|
 Snyder pointed out that there were several holes punched in the
drywall throughout the building. He explained that the architects
from the Illinois Department of Transportation had been on site
doing some preliminary research. He said their goal had been to get
a sense of what was behind the walls, between now and the original
brick structure.
Snyder pointed out the brick walls that had been added to the
structure in later years. He explained the pass-thru area between
the original station and the freight house, and said that the newer
walls would come out, and the pass-thru would be restored.
The group also talked about the basement area, saying no one had
gone down there. Walt Landers of the city Street and Alley
Department said some of the kids who are working to clean up the
building had gone down and said it was moldy.
Tim Ferguson, the city’s sewerage treatment plant manager went down
and checked it out. He came back saying, yes, there was some mold,
and one corner that was wet, but it wasn’t as bad as he would have
expected.
Throughout the tour, the group talked about the depot when it was a
fine dining establishment, recalling that it was a real draw for the
community and that many people had commented how much they enjoyed
going to the Depot.
Amtrak plans to use the baggage/freight room as its waiting area for
travelers. The original depot will be utilized by the City of
Lincoln. To date, no decisions have been made as to what the city
will do with their portion of the building.
Geriets announces retirement
Lincoln Police Department, Chief Ken Greenslate, told the council
that Deputy Chief Mike Geriets will be retiring from the force
effective August 15.
He said that Geriets will be attending the Monday night voting
session in order to address the council and say his good-byes to the
city.
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Greenslate said he would ask the council to approve a new lateral
hire as soon as Geriets’ retirement is official.
Snyder clarified the request, saying there would be a number of
moves in the city department, with one opening left at the end of
the process.
Greenslate had indicated at an earlier meeting he would like
to promote a current officer into Geriets position. Through the
promotion process, when all is said and done, a new officer will
need to be hired to fill the lower-level gap. Fast track
demolition for 412 Oglesby
Building and Safety officer John Lebegue asked the council to add to
next week’s agenda approval of a 'Fast Track' demolition. He showed
the aldermen a slideshow of a residence located at 412 Oglesby,
pointing out the house was vacant with weeds and grass growing in
the front and back yards. He also showed the shots of the back yard
scattered with junk and debris.
Finally, he had a shot from the street looking into the front door
of the home, which is constantly being pushed open, he said. Inside
he said there was so much stuff one couldn’t even walk through it.
Lebegue said he had contacted three demolition companies to get
estimates on taking down the building. The lowest estimate had come
in at $6,200 from Jim Moody Excavating, a firm the city has used
in the past.
With very little discussion after Lebegue’s comments, Snyder asked
if this item could be placed on the consent agenda for Monday night.
By nod of the head, all aldermen agreed.
[By NILA SMITH]
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