Alderman Steve Fuhrer made the motion
to table. After the meeting he said there were two reasons to delay
voting on the issue. First, it gives time for committees to address
several unanswered questions. The main issue concerns water runoff.
The delay will give the Goodmans time to respond to allegations of a
water problem. Fuhrer pointed out, however, that any construction on
the property may affect runoff, whether the construction is
residential or commercial.
Second, the delay will enable Alderman
Glenn Shelton, who was absent Tuesday night, to vote on the issue.
Since the city planning commission has already rejected the petition
to rezone the property at 1103 and 1129 Fifth St., the proposal now
requires a two-thirds vote of the city council to pass. Shelton has
said he favors rezoning the property. If he or any other alderman
does not cast a vote, the effect is like a no vote, in that it does
not count toward the seven votes needed.
Citizens on both sides of the issue
filled most of the visitors’ seats in the council room. One woman
said afterward that she had intended to speak against the petition
but did not hear when the opportunity was available. She plans to
return on Sept. 16, the next meeting when a vote can be taken.
In another matter the council voted to
authorize issuing up to $620,000 in general obligation bonds, with
First Midstate as underwriters. Alderman Verl Prather said the bonds
are normally renewed every three years. This time, because the
interest rate is good, the renewal is for four years.
The money raised is to cover
unspecified capital projects, such as road work. Prather said he
favors using some of the money for an industrial park, but that will
be decided by future council votes.
The council
also approved four petitions for sidewalks and curb and gutter
replacement. It voted to block Pulaski and Broadway streets beside
the courthouse for the sesquicentennial street dance fund-raiser on
Sept. 21.
[Lynn Shearer
Spellman]
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Thank You
To Lincoln Developmental Center
employees:
The Lincoln Parents'
Association would like to express our sincere appreciation for the
excellent care you have given our loved ones over the years. You
chose to make a career in caring for the most fragile of individuals
with disabilities. For this, we are most grateful.
The
stress of this past year has been almost unbearable for you and for
us. In spite of poor management, politics and constant scrutiny, you
have maintained your excellent level of care. There are not enough
words to express our thanks.
Sincerely,
Members of the
Lincoln Parents' Association |
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