Mark Lambird, Mayor | City of Olney
Mark Lambird, Mayor | City of Olney
City of Olney City Council met Sept. 22.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The September 22, 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 Attorney Bart Zuber, City Engineer Mike Bridges, and City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi.
AGENDA #4 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” Gene Brauer approached the Council on behalf of the Tennis Association. He thanked the City for the improvement work done on the tennis courts and for improving the parking lot.
Mike Baker wished to speak next regarding gambling and alcohol. He felt that these industries negatively impacted families, finances, emotions, etc. He also felt that the industries led to other adverse effects felt in the community such as increased crime, reduced productivity, and impacts to health and social services. Overall, he felt that the costs were too high.
Phyllis Fehrenbacher spoke next. She asked for the Council members to look at their conscience. There were no uplifting stories about gamblers, and the Bible spoke against it. She wondered why the Council felt the need to keep gambling in Olney. She did not feel that the community needed that industry.
Next came Pastor Don Hood. He stated that the World Health Organization (WHO) dictated that gambling was a threat to health, increased mental illness, and that is also increased suicide rates. He agreed with Mr. Baker that gambling harmed relationships and families, and that it led to an increase in crime. Gambling Disorder was also included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD 11).
Pastor Hood felt that the gambling/gaming industry had exploded in Olney and that it was a sin tax. If Olney was made into a haven for addiction, he felt that problems would only increase and that children would grow only to leave Olney in effort to raise wholesome families. Overall, Pastor Hood was not in support of this industry.
Additionally, Pastor Hood expanded on his comments made at the September 8, 2025 meeting regarding cannabis. He then cited Section 2.04.020 (Duties) of the City of Olney Municipal Code. This Section described how it was the duty of the Council to pass ordinances needed for the welfare of the
City. He could not understand how members of the Council could find that promoting the sale and use of cannabis would have interest in the welfare of the City.
Pastor Hood also felt that it was made clear on September 8th that the citizens of Olney did not want cannabis to be available, but here the Council sat to discuss another way to get it done by altering the proposal for a dispensary to now be 1,000 feet from a school. To him, it did not matter how many feet away from a school would be permissible because he felt that the citizens did not want it at all.
Pastor Hood was also aware that the City did not allow any drug use by its employees. That regulation included cannabis. These regulations were put into place because of the adverse effects of drugs. Again, he wondered how the City could feel that cannabis was dangerous enough to prohibit use by employees, but at the same time felt that they should allow for cannabis-related businesses in the City. He said that was the very definition of hypocrisy.
Overall, Pastor Hood was not in favor of gambling or cannabis use. He felt that the City should stop favoring these industries, and he added that there were other ways to make money.
Pastor Chris Jennette spoke next. The Pastor had moved to Olney 25 years ago to take on the church ministry. To his surprise, he discovered that alcohol was not offered for sale in CVS, Walmart, etc. He appreciated that, and he then quoted a mid-1900s French statesman that said, “America is great because America is good. If America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
Pastor Jenette then spoke about being on the eve of a great revival meeting that had been held in Arizona. He felt that God was moving in this nation and if there was ever a time to back away from the sin tax/poor man’s tax, now was the time to do that.
He continued to state that the Ten Commandments rebuked coveting. The Pastor felt that gambling and alcohol were rooted in covet by leaving the individual always wanting more. He then quoted Proverbs 23:5 and Proverbs 13:11. He asked for the Council to “keep Camelot good.”
Rhonda Hemrich approached and told the Council that while she lived in the County and outside of City limits, decisions on the cannabis ordinance would affect her kids and grandkids. Some things were just morally wrong, and she accused the Council of being aware of this. She stated that the Council members were elected into their positions to make the best financial and moral decisions for the City. She felt that if the Council was being honest with themselves, then they would know that approving certain items would not be a good moral decision.
Tony Clow then came to the podium. He told the Council that he had first-hand knowledge regarding the use of alcohol, gambling, and drugs. He first tried marijuana at a very young age and that drug used developed over decades. Gambling led him to bankruptcy. From there, a spinal issue led him to taking pills for pain. He switched from the pills to a cannabis card, but he could not tolerate the cannabis, so he quit. He thanked Jesus for setting him free from all of those vices.
Craig Patterson spoke next and told the Council how sad it was to see the elderly wasting their money at penny slots. There was no way to make money off of those machines. They were wasting their time and limited funds.
AGENDA #5 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”
5-A “Approve Minutes of the Council Meetings on September 8, 2025 (Regular), & September 15, 2025 (Special)”
5-B “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable September 23, 2025” Pooled Cash $171,174.67, Manual Pooled Cash $1,101.02, Walnut/Main Storm Sewer $552,718.15, ISO $612.00, Sewer Capital Improvement $147,816.07, Police Pension $10,386.77, Route 130 TIF $24,005.04
5-C “Raffle License: Richland County ABATE of Illinois”
5-D “Resolution: Acknowledge Submission of Certification of Compliance with Public Works Project Apprenticeship Goals Under the Illinois Works Job Program” 2025-R-56
5-E “Payment Request: Main Street Storm Sewer”
5-F “Payment Request: Sanitary Sewer CIPP Lining Rehabilitation (1)”
5-G “Payment Request: Sanitary Sewer CIPP Lining Rehabilitation (2)”
5-H “Payment Request: Main Street Sanitary Sewer Relining”
5-I “Ordinance: Amend Section 12.12.180 (Parks and Recreation Advisory Board) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” 2025-36
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 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 “PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.”
9-A “Proposal Opening: Approximate 5.06 Acre Tract Directly South of the Rides Mass Transit Property and Having Property Tax Parcel Number 11-10-301-026” Approximately 5.06 acres of property with Property Tax Parcel Number 11-10-301-026 had been put out for sealed proposals for its possible conveyance. Per statute, a Request for Proposals to Acquire City Owned Real Estate was published on August 28, 2025. Proposals were accepted until 11:00 a.m. on September 22, 2025. Two proposals were received. Mayor Lambird asked Mrs. Sterchi to open the proposals.
Mrs. Sterchi opened the proposals in the order received. The first proposal was submitted by Illinois Real Estate Company. She handed the proposal to the Mayor. Mayor Lambird read aloud the proposal submitted.
Mrs. Sterchi opened the next proposal from Ed Lewis Trucking. Mayor Lambird read aloud the proposal submitted.
The City retained the right to select any proposal received in accordance with the requirements of the TIF Act, to reject any or all proposals received, and/or to make any desired changes.
9-B “Possible Ordinance: Authorize Conveyance of Public Real Estate Owned by the City of Olney – Approximate 5.06 Acre Tract Directly South of the Rides Mass Transit Property and Having Property Tax Parcel Number 11-10-301-026” In addition to other documentation and detail being presented, Councilman Eyer noted that Illinois Real Estate Company had offered to pay more for the land than Ed Lewis Trucking. Illinois Real Estate Company was affiliated with Illinois Gas Company, and they had been an existing business in town for a long time. He wondered if another parcel could be used by Ed Lewis Trucking. Mayor Lambird was unsure, but the company could look around.
Councilman Miller felt it would be difficult to find another appropriate spot. There were some parcels available with highway frontage, but he would prefer to keep those for the potential of a big industry. He was in favor of conveying the land to Ed Lewis Trucking because he was aware that they had a distinct pattern of entering a community, building a yard, and then expanding to build or purchase warehouses and hiring workers. He felt if they got a foothold in Olney, then they would continue to grow.
Councilman Eyer asked how many employees that Ed Lewis Trucking expected to bring. Mayor Lambird did not see a number of new employees stated for either proposal.
Councilman Miller then pointed out that if Ed Lewis Trucking was able to establish their yard here, a tremendous amount of fuel tax would be generated per week. Councilman Fehrenbacher added that repair parts would also likely be purchased in Olney.
Councilman Miller moved to approve Ordinance 2025-37 which would accept the proposal submitted by Ed Lewis Trucking and convey the aforementioned parcel to them, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
The City Attorney would draft the ordinance.
9-C “Request: Class V Liquor License for Kickn 66 Liquor & More Corporation d.b.a Peppers Gaming Parlor” The Council was provided with a Class V liquor license application for Kickn 66 Liquor & More Corporation. They were purchasing the current Peppers Gaming Parlor and if approved, would end up turning d.b.a. Lucky Dogs. This liquor license request was necessary since the corporation name would be changing. Paperwork and background checks had been received for the new owner. Corporation President Gene Rowell was present to answer questions from the Council.
Councilman Fehrenbacher said that since 2013, the City had gone from 6 locations with gaming to over 20 locations with around 109 total machines. Currently, $1,820,000.00 was being hemorrhaged from the community into gaming. He made it clear that he did not support an expansion or transfer of any establishment with gaming. To the Councilman, he felt it was once of the worst vices as it was a drug of false hope to get something for nothing. Additionally, he had read that those with gambling addictions had a 12-times higher suicide rate than drug users. Typically, those with gambling addictions suffered in silence. This vice robbed people from paying their rent or buying things for their children.
Councilman Fehrenbacher also agreed that a great revival had taken place the previous day. He was inspired by the Bible verse that talked about “how you treat the least among us is how you regard your own Savior.” He then shared that he had adopted two boys, and it saddened him by what this world wanted to do to them. He felt that for children with no family support and no future to look toward, the only future that awaited them was one steeped in this sin. The Councilman had run for this seat five times before finally winning an election. He had tried to hard because he wanted to help reduce these industries in Richland County.
Councilman Eyer moved to deny the Class V liquor license request for Kickn66 Liquor & More Corporation, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. Councilmen Eyer and Fehrenbacher voted yes. Councilwoman Eichhorst, Mayor Lambird, and Councilman Miller voted no. The motion failed due to lack of majority.
Councilman Miller asked what would happen to Peppers Gaming Parlor if the liquor license was not granted. Mr. Rowell assumed that the owners could still occupy it under their current lease.
Councilman Miller moved to approve the Class V liquor license request for Kickn66 Liquor & More Corporation, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. Mayor Lambird, Councilman Miller, and Councilwoman Eichhorst voted yes. Councilmen Eyer and Fehrenbacher voted no. The motion carried.
9-D “Ordinance: Amend Title 17 (Zoning) of the City of Olney Municipal Code” Mayor Lambird stated that this topic would be heard by the Plan Commission in November with notice published not less than 15 days nor more than 30 days prior to the meeting.
Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to support this topic being heard by the Plan Commission in November, seconded by Councilman Eyer.
Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if the topic would come back to the Council for consideration after the Plan Commission meeting. Mayor Lambird confirmed.
Councilman Fehrenbacher did not feel that the Plan Commission was an accurate reflection of the town. He felt that a referendum would be the best option.
Mayor Lambird stated that the Plan Commission was an advisory board, and they would make a recommendation to the City Council.
A majority affirmative voice vote was received to the motion made above.
9-E “Discussion/Possible Action: Submit an Advisory Public Question to the Electors of the City of Olney Regarding Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensaries” Councilman Eyer felt that the Council should consider the community’s opinion on whether or not to allow dispensaries to be established in the City of Olney. He understood that regulations regarding cannabis-related businesses were established by the Council in 2019, and now some members of the Council were proposing changes that would include the distance that a dispensary would need to be away from a school.
Councilman Eyer proposed an advisory referendum for placement on the ballot for the primary election in the spring. He felt that the results would enable the Council to make the most informed decision on whether or not to allow for dispensaries.
Mr. Zuber informed the Council that binding referendums required specific language. Non binding referendums could be worded in any way that the Council saw fit.
Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if an advisory referendum could still be put onto the ballot no matter what the Plan Commission’s decision was. Mr. Zuber reminded the Councilman that the Plan Commission was advisory only. If the Commission wished to recommend approval of the 1,000-foot distance from schools, the Council could still override that recommendation.
Councilman Eyer felt that the wording could be as simple as, “Shall the City of Olney allow for cannabis dispensaries in City limits?”
Councilman Fehrenbacher moved to authorize moving forward with the process of submitting an advisory public question to the electors of the City of Olney regarding adult-use cannabis dispensaries, seconded by Councilman Eyer.
Councilman Miller asked if it would be better to have the referendum placed on the November ballot as fewer people voted in the primary held in the spring. Councilman Eyer was not interested in delaying the issue. He wondered if a caveat should be made in the motion to prevent dispensaries from establishing under the current regulations in the meantime.
No amendments were made to the original motion.
To the original motion made above, Councilmen Fehrenbacher, Eyer, and Councilwoman Eichhorst voted yes. Mayor Lambird and Councilman Miller voted no. The motion carried.
9-F “Discussion/Possible Resolution: Amend the 2025-2026 Tourism Budget for the Little League/Ballpark Upgrade” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend the Tourism budget for the Little League/ballpark upgrades. The amendment would add $30,000.00 for this work out of Tourism reserves.
Little League President Tony Davis was present. In addition to the potential funding from the City, Little League would also be contributing $10,000.00, and an additional $10,000.00 had also been raised. Some of the work proposed included new bases, groundwork, drainage, dirt work, pitching areas, etc.
Mayor Lambird felt that some of the items purchased by Little League would help to lower maintenance work from the Park Department in the future. Mr. Davis agreed that blowers, pressure washers, etc. would be helpful.
Mayor Lambird was aware that these proposed improvements would help improve the City’s facilities and support sports tourism. Mr. Davis agreed that Olney’s facilities were competing against Mattoon’s and Evansville’s. The Olney facility was in need of work.
Councilman Fehrenbacher asked when the last time was that significant work had been done to the facilities. Mr. Davis replied that Little League had raised about $70,000.00 around 2020, and all of the funds were spent on dirt work. The City completed the last 10% of that work because of time constraints.
Mayor Lambird added that the City had installed new lighting recently, and this was also going to save the City money in the long run.
Mr. Davis told the Council that sports tourism was very important. When tournaments were held, up to 50 teams would be in the area. He used to pass out tournament schedules to local businesses so that they could be properly staffed. In addition to the few Little League tournaments, third-party organizers also hosted.
Councilman Miller had reviewed the lease agreement between the City and Little League. The lease indicated that bases, mounds, etc. were the responsibility of Little League. The City would provide mowing, field surface maintenance, etc. If field issues existed, the Councilman felt that Mr. Davis needed to be in touch with the City about the problems. The Councilman had also asked Mr. Davis to send a map of exactly which fields needed work and at what places on the fields. Councilman Miller had never received anything from Mr. Davis, and that request was made about a month ago. Overall, Councilman Miller did not see the need to give Little League money to do work that was the responsibility of the City.
Councilman Eyer asked Mr. Davis what the needs were for field surface. Mr. Davis said that the bases were tearing out, including home plate. In order to keep that from happening, they would need to be watered each day and that was not happening. He also said that in the past summer, Little League did some resurfacing work, improved the batting cages, and added lime in the area to help drainage. He noted that work was never ending. Mr. Davis then explained that the Little League had lost money on its operation over the past two years. They had finally made the decision that they had to raise fees this season.
Councilwoman Eichhorst, Councilman Miller, and Mr. Davis agreed to meet at the ball fields to go over the issues.
Councilman Miller moved to table this topic, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-G “Resolution: Approve a Municipal Contributions & Sponsorships Application & Program” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would approve a Municipal Contributions & Sponsorships Application & Program. The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed Application, Program outline, and Annual Report form.
This topic was being presented by Councilman Miller. To him, such a program only made common sense. The purpose of this was to add a system of checks and balances to contributions and sponsorships made by the City to not-for-profit organizations. As it stood, if an organization asked the City for funding, the City had no idea the financial situation of that organization. Overall, he felt that more information should be provided by the organization in order for the Council to consider funding.
Councilman Eyer asked if this Program would be different from the Tourism Grant Program. Councilman Miller indicated so.
Mrs. Guinn was aware that the City had already been budgeting annually for certain contributions. Councilman Miller understood, but felt that all donations should be funneled through the Council. Requests of $1,001.00 or greater would require more documentation than requests under that amount.
Councilman Eyer agreed that he would like to see more line-item detail of an organization’s financials and what the City funding would go towards.
Councilman Eyer noticed that, as presented, the Council would need to decide on a dollar amount as a cap for requests. The Council felt that no dollar amount cap needed to be set since needs could vary greatly.
Mayor Lambird saw that requests for $1,001.00 or greater would also require submission of the organization’s most recent third-party audit. Said audit would need to have been completed at some point within 1 year of the application date. If no third-party audit had been completed, the organization would need to have that completed before submitting the application. The Mayor stated that third-party audits were not cheap. In some instances, it could cost the organization more to have the audit completed than the amount of funds they would request.
Mayor Lambird asked Mrs. Guinn if she could estimate how much an audit would cost for the organization that hosted the Bluegrass Festival. Mrs. Guinn guessed that would cost at least $1,000.00.
The Council agreed to strike the third-party audit requirement.
Mrs. Guinn again asked if the application and documentation would be needed from some of the organizations that the City automatically contributed to annually. Councilman Miller thought so. The application and report form should not take much effort to complete.
Mrs. Sterchi asked if Tourism Grant applicants would also need to fill out this application. Councilman Miller indicated that he, indeed, felt that any contribution or sponsorship request should also fill out this application.
The Council felt that the Municipal Contributions & Sponsorships Program would suffice for all funding requests, including Tourism funding. Because of this, they suggested to eliminate the Tourism Grant Program, only to use the Municipal Contributions & Sponsorships Program, and to have check boxes added to indicate if funds would come from the General Fund or the Tourism Fund.
With striking the requirement for the third-party audit and adding the check boxes for General Fund or Tourism Fund, Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2025-R-57, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-H “Ordinance: Authorize the Disposal of Personal Property Owned by the City of Olney – Decommissioned HVAC System from City Hall” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the disposal of the decommissioned HVAC system from City Hall. The system had been recently replaced. Part of the service included the removal, hauling, and disposal of the decommissioned system. As this was listed as a City asset, an ordinance would be needed to officially authorize its disposal/recycling via the contractor.
Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve Ordinance 2025-38, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-I “Resolution: Authorize Execution of an Engineering Services Agreement Between the City of Olney and Charleston Engineering, Inc., for the North Avenue Reconstruction Project” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize the execution of an Engineering Services Agreement with Charleston Engineering, Inc., for the North Avenue Reconstruction Project. The Council was also provided with a copy of the proposed agreement.
Back in August, the Council passed a resolution to accept the Qualifications Statement for Engineering Services from Charleston Engineering for this project. The next step was to pass this resolution.
Councilman Miller moved to approve 2025-R-58, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-J “Resolution: Accept Bids for Furnishing Materials for the Eastgate Subdivision Drainage Project” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept bids for the furnishing of materials for the Eastgate Subdivision Drainage Project. The Council was also provided with a bid tabulation.
Mr. Bridges reported that bids for these materials were opened on September 17, 2025, under Divisions A and B. Division A was for piping, and Division B was for pre-cast concrete.
Two companies had submitted bids on Division A, but only Utility Supply Co. had bid on all items. The total of that bid was $27,514.04. The Division B bidder was Kohnen Concrete Products at a total of $34,711.00. Mr. Bridges reminded the Council that the Street Department would be completing the installation work.
Councilman Miller asked if any other approvals would be needed before purchasing. Mrs. Guinn indicated that once the bids were approved, purchases would already be authorized.
Councilman Fehrenbacher asked when work would begin. Mr. Bridges expected that work could start in a couple of months.
Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-59, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
9-K “Resolution: Accept Quote for a 2024 Ford Explorer Police AWD for the Police Department & Waive Formal Bidding Procedures” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a quote for a 2024 Ford Explorer Police AWD for the Police Department and waive formal bidding procedures. The Council was also provided with a $37,000.00 quote from Chicago Motors, Inc.
Mr. Barker said that he had worked with Councilman Miller and Police Chief Bloomer on locating this vehicle to be the Detective squad for the Police Department.
Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-60, seconded by Councilman Miller. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
AGENDA #10 “REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS”
10-A “Status Report - City Manager” Mr. Barker had nothing to add.
10-B “RCDC Report” There was no report.
10-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that the Chamber was gearing up for a busy October with many Halloween events. Ladies Night was also coming up in November, and tickets were being sold quickly.
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” No closed session was needed.
AGENDA #12 “RECONVENE OPEN SESSION” No closed session was needed.
12-A “Approve Minutes of Closed Sessions on September 8 (Regular) & September 15 (Special), 2025” Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approved the closed session minutes from
September 8 and September 15, 2025, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
12-B “Possible Ordinance: Amendment to Crop Share Farm Lease with John & Natasha Benton” Mr. Zuber told the Council that he had been working on a draft amendment to the Crop Share Farm Lease with John and Natasha Benton. The amendment would mainly add provisions regarding canola.
Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve Ordinance 2025-39, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
AGENDA #13 “ADJOURN” With no further business to discuss, Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.
The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
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