Allen Barker

The council discussed and approved several items, including the sale of a riding mower, the purchase of a 2016 GMC Sierra for the City Manager, and the acceptance of various chemical bids for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Water Plant, and Musgrove Aquatic Center. Additionally, the council addressed budget amendments for several departments, discussed the results of a non-binding referendum on cannabis dispensaries, reviewed departmental project status reports, and engaged in 2026/2027 budget planning. During a closed session, the council discussed real estate, personnel, and negotiation matters, subsequently approving an engineering services agreement and health insurance premium allocations for non-bargaining employees.

The council meeting covered several significant items, including public presentations on a new community planning program and concerns regarding golf cart permitting. The council approved a waiver for ball field fees and insurance requirements for a local fundraiser and engaged in a detailed discussion regarding a cost-share partnership for phase two infrastructure improvements at The Drey Pickleball Complex. Additionally, the council authorized a $20,000 grant for the Chamber of Commerce, approved a special event liquor license for the upcoming Squirrel Sounds Festival, and passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of certain unregulated substances. Further actions included authorizing the disposal of surplus police bicycles, amending budget items for the Street Department to accommodate equipment purchases for a new vehicle, and receiving reports on the upcoming 2026/2027 fiscal year budget preparations for the Water, Sewer, and Tourism funds.

The meeting addressed several significant items, including the approval of Accounts Payable, subject to abstention due to a potential conflict of interest for a Council member regarding a plumbing invoice. The Council approved an ordinance to close a portion of an alley to allow adjacent property owners to consolidate their lots, ensuring the section adjoining other properties remained closed. Two separate zoning requests to change parcels from R-S (Single-Family Residence District) to C-2 (Commercial District) for Borgic Enterprises, Inc., and Kristin L. Snyder, were approved, with discussion clarifying that annexation was not a precondition for rezoning approval but would be required for City utility services. A request to rezone property from M-1 (Light-Industrial District) to R-1 (Single-Family Residence District) for Brad Jones was also approved. A grant contribution of $10,000.00 was approved for the Olney & Greater Richland Co. Chamber of Commerce for the remainder of the 2025/2026 fiscal year, with the understanding that a request for the subsequent year would be addressed later. The Council moved forward with an ordinance prohibiting accessory structures as a dwelling to address issues with individuals residing in sheds and similar structures. A resolution was passed to accept the low bid of $6,949.00 from B4 Land Management LLC for the demolition of 413-415 N. Mill Street. Authorization was given to purchase materials up to $1,628.00 for improvements to the Police Firing Line Shelter. A resolution was passed to amend the 2025-2026 Tourism Budget to increase the fireworks contribution to $25,000.00 for the 2026 250th anniversary celebration. The Council expressed general favor for creating an ordinance, similar to East Peoria's, to prohibit the sale of kratom, and instructed the City Attorney to draft the ordinance for future review. During open session following a closed session, the Council authorized the employment agreement and established the wage for the City Manager.

The meeting addressed several key items, beginning with the authorization to execute a lease renewal ordinance between the City of Olney and the Richland County Farm & Fair Association, Inc., which included discussion about the 2026 Fair events and the condition of the south fairground area, including the potential use of TIF funds for demolition and paving. The Council subsequently debated the potential relocation of soccer fields to the fairgrounds versus Musgrove Park, ultimately tabling a decision on the lease to allow for further discussion between the Fair Board and the Soccer Association. The Council approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with Richland County regarding radio tower use and access without charging the County for increased electricity costs. A financial contribution of $25,750.00 was approved for the Richland County Development Corporation (RCDC) as the second half of their annual funding. An ordinance amending Chapter 5.12 (Liquor Control) of the Municipal Code was approved, introducing a new Class SNP license for not-for-profit special events and modifying fees for Class S licenses. Finally, the Council authorized the solicitation of bids for the Main Street Resurfacing Project, including a recommended alteration to include a turn lane at Van Street, and approved a resolution to close completed project accounts, transferring balances to the Roads Capital Improvement Account and Equipment Reserves Account.

The City Council meeting included several key actions. The Consent Agenda, which was approved in its entirety, covered the authorization of accounts payable payments for May 28, 2025, and the approval of several resolutions, including amendments to the 2025-2026 Tourism Budget, acceptance of a quote for a Fire Chief Squad Vehicle, acceptance of a proposal for Taylor Lakeside Drive Storm Sewer work, and support for a SWAN Grant Application. Additionally, the Council approved a Class S liquor license authorization for Whittletown Holdings Hovey's LLC (d.b.a. Hovey's). An ordinance honoring the life of William "Bill" Jennings by dedicating an honorary street was also approved. Bids for MFT concrete and oil & chip work were reviewed and awarded to Schrey Systems and Charles H. Carter & Sons, Inc., respectively, with the application of oil & chip awarded to Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group. The Council discussed the potential scope and funding options for a Walnut Street IDOT Grant Project, including a significant waterline relocation estimate. A resolution approving a Downtown Façade Grant Application and Program, funded by expected video gaming revenue, was passed. Furthermore, the Council approved an ordinance to reduce the authorized number of Class A and Class C liquor licenses. A discussion regarding the regulation of smoke shops was tabled for future research. Reports included updates on City Manager activities, potential monthly savings from changing telecommunication services, and updates from the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board. The meeting concluded with a closed session.