East Central Reporter

City of Olney City Council met Oct. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The October 13, 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” Michael Lamb had phoned in that he would be attending the meeting to discuss truck parking. Mr. Lamb was not present.

No one from the public wished to speak.

AGENDA #5 “PRESENTATION OF CONSENT AGENDA”

5-A “Approve Minutes of the Council Meeting on September 22, 2025”

5-B “Resolution: Rescind Resolution No. 2024-R-80 Which Authorized a Tourism Grant Application & Program” 2025-R-61

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 Miller. 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 “Approve and Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable October 14, 2025” Pooled Cash $78,259.62, Manual Pooled Cash $156,360.45, Petty Cash $374.36, Utility Refunds $1,282.54, Walnut/Main Storm Sewer $10,000.00, Foreign Fire $100.00, Police Pension $2,200.00, MFT $58,183.46, IMRF $25,996.13, Unemployment $1,832.89, Tourism $350.00, Christmas Light Display $14,983.32, Route 130 TIF $38,806.60, South Olney TIF $2,200.00, Olney Business District $35,385.00

Accounts Payable was usually an agenda item found listed under the Consent Agenda. Mrs. Guinn explained that this round of payables held a $120.00 invoice for backflow testing payable to Tri-M Plumbing, and this business was owned by Councilman Miller. The Councilman had been performing this service for the City for several years preceding his seat on the Council.

Mrs. Guinn requested a roll call vote on this item.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve and authorize payment of Accounts Payable to be issued October 14, 2025, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. Councilmen Fehrenbacher, Eyer, Councilwoman Eichhorst, and Mayor Lambird voted yes. Councilman Miller abstained. The motion carried.

9-B “Application for Permit to Sell in City Park or Recreation Area – Dog Behavior Training Classes” The Council was provided with an Application for Permit to Sell in City Park or Recreation Area for Dog Behavior Training Classes at the Canine Playground dog park by applicant Ami Smithenry.

Mrs. Smithenry told the Council that she was a behavioral trainer, had specialty in PTSD training, and was certified by the AKC. She was wanting to conduct some for-profit training lessons at the dog park.

Councilman Eyer asked if Mrs. Smithenry carried liability insurance. She confirmed that she did carry insurance that extended to others’ properties and also required dog owners to sign liability waivers.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve Mrs. Smithenry’s Application for Permit to Sell in City Park or Recreation Area, as presented, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-C “Request: Fishing Tournament & Boat Permit Requirement Waivers for RCHS Bass Team” The Council was provided with Chapter 12.32 (Boats and Watercraft) of the City of Olney Municipal Code, a copy of fishing tournament regulations for East Fork Lake, a copy of insurance requirements to obtain a boat license, and a summary of lake rules and regulations. RCHS Bass Team Coach Chad Koester was present to speak on this request.

Mr. Koester reminded the Council that such requests for RCHS had been granted in the past. This year, Mr. Koester was asking for early reservations for April 11 and May 2, 2026. He was also requesting an exemption on the April 11th tournament to allow for 60 boats versus the allowable 30 boats per the fishing tournament regulations. Lastly, Mr. Koester requested a waiver of daily boat permit fees for participants on the days of the tournaments.

Mr. Koester then expressed his appreciation to Mayor Lambird who had been assisting RCHS with the registrations the mornings of these tournaments.

Councilman Miller asked if any adults participated and how RCHS found volunteer boats. Mr. Koester replied that the tournaments were only for kids, and each participant brought their own boat.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if Mr. Koester had received good feedback about East Fork Lake. Mr. Koester confirmed. He had been told that Olney put on a good showing and that participants really liked the town.

Councilman Eyer was aware that some incomplete documentation had been received in the past. He asked if it would be remedied this year. He then asked Mr. Barker what had been missing. Mr. Barker deferred the question.

Mrs. Sterchi explained that she was aware that some of the boat permit applications were returned without necessary information to maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with City policies and watercraft restrictions. Some examples were lack of State registration number and/or insurance information.

Mayor Lambird assumed blame for the lack of information and indicated that would be more of a focus.

Councilman Eyer moved to authorize the fishing tournament exemptions for RCHS on April 11 and May 2, 2026, and to authorize waiver of daily boat permit fees for participants on the tournament dates, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

Remaining the same, boat permit applications would still need to be received from participants and appropriate permit numbers assigned.

9-D “Resolution: Authorize an Amendment to Contract for Sale of Real Estate Between the City of Olney and the Heirs, Executors, Administrators, and Assigns of Frank F. Miller & Wilma M Miller” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize an amendment to a Contract for Sale of Real Estate between the City of Olney and the heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns of Frank F. Miller and Wilma M. Miller. The Council was also provided with a copy of the original contract, a lake structure permit application submitted by Dr. and Mrs. Tanner Miller, and a drawn schematic of a proposed boat house with dock.

Dr. Miller approached the Council and explained that Section 4 of the original contract would allow for him to construct a boat house and dock on the area sold to the City, but with antiquated restrictions. The structure was also allowed to be placed without a permit fee assigned. He wished to amend the restrictions in this Section in order to allow for the proposed boat house and dock.

Mr. Zuber told the Council that the proposed resolution would only amend Section 4 to allow for the lake structures to extend no more than 33-feet from the shoreline, to not exceed 55-feet in width, to not exceed 37-feet in length, and to not exceed 26-feet in height.

Councilman Eyer asked if Frank Bradley had reviewed the proposed location. Mr. Bradley was in attendance, but reminded the Councilman that such reviews had been transferred to the new Water Plant Supervisor, Cortney Runyon. Mrs. Runyon was not in attendance.

Councilman Eyer wondered if there was any concern with the lake structure’s location in relation to the pumping station and other equipment. Mr. Miller indicated that the structure would be at least 200 feet away from any equipment.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked for confirmation that, if approved, the action would only amend this contract and not change City ordinance. Mr. Zuber confirmed and added that the language in this binding contract would remove requirement to be within the City’s ordinances.

Councilman Eyer admitted that he had historically not been in favor of variations related to lake structure regulations. This was an exceptional case due to the contract that had been in place since 1970.

Additionally, due to the proposed location, this structure would be exclusive to the area. This section of the lake was also not highly trafficked.

Dr. Miller agreed that the structure would not impede any neighbors, and he would be able to see it from his house.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2025-R-62, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-E “Resolution: Call for the Submission to the Electors of the City of Olney the Question of Whether the City of Olney Shall Allow Cannabis Dispensaries Within City Limits” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would call for an advisory referendum as to whether or not the City of Olney shall allow cannabis dispensaries within City limits.

At the previous Council meeting, a 3-2 vote authorized moving forward with a proposed resolution that would authorize this advisory referendum to be placed on the ballot for March 17, 2026.

Councilman Eyer asked if the wording in the resolution was the wording that would end up on the ballot. Mr. Zuber confirmed and noted it was the exact wording the Councilman had suggested at the last meeting.

Councilman Miller commented that he was not only opposed to the advisory referendum, but he also did not believe that placement on the Spring ballot would be most useful due to historically lower voter turnout. He then noted that he had spoken with hundreds of people about the issue. None of those people were opposed to dispensaries being located within 1,000 feet or more from a school in City limits. That being said, he also did not feel many of those people would come to the Council to broadcast their view.

Councilman Eyer wondered why people would not want to publicly voice their opinions. The only reason he could think of would be that those people would be afraid of being judged as promoting an unseemly practice.

Councilman Miller did not believe that many dispensary customers would shout their patronage from the rooftops.

Councilman Fehrenbacher felt that the referendum would be helpful. Instead of just having a majority of the Council make such a controversial decision, he felt it would be best to see the opinion of the majority of voters.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2025-R-63, as presented, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher.

Mayor Lambird moved to amend the proposed ordinance so that the wording would dictate placement on the November 3, 2026, ballot, seconded by Councilman Miller.

Councilman Eyer asked if a change in ballot date would create an issue at the courthouse. Mayor Lambird replied that it would not.

Counciman Eyer was not agreeable to stretch the referendum out another seven months. The Councilman then expressed an interest in adding a caveat that no dispensaries be allowed until after the referendum. The Mayor ruled that such an addition was out of order as it was not germane to the pending amendment and could not be added while another amendment was under consideration.

Due to the recent activity on Facebook regarding the proposed zoning amendments for adult-use cannabis establishments, Councilman Fehrenbacher felt that the turnout for the March election would be higher. Councilman Eyer and Councilwoman Eichhorst agreed.

Mayor Lambird called for a vote on the amendment that would take the non-binding referendum to the November 2026 ballot. Mayor Lambird and Councilman Miller voted yes. Councilwoman Eichhorst, Councilmen Eyer, and Fehrenbacher voted no. The motion failed.

Mayor Lambird called for a vote on the approval of 2025-R-63 on the motions originally made. 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 2025-2026 Tourism budget for the Little League/Ballpark Upgrade.

Councilman Miller reported that he had met with Little League President Tony Davis, Park Department Supervisor Frank Bradley, and Councilwoman Eichhorst out at the ball diamonds to discuss drainage issues. He determined that there were some fairly minor drainage issues and one somewhat major drainage issue. Because the lease with Little League stated that the City was responsible for groundwork drainage, he felt that the City should be addressing the issues. He was asking for a Council consensus to have the City Engineer formulate a long-term plan for remedy that would then be presented to the Council.

The Council had no issue with the Councilman’s suggestion.

9-G “Ordinance: Authorize the Sale of Items of Personal Property Owned by the City of Olney – SMCI Crack Sealer” The Council was provided with a proposed ordinance that would authorize the sale of an SMCI crack sealer from the Street Department on GovDeals.com.

Mr. Barker stated that this crack sealer was in poor condition and of no use to the City. It had not been used for 10 years, so it was in the best interest of the City to sell this piece of equipment.

Councilman Miller moved to approve Ordinance 2025-40, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-H “Resolution: Accept Quote for Light Fixtures at the Tennis Court Complex & Waive Formal Bidding Procedures” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept a quote for

light fixtures at the tennis court complex and waive formal bidding procedures. The Council was also provided with a memo from Mr. Bradley, a $17,160.00 quote from Echo Electric, and a $14,425.61 quote from Eckart Supply.

Mr. Bradley told the Council that this project would replace 24 light fixtures at the tennis courts. The lights would be LED, 500-watt fixtures. He recommended accepting the low quote from Eckart Supply.

Councilwoman Eichhorst asked if the City had used that vendor before. He confirmed and added that the fixtures were the same ones added to the ball diamonds last year. The only difference was in the slip fitter and mounting mechanism. The pricing was also the same as the year before.

Councilman Miller moved to approve 2025-R-64, seconded by Councilwoman Eichhorst.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if the new lights would pay for themselves over the long run. Mr. Bradley indicated so and added that they were also eligible for an Ameren incentive.

Mayor Lambird said that the tennis court surface and parking lot upgrades this year looked great. A majority affirmative voice vote was made to the motion above.

9-I “Resolution: Amend the 2025-2026 Street Department & Parks and Cemeteries Department Budgets” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would amend the budget in the Street Department and the Parks & Cemeteries Department. The Council was also provided with a $7,200.00 quote from Fence Worx LLC. for Musgrove Park fencing.

Additional fencing near the swings at Musgrove Park had been discussed at a few prior Council meetings. Mrs. Guinn told the Council that a donation had been received in the amount of $7,200.00 that would cover the cost of this additional fencing. The proposed resolution would reflect acceptance of that donation and add a line item for the expense.

The Street Department budget amendment was related to the Improvements to Downtown Olney Project. Mrs. Guinn had not originally budgeted project funds this fiscal year, but engineering invoices were being received. She wished to add a line item in the amount of $100,000.00 to cover those invoices and anything else that may come up this year. She reminded the Council that while the project was being made possible from an ITEP grant, the grant was reimbursable. So, the City would pay expenses out of the General Fund, and then reimbursement funds would be received from IDOT at a later time.

Councilman Fehrenbacher stated that Cletus Ochs had made the donation for the fencing, and he wished to recognize his generosity.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-65, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

9-J “Discussion/Possible Action: Consideration of Soccer Field Complex Location” Richland County Soccer Association President Luke Hahn was present to speak with the Council.

Mr. Hahn told the Council that for the past 40 years, Olney Central College (OCC) had been generous enough to allow for the Association to utilize their soccer fields. Recently, OCC had indicated that they would be adding soccer to their athletic program, so the Association would no longer be able to use the fields within the next couple of years.

Now was the time for the Association to take a proactive approach in finding new ground to utilize. They were needing about 15 acres for fields and 2 acres for a parking lot. The Association had about 350 to 400 participating children, so the need was present. Mr. Hahn added that he was a licensed, civil engineer and he would be happy to assist in designing and inspecting different locations, if needed.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked if Musgrove Park would work for them. Mr. Hahn felt that Musgrove Park would not have enough space to comfortably house the needed fields. Some of the use could also interfere with the outfield of Field 9 in the baseball complex, and this could result in scheduling problems.

Councilman Eyer recalled that the Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan had laid out the desire for the southeast portion of Musgrove Park to remain an open area. He would hate to squander that area for fields that could be less than ideal.

Councilman Fehrenbacher agreed and noted the importance of the soccer program. He was open to discussing alternate locations.

Mr. Hahn expressed interest in City-owned property north of where Route 130 intersected with Whittle Avenue.

Councilman Eyer noted that piece of land was in the Industrial Park.

Councilman Miller was not in favor of this land for the soccer fields. That location was an ideal site for industry, and he preferred to keep that lot available for that purpose.

Mayor Lambird asked the City Engineer if there were remaining environmental concerns in the area. Mr. Bridges felt that would be likely. He explained that area was a former waste site that had been remediated up to a certain level. Approximately 5,600 barrels of toxic material had been excavated. He did not recommend that location for this purpose.

Mr. Hahn was unaware of this and agreed that the Association did not wish to locate to an area that could be toxic to the kids.

Councilman Fehrenbacher asked Mr. Hahn where he would like to see fields located if money were of no issue. Mr. Hahn replied that there was land owned by the Carrie Winter Trust that was on the west side of N. Silver Street across the road from Northfield Subdivision.

Mayor Lambird asked if procurement of that land would be feasible for the Association. Mr. Hahn shared that he had some talks with the Trust, but their sale price would be high. The Trust generated funds for grants off of the farming of that ground.

Councilman Fehrenbacher was aware that if field availability was scaled down too much, sports tourism would suffer.

Mr. Zuber asked Mr. Hahn if he had spoken with the Kochers that owned land north of Northfield Subdivision. Mr. Hahn had spoken to those landowners but was informed that they would never sell.

Councilman Eyer asked about land around the Fire Department training ground. From the audience, Interim Fire Chief Daron Harmon told the Council that the Department was in the process of getting the University of Illinois to recognize the area as a regional training site. He offered that maybe the old baseball field area in the City Park could be used.

Mayor Lambird reminded him that that ground was under lease with the Fair Board.

Mr. Hahn then explained to the Council that the Association did plan to fundraise for the cause. However, Mr. Hahn did not want to begin fundraising without a set location.

Councilman Eyer wondered if Doug Walker had been approached about his land near the Canine Playground dog park. Mr. Hahn was unsure, and Mayor Lambird then indicated that SIHF had long-term plans for that area.

Councilman Fehrenbacher wondered how much funding the Association currently had for this endeavor. Mr. Hahn replied that they had received a $75,000.00 donation. Overall, he felt the project could total about $200,000.00. He added that funds would also be used to purchase an automatic, GPS field liner that would cut down prep time and would allow the Association to place sponsorship logos on the fields.

The Council was willing to help the Association where they could as time went on, but they were overall not in support of the site in the Industrial Park.

9-K “Resolution: Accept Renewal Proposal for Liability, Property, Workers Compensation, Auto & Miscellaneous Coverages for 2026” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would accept the renewal proposal for liability, property, workers compensation, auto, and miscellaneous other coverages through the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association (IMLRMA).

Then Mr. Barker deferred to Mrs. Sterchi. Mrs. Sterchi had nothing to add other than what was already included in the City Manager memo. A brief summary would reflect an increase of approximately 5% which was considered reasonable given the current insurance market conditions.

The proposed resolution reflected that payment of the premium amount, including the early-payment discount, would be in the amount of $223,702.38. The 5% adjustment reflected a stable outcome and demonstrated the City’s continued strength in reduction of claims and proactive risk-management efforts.

Councilwoman Eichhorst moved to approve 2025-R-66, 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” The Council was provided with a Status Report from the City Manager. Mr. Barker added that CSX had been in touch with contractors for the East Street and Elliot Street Bridge Projects. A solution was hoped to be determined soon.

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

10-C “Chamber of Commerce Report” Councilwoman Eichhorst said that the November Ladies Night Out was officially sold out. Wednesday, October 15th would also be the National Chamber of Commerce Day, and the Chamber office would be providing free food from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Lastly, she reminded everyone that the Halloween Parade and the 5th Friday event would be taking place on October 31st.

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” 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 litigation matters, seconded by Councilman Eyer. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:41 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 7:32 p.m.

12-A “Resolution: Authorize Execution of Fire Chief Employment Agreement” The Council was provided with a proposed resolution that would authorize the execution of a Fire Chief Employment Agreement with Daron Harmon, and a copy of the proposed agreement.

Councilman Eyer moved to approve 2025-R-67, seconded by Councilman Fehrenbacher. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

12-B “Update: North Avenue Reconstruction Project” For a few years, plans were being laid to reconstruct North Avenue, between Whittle Avenue and East Street. The project was to be funded through STU funds that could be borrowed ahead. Engineering work had begun.

Mrs. Guinn reported that she and Mr. Bridges were just informed that there could no longer be borrowing ahead of STU funds. This news would greatly affect the project by pushing it out four to five years.

Before reconstruction work could begin, the waterline along this portion of North Avenue needed to be replaced. The City was currently out for bids on this project, and the City would still be moving forward with the waterline replacement. The funding for this was always planned to come from the Water Fund.

Mrs. Guinn also updated the Council that the City did not receive the grant it had applied for to reconstruct N. Walnut Street.

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 7:34 p.m.

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