Mill still in limbo Alderman Benny Huskins reopened discussion of the old Mill
restaurant property. The commercial property that is scheduled for
demolition poses a common problem, high expenses meeting Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) regulations.
A few weeks ago the new owner Dennis Keohler came before the council
and said that he is unable to afford the inspection fees and
contractor costs. The lowest of the two inspection bids he received
was $6,000.
Keohler told the council that he could do it himself if it were
rezoned as residential. He asked the council if that would be
something they could do.
Mayor Beth Davis asked him to work at getting more bids and come
back in a month, which would be on Dec. 5.
Huskins asked the council this last week if rezoning the property
would be a possibility. He pointed out that it isn't doing anyone
any good if the owner can't affordable to take it down.
Bates said that he thought that even if the zoning were to be
changed the IEPA may still require the property to follow the
commercial demolition requirements.
The problem the city faces is that it could end up in their lap,
which with filing liens and the long list of other formalities in
taking over any property, would constitute even more expense than
what the owner faces and a lot of time. The city would never come
close to recouping the costs involved.
With this in mind Huskins said. "It would be better if we can help
him get it done."
Looking at the unknown but certain high cost of this property and
the fact that there are other properties that could require
sooner-than-later attention, alderman Wanda Lee Rohlfs questioned
her peers, "What do we do as a city council?"
It is a public hazard and health threat, finance chairman Verl
Prather said. "The city does have to get it done. We need to find
the money and get to it," he said.
He and city attorney Bill Bates agreed that it would be better if
the city didn't have to take over the property.
Sinking?
There could be about a forty-foot hole under the streets at Hamilton
and Sherman. Another broken sewer has caused the problem that
requires some expedience before it causes a sinkhole. City sewer
manager Dave Kitzmiller and city engineer Mark Mathon have consulted
over the matter to determine the best manner and time to fix it.
They will know more once they are able to get down in there to see
it, alderman Buzz Busby said.
The work will require closing off the intersection near IGA. Busby
said they didn't want to disrupt holiday business for the IGA.
Kitzmiller and Mathon believe that the work can be delayed and be
done right after the first of the year.
It will involve excavating, filling the hole, replacing and moving
the sewer line 20-foot west.
The quickest way to get it done, and by-pass the bidding process, is
for the city to purchase the materials and pay a contractor for
their time. The estimated cost for the project at this time is
$23,000. Approval to do this will take a 2/3 vote.
Increasing costs
Environments Management Corporation (EMC) of O'Fallon, MO, the
company that manages the city wastewater treatment plant, drainage
and sewer lines throughout the city, has requested an increase to
cover utility cost increases.
In the contract the company pays the utility bills at the treatment
plant. The addition of two extra generators since the upgrade at the
plant, as well as higher fuel costs, boosted fuel bills more than
anticipated. EMC has requested an addendum to the contract to raise
the amount for this expenditure from $43,000 to $55,000 per year.
They agree to rebate the city anything under $55,000.
A repeat problem with the new effluent pumps at the treatment plant
was discussed as well. The five new 60 HP pumps have continuously
blow seals. Repair costs are about $7,000. There's been $18,000 in
repairs since they were installed. Three have been rebuilt, one was
replaced with a new and one is waiting for a rebuild at a negotiated
reduced price of $14,000. The city would be responsible for the cost
of repairing the last one and then it would be kept as a spare.
Busby was uncertain that we should invest in the spare. "We had
smaller pumps that didn't blow seals before," he said.
Mod Squads
Alderman Wanda Lee Rohlfs and Police Chief Bob Rawlins requested to
order two new police cars for the city on the state lease program
with the Ford Company. Two Crown Victoria's were approved. The three
annual payments total $42,173. each with a $1. buy out at the end.
Patrick Madigan said that he has received a request from a citizen
to address the speed and the weight limits on Connolly Rd. The city
will look at putting up more signs or replacing deteriorated ones.
Lincoln Police Sergeant John Bunner has retired as of Nov. 1.
Chief Rawlins announced that Corporal Timothy Kerns has been
promoted to take Sgt. Bunner's place.
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