Minutes of the City of Lincoln City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. 

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

Temporary Chairman Neitzel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  There were eight Aldermen present (Alderman Bauer, Alderman Cooper, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Mourning, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Parrott and Alderman Tibbs) and none absent.

There was a moment of silence in memory of Donald Buss, retired Firefighter. Temporary Chairman Neitzel led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Participation:

Mr. Martin Blitstein was present to discuss the Tropics Route 66 sign that was in the landfill.  He would like to have the sign to restore it. 

Mrs. Rohlfs asked about the consent agenda, when it came into existence and how it works.  The consent agenda came into existence in 2009.  The consent agenda allows items that are not contested to be voted on all at one time.  Any item can be taken off the consent agenda if there is a need for discussion.

Presentation by DCC Marketing:

Kathryn Smith went over the steps to successful marketing which included evaluating, identifying, creating a brand (image, message, promise, and personality), implementing the brand, and how to assess what has been done.

City of Lincoln Branding Initiative Proposal – DCC Marketing:

City Administrator Mr. Johnson said the cost of the proposal is built into the budget.  Alderman Tibbs was in favor of doing this.  Alderman Mourning was also in favor of this.  Alderman Bauer said the Aldermen had two days of discussion during the strategic planning session and they were going to be accountable for the dollars that will be spent.  City Administrator Mr. Johnson spoke with the Strategic planner and this is why the city is moving forward with this process. 

Alderman Mourning requested this to be placed on the Agenda. 

Ordinance: Closure of Pekin Street At Grade Crossing: & Pekin Street Closure Incentive Stipulated Agreement – Illinois Commerce Commission:

City Administrator Mr. Johnson said last summer the City voted to close Pekin Street.  A contract is before the Aldermen to review.  The Aldermen need to vote on an Ordinance in order to proceed with the next step.  The City will receive $450,000.00 from Union Pacific and will receive $70,000.00 from Illinois Commerce Commission.

Alderman Mourning raised questions since he was not on the City Council at the time this was discussed and that he was not in favor of this when it was originally voted on.  Temporary Chairman Neitzel said the railroad can come in and tell the City they are going to close Pekin Street and they would not give the City of Lincoln any money.  Alderman Bauer said money was a part of the decision.

This will be placed on the Agenda for Monday, April 20, 2015. 

TIF Review Committee Façade Grant Application – 515 Broadway:

City Administrator Mr. Johnson said the TIF review committee was in favor of awarding the $18,000.00 for repairs at 515 Broadway Street.  Alderman Hoinacki was in favor.  A public hearing must be held prior to the approval.  There are guidelines that must be met to be allowed to use the funds. 

Alderman Hoinacki requested to place on the Regular Agenda for Monday, April 6, 2015. 

Change Order – Pulaski Street Decorative Lighting:

City Administrator Mr. Johnson said in November of 2014 the City Council approved the purchase of 22 light posts with LED light fixtures for the Pulaski Street streetscape.  After the order was placed it was decided they wanted two (2) GFI electrical boxes on each of the poles.   
The light manufacturer will install two (2) GFI outlets on six (6) poles at a cost of $166.00 per pole with a total cost of $996.00 for the Pulaski Street streetscape. 

Alderman Tibbs felt they should go with the manufacturer placing the GFI outlets on the poles.  This will be placed on the Regular Agenda for Monday, April 6, 2015.

Arbor Day Proclamation:

City Administrator Mr. Johnson said this is a good honor and helps to keep the City of Lincoln into the Tree City USA.  Mr. Landers felt the park at Delavan and Union would be a good place to plant trees for Arbor Day this year.

This will be placed on the Agenda for April 20, 2015.

Other Discussion:

Police Chief Greenslate said a phone scam has been happening on utilities in the City of Lincoln.  Police Chief Greenslate said not to send money and do not give these people any information.  Alderman Tibbs said she had received such a telephone call.

Mr. Landers made an announcement on the hours for the landfill which will begin on April 7, 2015 and will be open 8:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Andi Hake announced there was an Ag Breakfast at Lincoln Christian University on Thursday, March 26, 2015.

Executive Session:    

There was no executive session. 

Upcoming Meetings:

Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Budget Workshop: April 1, 2015 – 6:30 p.m.

Council: Monday, April 6, 2015 – 7:00 p.m.     

Committee of Whole:     Tuesday, April 14, 2015 – 7:00 p.m.

Alderman Tibbs made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Alderman Horn seconded it.  There were eight yeas (Alderman Bauer, Alderman Cooper, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Mourning, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Parrott and Alderman Tibbs) and none absent.

The City of Lincoln Committee of the Whole Meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Risa Riggs

Recording Secretary