Sangamon Sun

City of Lincoln Committee of Whole met Sept. 14.

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 Acting Mayor Tracy Welch at 7:00 p.m., with proper notice given. City Clerk Peggy Bateman called roll.

PRESENT:

Alderman Tracy Welch, Ward 1

Alderman Steve Parrott, Ward 1

Vacant, Ward 2

Alderman Sam Downs, Ward 2

Alderman Kevin Bateman, Ward 3

Alderman Ron Keller, Ward 3

Alderman Kathy Horn, Ward 4

PRESENT:

Elizabeth Kavelman, City Administrator

Paul Adams, Police Chief

John Hoblit, City Attorney

Peggy Bateman, City Clerk

Chuck Conzo, City Treasurer

REMOTELY:

Bob Dunovsky, Fire Chief

Wes Woodhall, Building and Safety Officer

Andrew Bowns, Veolia Water, Project Manager

Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent

ABSENT:

Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, Ward 4

PRESIDING:

Acting Mayor Tracy Welch

PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no one present to speak for public participation.

NATHAN WHITEMAN - SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF AMERICAN CENTRAL FOR BROKER FOR THE CITY OF LINCOLN HEALTH INSURANCE

American Central currently serves the County. Mr. Whiteman specializes in health, vision, dental, life, and disability insurances. Mr. Whiteman has a local office that he is in 1-2 days a week. He was born and raised in Lincoln and has been in the insurance field for 11 years. American Central has been around since the 80s. They offer a variety of online enrollment which has become popular due to COVID.

Alderman Keller asked how the pooling together with other communities worked to get better rates. Mr. Whiteman said this concept has been around for a while but has just recently been popular in the Midwest. You are underwritten on a self-funded basis with a larger group. This plan is outside of BCBS, Health Alliance and United Health Care. You would purchase your own network with the doctors you want. Pharmacies/Prescriptions will be outsourced to keep costs down. This is a concept that you'd need to plan to be in for 3-4 years to receive the cost benefits depending on claims. Mr. Whiteman doesn't suggest this route for the first year.

American Central offers an online platform called Employee Navigator. There is a $400 implementation fee that can be negotiable otherwise the service is free.

NANCY SCHAUB & SARA SCHWANTZ - SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF R.W. GARRETT FOR BROKER FOR THE CITY OF LINCOLN HEALTH INSURANCE

The City has been with R.W. Garrett for 20 plus years. BCBS had been the plan for the City for many years. It was written into the union contract that a particular BCBS plan be used. As employees retired and stayed on the plan, there were more members retired then employed making it difficult to find another carrier willing to take the risk at that time. In 2011, during contract negotiations, Health Alliance became the new carrier. HSA was introduced at that time which allowed for premium savings to the City and allowed employees to save money for future healthcare costs. In 2012, a group Medicare plan was introduced that also saved the City money and removed the retiree risk from the active plan. Some retiree's saved as much as 50% along with additional benefits. In 2019, the City was faced with a 30% rate increase with Health Alliance. This increase was due to $659,000 in large claims in 2019 and $683,000 in large claims in 2018. R.W. Garrett asked Health Alliance to look at one more month of experience and due to one large claimant coming off the policy, they were able to come down to a 19% increase.

R.W. Garrett has recently partnered with Bernie Portal that allows employees to complete hiring paperwork online. There is also an app for employees to access. There is no additional cost for the Portal or app.

CHRISTY CRITES, CMT-CONTRACTOR'S PAY APPLICATION NO. 1 TO PLOCHER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. FOR LINCOLN CSO IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $833,079.93

Christy Crites gave an update on the CSO improvements. A progress report with pictures was included in the agenda packet. They are a month in to the improvements. Improvements include site grading, erosion control, completed bypass structure and bypass pumping, and also the tie in to the Sherman Sewer. Full excavation of the entire area for all structures is done as well. Next plan is to get the mud slab in before the rains come then they can start to build above ground.

The IEPA reimbursement is ready and will be submitted once the Council signs off. EPA has also approved everything that was submitted for reimbursement and CMT is expecting a 2-3 week turn around.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

CHRISTY CRITES, CMT - CONTRACTOR'S PAY APPLICATION NO. 3 TO STARK EXCAVATION, INC. FOR UNION STREET PUMP STATION IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $679,782.52

This item is for product stored and ready to be used in the project and also the last of the concrete work done at the pump station.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

INVOICE FROM CRAWFORD, MURPHY & TILLEY FOR THE LINCOLN UNION STREET PUMP STATION CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FROM JULY 4, 2020 TO JULY 31, 2020 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,781.25

This item is for checking inventory on materials. This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

INVOICE FROM CRAWFORD, MURPHY & TILLEY FOR THE CSO IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION PHASE CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FROM JULY 4, 2020 TO JULY 31, 2020 IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,859.52

This item is for CMT's site person that is on site 2-3 days a week to make sure the contractor is moving along on the project. Lots of pictures have been taken and a monthly progress report will be provided.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

INVOICE FROM CRAWFORD, MURPHY & TILLEY FOR LAND ACQUISITION SERVICES FOR 5TH ST. ROAD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FROM JULY 1, 2020 TO JULY 31, 2020 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,813.32

This item is for ongoing land acquisitions.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

DISCUSSION REGARDING CHANGES TO CITY OF LINCOLN INSURANCE BROKER

Both Brokers have offices in the city limits and pay property taxes.

There was some confusion as to why the Insurance Committee called for a 2nd and 3rd vote after the 1st vote was a tie. Alderman Bateman felt after the 1st tie, the tie vote should then have come to the council for discussion and voting.

Treasurer Conzo clarified that the Committee was voting on a recommendation to bring to the council. Ultimately, the Council has the final say and does not necessarily have to accept the recommendation.

A few members on the Committee felt there could be savings through other brokers. Therefore, four Brokers were contacted and invited to a committee meeting.

Alderman Keller recommended placing R.W. Garrett on the regular agenda as the City of Lincoln Insurance Broker. All agreed.

INVOICE FROM UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD FOR 5TH STREET TRACK - LNSP. SURVEY ON JULY 2020 IN THE AMOUNT OF $189.49

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

MAYORAL APPOINTMENT OF RON FLESHMAN TO WARD 2

Acting Mayor Welch had been conducting interviews when informed of Mr. Leith's departure of the Council. Mr. Fleshman expressed interest in filling this seat. He is a past Alderman that has experience with CMT and the sewer upgrade project. He also assisted with the pocket readings for the sewer rates.

This item will be placed on the regular agenda.

MAYORAL APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE

The City Officials on this committee will be City Administrator Beth Kavelman, Building and Safety Official Wes Woodhall, Acting Mayor Tracy Welch, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, City Attorney John Hoblit and Treasurer Chuck Conzo.

These names will be placed on the regular agenda.

REFINANCING OF G.O. BOND, ALT. REVENUE SOURCE (SERIES 2014)

The G.O. Bond was created in 2014 for the purpose of financing the TIF Project. At that time rates were at an all-time high. The current annual payment is fluctuates from $173,000 - $176,382 until 12/1/2034. Treasurer Conzo shared 2 options the council could choose for refinancing.

Refinance at a lower rate making payments around $160,000 - $166,000. Saving the City $146,532.

Refinance and take the savings up Payments would be $132,000, then $137,000, then $144,000 then back up to $164,000 - $174,000. Saving the City $132,336.00

Treasurer Conzo said if this is something the council would like to pursue, the first step would be for the council to have the Bond underwriters adopt an ordinance that would enable to City to issue the bonds.

Although the Council could not vote on this item, it was in agreement that Treasurer Conzo proceed with the ordinance and have it ready for the next COW.

ENHANCEMENT TO THE EXISTING LANGUAGE REGARDING SOCIAL NETWORKING TO THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

There was some concern within the Council with the added language. "Espresses bias" will be stricken from the language and City Attorney Hoblit will research "protective class", make a recommendation and present it at the next COW.

DISCUSSION OF PURCHASE OF TWO (2) USED VEHICLES FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT USING 65,000 IN CAPITOL EXPENSE FUNDS

Currently the Fire Department has one vehicle that is completely out of commission and another that is very dilapidated. Chief Dunovsky is having a hard time finding 2 used trucks that meet the criteria of the department and the voting schedule of the Council. Chief Dunovsky will request sealed bids from all three local dealerships, bids will be opened at the department head meeting on 10/29 then brought before the council that night. The council will then approve the remaining funds be spent on a used truck at the discretion of Chief Dunovsky.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Acting Mayor Welch presented Joe Hanning with a plaque for his time serving on the Fire and Police Commission. Hanning served from May 16, 2014 - July 19, 2020 and chose not to renew his term.

The council will take their annual Breast Cancer Awareness picture on October 5th, 15 minutes before the meeting.

Alderman Bateman will reach out to the remaining restaurant bars that are using the outdoor dining A deadline will be decided on to remove the picnic tables from the street so that snow plows can plow this winter.

City Administrator Kavelman asked the Council to give feedback on the Economic Development Grant application she provided The final application draft will be placed on the regular agenda.

The Council has been invited to a new business launch party at the Dugan Center at 1500 N. Mclean St on Monday, September 21, 2020 from 5-7pm.

Alderman Bateman thanked former Mayor Seth Goodman for the successful Hot Air Balloon He'd also like to thank the citizens for participating safely.

Corn Dogs are at Big R and Cullers Fries are behind Lincoln Banquet Center

A plaque presentation for Former Mayor Goodman will take place at the next

COVID update: Cases are going up possibly due to school and church services resuming and also that people are getting too relaxed and not taking as many The City continues to encourage residents to wear masks, practice safe social distancing and to be mindful of others. Logan County is currently in the orange, which means a warning level.

Election Voting: The Logan County Health Department said there will be extensive cleaning done at voting pole places during the election and masks will be Early voting is also available. Exercising your right to vote is encouraged.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council of Lincoln, Alderman Keller motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Parrott. All were in favor. Acting Mayor Welch adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m.

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