Aldermen Review Pension Funds and Greenlight Health Insurance Switch

[June 10, 2025]  The Lincoln City Council met for its first voting session meeting of June on Monday, June 2nd in the council chambers at city hall.

Those in attendance for the meeting included all eight aldermen: Stan Anderson, Kevin Bateman, Dennis Clemons, Sam Downs, Robin McClallen, Rhonda O’Donoghue, Steve Parrott, and David Sanders along with Mayor Tracy Welch, City Clerk Peggy Bateman, Treasurer Chuck Conzo, City Attorney John Hoblit, and city department heads.

A proposed Code of Conduct for city officials was tabled during the June 2 Lincoln City Council meeting, along with extensive discussion on how to define expectations and consequences for elected officials. The code, drafted by the city’s ethics group, prompted concerns over vague language and enforceability.

Alderwoman Robin McClallen called for specific definitions of terms like “meeting” and “unexcused absence,” and proposed formally codifying the ethics committee. City Attorney John Hoblit clarified that the code currently applies only to city council members, not other elected officials like the clerk or treasurer.

“I’m okay with tabling it and having the committee to work on it,” said Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue. “I just don’t want there to be dragging of the feet.”

Alderman Kevin Bateman was more direct, “If you're an elected official, you're an elected official 24/7, 365,” he said.

The council voted unanimously to table the ordinance and revisit it at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.

The meeting also included financial updates from Treasurer Chuck Conzo, who reported a $600,000 decrease in the general fund compared to last year, citing a roughly $254,000 demolition project on Sangamon Street as a major factor. “It’s still a pretty good fund balance,” he said, “but we like to go in the other direction.”

The council also reviewed updated reports for the police and firefighter pension funds. The police pension remained the same, however the fire pension fund faced higher expenditures due to an increase in retirements. This report is made once per year.

The council then approved several infrastructure contracts with engineering firm Crawford, Murphy & Tilly:

● No more than $33,000 for curb and sidewalk work.

● No more than $100,000 for sewer planning on Campus View Drive.

Bateman explained the need for the sewer project, saying the current line runs beneath homes and garages. “In order for the city to do this, we need to move the sewer line out to an area that is currently owned by Open Arms [Chruch],” he said.

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A letter of understanding with Open Arms was approved, granting the city an easement to move the line. “Open Arms has already made that decision,” said Mayor Tracy Welch.

Other approvals included:

● Increasing the City Clerk’s credit card limit to $5,000.

● A $10,000 salary compensation study with GovHR USA LLC.

● A renewed certificate of deposit with United Community Bank at a 4.1% interest rate for nine months.

During announcements City Clerk Peggy Bateman informed the council that Health Alliance will stop offering large-group insurance plans starting January 1, and Lincoln qualifies as a large group. R.W. Garrett Agency Inc. explored alternatives and narrowed options to Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare. Aetna was not viable due to the number of retirees under 65.

Blue Cross Blue Shield offered the most comprehensive coverage, including Springfield Clinic access, and proposed an 18-month rate guarantee if the city switches by July 1. The city’s insurance committee reviewed the options and recommended the switch. Bateman emphasized the tight timeline, asking for informal approval so the transition process can begin, with a formal vote to follow later.

Police Chief Joe Meister reported increased enforcement for e-bikes and gas-powered bicycles following complaints. “They’re subject to all the same traffic laws,” he said. “If we don’t get compliance, we’re going to start doing some impoundments.”

In closing announcements, Alderman Sam Downs invited the public to Logan County’s Pride Fest. Council members also congratulated local student-athletes.

Welch shared that the Illinois General Assembly has passed a new state budget, which includes $500 million in funding for the Surplus to Success and DCEO LDC remediation programs. “So good for Lincoln, as long as it continues to move forward as proposed,” he said. A local task force has been formed and will soon conduct a site visit now that funding is confirmed. Welch noted that the project is moving forward and promised to keep the council updated.

[Sophia Larimore]
 


 

 

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