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City of Lincoln
Tourism updates, street projects and infrastructure improvements
highlight Lincoln City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
[April 30, 2026]
All members of the Lincoln City
Council were present for the April 28, 2026, Committee of the Whole
meeting, where members reviewed tourism developments, infrastructure
projects and several upcoming capital improvements.
Mayor Tracy Welch called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and noted
there was no public participation before moving into agenda items.
The meeting began with an update from Tourism Director Scott McCoy
on progress at the city’s tourism museum. McCoy outlined adjustments
to the planned signage after initial concepts proved too costly.
“The problem is, we could buy another building for the cost it would
be to basically manufacture and create that,” McCoy said.
He explained the revised concept would feature a lighted structural
element designed to attract attention while staying within budget.
“It'll be LED so we can…change colors and light it up… it'll be
pretty neat,” McCoy said.
Council members then reviewed bids for the Tremont Street
reconstruction project. According to documents presented at the
meeting, Earth Worx Solutions submitted the lowest bid at
approximately $1.84 million, below the estimated project cost of
about $2.25 million.
An amendment to a Crawford, Murphy
& Tilly work order related to the project was also discussed,
increasing engineering costs for construction services.
Infrastructure planning continued with approval of a Motor Fuel Tax
(MFT) maintenance program for fiscal year 2026–2027, outlining
funding for routine street maintenance and improvements throughout
the city.
Wastewater infrastructure was another key topic, as officials
reviewed a proposal to upgrade variable frequency drives in the
sludge tank system. Wastewater Project Manager Andrew Bowns
explained the equipment has exceeded its life expectancy and
requires replacement.
“These are three out of the last five from the 2000 upgrade that
need replaced.” Bowns told the council. “None of these have outright
failed yet, but we're starting to run into the same temperature
sensor errors.”
The estimated cost for the upgrade is not to exceed $89,000.
Council members also considered a request from the Humane Society of
Logan County to use the Don Shay parking lot for its upcoming “Rides
& Rescues” charity car show scheduled for July 12.
Additional operational discussion included a request for proposals
for city parks mowing services. According to Street Superintendent
Walt Landers, the city received multiple bids, with Big Acre
Lawncare submitting the lowest qualifying bid.
“The price ranged from $402.94 to $800.00 for all four parks,”
Landers said.
Financial management was also addressed through discussion of
certificates of deposit for the sewer operations and maintenance
fund. City Treasurer Chuck Conzo outlined interest rate options and
recommended reinvesting funds to maintain stable returns.
The council reviewed an ordinance to create a new administrative
assistant position within the tourism department, along with updates
to the city’s building codes.
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During
announcements, Mayor Tracy Welch noted that the city’s Third
Friday events are approaching and emphasized the need for
volunteers to support the downtown gatherings.
“The first Third Friday is fast
approaching. We’re still looking for volunteers. We need nine people
total to help with that event, and we have four available positions
if you are interested.” Welch said.
Welch directed residents to the city’s website, where a sign-up form
is available, and encouraged community members to get involved.
Council members also discussed questions from residents regarding
the city’s electric aggregation program, particularly confusion
surrounding the transition from Constellation Energy to a new
supplier. Alderman Kevin Bateman explained that the change was made
through the city’s broker and that residents still have the option
to opt out.
“For the last few years, Constellation was always the better option
for electricity. This year, they happen to not be.” Bateman said.
“Stone river group is our broker. That's who mister Chegar works
for. He is the brokerage firm that goes out to try to get us the
best cost of electricity this year. Direct Energy was that choice.”
Bateman noted that while savings are possible, they are not
guaranteed.
“Well again, the answer is, it’s hard to tell if it’s going to be a
savings… more than likely it will be,” he said.
Mayor Welch added clarification about the opt-out process,
explaining that residents who leave the program cannot rejoin for a
set period.
“If you opt out, you are out of the
program for 12 months,” Welch said.
The announcement portion concluded with Alderman Sam Downs
reflecting on a recent community fundraiser supporting homeless
veterans. Downs described the event as successful and praised the
level of community involvement.
“It was a successful event… the crowd was smaller, but they were
passionate people to be there and they’re passionate for the cause”
Downs said.
He explained that the fundraiser supported the Central Illinois
Veterans Commission, which is working to build housing for veterans.
“It’s an excellent cause. It’s a cause
that everybody can get behind, and everyone got behind it,” Downs
said.
Mayor Welch echoed that sentiment, adding, “I think our community
stands behind our veterans, and it shows.”
[Sophia Larimore]
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