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Lincoln/Logan County Economic
Development Director Jeff Mayfield addressed the council. He said
that a large number of people think that the commerce park is the
only thing that is happening economically in Lincoln, but that is
only a part of what is actually happening. It is only a percent of
what is going on.
Mayfield indicated that there are
approximately 10 to 12 businesses that have shown an interest in
Lincoln. Some businesses have asked the city for help in renovating
the sites they are interested in, such as the Stage and Staples site
on the west side of Lincoln. He said that the city could not afford
to help these companies financially at this time but that the
companies are now looking at bonds or other tax districts that may
be helpful to them.
Mayfield said that some companies have
already opened their doors in Lincoln, such as the new Collision
Concepts on Lincoln's west side. Other companies are preparing to
open. A new Cub Cadet store will be locating in the old Ace Hardware
store.
He indicated that a number of
businesses are in various stages of development. Some, like Pedcor,
are ready to do the trench foundation and footage work at their new
site.
Another business, Gold's Gym, is
looking at locating in Lincoln sometime in the future.
Mayfield said that the economic council
is interested in helping businesses that are interested in coming to
Lincoln. He has taken measures to show our interest in their coming
here, such as meeting with the water, sewer and power companies to
see if they can obtain lower rates to help out interested companies.
The bankers in Lincoln have shown an
interest in supporting new businesses. Mayfield said he and Mayor
Davis want to have a second meeting with the bankers to pursue ways
that they can be of help.
Mayfield continued by saying that he
wants to keep the city council and any other interested parties
informed about economic progress. He is interested in meeting with
anyone interested in the economic future of Lincoln. He said that he
is always promoting Lincoln and applauds anyone who is interested in
helping secure new business. He said that Lincoln is in competition
with other communities for companies. The companies are looking to
communities that will help them settle there.
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After Mayfield's report the council
addressed an issue that the city attorney, Bill Bates, said needed to be
addressed at the meeting or it would be too late. The issue was the
Blue Cross and Blue Shield dual insurance proposal for city
employees. The council had to make a decision at the meeting because
employees interested in changing their policies need to have their
paperwork in to the insurance company by June 15. Bates said that
until recently one of the city's two unions affected had not decided
if they would accept the dual insurance proposal; however, they had
informed him this past week that they had agreed to the proposal.
There are approximately 83 city
employees affected by the insurance change. Employees can choose
between a PPO or HMO. The new proposal could save the city money in
insurance costs and could have a lower out-of-pocket cost for
employees. City employees would have a higher co-pay for
prescription drugs, however. Alderman Fuhrer moved that the city
should accept the new insurance proposal, and Alderman Nietzel
seconded the motion. The proposal was approved.
The council also approved a number of
petitions for sidewalk repairs, sidewalk construction and tree
removals, pending agreement by the street superintendent and the
city receiving insurance permits
The council also approved Mayor Davis'
proclamation for the 2003 official city ornament. The new ornament's
theme is the christening of the city with watermelon juice by
Abraham Lincoln in 1853. This theme was chosen because 2003 is the
sesquicentennial year for the city. The official ornament will be on
sale in various shops, stores and banks in Lincoln.
Mayor Davis stated how happy she is
that the Lincoln Developmental Center will be reopening, tentatively
scheduled for Jan. 1, 2004.
She also discussed upcoming events in
the city in June. The hoops competition and Dog Daze will be on the
weekend of June 21.
The next
meeting will be Tuesday, June 10.
[Don
Todd]
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