Minutes of the City of Lincoln City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, February 23, 2016. 

Mayor Neitzel called the regular City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach called the roll.  There were seven Aldermen present (Alderman Bauer, Alderman Hoefle, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn (she arrived at 7:12 p.m.), Alderman Mourning, Alderman Parrott, and Alderman Welch) and one absent (Alderman Tibbs). Also present were Street Superintendent Mr. Landers, American Water Manager Mr. Ferguson, Building and Safety Officer Mr. Lebegue, and Police Chief Adams. Also present were Mayor Neitzel, City Treasurer Mr. Conzo, City Administrator Mr. Johnson, City Attorney Mr. Blinn Bates, City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach, and Recording Secretary Mrs. Riggs.

Mayor Neitzel led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Participation:

There was no public participation.

Request to Permit – LCHS Prom Grand March:

Alderman Bauer asked to have this placed on the Consent Agenda provided they have proof of insurance for Monday, March 7, 2016.

Façade Grant Application – 616 Broadway:

City Administrator Mr. Johnson said the owner Mr. Yates is requesting one half of $2,042.44 which would be $1,022.22 for awnings for his building.  This continues to assist the downtown area with curb appeal.  There is approximately $24,000.00 left in the fund.  Alderman Welch asked to have this placed on the agenda for Monday, March 7, 2016. 

Ordinance: General Development Standards: Landscape Regulations:

City Building and Safety Officer Mr. Lebegue said this is one of the goals and objectives for the Strategic Plan.  There are no landscape requirements currently for commercial properties.  This would not apply to anything existing unless a triggering event but would apply to anything new.  This ordinance will also address what trees can be placed on properties in the City limits.  There will be a development review committee that will oversee the landscape requirements for any new commercial projects.  There was a slide show which showed different types of interior landscaping and foundation landscaping. There is also a section where landscaping will be taken care of and the City Building and Safety Office will make sure the owners keep up with this.  

Alderman Hoinacki asked to place this on the Regular Agenda for Monday, March 7, 2016. 

 Lincoln Civic Foundation:

City Administrator Mr. Johnson said at the end of the Strategic Planning Meeting he brought up having a foundation to promote public art, support for a bike trail, and creating/assisting with festivals.  They would like to promote a “Third Friday” event. The funding comes from the hotel/motel tax (5% of what was collected).  If the City Council is agreeable and they could file the Articles of Incorporation with the State of Illinois and ask the Mayor to consider Foundation board members for the Foundation.  Once the Articles of Incorporation are approved they can file with the IRS to be a non-profit organization.  There was discussion about who might be on the Board.  It was agreed to place this on the agenda for Monday, March 7, 2016. 

Other Discussion:

City Building and Safety Officer Mr. Lebegue said the Crossroads Motel is now gone. 

Street Superintendent Mr. Landers said the heaviest part of the weather will be midday tomorrow and should have the street crew out by late afternoon. 

City Administrator Mr. Johnson said that the Police Department is looking to purchase a new copy machine and they would like to have the Police Department and the City Clerk’s office to be on the same lease agreement. 

Possible Executive Session:             

There was no Executive Session held. 

Upcoming Meetings:

Council: Monday, March 7, 2016 – 7:00 p.m.     

Committee of Whole:     Tuesday, March 15, 2016 – 7:00 p.m.

Alderman Horn made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Alderman Hoinacki seconded it.  There were seven ayes (Alderman Bauer, Alderman Hoefle, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Mourning, Alderman Parrott, and Alderman Welch), zero nays, and one absent (Alderman Tibbs); motion carried.

The City of Lincoln Committee of the Whole Meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Risa Riggs

Recording Secretary