Minutes of the City of Lincoln City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, April 12, 2016.
Mayor Neitzel called the regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. There were eight Aldermen present (Alderman Bauer, Alderman Hoefle, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Mourning, Alderman Parrott, Alderman Tibbs and Alderman Welch) and none absent. Also present were Assistant Fire Chief Dahm, Street Superintendent Mr. Landers, Safety and Building Officer Mr. Lebegue, EMC Manager Mr. Ferguson, 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.
Proclamation: Arbor Day 2016:
Mayor Neitzel read the Proclamation for Arbor Day 2016. Street Superintendent Mr. Landers said they have currently transplanted 8 trees. There will be a dedication this Friday, April 15, 2016 at Postville Park.
This will be placed on the Consent Agenda for Monday, April 18, 2016.
Request to Permit – Street Closures for Christian Homes:
Mayor Neitzel said this was talked about at the Monday, April 4, 2016 City Council meeting and would need to be approved.
This will be placed on the Consent Agenda for Monday, April 18, 2016.
Request to Permit – Street Closures for 3rd Friday events:
City Administrator Mr. Johnson said the street closures they are requesting are: Kickapoo Street (Pulaski Street to Pekin Street), Broadway Street (Kickapoo Street to McLean Street) and Pulaski Street (McLean Street to Chicago Street) from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The closure dates are May 20, 2016, June 17, 2016, July 15, 2016, August 19, 2016, and September 16, 2016.
This will be placed on the Agenda for Monday, April 18, 2016.
Request to Permit – Ray White Park Activities – His Hands Outreach:
City Administrator Mr. Johnson said there are a variety of activities at Ray White Park during the summer months.
Edward Tibbits, Director of His Hands Outreach said there will be a dinner for the end of the school year. They are also looking at three different dates for dances from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and would be for older children.
This will be placed on the regular agenda for Monday, April 18, 2016.
Ordinance: Amending Downtown Parking Regulations:
City Administrator Mr. Johnson said this is a hot topic in the downtown area. The City has taken steps in the past to get the downtown employees to park elsewhere. The monitoring of the parking is difficult with employees parking downtown. This would have a revised fee structure for fines which would start at $25.00 for the first offense, $50.00 for the second offense, $100.00 for the third offense, and $200.00 for the fourth offense. There is no time limit for customers but there is a 30 minute time limit for downtown employees.
Police Chief Adams said this has been a problem for every Police Chief before him. They are asking for the businesses to help control. The two hour time frame is not working and this allows them to immediately and effectively take care of this. There are seven to ten people who violate this every day.
Alderman Bauer said this should be brought back for more discussion in 30 days.
Revised Billboard Regulations:
Building and Safety Officer Mr. Lebegue suggested the following changes in the billboard regulations in 4-5-4: Maximum height for a billboard in C2 zone reduce from 55 feet to 45 feet; I1 zone reduce from 55 feet to 45 feet; and I2 zone reduce from 75 feet to 55 feet. C 1 separation within residential district up to 300 feet from 200 feet; C2 separation within an existing up to 75 feet from 50 feet; C3 separation from any park, playground, school, library, or place of worship up to 300 feet from 200 feet; C4 from overhead power lines up to 75 feet from 50 feet; and C5 from another billboard up to 500 feet from 300 feet.
This will be brought back to the City Council for more discussion in two weeks.
Fast Track Demolition Program:
Safety and Building Officer Mr. Lebegue said he has been selecting properties that need to be demolished:
1012 Clinton Street $4,500.00 by Moody Excavating
1502 4th Street $3,450.00 by Moody Excavating
508 N. Jefferson Street $3,400.00 by Harold Goodman, Inc.
It was agreed to place the bids on the regular agenda for Monday, April 18, 2016.
Waiver of Conflict of Interest with Lincoln Park District:
City Administrator Mr. Johnson said this is to allow City Attorney Mr. Blinn Bates to be able to waive the conflict of interest with Mr. Bates to act on behalf of the Lincoln Park District as well as the City of Lincoln.
This will be placed on the regular agenda for Monday, April 18, 2016.
Other Discussion:
Alderman Tibbs said she wanted to see the department chairmanships come back and that this was to be a trial.
Alderman Hoefle said he could see this as being helpful. Mayor Neitzel said she thought the Alderman should think about this. Alderman Bauer wanted more structure. Alderman Horn said it gave the Aldermen ownership. Alderman Welch felt it needed to be brought to the table to have discussion.
Alderman Parrott said he was contacted this morning about trailers being left on the road for an extended period of time. Alderman Hoinacki said there were lengthy discussions several years ago on this matter.
Alderman Hoefle thanked Ms. Bergin for her article and that he should have gotten more facts.
Alderman Hoefle asked where things were at for the audit of the Tourism Bureau.
Alderman Parrott thought the City of Lincoln should ask for the money back from the Economic Development.
Alderman Welch said if they do not respond after 30 days he would not vote for any agreement with the Tourism. Alderman Parrott thought the Tourism Bureau would respond.
Possible Executive Session:
There was no Executive Session held.
Upcoming Meetings:
Council: Monday, April 18, 2016 – 7:00 p.m.
Committee of Whole: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 – 7:00 p.m.
Alderman Tibbs made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Alderman Horn seconded it. There were eight ayes (Alderman Bauer, Alderman Hoefle, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Mourning, Alderman Parrott, Alderman Tibbs and Alderman Welch), zero nays, and none absent; motion carried.
The City of Lincoln Committee of the Whole Meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Risa Riggs
Recording Secretary
City of Lincoln