Minutes of an Adjourned City Council Meeting held in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Lincoln, IL, on Tuesday, June 24, 2014.

Mayor Snyder called the Adjourned City Council Meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.  City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach called the roll.  Those present were Alderman Anderson, Alderman Bauer, Alderman Cooper, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman O’Donohue (he arrived at 7:20 p.m.) and Alderman Tibbs.  Also present were Street Superintendent Mr. Landers, Safety and Building Officer Mr. Lebegue, Fire Chief Miller, and Police Chief Greenslate.  Also present were Mayor Snyder, City Attorney Mr. Blinn Bates, City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach, Deputy City Clerk Mrs. Fulk, City Treasurer Mr. Conzo, and Recording Secretary Mrs. Riggs.

Mayor Snyder led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Ordinances and Resolutions

Ordinance replacing Title 4 of the City Code regarding the City’s building code regulations (agenda item from adjourned meeting on 6/16/14)

Public Participation:

Mr. Dan Bock was opposed to the revision of Title 4 of the City Code regarding the City’s building code regulations.  He stated that the dedicated fire line could never be shut off and has a cost of $35.00 per month by Illinois American Water.  He felt that the increased cost to build would hamper the building of new homes in Lincoln. 

Mr. Lebegue said the limited application for the sprinklers would be run off a 1 inch water line and would not require a separate line.  The lumber for the plumbing wall should be 2 x 6 for the structure’s integrity.  If knob and tube are discovered in an open wall, it will need to be replaced by new wiring.  He said in regard to the grass height that if it gets too long then it is very difficult to mow and he looked at other communities and what they had in their ordinances.  He state the reason for the Styrofoam baffles is to allow the air to circulate. 

Alderman Bauer spoke with several electricians who said if they open up walls with knob and tube, they stop their work if the homeowner does not want to bring it up to code.

Mr. Neal Malone, governmental affairs director for the realtors association, said he has been dealing with the fire sprinkler system issue for more than 10 years.  This problem is everywhere and not just Lincoln.  He said the fire sprinkler system does not benefit the homeowner. This mandate would force the people to add a cost that they shouldn’t have to bear. 

Fire Chief Miller said a fire sprinkler contracting act is in his possession.  In section 10 it says a fire sprinkler system does not include a single sprinkler head that are looped into a potable water supply in your utility room but you can loop that into your sprinkler system.  He was told it did not have to go through the attic.  He said this can go on a one inch line.  The furnace fires are minimal in Lincoln. 

Alderman O’Donohue asked how Mr. Malone would know that a house wouldn’t sell.  Alderman Bauer said every plumber she spoke with said that this is not a major expense. 

Fire Chief Miller said he called several sprinkler system businesses that you can loop a sprinkler head in and they are only asking for one line.  . 

Alderman Neitzel felt they should table it because she has a lot of questions about this issue.  Alderman Horn felt the same way as Alderman Neitzel.  Alderman Anderson suggested that they take some time to answer questions so everyone would be comfortable and not feel like this is being rushed through.

Alderman Anderson moved to table and Alderman Neitzel seconded it.  City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach called the roll.  There were eight yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Bauer, Alderman Cooper, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman O'Donohue, and Alderman Tibbs) zero nays, and none absent; motion carried. This item will be discussed again at the July 15, 2014 Committee of the Whole meeting. 

New Business/Communications

Approval to initiate the process to close the crossing at Pekin Street and the Union Pacific rail line in downtown Lincoln (agenda item from adjourned meeting on 6/16/14)

Public Participation:

Mr. Richard Sinks said he did not think there was a need to close Pekin Street at the railroad crossing.   

Mayor Snyder said there have been many discussions about the closing of the Pekin Street crossing.  The next step would be expressed to IDOT and Union Pacific (NEPA).  This is not a final vote nor is it a vote on the distribution of funds.  The City of Lincoln could receive approximately $500,000.00, if they were to close Pekin Street. 

Alderman Anderson said she received just short of 50 responses and only four were opposed.  There was concern for more traffic on Broadway for the Junior High School.  The railroad does not have Eminent Domain.  The Chamber Board said to close Pekin Street. 

Alderman Bauer said the Logan County Herald had a poll up for five days and only received 233 responses (36% said close, 48% don’t close, 9% don’t care and 6% not sure).  Alderman Neitzel said she was looking for the long term but thought it would be a great opportunity for the City to go forward. 

Mayor Snyder said the vehicle count was done in 2011 and will be done again in 2016.  He appreciated the thoughtful discussions. 

Police Chief Greenslate said Pekin Street is a lesser traveled road and that is what the police look for as a route for them to take for emergencies.  He does have some concerns about the other streets but that is up to the City Council.

Alderman Neitzel moved to approve and Alderman Horn seconded it.  There were eight yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Bauer, Alderman Cooper, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman O'Donohue, and Alderman Tibbs) zero nays, and none absent; motion carried.

Alderman Neitzel moved to adjourn the meeting and Alderman Tibbs seconded it.  There were eight yeas (Alderman Anderson, Alderman Bauer, Alderman Cooper, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman O'Donohue, and Alderman Tibbs) zero nays, and none absent; motion carried.

The City Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted By:

Risa Riggs

Recording Secretary