Sangamon Sun

City of Lincoln Committee of the Whole met Aug. 28.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Councilof Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Seth Goodman at 7 p.m., with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman took roll.

PRESENT:

Alderman Steve Parrott Alderman Tracy Welch Alderman Ron Fleshman Alderwoman Michelle Bauer Alderman Ron Keller Alderwoman Heidi Browne Alderman Jeff Hoinacki Alderman Dayne Dalpoas

STAFF PRESENT:

City Administrator Elizabeth Kavelman City Clerk Peggy Bateman

Treasurer Chuck Conze Fire Chief Mark Miller Police Chief Paul Adams

Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall Streets Superintendent Walt Landers

ABSENT:

City Attorney Blinn Bates

PRESIDING:

Mayor Seth Goodman

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Mayor Goodman called upon citizens registered to speak. Mr. Dan Fulscher, Director of the Logan County EMA came forward to discuss an exercise on Sept. 11.

Mr. Willy Spratt from Lincoln College came forward to talk about a potential Lincoln College/Lincoln City Councilmeet and greet on Thursday, Sept. 20,from 5:30-7 p.m. in the alumni room. City council members are encouraged to attend.

There being no further public participation, Mayor Goodman moved down to other agenda items.

REQUEST BY THE LINCOLN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL BOOSTERS CLUB TO WHITEWASH WYATT AVENUE FROM KICKAPOO STREET TO THE HIGH SCHOOL, THE EVENINGS OF SEPTEMBER 12-13, 2018,FOR HOMECOMING FESTIVITIES.AT THE SAME TIME, ALSO REQUEST TO WHITEWASH IN FRONT OF THE LCHSFOOTBALL PLAYERS' HOMES:

The item will be placed on the consent agenda.

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LCHS CLASS OF 1968'S 5OTH ANNIVERSARY AND PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 14-15, 2018, AS THE LCHSCLASS OF 1968WEEKEND:

The item will be placed on the consent agenda.

LINCOLN ROTARY CLUB'S RECENT INSTALLATION OF TWO BOOK BOXESWITHIN THE CITY FOR CHILDREN TO HAVE ACCESSTO BOOKS:

Mr. Kirby Rogers came forward and said the book boxes will offer free books to people.There is one near Ray White Park, the small park near Jeff Street Christian Church, at Creekside, and near Centennial Courts. Theitem will be placed on the consent agenda.

REQUEST BY THE LINCOLN ROTARY CLUB TO START A "HOMETOWN HERO" BANNER PROGRAM:

Mr. Kirby Rogers shared a sample banner that the club would like to display around town. Mr. Jim Harnacke from the Marine Corps Leagues was also present. They're looking for a member of the city council to be a committee member to approve the banners featuring veterans from Lincoln. Lincoln would be among some of the first communities that are offering these tribute banners.

Alderman Fleshman asked where they would be hung. Mr. Rogers said they would go around the square. Mr. Fleshman said these seem bigger in size and also there would be more of them. If there would be an overabundance of people wanting a banner, they would form a waiting list and look for different options.

Logan County Board Member Kevin Bateman said there would likely be room at the various parks and along Woodlawn Road as well. Mr. Walt Landers asked to borrow the banner to test the space.

Alderwoman Bauer asked if the club was just looking for the council's support. Mr. Rogers said he wanted it placed on the agenda, as well as a letter of support. The item will be placed on the consent agenda.

REQUEST BY THE LOGAN COUNTY TOURISM BOARD TO APPROVE THE TIMECLOCK INSTALLATION INVOICE FOR THE TROPICS SIGN:

Alderwoman Bauer said the council did not go out for bids onthis, as previous work as done through Ace Sign Co. She said the sign did not go on the other night because it never got enough light during the day to charge the photocell. Ace Sign Co. will be asked to look into the photocell to see if it's functioning properly. Alderman Keller asked where the funds would be coming from. They'd be coming from the specific line item for The Tropics Sign. The item will be placed on the consent agenda.

REQUEST BY ARDAGH GROUP TO HAVE THE CITY CREATE TWO CROSSWALKS WITH A RED BLINKING LIGHTS AND SIGNAGE AT BOTH CROSSINGS ON LOGAN STREET, FROM THE FACTORY TO THE PARKING LOT ACROSS THE STREET:

Superintendent Walt Landers said he met with the manager at Ardagh Group a few weeks ago. They walked an area along Logan Street where they'd like some crosswalks added. They're in the process of changing some of their parking practices inside the plant and are concerned with the traffic traveling along Logan Street. They want to take steps to protect their employees.They're requesting two crosswalks, however, he thinks one would be safer. There'd be a warning sign down the block and another one at the crosswalk with an arrow •pointing here." Lighting would have to be a yellow light. He said they could purchase lights and install/maintain them themselves. He said it's about $1,300 for a flashing solar caution light. He said if that's the case, they should be responsible for the cost of those. He said some sidewalk ramp work could be done later on. He said with time and material,it could run around $2,500.

Alderwoman Bauer said there are reflective signs in front of schools. She wanted to knowif these signs were for school use only-opposed to the lighting. Mr. Landers would not object to this, however, he would never support speed bumps. Alderman Keller asked what the speed limit was at this section, it is 25 mph.Alderwoman Bauer asked if the council had ever been contact by the manufacturer on Limit Street. Mr. Landers said it's a state route.

Alderman Welch asked if the road was wide enough for semis to get around the space-if there was a sign in the middle of the road. Alderman Fleshman said the Ardagh Group is adding 75 maintenance workers in the near future. Mr. Landers said the work could get done later this season.

Treasurer Chuck Conzo said the company pays a lot of taxes. He then shared information about glass recycling at the facility. He said he thinks the city should do everything they can to ensure employees can cross the street without getting hit. Mr. Landers said he thought his team could do the work and comfortably stay in budget. Alderwoman Bauer said she thinks Mr.Landers should go back and discuss the one crosswalk with signage and discuss the alternative options to seeif the lightingis something they would want to purchase and upkeep. Alderman Fleshman talked about the different crosswalks and the need for employees to use different walkways to reach their various job assignments.

Police Chief Paul Adams said he occasionally goes down Logan Street but does not see a lot of traffic going that way. He said you'd be backing up traffic on two different crosswalks and not just one. The item will be placed on the consent agenda with the option to table it if the council does not have answers. Mr. Landers said he wanted to sort out more details before voting. The item will not be placed on the agenda.

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AMENDMENT OF AFFIDAVIT TO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ILLINOISDEPARTMENT OF 1HMSPORTATION TO EXTEND COMPLETION OF THE 5TH STREET ROAD PROJECT UNTIL JUNE 30, 2020; AND AUTHORIZING MAYOR GOODMAN TO SIGN ITS AFFIDAVIT:

City Administrator Elizabeth Kavelman said this might become a moot point after tomorrow, pending the outcome of tomorrow's Joint Public Hearing with the Logan County Board. Alderman Welch said to put it on the agenda and pullit next week if need be.

REQUEST BY CITY OF LLNCOLN LIQUOR COMMISSION TO EXPAND/ADD THREE MORE CLASS B TAVERN LICENSESFOR VIDEO GAMING TO ITS ALLOWABLE NUMBER, TO EQUAL 15 TOTAL:

City Administrator Elizabeth Kavelman said the commission has been meeting diligently and individuals want these licenses. She said some have talked about this and have been established licensed holders. She said it would give three more licenses.

Alderwoman Bauer said she had been approached since this went out regarding the Class B Tavern License. She said people want to know how it's being enforced, pertaining to purchases outside of alcohol sales.Her thoughts were about the ordinance and executing it. She said they could discuss removing a portion of the language within the ordinance. She said some businesses do not have outside sales that are meeting the 51%. She said they need to look at the licensing ordinance.

Mrs. Kavelman said there is only one facility that has reached the one year requirement. She said they are watching this very closely.

Alderman Parrott asked how many establishments are considered taverns in the city.Mrs. Kavelman said there are 12 licenses and one pending. She said we need three more.

He said, so currently we have 12 taverns with video gaming.She said there are 12 right now and they're asking for three more. Thereis one woman inquiring about one. Alderman Parrott asked if the other 12 are in favor of this. Mrs. Kavelman said they'd be competition. Alderwoman Bauer said the 5tti Street Food Mart owner is in favor of this as people can improve the equity of their business. He was open to throwing out the percentage altogether. He wanted to ensure there was equity across the board. Mrs. Kavelman said it's the liquor commission's policy that they have a separate address and separate entrance. She said at 5th Street Food Mart, the gaming is separate from his other business. Alderman Dalpoas asked if there was a cutoff from the state.

Alderman Welch asked if the other two businesses are companies that will be able to meet the requirement of a separate entrance.She said yes, a design engineer came up last week to assess the property. They would include a special locking mechanism in order to keep underage individuals out of the space.The item will be placed on the agenda.

FOUR NEW PROGRAMS OFFERED BY THE LLNCOLN SALVATION ARMY WITHMS.RACHEL ONEY, REGIONAL SUPPORTIVE HOUSING CASE MANAGER, EXPLAINING IN MORE DETAIL:

Ms. Rachel Oney, of Salvation Army came forward and wanted to make the community aware of the programming available at the nonprofit. She said there is support for self-sufficiency, resume bui ding, budgeting etc. They are trying to focus on generational poverty and getting everyone involved. They are working on service plans with clients and individuals to measure progress. Soon the nonprofit will have supportive housing for veterans' families. They would open up the upper level as the grant comes in for veteran housing.

She said they do have the food pantry and hygiene items available. She said there's an upcoming food drive and hygiene drive in October. She said they also offer utility assistance and energy assistance through Ameren. She said there is also pastoral counseling. There will also be Emergency Disaster Services, this grant is in progress. She said they're hoping to partner with city police and firefighters.

Alderman Keller thanked her for coming forward. He wanted to know outside of the partnerships-how it was funded.She said funding comes from United Way and they have donors and bell ringers.She said they are funded through direct headquarters in Peoria. She said she covers eight counties.She said her funding comes from another grant and the nearby service extensions.

Alderwoman Bauer said with regards to the food pantry and hygiene items-do people come to the service center to sign up for this opportunity.She said what the hours of operation were.

DISCUSSION REGARDING AREA DISPOSAL:

Ms. Liz Ritter and Don Murphy, the Operations Manager for Area Disposal Services Inc. came forward.

Alderman Welch started off by talking about some of the recent challenges relating to trash/sewer billing and what could be done to make things better. Area Disposal will take back the billing over and keep the $1.20 per unit billing fee. There will be a letter sent out to customers about the changes, there will also be an adjustment on the route for Area Disposal to make their services easier to carry out.

He said when the city took over the agreement, one of the biggest challenges initially pertained to recycling. He said this was a huge inconvenience. He said in order for them to absorb the cost to do that-that was what led the city into the billing nightmare. Area Disposal has asked to concede on curbside cleanup. He then went into the illegal dumping that took place during the citywide cleanup. He said this was a suitable compromise.

Alderman Parrott asked about the annual pickup. He wanted to know how it would work. Mr. Don Murphy said normally they set hours for other communities. He said they had not discussed how many days they would offer it. Mr. Landers said the concept is that it would be a centralized location. The fairgrounds could be used. Vehicles could drive in one gate, they could unload, and then they could exit another gate.

Alderman Dalpoas asked if the $1.20 funds were allocated in a certain fund-where there would be a hit because of this. Treasurer Conzo said there was around $52,000 projected, but the city will lose money, it will no longer be going into the general fund. Alderman Hoinacki asked which dates City Clerk Peggy Bateman was comfortable with. She said depending on the vote next Tuesday, this would be their last billing (in Sept.), but if it's a, "yes" vote-Area Disposal would be given the reigns again. She said they'd wait for Tuesday's vote, then the bills could go out with letters. Area Disposal will go back to quarterly billing unless someone asks for monthly bills.

She said credits will be flipped over to Area Disposal.She said her office can verify credits. Alderwoman Bauer said those who've already registered for services they were providing, she said nothing is changing-they're just moving the billing back. Alderman Parrott said pickup dates could also be effected. They will send out a notice. Alderman Welch wanted to be clear that billing is going back to Area Disposal, but the sewer bills would still be monthly. He said the bill should be cleaner and easier to understand.

As soon as Tuesday's vote-the clerk's office can get the letters out. The due date will be five days out. The September bill will be paid to the city. The mailing will be the agreed upon letter from Area Disposal. There are funds available, the intention is to reach every person they can through a paper mailing. She said every bill will get the letter.

Alderman Dalpoas said he assumed a route would go out with the paper bill. It could be a separate statement. The city will get information on when these changes in routes take place. There being no further discussion, the item will be placed on the regular agenda. Alderwoman Bauer thanked Area Disposal for helping work through the issues.

.ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mayor Goodman asked the council members if there were any announcements.

•There was mention of the Comcast letter notifying the city it's adding Newsy Live station to its line¬ up effective Sept. 27, it's a live streaming news channel

•American Water reached out, there will be some flushing next week. A press release will be coming

•Harvest of Talents requests permission to conduct the Harvest Run through the city. It would begin and end on Pekin Street at 8 a.m. Alderwoman Bauer asked if the city had insurance on this. It would be the same route they've taken in the past. Alderman Hoinacki asked about the resurfacing of the block by the church. Mr. Landers said they're starting the week of the gth, with concrete work. The item will be placed on the consent agenda so long as the insurance was on file

o Mr. Tim Ferguson was nominated for an award by the Illinois EPA

•Gordman's is coming to Lincoln officially. They will be holding a hiring event. They are accepting online applications.

o Logan County is a place where young people are moving, according to a new USA Today article

o On Sept. 8, people can recycle computer monitors and TV's-there are costs involved

o Habitat for Humanity is no longer offering monthly electronics recycling

s COW ITuesday, August 28, 2018

•Mayor Goodman said the local coalmines are hiring

•Mayor Goodman gave a reminder about the Public Hearing and the Labor Day holiday

•The Rotary Club chicken dinner is next week at the American Legion, the meals are $9, on Thursday, Sept. 6

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further announcements to come before the council, Alderman Keller made the motion to adjourn seconded by Alderman Welch. Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 8:09 p.m.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

Public Hearing IWednesday, August 29, 6 p.m. Regular City Council IMonday, September 4, 7 p.m.

Committee of the Whole ITuesday, September 11,7 p.m.

https://www.lincolnil.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=920:august-28-2018-committee-of-the-whole&catid=50&Itemid=82