Sangamon Sun

City of Lincoln Committee of the Whole met Nov. 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council of Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Seth Goodman at 7 p.m., with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called 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 Clerk Peggy Bateman Treasurer Chuck Conzo City Attorney John Hoblit

Shawn Wright, Veolia Project Manager Fire Chief Mark Miller

Police Chief Paul Adams

Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall Streets Superintendent Walt Landers

ABSENT:

City Administrator Elizabeth Kavelman

PRESIDING:

Mayor Seth Goodman

RECOGNITION BY FIRE CHIEF MARK MILLER OF THE LATE RETIRED ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF LARRY FULK:

Passing of retired Assistant Fire Chief, Larry Fulk. He served honorably for the city for many years. The city offered a moment of silence.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Mayor Goodman called upon citizens registered to speak. Mr. Lance Rainforth came forward to discuss the movie theater and the downtown, as well as the TIF District.He said there is some confusion around town, he said the original investors who put the whole thing together is Mr. Jack Rooney and Mr. David Lanterman. He said a lot of people around town are under the impression the theater has new management, when they are still run by the same people.

He talked about taxes being petitioned to be lowered, and that the theater fs only 60 percent complete. He said there is still 3,000 square feet that is still undeveloped, and there is damage, the roof is caving in. The heat is turned off on the old side. He said there is still a lot of investment needed.

He said there is $7.6-8 million dollars in play, but some three million dollars

He said that money is gone and Regions Bank has filed for foreclosure. He said we need to step back and let that process play out. He said it is a tragic situation, but we need to step back and let that process play out-and support them along the way.

He then talked about other properties that will be foreclosed upon, on more than 30 properties. He said Mr. Rooney has admitted that he has not paid taxes in two years, they do not have the means or the intention.

He said this is the reality. He said there's no need to get upset about this. He said in six months, we'll be dealing with the next person in the door, as tax forfeiture. He said many of you already know this, but he wanted to set the record straight-two banks need to be made whole, there are buildings that are not complete. He said there are 39 properties with issues regarding safety and codes. He said the basis of the TIF and the downtown is getting mixed together and people are confused.

He said the downtown is doing well. This town is firing on all cylinders. He said we have a lot going on, everything is doing well. He said what people are hanging their hat on, when people complain, it's about the properties and investments ran by Mr. Rooney and Mr. Lanterman.

He said the town right now is doing phenomenally. He said there has been a lot that has taken place these last four years. He said he has taken things to the states attorney. He does think there needs to be a forensic audit done on what has been done with taxpayer money.

He said $2.3 million was given, without a contract, without a payback requirement. He said the city needs to discuss closing the door on the TIF, until the money is put back and made whole to the citizens-in the GRF. He said there was a developer who did not fulfill their promises and there are some name changes going on. He said we haven't gotten the finished product or been given the truth. He said the owners at minimum haven't even paid their taxes. He was just laying this out.

He proposed bringing in States Attorney Johnathan Wright to see how this will play out going forward. He talked about the owners declaring bankruptcy, potentially Chapter 13. He wanted to know how much the city would be willing to let citizens continue to be taken advantage of. He proposed clearing the air with a press release or statement from the city.

He said 99 percent of everybody is pulling the rope in the same direction. He said he has had questions from citizens about the faCiBde grant. He said it's separate from the TIF grant. He said the faCiBde grant was put in place when John Guzzardo was mayor. He talked about getting everyone on the same page. He thanked the council. There being no further public participation, Mayor Goodman moved down to other agenda items.

Long Term Control Plan:Shannon Brady and Christy Crites of Crawford, Murphy, & Tilly (CMT): Alderman Fleshman opened discussion about CMT options for the lab building at the waste water treatment plant. The first option would be to use the existing building, to rehab it. He then touched on the second and third options.

Mrs. Christy Crites said itis an original building from 1938. There have been leaks and other roof issues. She said there aren't any ventilation hoods or other modem necessities that should be in a modem waste water treatment lab. She said there aren't male/female bathrooms or bathrooms to accommodate for people with disabilities.

She talked about pipes and utilities that would need to be relocated. She said the existing building could be rehabbed and could meet the needs/standards. Option 1 is $520,000, Option 2 would be $770,000, and Option 3 would run around $1,000,000.

Alderman Fleshman asked when she would like an answer, she said by January 2019.With Options 1 and 2 there would need to be a temporary lab set up. Alderman Parrott asked about the life expectancy of Option 1versus Options 2 and 3. She saidit would have the same life expectancy. She said structurally, the bui dingis in very good shape. She said there is no cracking in the concrete.

Treasurer Conzo said the most viable is the first option, because it saves the most money and provides the same benefits. He said it really seems to be the only viable option and it is an historic building. Alderman Dalpoas wanted clarification on what space might be available to serve as a temporary lab.

Alderman Welch wanted to know more about the long-term control plan.This is outside of the long-term control plan. This was something that needed to be done to take advantage of the efficiencies of the planning, the larger scale project, and the loan. He wanted to know how they city would fund this. He said this is an add-on/enhancement to the long-term control plan. He said for Option 3, there is a $25,000 contingency-he wanted an honest answer about this. Saying the project is $1,000,000 and wanted to know if $25,000 was enough of a contingency. Mrs. Crites continued to explain the contingency amount.

Alderman Dalpoas then asked about outdated equipment, he wanted to know why the need for the updates. Mrs. Crites said there aren't any ventilation hoods, waste water samples are being placed in an over, these samples are being tested at the end of the day because the smell is so bad, there aren't any eye wash stations, there is limited cabinet space, and it's extremely small. Her main concern is lack of ventilation. She said the lab is next to their breakroom.It's extremely dated and the electrical is old and the roof has been leaking.She said it's hard to describe.They are looking for standard grade equipment.

Alderman Fleshman said the structure is in really good shape. She said it's really the roof. He also mentioned the electrical components that are dated and no longer in use. The current ovens and glassware will be reused. However, sterilizers and incubators will be replaced. He supports Option 1, saying this would be the best option.

Alderwoman Bauer wanted clarification on the rate structure, and she said the $520,000 would help a little bit. Alderman Parrott asked if Mr.Shawn Wright had ever been in a worse facility.Alderman Keller asked about reconfiguration of the garage. The space will be utilized and brought up to the same elevation as the rest of the building.

There being no further questions, Alderwoman Bauer called for Option 1 to be placed onthe agenda for next week's vote.

Residential Sewer Rate Calculation Breakdown:

Alderman Fleshman opened discussion regarding the rate structure. He said percentage wise, breakdown, still at question is what the city should do with individuals that cannot obtain an average. He said they should be placed in a level and a coverall should be used. He said this would help the clerk's office to know what the home will be charged. He said it would also help the city treasurer to know what the city's income would be.

He proposed level two for anyone who could not establish an average. Alderwoman Bauer said this was a fair assessment. Alderman Welch said some of the charts provided were not jiving. Mrs. Crites then continued to talk about the three tiered rate structure. Alderman Welch said he would like to see the city go to the next step and talk about the dollar or two per year increase. She said the dollar increase is there to cover inflation.She said if you're not increasing your revenue in some way then you are falling behind. She said the rate increase is only there to cover the cost of the construction projects. Alderman Welch asked if it was possible to find $50,000. Alderwoman Bauer stepped in to explain her take on what Mrs. Crites had previously outlined. Alderman Welch said if we're going to raise rates on people, let's give them their dollar back.

Alderman Fleshman said in two to three years the future city council could decide on whether or not to implement that dollar raise. The ordinance will be drafted with a three tier structure. Alderman Dalpoas wanted to clarify that the councillanded at Tier Two. Alderman Fleshman agreed and elaborated. Various levels could be carried from home to home if a resident were to move. Discussion then shifted to what would be done for homes where the water was turned off.

Alderman Parrott asked if the landlord would get billed-City Clerk Peggy Bateman said, "Yes," the owner knows if the bill is getting paid or not. Alderwoman Browne is these rates were based on those. Alderman Welch said these rates did not take any of that into consideration. Alderwoman Browne asked for clarification. Alderwoman Bauer said there is so much unaccounted for.

Treasurer Conzo weighed in. Alderman Welch said if residents don't pay for whatever reason, that is less money going toward the bond payment. Mrs. Crites said there is revenue generated from those who do not pay their bills. Alderman Dalpoas asked about active accounts-and those residences where the water has been turned off. Alderman Fleshman said he had asked Mrs. Crites and Clerk Bateman to tally the active accounts-they typically stay around 4,660.

Alderman Parrott asked about average late payment per month. He wanted to know what constituted a late bill.Clerk Bateman said anything after the 20th. He wanted to know how much the late fees are. The first month is $5, the second month is $25, and $25 every month after that. Alderman Welch wanted to know how much was collected a month in late fees. She said the lowest she had seen is $10,000 in late fees. Alderwoman Bauer wanted to come back to the next COW with a drafted ordinance. Alderman Fleshman would work with City Attorney John Hoblit on this.

TAX LEVY FOR 2018:

Treasurer Chuck Conzo opened discussion about possible proposals for the 2018 tax year. He covered tax and bond levies. He wanted this added to the agenda for the last voting meeting of the month. He said the proposed tax levy needs to be published, and there should be a public hearing prior to the voting meeting.

Alderwoman Bauer said Option A is keeping the tax levy flat-she wanted to know if this accomplishes two goals for the city-keeping the levy flat, while also increasing contributions to the police and fire pension funds. The item will return in two weeks to the next COW. Treasurer Conzo said he'd work with the city attorney on this.

DISCUSSION OF CITY CLERK'S, BUILDING AND ZONING,AND STREETS AND ALLEY DEPARTMENT OFFICES TO BE CLOSED DEC. 24,IN RECOGNITION OF CHRISTMAS EVE:

The item will be placed on the consent agenda.

PURCHASE OF 2019 PICKUP TRUCK BY THE STREETS AND ALLEY DEPARTMENT:

Streets Superintendent Walt Landers opened discussion, saying this truck would replace a 2001 Chevy Silverado. The current vehicle has nearly 120,000 miles on it. He said they are looking to replace this vehicle. He said the pickup they have received bids on is comparable to the current truck. Four bids have been received. The lowest vehicle bid came from Lincoln Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep in the amount of around $28,000. The old vehicle will likely be placed in surplus and sold. The new truck would be a Dodge Ram. The item will be placed on the agenda.

RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO AN EQUIPMENT LEASE-PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.:

The item will be placed on the agenda.

ORDINANCE ADOPTION OF AN AMENDMENT OF THE POLICY PROHIBITING SEXUAL HARASSMENT FOR THE CITY OF LINCOLN:

City Attorney John Hoblit talked about how the Illinois Legislature has extended the number of days an employee would have to report harassment. The item will be added to the regular agenda.

RESOLUTION OF DOCUMENT OF SIGNATURES:

The item will be placed on the agenda.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mayor Goodman asked if anyone had any announcements.

Alderwoman Browne said Small Business Saturday was booming.

Alderwoman Browne thanked Illinois American Water for getting water to the Logan Correctional Center on Monday, Nov. 26.

Former Alderman Hoefle and his wife were selected as citizens of the year.

Downtown Christmas decorating is underway.

Carroll Catholic will hold their Christmas Bazar on Sunday morning.

Chief Miller said the main well, number 18 is up and running. It is the largest well from the city. The pump is up and running and it is filling the clear water tanks. The main pressure pump operations are still in progress. A city water main break did break today, Nov. 27. The leak was quickly stopped. The boil order is still in effect. Test results should be back in on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

The Lincoln Railer Rumble Wrestling Tournament will be taking place this weekend.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Keller motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Welch. Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 8:36 p.m.

https://www.lincolnil.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=936:november-27-2018-committee-of-the-whole&catid=50&Itemid=82