from another funding source, as well. They were asking for funding out of the Tourism Fund.

Mrs. Guinn asked if this funding would support generation of hotel/motel tax. Mayor Lambird believed so, and recalled this being discussed before. The ball complex was the site of games and tournaments. Each tournament brought in approximately 2,000 people.

Mrs. Guinn was also aware that the Council had been considering the use of Tourism funds for the installation of boat docks. If this funding was granted, she warned that would take away funds from the boat dock project.

Mayor Lambird asked how much hotel/motel tax was generated per year. Mrs. Guinn replied about $120,000.00. An amount of approximately $399,000.00 was in reserves.

Councilman Eyer noted that the requested amount of $30,000.00 was well above the allowable $5,000.00 under this program that was passed by the Council. Mayor Lambird felt that limit was arbitrary. He also stated that if the Tourism funds were not going to be used, then the City should just get rid of the hotel/motel tax.

While Councilman Eyer had heard about the people brought into town from sports tourism, he had never heard of a dollar number generated out of increased hotel/motel tax revenue. Mayor Lambird estimated that approximately $1,500.00 was generated per tournament. It would be more difficult to quantify sales tax increases.

Councilman Eyer was curious how an amount of $30,000.00 was justified as the request. The program stated that the application should come with an itemized budget, including a statement of the amount of the organization’s own funds that would be applied to the project. No such itemization was submitted. [A photocopy of the organization’s IRS determination letter confirming their status as a tax exempt organization also needed to accompany the application.] Additionally, it seemed to the Councilman that the proposed work should already be handled by the Park Department.

Mayor Lambird added that the League would be donating their labor and time. Other than last year’s lighting project, he did not believe that any significant funds were directed to the ball complex since 2012.

Councilman Eyer asked what control there would be on how the $30,000.00 would be spent. Mayor Lambird indicated that documentation would need to be submitted following the project.

Councilman Fehrenbacher recommended that a representative of the League be present to speak on the proposed project. He also wished to see an itemized budget.

Councilman Eyer moved to table this topic, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-C “Discussion/Possible Action: Recognition Plaque in Musgrove Park in Honor of the Musgrove Family” This topic was discussed at the last Council meeting, and Councilman Eyer was going to research pricing to discuss at this meeting.

The Councilman had spoken to Adams Memorials, and they would be willing to do the engraving for $150.00. He wanted the engraving to honor the Musgroves for the donation of acreage for the park.

Councilman Miller moved to approve the engraving of a plaque honoring the Musgroves, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if anyone had been in correspondence with Dave Shafer. Councilman Eyer indicated that he would call Mr. Shafer when he got home. He was aware that Mr. Shafer was wanting an additional recognition plaque for the Council that was seated at the time of the park donation, but none of the Council members were really interested.

A majority affirmative voice vote was received to the motion made above.

10-D “Ordinance: Authorize the Sale of Items of Personal Property Owned by the City of Olney – Pickup Trucks from the Park Department” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the sale of three, 1998 Dodge trucks from the Park Department on GovDeals.com. The Council was also provided with a memo from Park Department Supervisor Frank Bradley.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve Ordinance 2025-34, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-E “Resolution: Accept Quote for Christmas Light Scene & Waive Formal Bidding Procedures” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a quote for a Christmas light scene and waive formal bidding procedures. The Council was also provided with a $14,798.24 quote from WowLights of Chino, California, and a memo from Mr. Bradley.

Mr. Barker explained that this light scene would replace the current scene at the gazebo by upgrading the scene to be computer controlled, allowing for each bulb to run the spectrum of light, and it would still be choreographed to music. Limited vendors for this type of scene are available, and that is why bidding was recommended to be waived.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if the scene would be paid for out of the Christmas Light Display Fund. Mr. Guinn confirmed.

The Councilman then asked for the amount of funds available. Mrs. Guinn replied that the Fund held about $124,000.00, but this year’s budget had a remaining amount of $19,000.00.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-53, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-F “Discussion/Possible Action: Authorize Solicitation of Bids for the North Avenue Waterline Project” This waterline project had been budgeted for this fiscal year, and the City was ready for the Council to authorize solicitation of bids.

Councilman Eyer moved to authorize solicitation of bids for the North Avenue Waterline Project, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-G “Resolution: Accept Quotes for Radios Compatible to the County-Wide Radio and Communication System Project & Waive Formal Bidding Procedures” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept quotes for radios compatible to the County-Wide Radio and Communications System Project (Radio Project) and waive formal bidding procedures. The Council was also provided with quotes from Global Technical Systems, Inc. (GTSi) detailing a $31,769.60 quote for the Police Department and $19,836.00 for the Fire Department.

After multiple discussions, the Council did vote to support Richland County approving the Radio Project quote submitted by GTSi for infrastructure. Next, radios would need to be purchased. If all entities purchased at the same time, a discount would be received.

The quotes presented this evening were only for portable radios. Mobile radios would also need to be ordered before the end of the fiscal year, but they were not being ordered now as there were aspects involving those radios that were more complex, and the County needed to spend their funds in a shorter time frame.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-54, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-H “Presentation/Possible Action: MFT Compliance Review Report Performed by IDOT for January 1, 2024, Through December 31, 2024” The Council was provided with an MFT Compliance Review Report performed by IDOT for January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.

Mrs. Guinn stated that IDOT had determined that all books and records on receipt, and disbursement of the City’s MFT for that time period, were true, correct, and in agreement with the records of IDOT.

Councilman Eyer moved to accept the MFT Compliance Review Report, as presented, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

10-I “Discussion/Possible Action or Ordinance: Partner with the Olney & Greater Richland County Chamber of Commerce for Downtown Events and/or Amend Chapter 12.52 (Special Event Permits) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would amend Chapter 12.52 (Special Event Permits) of the City of Olney Municipal Code. The Olney & Greater Richland County Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) Executive Director Caiti Lambird was in attendance to speak on the topic.

Mrs. Lambird first thanked the Council for their additional grant commitment. Part of those funds helped for the new 5th Friday events that were being held downtown. The Chamber was hoping to host more events downtown, but was requesting a waiver on some of the special event requirements in the Code.

Some of the events that they were looking to host would be smaller events focused on vendors and music. She hoped to see a waiver for these types of events that they hosted downtown. With other events that they should host, like the Bicycle Classic or anything that may expand liability, they understood the need for continued compliance with the Code.

The proposed amendment to the Code regarding this request would add that “small” events hosted by the Chamber on Main Street and/or Whittle Avenue would be exempt. The amendment also detailed what would be defined as a “small” Chamber event held on these streets, and would still require the Chamber to fill out a Special Event form in order to properly advise the City of certain safety details and special requests.

Councilman Eyer asked what the City’s insurance carrier felt about this request. Mrs. Sterchi replied that she had sent details to the City’s insurance. With these smaller events, as defined, they would be agreeable to the City accepting the liability as long as the City submitted a specific form to them in a timely manner so that risk management advice could be given and so that they could advise of any additional insurance needs.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve Ordinance 2025-35, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

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 also reported that the 10 manholes being relined were now complete, and the Wayne Street lift station repair awas also complete. The Water Distribution and Sewer Departments were also working on repairing a sinkhole on Dogwood Drive. Utility lines were also be replaced in the Northfield Subdivision due to boring damage. Carbon replacement for the Water Plant was scheduled for the Spring. Additionally, the Street Department had finished storm sewer work on Kitchell, and the tennis court parking lot was almost complete. Lastly, the City was awaiting necessary permits before beginning waterline repair on S. West Street.

Councilman Miller wished to note that the discount received following approval of item 10-G was a total of 20%.

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

11-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Mrs. Lambird said that the Chamber’s next 5th Friday event would be held on October 31 right after the Halloween Parade. Several participants would be a part of the Trunk-or-Treat potions, and there would also be vendors and music. The Fall Ladies Night event was also coming up in November.

The last After Hours event held at the Elks had been successful with over 60 individuals in attendance.

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

Councilman Fehrenbacher told the Council that the RCHS Trades Director would be giving the School Board a presentation on the proposed partnership program with the City.

Mrs. Leaf again wished to speak. She was a resident of the county but did all of her shopping in Olney. She asked why taxpayers were still paying a half percent tax for the jail that had already been built and fully paid off. Mayor Lambird replied that tax was out of the City’s purview and was instated by the County.

County Board Member Given told Mrs. Leaf that she would look into the issue to get her an answer.

Mrs. Leaf then stated some opinions regarding the jail system and laws regulating law enforcement.

AGENDA #12 “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 Miller 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 8:01 p.m.

AGENDA #13 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” Councilman Miller moved to enter back into open session, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Open session resumed at 8:25 p.m.

13-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Session on August 25, 2025” Councilman Miller moved to approved the closed session minutes from August 25, 2025, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

13-B “Discussion/Possible Resolution: Authorize a Letter of Intent with RoofConnect Logistics, Inc., d.b.a. SolarConnect for a Roof Lease Agreement” No action was taken on this item.

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

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

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