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Lincoln City Council approves
ordinance change, approves new solar farm and more
[May 21, 2025]
On Monday, May 19, 2025, the
Lincoln City Council at the regular city council meeting voted to
approve a range of financial measures, amendments, and community
initiatives; including funding for a new bucket truck, fireworks for
Independence Day, and the construction of a solar array.
All eight alderpersons were present for the evening: Stan Anderson,
Kevin Bateman, Dennis Clemons, Sam Downs, Robin McClallen, Rhonda
O’Donohue, Steve Parrott, and David Sanders.
Mayor Tracy Welch called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and
started the meeting with a moment of silence in memory of former
alderman Jim Levi.
There was no public participation.
He then proceeded with the consent agenda. Among the items in the
consent agenda was approval of street closures for Lincoln Community
High School’s homecoming parade, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19. The
parade will run from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m.
An ordinance amending sections of the city code passed unanimously.
This amendment was made due to non-union worker positions in police
departments possibly being in jeopardy. Chief of Police Joe Meister
stated in a prior meeting the following about the document “It
seems…limits the term of that employee to the term of the mayor.”
The council also unanimously
approved a resolution authorizing expenditures for the city’s Motor
Fuel Tax (MFT) Maintenance Program for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.
City Treasurer Chuck Conzo presented the April report, noting a
general fund balance of approximately $2.7 million, and additional
investments in certificates of deposit (CDs) resulting in an overall
balance of $3.45 million. Conzo then reported a $500,000
year-over-year decrease in available funds, citing inflation and
rising costs. However, he noted that most inflation-related expenses
appear to be stabilizing.
“I'm hoping that we will start to see that [the fund balance] go
back in the other direction,” Conzo said.
Then the topic shifted towards the investment of CDs. He stated that
they took $2,000,000 had been taken out of their O&M sewage fund and
into CDs.
He also highlighted some modest growth in income tax revenues and
continued strength in motor fuel tax returns. A detailed report on
the city’s police and fire pensions is expected in June.
City Clerk Peggy Bateman reported $215,178 in sewer receipts for
April, including $20,665 from local correctional facilities.
The council voted to approve a $45,000 contract with Scott McCoy of
McCoyCore USA LLC for tourism consulting services which passed
unanimously.
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Later in the
meeting, the council unanimously approved the purchase of a new
bucket truck that would not exceed $120,000. A solar energy
installation at 203 Madigan Drive (behind El Mazatlán) also
received approval, including an eight-foot opaque fence on the
north and east sides of the property.
In support of local celebrations, the
council approved a $5,000 donation to the Lincoln Park District to
fund the city’s Independence Day fireworks display. The payment was
made towards American Patriot Pyro.
Next, Mayor Tracy Welch and the council members authorized up to
$160,000 in expenditure for sewer-related waste disposal, including
sludge, grit, and waste removal from the city's lift stations.
During announcements towards the end of the meeting, Alderwoman
McClallen shared her experience visiting The Oasis’s new Educational
Center for the Visually Impaired, praising the staff, available
classes, and referral services. “I was just really impressed. It
seems like a really good program,” she said.
Alderman Parrott then reported that Saturday’s Lincoln Market ribbon
cutting and Coffee with the Mayor were well attended and productive.
Mayor Welch said he had visited Lincoln’s Locker this weekend, a
student-run business at Lincoln Community High School that provides
products and services to the community. “They’re really going
through the motions of running a business,” he said. “It’s a great
opportunity for those kids.”
Welch closed with recognition of the West Lincoln-Broadwell eighth
grade girls track and field team, who recently were victorious in
the state championship title.
Police Chief Meister expressed appreciation to Walt Landers and his
city cleanup crew for their efforts during the recent citywide
cleanup week. “My basement is easier to walk through now,” he joked.
Landers confirmed that the team filled three large dumpsters full of
metal, saying the turnout was consistent with past years.
“They ran a tight ship and did a really good job” Meister said,
before the meeting came to a close.
The next Committee of the Whole meeting of the Lincoln City Council
will be Tuesday, May 27 at 6 p.m.
The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June
2.
[Sophia Larimore]
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