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Council approves sidewalk project
as Balloons Over 66 Festival nears
[August 21, 2025]
All members of the Lincoln City
Council were present for the regular meeting on Monday evening,
August 18, 2025.
The session opened with the oath of office for new Lincoln
firefighter Brian Romanato, administered by City Attorney John
Hoblit.
The council approved the consent agenda before hearing City
Treasurer Chuck Conzo’s July report. Conzo noted the city’s general
fund remains in good shape despite being down $288,000 compared to
last year. He reported growth in several revenue streams, including
a $44,000 increase in municipal sales tax and gains in state income
tax, but pointed out a significant $137,000 decline in the personal
property replacement tax. “It has a negative effect on this source
of revenue and some of the others,” Conzo said, though increases in
other areas helped offset the loss.
City Clerk Peggy Bateman reported $331,518.25 in sewer receipts for
July, with $25,735.67 of that coming from the prisons.
Council members voted to approve the 2025 sidewalk improvement
project and a funding agreement with the Logan County Tourism
Bureau. Aldermen Kevin Bateman and Sam Downs abstained from voting
on the funding agreement due to their roles in organizations that
may apply for grants. The council also approved the sale and
transfer of assets between the Tourism Bureau and the city.
Much of the meeting turned toward announcements surrounding the
upcoming Balloons Over 66 festival. Alderman Kevin Bateman told
residents to expect record crowds and encouraged patience as
visitors arrive from across the Midwest. He highlighted a wide
variety of food options, noting that two barbecue trucks will be
open early Friday morning, alongside vendors such as a Greek
trailer, smash burgers, and the Walleye Wagon.
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Mayor Tracy Welch announced a
ribbon cutting at the Comfort Inn and Suites on Friday evening
before the pilot briefing. “There’s 38 balloons this year, and I’m
sure that they would love to have your help,” Welch said,
encouraging residents to volunteer for balloon crews.
Police Chief Joe Meister outlined traffic control plans to manage
congestion near the festival site, emphasizing patience and
adherence to posted traffic patterns. “The public won’t be able to
park where [balloon crews] are,” Meister said. “So, yeah, just have
patience and take it easy.”
Street Superintendent Walt Landers and Alderman Bateman also
discussed nearby roadwork and Ameren utility projects, assuring
residents that crews will work to minimize disruptions during the
festival.
The meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m.
[Sophia Larimore]
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