Tuesday, July 8

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Lincoln's success with dogs, trees
and other business
    
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[JULY 8, 2003]  The Lincoln City Council received an update on Lincoln Main Street activities, presented a plaque to the Kickapoo Creek Park Foundation, heard the concerns of a citizen, granted approval for the police chief to acquire a new police car and appointed a temporary street superintendent.

"It's a go," said Main Street Lincoln director Cindy McLaughlin on the subject of The Art of Wine. The Art of Wine is scheduled as an all-day event May 23 as part of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial celebration.

A few weeks ago McLaughlin reported a possible glitch in the plans. Illinois wine growers were slow in getting their registrations in. When she contacted a few of them she found out that the event is scheduled right when growers are at their peak busy time with the harvest. Fears were mounting that it might need to be canceled. However, since that time 10 growers have committed, and more are still expected.

McLaughlin commented after the meeting that she is happy that it will be happening because the person organizing the event, David Lanterman, is so talented and has great ideas for it. “It will be great," she said.

Cindy McLaughlin also provided the council an energetic view on past and future Main Street Lincoln activities. The second annual Dog Daze, held on June 21, has been declared another rousing success. McLaughlin first credited Rock Solid Stage Productions, saying their sound production made the event high-quality and more enjoyable. She said that over 200 people either participated or watched. There were a hundred dogs registered

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Not only was the day a lot of fun, but there were many other benefits as well. Logan County Animal Control adopted out four dogs.

 The event was good for business too. AMP studios did 20 dog portraits. McLaughlin noted that by providing bounce-back coupons the downtown businesses encouraged the pet owners to return when they could shop at their leisure. Store owners reported that some people took their dogs home and came back that afternoon to browse.

The art deco fiberglass dogs located in various business windows are drawing attention. Packs of people have been seen hovering around display windows. McLaughlin said she has received calls of interest from all over the state: Rockford, Bloomington, Peoria and Springfield to name a few.

McLaughlin said that she thought that the best compliment that could be paid came from a man who pulled her aside and said, "We just moved up from Dallas. We're looking for a nice, safe community to raise our family in, and I think we've just found it."

 

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Lincoln Street Superintendent Donnie Osborne (left) presents Kickapoo Creek Park ranger Don Hellman a plaque in appreciation of assistance in beautifying Lincoln with trees.  [Click on image for bigger picture.]

Street Superintendent Donnie Osborne made the plaque presentation to park ranger Don Hellman of the Kickapoo Creek Park Foundation. Osborne submitted an essay last year to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the Tree City USA award program, recommending that the park foundation be awarded the plaque. The plaque honors the foundation for their work in keeping Kickapoo Creek Park beautiful and for their support with Lincoln's other tree projects. Hellman thanked the council for the plaque. He said the Kickapoo Creek Park Foundation plants trees on an annual basis. They also help the street superintendent when he needs their tree spader and tractor.

Jerry Harl, a Lincoln citizen, presented the council with some safety concerns. Harl is concerned with the safety of fireworks sales. He proposed that individuals purchasing fireworks be required to buy a permit. He also proposed that the city allow individuals to set off fireworks only in approved, designated areas. The council heard Harl's concerns and indicated that recent changes in the Illinois law will address his issues.

Harl also expressed concerns about the city enforcing traffic laws with bicyclists. He has witnessed youth not obeying traffic laws, laying an extra burden of preventing an accident on drivers. With both the fireworks and bicyclists, Harl's main concern was for the safety of the youth.

City Police Chief Richard Montcalm indicated that he has checked with five local car dealers about trading two high-mileage vehicles for a newer police car with lower mileage. He has received several proposals from the dealers. The transaction can be made at no cost to the city and will bring down the city's insurance payments.

There was some discussion as to whether the council should hear the proposals or allow Montcalm to make the decision. Alderman Glenn Shelton suggested that in his opinion this is police business and we need to trust the chief to decide what is best for the department. The council voted to allow the chief to pursue the vehicle trade-in at his own discretion.

Street Superintendent Donnie Osborne announced his recommendation for a temporary replacement as he retires. The council accepted his appointment of Tracy Jackson, who has been with the department for 17 years. The appointment will last 120 days. After that, it is expected that someone who has passed the civil service exam and has all the qualifications needed for the job will be available to take the position.

Other action taken by the council included the approval for curb repairs at 126 North St. at the city's expense.

The next regular city council meeting will be in two weeks, on July 21.

[Don Todd]    

[Jan Youngquist]   

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