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Lincoln City Council
City Council approves grants, discusses pet ordinance, and
reschedules Christmas Parade
[December 05, 2025]
The Lincoln City Council met
for a regular session on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, beginning at 6:05
p.m. inside City Hall. All aldermen were present for the meeting,
which opened with a moment of clarification that there was no public
participation that evening. The council then moved into a consent
agenda that included payment of bills, approval of minutes from Nov.
12 and Nov. 17, and a request for street closures associated with
the annual Christmas parade.
The parade item, listed as 5c, quickly prompted discussion due to
dangerously low temperatures forecast for Dec. 4. Mayor Tracy Welch
announced that numerous parade participants—including the
Railsplitter Auto Club—had already withdrawn.
“It’s just kind of becoming a snowball effect with this event,” he
said.
Santa’s scheduled appearance, however, needed to remain on Dec. 4
because of additional commitments at White Oaks Mall in Springfield.
After discussing procedure, the council voted to remove 5c from the
consent agenda, amend it, and approve the street closures for the
revised parade date of Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. The council unanimously
approved the amendment and the modified motion.
Following the consent agenda, Welch noted that the previously tabled
ordinance creating Section 3-27 of the Lincoln City Code—regarding
massage establishments—would remain on the table. The council then
began a series of action items.
Members unanimously approved the repair of Fire Department Squad
5100 at a cost not to exceed $18,907.75. When Alderman Kevin Bateman
asked whether the repair was a rebuild or replacement it was made
clear that “It's a complete rebuild.” The measure passed without
further comment.
The council then approved a blower building VFD upgrade for the
sewer plant at a cost not to exceed $100,750. Additional approvals
included renewing a certificate of deposit for the Sewer O&M fund
for seven months at a rate of 3.59%, and two economic development
grants—$7,500 for exterior door replacement at Fifth Street Food
Market, and $7,500 for partial roof replacement at IGY6 Thrift on
South Sangamon Street.
The council also approved an amended lease agreement between the
City of Lincoln and the Lincoln Economic Advancement and Development
(LEAD) office. All action items passed unanimously.
Announcements brought forward one of the evening’s most extended
discussions: Alderman Bateman’s request for feedback on a revised
multi-pet ordinance. The proposal would cap households at four pets
unless the owner obtained a state breeder’s permit or multi-pet
license.
Alderman Sam Downs voiced immediate disagreement. “One hundred
percent of the constituents that I spoke with felt the same way I
do,” he said, arguing that four was too restrictive and not
reflective of typical households. He cited a number suggested by a
local veterinarian: “She thought that six was a manageable number.”
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Alderman Steve
Parrott questioned whether other Illinois municipalities tied
pet limits to available living space. “If you have a larger
home… you could have more pets without much of an issue,” he
suggested.
City Attorney John
Hoblit, however, said he was unaware of any municipal ordinances
that included spatial requirements, adding that such standards
“would probably make things very complicated.”
Treasurer Chuck Conzo noted that Lincoln’s longstanding ordinance
already allowed up to five animals before triggering the requirement
for a multi-pet license. He cautioned against lowering that number.
“Rather than going backward on it and lowering it… you’re saying
somebody had five in the past, and now you’re going to limit them to
four,” he said.
Bateman emphasized the need for better enforcement, saying that the
city has received complaints about residents keeping up to 10
animals. He argued that the revised ordinance would give the city
more “teeth” to hold irresponsible owners accountable, especially in
cases of neglect or unvaccinated animals.
Downs pushed back, saying, “I would rather just raise the fines for
not vaccinating your pet. That seems way more logical to me.”
Several aldermen expressed interest in gathering more public
feedback, with Alderman Robin McClellan suggesting a compromise at
five pets and exploring community surveys.
The discussion ended without a vote, but Welch confirmed Bateman and
Hoblit had enough direction to continue revising the draft
ordinance.
Other announcements included updates from McClellan regarding the
parade schedule, confirmation that Santa will appear at the depot on
Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m., and that the full parade will instead occur
Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Walt Landers, Streets Superintendent, informed the council that leaf
pickup would be suspended for the week due to icy conditions and
safety concerns. Landscape waste facilities would be open only
Wednesday. He also advised the public of a sewer-related street
closure near the Salvation Army and explained plowing challenges
from the previous weekend’s mixed snow conditions.
“We do what we have to do,” Landers said. “It’s our responsibility
to get the snow off the street… Every storm has its own unique
conditions.” He encouraged residents to call with questions and
reminded the public that the city also deals with plow impacts to
driveways and roads. Welch added that residents should not hesitate
to assist neighbors whenever possible.
By Sophia Larimore
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