Sangamon Sun

City of Lincoln Committee of the Whole met March 12. 

Here is the minutes as 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 took roll.

PRESENT:

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

STAFF PRESENT:

City Administrator Elizabeth Kavelman City Clerk Peggy Bateman

City Attorney John Hoblit Treasurer Chuck Conzo Fire Chief Mark Miller Police Chief Paul Adams

Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall Streets Superintendent Walt Landers Veolia Water, Shawn Wright

ABSENT:

Alderwoman Heidi Browne

PRESIDING:

Mayor Seth Goodman

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Mayor Goodman called upon citizens registered to speak. There being no further public participation, Mayor Goodman moved down to other agenda items.

RESOLUTION:WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY, MARCH 21:

Recording Secretary Alex Williams came forward to talk about a resolution to raise awareness of World Down Syndrome Day, on March 21. Iasked that people wear blue on the day to symbolize their support for the Down syndrome community.

DOLAN DALPOAS & JOE HURWITZ OF ALMH: AGREEMENT REGARDING STAHLHUT DRIVE:

Mr. Dalpoas wanted to talk about the agreement regarding the Stahlhut intersection and drive extension. He said what they have today is an opportunity to improve public safety, by connecting the extension to Castle Manor (the Taylor Court area).

Alderman Fleshman asked about the design and if it meets the ordinance requirements. A gentleman with Mr. Dalpoas, (Mr. Joe Hurwitz of ALMH) said that it does.

He also wanted to know about storm water runoff, fire hydrants etc. Mr. Walt anders said something, however, it was inaudible. Alderman Fleshman asked about then about street lighting. He suggested taking a look at capacity for storm water.

Alderman Keller said under the agreement, Article II, Item Ill. He mentioned the cap, then modification plans.He wanted to ensure the $50,000 in modification costs were a part of the $1.3 million. He touched on the 1 percent cap. And read more from the agreement.

Mr. Joe Hurwitz of ALMH saidwhat he was talking about is alittle bit of a different situation. He said there would not be an expense.

Both the city administrator and treasurer said they had a nice meeting and Mrs. Kavelman felt they could come together with a good agreement for the city.The representatives from ALMH said they felt the same way.

Alderman Parrott mentioned past consideration for creating a joint safety complex for police and fire,and previous discussions about that, but at the time, he said the city did not have the funds-the millions of dollars that might be needed. That's when they turned to the school building on 5th Street that became for sale. He asked,'What about our fire house?" He said for the wellbeing of the citizens across the entire city.

Mr. Parrott said he was not comfortable with doing both projects, however, the ALMH reps were only talking about one of the projects. The city was only talking about the one project, the city administrator said the city was not gravitating toward 11th Street at this time. Short 111h, is not included in the development, so $1.3 million vs. $2.2 million.

Additional drainage,and other unexpected costs, would be onthe hospital. If the total comes to something different than agreed upon, it would fall under the responsibility of ALMH to foot the bill.

Treasurer Conze said it's more cost effective to go with an expansion on the firehouse. He said the city is in better shape now, than previously,to do this type of project. He also spoke to the one percent interest per annum on the amount of the development assistance to be provided to the city.

Alderman Welch asked where the funds would come from, and what the repayment schedule would look like. Treasurer Conzo some from the Non-Home Rule Sales Tax and some would be transferred from the General Revenue Fund (GRF). He said on paper, there was always a deficit on that fund, but now they have a Capital Projects Fund, which makes the spending more transparent and visible to the tax payers.

Alderman Welch said what he's getting at is. he wanted to know what the additional cost would be to the city for $1.3 million.

He wanted to know if the treasurer was confident..Treasurer Conze said this is a finite project with a guaranteed outcome and something the city had to do for public safety. Alderman Welch said that is a project (5th Street Road Project) that at some point, the city council members' hands may be forced. He wanted to think ahead to see where they would be fiscally on that.

City Administrator wanted to concur with the treasurer and Alderman Welch about the significance of this being a public safety concern, and how just saving one life could make it worth it. She said it is very important and more elderly people are living out in that area of the city.

Treasurer Conzo weighed in about tornados in some parts of the U.S. and said there needs to be a second entry/exit point. Alderman Welch wanted to clarify that hejust wanted to know what the numbers could be. There being no further discussion, the item will be placed on the agenda.

MARK LANDEN LOGAN COUNTY SHERRIFF - DISCUSSION FOR UPCOMING PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX REFERENDUM:

Logan County Sheriff Mark Landers came forward to offer a presentation on the Public Safety Sale Tax. He said the current facility was built in 1978 and intended to hold only 35 inmates. They have added bunk beds, in order to try to get more people housed within the jail. He said some cells that are meant to hold four people,are now holding eight people.

He said while there is space for 65 inmates now, with isolation cells and with containment cells for people with certain issues, there is really only space for 58 inmates.

He said the facility likely reached its lifespan 10 years ago.The proposed tax would be a half cent.

The potential facility would have bed/pods.The building would have 64 beds. It would leave room for the community to build if the population were to grow.The inmate population has grown since the 1970's­ plus the incarceration for females, an opioid crisis, and people who have mental illnesses. These were not accounted for during the 70's.

He also said that the inmate population is aging. He said when you try to house certain individuals in cells with those folks who may have a more aggressive tendency, then you can run into problems.

Alderman Parrott asked about the projected revenue from the sales tax, Mr. Landers said $900,000. He then wanted to know how this jailwould help with the mentally ill. Mr. Landers said when the facility was built it was intended for people who were criminals.He also said he did not have the room for people who get DUl's, or people who might be on drugs. He said when an opioid addict comes into his jail, they will spend some of their first few days detoxing. Discussion continued.

Alderman Dalpoas asked about the impact to the county-Treasurer Conzo said they have the half cent, Non-Home Rule Sales Tax (City of Lincoln, only) and a School Tax that is countywide. He said the majority of the sales tax goes to the State of Illinois. Alderman Welch said anyone who follows him on Facebook, he made a post on this topic the other day. Discussion continued.

Alderman Dalpoas wanted to clarify about how many people the jail can house, 58, and then anywhere from 50-60 inmates. Mr. Landers said with overflow, they may try to find alternative housing for anyone else who needs a bed. He said he's spoken to sheriff's who have revenue streams coming in by housing inmates from other areas.

Alderman Parrot asked after 10 years, the sales tax would pay off the loan-he wanted to know if this tax would be sunset. Mr. Landers said there would be a bond paid after 10 years, so it would sunset, or that is at least what he would support. His intent was to let is sunset. Alderman Parrott said,"Sounds good.a City Administrator Kavelman asked about the "secured areas,a and how inmates are moved throughout the complex. Alderman Welch said the council received some feedback, about the city's decision to take the Jefferson Street facility and convert that. He then shared some hypotheticals and asked if they'd be able to do the expansion under that scenario.

Police Chief Paul Adams said they have done a lot of moving around and trying to best utilize the space at the complex, however, when 9-1-1 did the remodel, they moved down to the locker room. He said they are stacking inmates right now and the jail is not designed for all the people that are in there. He said there is a drug problem and DUIproblem and the police are going to continue to be relentless on drug crimes, they sometimes have felonies, sexual predators... including someone who did something to a young female, Chief Adams mentioned how that individual was a flight risk-some of the people with high bond rates are going to be stuck in the jailfor longer periods of time.He said the police department got more room by relocating, but there are still a lot of problems at the jail.

Sheriff Landers said there are three county agencies that reside within the structure-he reiterated that they use the space as well as they can. Office space cannot be used as cell blocks. They have looked at a prototype for a new building,it is cost prohibitive.

Alderman Welch also mentioned the video arraignment arrangement. Sheriff Landers explained how that could work in a facility and save his deputies time etc. People can call the safety complex, on April 2, there will be an election. Early voting is now open. Mayor Goodman called for the next item on the agenda.

TERMINATION OF LOGAN COUNTY INVOLVEMENT IN THE ETSB INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT :Police Chief Paul Adams said the ETSB agreement is costing about $220,000 a year. He said it's a good time to pull out of the agreement and take further action after the board is organized. He said now is a good time to pull out of the agreement and enter into a new one, once it's reorganized. The vote would need to be next Monday.

Treasurer Conze asked about a time frame. Chief Adams said they are anticipating significant savings. Mayor Goodman then called upon Logan County Board Chair, Emily Davenport stood from the back, she said the sheriff had done a fine job discussing and explaining everything, and that he had share what was needed. Alderman Keller asked about the standards that other counties use. The county is restructuring so the dispatch center and EMA will fall under the sheriff's office. The ETSB ordinance is currently on display for the next 30 days, it's available on the county website for the next 30 days. The organizational chart is in line with the way other counties are structured. The item was placed on the agenda to terminate the contract. The erg chart will be better aligned with current statute.

MR. ADAM MACKEY WITH LINCOLN SPEEDWAY IDISCUSSION FOR UPCOMING SEASON SCHEDULE:

Mr. Mackey came forward,the track opens up on April 12.Alderman Keller asked about past receipts. In 2016, that was their first year promoting the races.Another event was rained out. He said the car count and crowd count for regular events was up as well. He said the entertainment level was high. Mayor Goodman said the race track affects the community. Some events bring as much as 1,000 to 3,000 people to the area.

MR. BRETT AUKAMP WITH LOGAN COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT I5TH STREET ROAD INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT:

Mr. Brett Aukamp came forward to talk about the 5th Street Road Intergovernmental Agreement-part of the road falls under county jurisdiction, while other parts fall under the city. He said the agreement is set to expire inApril. What the Logan County Board is open to doing, is extending the agreement for another five years, however, if the responsibility of costs would fall on the city, if the city fails to execute the project, and the federal government were to seek reimbursement.

Alderman Welch wanted to add it to the regular agenda and vote on it. He wanted to get it solidified and in place as a council moving forward. The item will be placed on the agenda.

REQUEST TO PERMIT RAILSPLITTER CAR CLUB:

Alderwoman Bauer wanted to share that Spirited Republic does a significant amount of business on the evenings of the Railsplitter Car Club car show, and their spots are taken. She proposed rotating the location around the square, from month to month, in order to alleviate the burden of blocking all the parking spots creates for their customers.She said people will park their cars, then sit in lawn chairs on the sidewalks, therefore impeding foot traffic and parking for patrons. She said it was brought up as part of the Pigs & Swigs discussion as well.

The speaker said this event is just once a month, for four months out of the summer. Alderman Welch asked if they are opposed to rotating around the square. He said yes, then explained why the cars were positioned in front of Mama's Arcade. The item will be placed on the agenda.

CRAWFORD, MURPHY & TILLY AGREEMENT CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICE FOR NEW UNION STREET PUMP STATION:

The agreement has been submitted, staff have been briefed. The project will be submitted to Illinois EPA within a month, she said it's time to get things moving forward.

Crawford,Murphy & Tilly Agreement IConstruction Phase Service for CSO Improvement Project: On the CSO piece, fall could be the start of the construction phase, this particular project has two-day a week construction, par-time-and CMT could be on site, and could cover the observation piece. Both these items fall under the sewer upgrade. Alderman Dalpoas wanted to know the estimated completion date. They have to be completed at the end of 2021.

Mrs. Julie Shipp came forward to see what options were needed in order to keep the 5th Street Road Project moving forward.There's about $3.5 million in federal funding, however, the project must meet the requirements.If the project changes in certain ways, the funding could be lost. Changing the scope may require the city to pay back engineering costs around the amount of $650,000.

They want to move forward with the current design and set up one on one meetings with the parcel owners. The City Administrator and Mayor would both need to be present. That was the result of the meeting, and the plan in order to move the project forward and not losing money.

Mayor Goodman weighed in,saying the city would not pay any more money, until securing the parcels. Alderman Keller wanted to know how this could be a guarantee.

Any changes to the project would require an update to the project development report. There would need to be meetings with the government and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Alderman Dalpoas asked if a timeline or expectations were set. He said he thinks the city owes some updates and information to the public, he said a firm timeline needs to be established.

The goal is to reach some movement within the next few weeks. City Administrator Kavelman said they may want to get some help from Alderwoman Bauer and Alderman Welch.

Alderman Welch said pulling out of the project would bring significant financial loss. He wanted to get some definitive answers, he agreed with Alderman Dalpoas, that the city needs a firm timeframe. He said at this point, they're speculating that people won't comply. There was brief mention of eminent domain again. He said the mayor knows of one property owner that is just holding out and may have a 15 foot space that the city could perhaps circumvent in order to move things forward.

Alderman Parrott said it seems like they're making progress, but that it does not seem that way to the general public. CMT mentioned that the lack of compromise will kill this project. Mayor Goodman mentioned assigning an alderman to each parcel, to try to tackle it-keeping people responsible, and accountable. Mr. Walt Landers mentioned skipping the parcels, if the city cannot secure and agreement with them. Some right of ways could be converted to an easement.

ORDINANCE REGARDING VAPING TO A MINOR SECTION 3 15 1,2,3,4,5:

Police Chief Paul Adams said the ordinance could satisfy the needs, the possession of the device itself could be an issue. He said that the purpose of the ordinance it to help kids with their decision making. He said he thinks this is a good start. City Attorney John Hoblit said he did not think it would be an issue. He said the state statute already outlines vaping devices. The item will be placed on the regular agenda.

RESOLUTION IL 66 BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION:

Alderman Welch said there is a resolution in the packet, in summary, it is to create a Route 66 Bicentennial Commission, the idea is to get people together and focus on Route 66. It is different than what the Logan County Tourism Bureau is doing. He said most importantly, the state has signed a bill to create the commission, he said if this passes, Lincoln could be the first municipality in the country to have a Route 66 Bicentennial Commission formed and active.

City Attorney John Hoblit weighed in on this, he asked that the council members review the resolution. The item will be placed on the agenda.

VEOLIA CONTRACT AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2019:

Alderman Fleshman said the packet shared with council members contains a new contract, there are some changes, there is a reduction of about $140,000 in operating costs. The plant has been able to fine tune operations and has revised their chemical protocol at the plant, reducing the annual operating cost by around $100,000.

The city is currently repairing a building (around $36,000), and making changes to the collection system {around $38,000). Maintenance and repair will be lumped together in the sum of around $75,300. This could give them a refund on the collections system portion... he continued on.By combining them, they are covered under one lump sum. One item will be raised to $5,000-for the approval number. There is also a 1O percent cleaning of collection pipes.plus,the $75,300 was not getting increased every year, so the increase will be tied to the annual operating cost increase, which is around 1.3 percent, or 1.4 percent, so that will be added into the contract-calling for that increase.

This will be a three year agreement, rather than a five year agreement that was requested by Veolia. There is engineering this year on the long-term control plan, and then construction, and then operation. Three years is a critical time period, per Shawn Wright with Veolia.

City Administrator Kavelman thanked Alderman Fleshman for his work on the project and contract. Alderman Fleshman then touched on the alarm system idea, Mr. Wright has elected to not move forward with that system, in order to incorporate all plants and the lift station into one alarm system. He said there is a long way to go.

PC2019 01 IREQUEST FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT AT 616 WOODLAWN RD., SUITE B:

Mr. Woodhall said he was approached by the tenant at 616 Woodlawn Rd., Suite B. Alderwoman Bauer wanted to know about the private alleyway access. The alley is owned by the landowner, he has documentation supporting that. At one point the city wanted to make it one way. It is wide enough to do two way traffic. Mr. Woodhall continued on. Mayor Goodman said the planning commission asked Mr. Woodhall a lot of questions. They had also talked about parking and stacking space holding up traffic coming in. This would be limited to this tenant-only.The item will be placed on the regular agenda.

CONFLICT COUNSEL IORDINANCE VIOLATION (OV) CASES:

Mr. John Hoblit said he is a sole practicing attorney and wanted to mention there are ordinance violation cases,where there may be a conflict of interest at some point in time. He said at that time,if it comes up, it would be difficult to pursue an ordinance violation against them. He recommended the city council appoint someone to a conflict council role.

Alderman Welch said it made sense, and that he should move forward with it. It would not need a vote. Alderman Hoinacki said this has been done before, and there is money set aside for outside legal counsel.

ADVISE AND CONSENT IMAYORAL APPOINTMENT TO THE LIQUOR COMMISSION:

Mayor Goodman made a request for City Administrator Elizabeth Kavelman to be placed on the liquor commission. Theitem will be placed on the agenda.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

o Officer Chad Eimer graduated from the 80 hour Illinois DARE Officer Training Program held at the Plainfield Police Department in Plainfield,Ill.

o Hometown Heroes Banner Program, the ceremony is March 16, at 11a.m. at Latham Park

o Mayor Goodman said Mr. Landers was chosen as the March Citizen of the Month

o Chief Miller said the new fire engine is on its way, the final inspection took place last week, it should be on its way to Collinsville, where their shop islocated,it will be there for a week while some equipment gets mounted.

o Boy Scouts of America, will hold a BBQ dinner on Sunday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the K of C Hall in Lincoln

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Councilof Lincoln, Alderman Welch motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Parrott. Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 8:41 p.m.

https://www.lincolnil.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=955:march-12-2019-committee-of-the-whole&catid=50&Itemid=82