REGULAR COMMITTEE OFTHE WHOLE MEETING

Lincoln City Hall, Council Chambers

700 Broadway' Street ILincoln, Dlinois

Tuesday,March 13, 2018

The Regular Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Councilof Lincoln was called to order by Mayor Seth Goodman at 7:01 p.m., with proper notice given.

Present:

Alderman Steve Parrott Alderman Tracy Welch Alderman Ron Fleshman Alderman Michelle Bauer Alderman Ron Keller Alderwoman Heidi Browne Alderman Rick Hoefle Alderman Jeff Hoinacki

Present:

Treasurer Chuck Conzo City Clerk Peggy Bateman

Streets Superintendent Walt Landers

Waste Water and Treatment Manager Tim Ferguson Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall

Police Chief Paul Adams

Absent:

City Attorney Blinn Bates Fire Chief Mark Miller

Presiding:

Mayor Seth Goodman

Public Comment:

Mayor Goodman called upon citizens registered to speak. None were present.

Ilinois PublicWorks Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN):

Per Superintendent Landers, Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) is a Statewide Mutual Aid System for Public Works agencies in the state. This provides different resources, really at no cost to the city if we need help during a disaster. The Logan County Emergency Management agency has agreed to cover the cost for the first year.

Alderman Parrott inquired about what portion of costs may be on the city.

Superintendent Landers said if the city has a request to respond,his department would like to do that to return the favor that another community may have offered to us. In a large scale disaster, you have to look outside your area.

Alderman Hoefle, mentioned July 2017 - and the support the city received from the City of Normal, he saidit would be nice to reciprocate.

Police Chief Paul Adams said it is nice to have this resource . . . to be a part of these organizations. The items will be placed on the agenda.

Presentation ICommunity Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL):

Mrs. Allison Rumler-Gomez from CAPSIL presented information on the working poor in Lincolnand Logan County. She said the organization is tucked in a nook in a corn field. In 2014 CAPCIL began a strategic shift in their organization - no longer offer handouts but hands up.

The services included transportation, meals prepared/delivered to home of homebound seniors, foster care, and job skills training through their Jobs for Life classes.

She noted the group's plan to continue to evolve the economic and workforce development role within the community.She said it is nice to come back and share good news sometimes.About 60 percent of the population they serve is pursuing educational opportunities.

She noted great success stories with these individuals and the measurements they study to determine their success. She noted having students being so successful, yet they do not have proper, professional clothing to secure a job. The organizations also helps with transportation, gas cards etc. to get these students to classes. Alderman Parrott asked about the average age range of these students - Mrs.Rumler-Gomez stated most students are "non-traditional" students. She said the age range is around 25-40 years old, however she can get the exact range.

She said the group would be good stewards of the city's funding and noted they have been.

Mrs. Rumler-Gomez also noted their new thrift store on the square, The Witz End and The Hanger. She mentioned the need for financial literacy - ecommerce classes for students. She stated $400 is typically the tipping point for people to stay off of welfare.The group is introducing an internship within their store to help build soft skills and motivation . Under their current course plan, students would enroll in Jobs for Life, then take ecommerce classes or intern at the store. Then they will take Financial Peace University and get some life counseling.

She said anytime anyone wants to know how their sales are going - they should stop by her office. Alderman Keller said kudos to the organization - and inquired about the six counties serviced. He wanted to know where Logan County stands on the scale.

Alison Rumler-Gomez said Fulton and Logan Counties are the largest. Of close to the 4,000 households they serve, 1,800 come from Logan County.

Alderman Hoefle thanked Mrs. Rumler-Gomez and all the people who put the business together ­ complimented the impact on all the downtown businesses.

CAPCILis currently renting the space, however if they make it past August, they are interested in buying the building. She said the group had more than 2,000 volunteer hours to prepare the store.

Alderman Bauer asked about the funding given to CAPCIL - asked if the money was used to launch their store. The SWF 5 funds were not used for the store. Alderman Bauer alluding to a misconception in the community - that the city is supporting the downtown business.

Alderman Welch requested for a copy of the sheet Mrs.Rumler-Gomez was reading from, she said she will make sure to give copies through Peggy.

Proposal Logan County Board of Tourism regarding Tourism Leasing The Depot:

Mrs.Chris Wibben of The Logan County Board of Tourism presented the group's plans and vision for the occupation of The Depot. They would like to take over two rooms - the ticket window and another behind the ticket window (the offices). They are also open and willing to occupy the entire space.

In one area they would give out brochures, maps and other takeaways. On the other end, facing the "watermelon" statue - they could share artwork displays.On the opposite end, Mrs. Wibben likes the idea of promoting and showcasing other areas of the county. Per their vision, Lincoln and Logan County historical artifacts and information about the community could be displayed. These elements would fillthe whole area. Mrs.Wibben shared the group is comfortable cleaning, caring and furnishing their planned offices and the remainder of the building if they occupy the entire property.

The city would still be responsible for grounds keeping, however the nonprofit could support flower pots.

Under the proposal, Logan County Board of Tourism has offered to pay $650 per month in rent. They currently pay around $615-$650 a month for their current venue. Per the submission packet submitted to the council,the rent would cover trash, internet, electric, water and sewage bills.

Alderman Hoinacki inquired about the internet, asked Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall if there is one COMCAST line going into the facility. Chief Adams mentioned internet isjust in the waiting station.

Alderman Hoinacki then asked about Ameren Illinois service.

Alderman Keller said at this particular point,the Logan County Board of Tourism is the only group that has expressed interest in occupying it, however, he did share that the city may have their own interest in hosting public events in The Depot.

Mrs. Wibben said it may depend on what the building had on display at the time, and that items could be moved into a secure area as needed. Private information could be moved into the offices, but Mrs.Wibben said the majority of things they had on display could be complimentary to events.

Alderman Keller again asked about what spaced would or would not be occupied. He asked about afterhours events.

Mrs. Wibben shared that her board was not really envisioning the space serve as a "conference center" for outside events.

Alderman Parrott spoke up - weighing in on the potential for the space on the north side to be used for hosting meetings and events. He made the point that souvenirs should not be exposed during events. He raised the question of knocking off their cost of rent for these events.

Alderman Keller said he thinks all options should be on the table and that if the city has an opportunity to have a small gathering of people - where they would want to have a nice location at a historic spot - the city could use it. The Depot is a prime location as it is one of the more beautiful historic buildings in town now.

Alderman Welch weighed in on examples. He said the tourism board had already thought about Alderman Keller was alluding to. He said their ideas are not "locked." He mentioned the idea of televisions on the wall - playing videos of historic sites. The space could also fit if an elected official such as Representative Butler were to come to town.

Alderman Hoefle asked about the Tourism Board renting out the space themselves and as a 501(c)(3) if they could make money. He said he could see people wanting to "do things" in there - events, receptions - to have something in the depot may be on interest. He said that is what he had envisioned, something of a meeting place... that people would come to the location.

Mrs. Wibben said yes. They could make money on souvenirs and subletting opportunities . Alderman Bauer made comment to Officer Wes Woodhall about stipulations.

Officer Wes Woodhall brought up the intergovernmental agreement about leases and funds need to be maintained for the operations of the building.

Alderman Bauer said this is something we may need to check into. Officer Wes Woodhall said if they make money, that's their business. Mayor Goodman asked if there were more comments or questions.

Alderman Parrott asked Mrs. Wibben about a time frame for moving in. Mrs. Wibben said it would be great to move in by the Pigs and Swigs Festival or by the beginning of June.

Alderman Parrott then asked if they could move in by May. She said they could move in anytime.

Alderman Welch said he thinks the idea of allowing any person to rent that building, and then tum around and rent it out to make money onit -does not seem right to him.Mentions he himself is a member of this board. He said doing this could "become a mess."

Mrs. Wibben said it's a large space,the board does not need to maintain an historicalspace and that the city could do the same thing.

Alderman Welch mentioned the vision of the board and their desire, but that the city and board would need to talk this out.

Alderman Parrott said it probably is not a good idea to rent the space out, that it is not a good idea to pick and choose who is going to rent the space - unless the city could use it for an event with some historical or political aspect.

Alderman Welch said, if tourism occupies the entire building - the desire if to pay $650, no more than they are currently paying. Alderman Welch said Alderman Keller did an analysis. He said the numbers show it would be

$1,500 in expenses.

He said the depot itself is a tourist attraction and therefore the Hotel/MotelTax has to be spent on tourist related activities or attractions.

Alderman Bauer said she didn't think $1,500 was the "math" during the March 12, Budget Workshop.She said the city chose to take on this project - as a part of a necessity for high speed rail, but also for the interest of having the entire Depot completed inside/outside.She noted that the city would be paying the bill regardless of whether or not the tourism group would occupy the space. She noted that the bureau is getting less money from the state this year - and that increasing their rent and then leveraging the additional $500 - seems a little unnecessary only because the city does not have anyone else knocking on their door.

Alderman Parrott said this wouldn't be taking money from tourism necessarily, because that's the 15 percent that the city had. He said $1,000 is pretty reasonable given the building location, larger space. He then said

$900 to $1,000.

Treasurer Chuck Conzo said the current agency we have now has come a long way in a short time - he said tourism was the only part of the Logan County Alliance that has survived ... and that the group has brought us a long, long way and have big plans he and everyone would like to succeed.

Treasurer Conze said one of the reasons people come to Logan County is because of our historic sites and other tourist attractions. Treasurer Conzo said rather than quiver over $200, $300 - to try to accommodate them and give them a break to get this thing started, maybe $750-$800.

Mrs. Wibben thanked Treasurer Conzo. She said it will be a little costly when they first move in, they will need to get appropriate furnishings and that having a few more funds in order to do that would be great.

Alderman Hoinacki said he thinks $1,000 is very comparable as the board is at $650 now for a smaller space and that to keep the rent the same - is not very prudent. He said $1,000 is a good point to be at to start at the least.

Public Comment: Mrs. Wanda Rolfs saidit is her understanding that the Hotel/MotelTax comes from the State of Illinois. Treasurer Conzo corrects and clarifies her. Mrs.Wanda Rolfs then asked about the board's funding - she wanted to know if the rent would come from funds they have to raise.

Mrs.Wibben said all of their funding comes from the State of Illinois or the Hotel/Motel Tax.

Alderman Hoefle raises the idea of $900 - which he said could limit their exposure until they get settled down. Alderman Parrott askedif someone would want to put this on the agenda to vote.

Alderman Bauer said she wanted to see a contract, as this was a proposal. She wanted to see a legal binding contract with parameters, terms, the lease agreement, how may years - a legal binding kind of contract opposed to a proposal. She said she is not comfortable putting it on an agenda at this point for vote. She would like to see something get drafted.

Alderman Parrott asked Alderman Bauer about a time length of a contract, that the city or tourism would want to do,he said maybe a one year contract to see how things are going.

Alderman Welch - said it is clean to align this with the annual funding agreement.

Alderman Hoefle asked if their board would approve it if the rent was agreed on being $900 a month.

Alderman Welch said,yes. There are nods in the back of the room. He said their rent technically pays for the upkeep.

Alderman Bauer said, "right."

Alderman Hoefle asked if the City Attorney could draft a contract that could be presented at the next meeting. Alderman Bauer said it would follow all the parameters that are in the proposal. One year, in conjunction with the funding agreement at $900 a month for the entire building.

Alderman Keller said we should have it in the contract - as for what the city can still occupy or utilize within the space. He said he is glad this is happening and thanked the tourism board and for all they do. He recognized their economic impact.

Mayor Goodman asked for any additional comments or questions. He said he will work with Mr. Bates on a contract and get it presented.

Mrs.Wibben thanked the counciland recognized the opportunity it is for tourism. Mayor Goodman thanked her for her dedication.

Crawford Murphy & Tilly (CMT) IUpdate on LongTerm Control Plan:

Mayor Goodman moved to the CMT updated.

Mrs.Christy Crites and Mrs.Shannon Brady from Crawford Murphy & Tilly (CMT} said there is an approved long term control plan for rates and how to pay for them.The highlights are the Union Street pump station. Said they are hoping to get this wrapped up so they can get the facility plan submitted, she shared the timeline for the LTCP.

Alderman Bauer paused the speakers and asked if this was already listed in the budget. Confirmed that it is. Presentation continued,presenters went slide by slide - covering water usage breakdown, proposed new rate structures etc. The new base rate for the average user is $35 per month - using (4,000 gallons).

Reduced water usage will continue - home renovations, new low water use appliances - will continue to reduce water usage and reduce the income the city will see coming in.

Alderman Parrott asked if CMT sees a tremendous drop in the commercial side.

Mrs.Crites said CMT just wanted to •show something." Some of the highest water users in Lincoln are the two prisons and the glass factory - there are seven high consumers in town.These seven users use over one million gallons a month. If they change their usage behaviors, there will be a significant impact on the funding stream.

Waste Water Treatment Manager Tim Ferguson mentioned common efficiencies these higher consumption users could put in place.

Mrs. Crites said Lincoln Developmental Center is still one of the seven largest consumers of water and sewer in Lincoln.

Manager Ferguson said a good portion of commercial users will still be below the minimum threshold.

The top seven consumers are the two prisons, the glass factory, Lincoln Developmental Center,International Paper, Eaton Cutler Hammer, and Illinois American South. These are one millions gallons and over consumers.

Alderman Bauer said the last time the CMT was before the council, she received a lot of phone calls about the sewerage usage fee. She said the people she consistently hears from will need clarification, as people will now be put in the $35 base category - even though they may not consume the average 4,000 gallons per month.

Mrs.Crites talked cost sharing. She said this is a proposal but the council will ultimately have to pass thisif they believe this is the right thing to do.

Waste Water Treatment Manager Tim Ferguson said the $35 base rate is a happy medium. Mrs. Crites - if you reduce on one end, the other end is paying a lot.

Alderman Fleshman asked how much of a difference there is between the highest commercial consumers ­ out of the seven listed highest consumers.The highest consumer is uses over five million gallons per month. Prison population was discussed. Whether or not these inmates are factored into the population.

Manager Ferguson said to add on to Alderman Fleshman's point, there are four different categories: residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional.

Mrs. Crites said a surcharge could be another option based on certain conditions -it is based on sampling, i.e. high strength waste etc. Because it costs the city more to treat what they are putting out. She said this would give the city the reason for charging these high consumption consumers more.

Alderman Bauer asked City Clerk Peggy Bateman how far behind the state is behind on their sewer payments. Clerk Bateman said around six months.

Alderman Parrott asked about the comparisons in the rates for commercial and residential locations. Commercial is around $35 for 1,500 gallons etc.

Manager Ferguson mentioned the "multiplier" how it doesn't kick in on commercial until they use another 2,000 gallons.

Mrs. Crites said 65 percent of businesses would fall at the $35 or less -that the city does have alot of small businesses.

Alderman Keller asked for the sake of comparison - what a comparable rate might be in central Illinois. Manager Tim Ferguson said around $30 a month - flat rate for a comparable community in southern Illinois. But that it has been that way for several years.

Alderman Bauer asked prior to the dollar increase - howlong was the city at the rates prior to that -the rate structure was put in place in 2008.

Treasurer Chuck Conzo said it went up incrementally during that time.

Alderman Bauer said -what they are asking the councilto do is make a decision by May 1, 2018.

Mrs.Crites weighed in, discussed the City Attorney redrafting the ordinance - said the pickle they are in is a five year deadline that they have, and then the need to work backwards.

At present the SRF loan program is at 1.75 percent - but it could go to 1.89 percent over a 20 year life of the loan. The bond market is in the threes and fours. She said this is a very attractive way to support these infrastructure projects. Wants to take advantage of these low rates and the program that is out there.

The goal is to get as much as they can out of the program. Mrs. Crites said that is another angle CMT is trying to take.

Mayor Goodman asked for questions or commented. He turned to Alderman Bauer.

Alderman Bauer said the council's concern at this point is getting this on the agenda - she asked Clerk Bateman where things stand in her office.

Clerk Bateman said in March they are running the live bills. She has been in talks with the "soft.ware guy." She said she could send this to her contact tomorrow - to get a sort of game plan...he will change it on "our" end. Adlerman Welch mentioned modifying the equation in the future... onthe commercial side. He said the software guy had already hard coded it.

Alderman Bauer asked if City Attorney Blinn Bates needs to start working on an ordinance... or if the council needs to approve a structure for next week and the vote on the actual ordinance at a different time.

Mrs. Crites said CMT just needs an approval so they can finalize the facility plan. Alderman Hoefle asked if CMT would like the councilto move forward on this proposal.

Alderman Welch asked if this is the best the city and CMT can do on the rates. He said the council does not want to put a burden on employers as job cuts could be a result - he asked when these rates come take effect. Manager Ferguson said there are not enough commercial users to offset the cost.

Mrs. Crites said there are 6,000 residential customers and 600 industrial customers. Alderman Welch asked when this would take effect.

Mrs.Crites said it is up to the council and that there are engineering fees.

Manager Ferguson said this is something the city would want to move forward with sooner rather than later. Alderman Bauer said ideally it would start June 1.

Alderman Keller said he sees the need to move on this quick, however, he mentioned this is going to be a significant increase in family budgets and if the council agreed to June 1, it is fair.

Clerk Bateman askedif this affected the bills that would go out June 30.Confirmed. Mayor Goodman asked how the councilwanted to proceed.

Alderman Welch asked if this is something the city needs to have a public hearing about. Alderman Hoefle agreed. Alderman Keller agreed too. He said the councilneeds to have a public relations campaign and reach the publc as soon as possible.

Alderman Hoefle mentioned April.

Treasurer Conze proposed the public hearing for the last week of March.

Ideally it would be March 26, 2018, before the Committee of the Whole Meeting on March 27. Alderman Welch said it would be an hour at minimum.

Alderman Hoefle asked if the council would want to hold it in the Council Chambers or in a larger forum.

Alderman Browne said she will not be there as she will be in New Orleans. She said she could be there on a different day.

Alderman Welch asked if CMT can be available. They can. The proposed time is 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.on March

26. The venue is TBD.

Alderman Bauer said if not Lincoln College, then the Lincoln Rec Center. Alderman Keller said he can check with Lincoln College to use the auditorium. Alderman Welch proposed Lincoln College at 6 p.m. Will be scheduled after that. Mayor Goodman closed discussion, thanked CMT.

Purchase of 24" High Flow Planer Attachment:

Street Superintendent Walt Landers shared that the street department is in the process of purchasing attachment for the street skid loader. The funds would come from their FY 2017-2018 equipment budget. The cost is $16,487.40.

Alderman Keller asked how often this piece of equipment would be used.

Superintendent Landers said it would not be used daily - but rather 20 hours, maybe 30 hours during work season in summer. He stated his department went through a cooperative purchasing group and realized a

$1,375.20 discount - a municipal discount.

Mayor Goodman saidit will be placed on the agenda.

Further discussion of hiring a Labor Attorney for labor negotiations:

Mayor Goodman said he spoke with Attorney Bates on this several times and has been advised that the city is in need of a labor attorney for negotiations.

Chief Adams said he has had discussions with Sheriff Nichols and has received advice that there is an attorney available for $175 per hour. He has already used this attorney for disciplinaryissues.

Alderman Hoinacki agreed that it is important to have someone with specialized experience on the city's side. Mayor Goodman said the attorneys want to get things started right away.

Alderman Bauer asked if this is already covered in the budget - in three different areas. Alderman Welch moved to put it on the agenda.

Alderman Bauer inquired about a contract - or an arrangement the council might see. Chief Adams said the attorney can be found at chriswalterslaw.com.

Mayor Goodman said it will be placed on the agenda and moved down to announcements.

Announcements:

• Mayor Goodman said there is an opening on the Historic Preservation Commission. He would like to appoint Amy Galvin.This item will be placed on the agenda.

• Superintendent Landers is looking for direction from the council on the MFT program - to go with Farnsworth Group on the 2018-2019 program. Alderman Hoefle said he and the Mayor have already been in talks with Farnsworth Group on the MFT program. He also mentioned the Jefferson Street bridge construction - in spring of 2019.

• Treasurer Conzo said he and Mr. Landers spoke about the bridge on March 13, 2018, too - they considered splitting the engineering costs and the construction costs to different fiscal years.
• Superintendent Landers said - $25,000.

Mayor Goodman asked for other announcements.

• Alderman Hoinacki mentioned the 11th Annual Boy Scout Pulled Pork Barbecue happening at the K of C Hall in Lincoln on Saturday, March 17. Tickets are being sold for $7.50, it is between 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Alderman Keller asked if the hospital is looking for direction on the Fitness Court. Alderman Hoefle brought up liability insurance and that the city may want to donate the property back the hospital.

• Clerk Peggy Bateman said City Hall will be without power on Wednesday, March 14, relating to a generator's installation.

Alderman Welch made a motion to go into Executive Session, Alderman Bauer made the second. Clerk Bateman made the roll call.

Yeas: (7) Alderman Steve Parrott, Alderman Tracy Welch, Alderman Ron Fleshman,Alderman Michelle Bauer, Alderman Ron Keller, Alderwoman Heidi Browne, Alderman Rick Hoefle, Alderman Jeff Hoinacki Nays: None.

Mayor Goodman called for Executive Session at 9:01 p.m.

Executive Session I2C21:

Executive session began at 9:05 p.m. and ended at 9:35 p.m.

Return from Executive Session I2C21:

The Committee of the Whole reconvened at 9:36 p.m. Mayor Goodman asked if the councilwould like to put this on the agenda. Agreed.

Adjournment:

There being no further discussion to come before the City Council, Alderman Hoefle motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Bauer. Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 9:37 p.m.

Upcoming Meetings:

Regular City Council IMonday, March 19, 2018 at 7 p.m. Budget Workshop IThursday, March 22, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. Committee of the Whole ITuesday, March 27, 2018

Respectfully Submitted By:

Alex Williams, Recording Secretary