Minutes of the City of Lincoln City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, January 27, 2015.

Those present were Alderman Bauer, Alderman Cooper, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Mourning, and Alderman Neitzel. Also present were Street Department Superintendent Mr. Landers, Fire Chief Miller, Building and Safety Officer Mr. Lebegue, EMC/American Water Manager Mr. Ferguson, and Deputy Police Chief Adams. Also present were Mayor Snyder, City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach, City Administrator Mr. Johnson, City Attorney Mr. Bates, City Treasurer Mr. Conzo, and Recording Secretary Mrs. Riggs.  

Mayor Snyder called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. There were six Aldermen present (Alderman Bauer, Alderman Cooper, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Mourning, and Alderman Neitzel), one absent (Alderman Tibbs), and one seat vacant.

Mayor Snyder led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Presentation by Logan County Tourism:

Sarah Wallick, Tourism Director discussed evaluating Logan County and being a destination for tourism. DCC Marketing did a playbook for tourism. Tourism is identifying their mission and their goals to bring outside visitors to Lincoln. Tourism has a new website. Tourism is identifying event expansion (Lincoln’s Pigs and Swigs, Arts in the Park, Lincoln Balloon Festival, and 1800’s Craft Fair paired with Railsplitter Festival) and a timeline implementation. The Tourism Board is looking forward to having a common goal by being a part of the Logan County Alliance.

Lincoln/Logan County Enterprise Zone Expansion:

Mr. Steve McClure of Opportunity Alliance was present asking for the approval of the City Council. This is for the expansion of Burtonview Co-Op and Grainland Co-Op Company. A Public Hearing will be held to allow time for questions, opposition or in favor of. City Attorney Mr. Bates represents multiple jurisdictions within the County. This would only add .03 square miles to the Enterprise Zone.

Route 66 Auto Club

Jim Loeffler of the Antique Car Club requested blocking the 100 block of Kickapoo Street from Broadway to Pulaski. Mayor Snyder said businesses have complained to him that people will go elsewhere during the car shows. Mayor Snyder said businesses have come to him feel the Antique Car Show should be moved. Mayor Snyder suggested going with the block of Kickapoo Street between Broadway and Pekin Streets on the Courthouse side. Alderman Hoinacki suggested the option of parking around all four sides of the courthouse and would like to see an amicable solution. Alderman Bauer was in favor of having it around the Courthouse square. Alderman Neitzel felt the Aldermen needed to talk amongst themselves. There will be more discussion on this issue at a later date.

Kent Cross Farm Lease

Attorney Mr. Bill Bates has suggested going with the same type of lease that the city has done over the last several years with Kent Cross. This will be placed on the Consent Agenda for Monday, February 2, 2015.

Ordinance: Vacation of 7^th Street Right-of-Way:

City Administrator Mr. Johnson said this is vacation of 7^th Street between Main Street and Postville Drive. This will be placed on the Agenda for Monday, February 2, 2015.

Ordinance: Site plan review:

City Administrator Mr. Johnson said this process will streamline the development and permit process in the Building and Safety Office. This would include each department to review and Mr. Lebegue would prepare the documents for the City Council’s review. This will be placed on the Agenda for Monday, February 2, 2015.

Ordinance: Regulating Liquor and Gambling Parlors:

Mayor Snyder said this language mirrors what the City of Springfield has passed. The City must have 60% of the businesses gross revenue of items than the video gaming. Mayor Snyder said there will be more discussion at a later date. Mayor Snyder wanted to put this on the City’s website. Mayor Snyder said the City needs to get reports to know what percentage of the business’s gross income for each category.

Resolution for Lincoln College Sesquicentennial:

A Resolution has been prepared for the February 6, 2015 Sesquicentennial to be held at Lincoln College.

Lincoln Depot Site Preparation Contract – Spirtas Wrecking:

City Administrator Mr. Johnson said that City Attorney Mr. Blinn Bates has put together a contract. Spirtas has already signed the contract and it is now in the City’s hands. This will be placed on the Agenda for Monday, February 2, 2015.

Pulaski Street Parking Assessment:

City Administrator Mr. Johnson said when they talked about the snow and ice control plan they did not include Pulaski Street. After a review of the parking on both sides of Pulaski Street Mr. Landers felt that “No Parking” on either side of the 800-1100 block of Pulaski Street would negatively affect that particular area. Alderman Neitzel thought the whole town should be assessed.  

Other Discussion:

   Building and Safety Office Annual report

Mr. Lebegue gave an oral report for 2014.

Preparation for Discussion for Joint City-County Meeting:

Mayor Snyder thought they should discuss the City’s goals. Downtown projects such as Library parking lot, long term control plan, etc. CEDS needs to be talked about as well. The Enterprise zone needs to have some discussion.

Alderman Mourning thought there should be more meetings with the County.

Other Discussion:

There was no discussion to be held.

Executive Session:   

There was no Executive Session held.

Upcoming Meetings:

Joint Meeting with County Board: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 7:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Park District

Council: Monday, February 2, 2015 - 7:00 p.m.

Committee of Whole: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - 7:00 p.m.

Alderman Neitzel made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Alderman Bauer seconded it. There were six yeas (Alderman Bauer, Alderman Cooper, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Mourning, and Alderman Neitzel), one absent (Alderman Tibbs), and one seat vacant.

The City of Lincoln Committee of the Whole Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Risa Riggs

Recording Secretary