Many topics discussed at October Coffee with the Mayor

 

[October 23, 2024] 

On Saturday, October 19th, another Coffee with the Mayor event was hosted at Guest House. Mayor Tracy Welch sat down with anyone who had something to ask and answered their questions over a cup of coffee. Alongside the mayor were Wastewater Treatment Manager Andrew Bowns, Alderwoman Robin McClellan, and Street and Alley Superintendent Walt Landers.

Right off the bat, the first question was regarding the building that caught fire on South Sangamon Street. Mayor Welch started by giving an update on the condition of the building. According to Welch, the top floor is gone, and the rest of the building has very little support. He also explained that the Pulaski Street wall is unstable, and there is fear it may collapse. This is why the road is still closed there. They also stated that one of ReNew Consignment and Thrift’s picture windows had been boarded up to protect it from breaking in case the wall were to fall. “We’ve taken every precaution we can right now,” the mayor said.

The next question regarded whether or not the city was going to pursue further legal action against the owner of the building. They did not think it was right that the people of Lincoln should have to pay because the owner did not renew the building’s insurance. Welch stated that he did not want to speak on this particular issue publicly but did state that he agreed that the people of Lincoln should not have to pay. He explained that the city has an enterprise sewer fund. “That fund is used to operate wastewater treatment, a long-term control plan… general maintenance upgrades, things that we want to do to the wastewater treatment… this plan [an internal loan from sewer O&M to the general fund] helps pay for that,” the mayor explained.

Welch went on to further explain that, since that fund is currently “very healthy,” the city council passed a resolution a few months ago that stated they could borrow up to a million dollars to help with other issues. This is where the city is going to get the money to pay for the demolition of the building. “If we have to pay for this demolition,” Mayor Welch continued, “we will take a $210,000 loan from ourselves out of the enterprise sewer fund.” He stated that the catch with this is that they would have to pay a minimum of $25,000 back to the sewer fund each year, but it would be interest free. It was also asked if taxes are going to go up to pay this back. Mayor Welch stated that taxes would not be raised for this reason.

It was also shared that the company the city chose to go with (Jaren Industries) did cost about $15,000 more. The city had two reasons for going with this more expensive company. First, this company was able to begin work within thirty days of when they were contracted, versus sixty days for the most cost-effective company. The other reason regarded the way the building would be torn down. Jaren Industries has stated that they are going to tear the building down by hand, significantly increasing the chances of the building next door remaining unharmed.

A few other issues were briefly brought up. One of these was the wall of a building behind Old Family Church bowing out. Another issue regarded Health Alliance dropping the prescription drug plan for citizens 65 and older. The mayor said he would investigate both issues and address them, taking notes for later reference.

Landers then started giving an update from his department. A new sidewalk resurfacing project was started last week. They are also taking more of the $1 million they received from the Rebuild Illinois program and working on this resurfacing project. A reconstruction project at Tremont Street between Union and Logan Streets next year using money from the general fund. He also shared information on being compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Landers stated that, while not all corners are currently ADA compliant, the city is required to bring them up to ADA standards when anything other than general maintenance must be done.

A concerned citizen mentioned that a piece of sidewalk near Memorial Hospital popped up. When Landers stated it may be the responsibility of the hospital, the citizen stated that they called the hospital and was told it is actually the city’s sidewalk. Landers promised to look into that.

The next major topic that was discussed were all of the new local businesses that are opening, and local business in general. McClellan brought up the topic, stating that she is excited to see all the new businesses opening up and specifically mentioning the new restaurant opening where Cafe Billiards used to be called Postville Pub and Eatery.

Mayor Welch continued this topic, discussing a meeting he had with Senator Sally Turner and some of the other mayors from Central Illinois. He stated that other communities are facing a lot of the same challenges with local businesses that we are here in Lincoln, namely difficulty in keeping them. Lincoln’s Andrea Runge of the Lincoln Economic Advancement and Development (LEAD) program spoke. Mayor Welch spoke on the good work Runge and the LEAD program are doing for local business since Lincoln lost its chamber of commerce.

Kathie Williams, the owner of Small Town Creations in Lincoln, was in attendance and invited to speak about local business. Williams stated that she holds meetings semi-frequently with other business owners on the square to discuss ideas that may help them boost business. She stated that the retail therapy event that has been held periodically in Lincoln is a direct result of that group. She also shared that the director of Chatham’s chamber of commerce reached out to her to ask for advice and some guidance. According to Williams, the director called Williams' group’s work “phenomenal,” also saying that they want to “mimic what you do.”

The mayor also added statistics that were shared by Runge at his mayor's meeting. For every dollar spent at a local business, about 70¢ will remain in Lincoln. For every dollar spent at a local big box store, such as Walmart, about 30¢ will stay here. For every dollar spent on online shopping, such as Amazon, only about 1¢ stays here. “When the money goes out of town,” Mayor Welch stated, “it doesn’t help us.”

A few other items were brought up, such as veteran housing. Welch shared that there is going to be a dedication for two tiny homes built by the Central Illinois Veterans Commission (CIVC).

Issues regarding water and sewer bills were brought up. It was shared that your average water usage during October through December determines your sewer bill, ranging from $30 per month to $60 per month.

They also discussed the new sewer rebate program. To learn more about that program, click here.

It was also stated that the new Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) facility on the grounds of the former Lincoln Developmental Center will open in March. When it opens, it will house about thirty youths. The mayor also shared that he would love to purchase the rest of that land from the state and try to get new industry moved in there.

The mayor then wrapped up the meeting, and the citizens in attendance thanked him for his time. He then shared that they are planning to have the next Coffee with the Mayor in December.

[Matthew Boutcher]