Mike Bridges

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.

The City Council meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of Accounts Payable with a roll call vote due to a conflict of interest involving a council member's business. The Council approved a permit for Dog Behavior Training Classes in City Park. Exemptions and fee waivers were granted for two upcoming fishing tournaments hosted by the RCHS Bass Team, contingent on complete documentation. A resolution was approved to amend a Contract for Sale of Real Estate to allow for the construction of a specific boat house and dock, including dimensional variances from standard regulations. The Council also voted on a resolution calling for an advisory referendum regarding cannabis dispensaries, ultimately deciding to place the question on the ballot. Budget amendments were discussed for the Tourism Budget concerning the Little League/Ballpark Upgrade drainage issues, and for the Street and Parks & Cemeteries Departments, including accepting a donation for park fencing and allocating funds for downtown street improvements. The Council discussed, but did not support, locating a new Soccer Field Complex on City-owned property in the Industrial Park due to environmental concerns, preferring to explore other locations. Additionally, the Council accepted the renewal proposal for various municipal coverages, authorized the execution of a Fire Chief Employment Agreement, and discussed the impact of funding changes on the North Avenue Reconstruction Project timeline.

The meeting included the approval of accounts payable and a significant public hearing regarding proposed amendments to Title 17 (Zoning) of the City of Olney Municipal Code concerning cannabis-related businesses, specifically focusing on reducing the required distance from schools from 1,500 feet to 500 feet. Public commentary was extensive, covering concerns about public health, morality, federal law conflict, and potential economic benefits. Subsequent actions included tabling an ordinance related to zoning amendments, tabling a request for a Tourism Grant from Olney Little League for park improvements due to an exceeded funding limit and lack of itemization, approving an engraving for a recognition plaque honoring the Musgrove Family for park acreage donation, authorizing the sale of surplus park department pickup trucks, approving a resolution for a new computer-controlled Christmas light scene, authorizing the solicitation of bids for the North Avenue Waterline Project, and approving a resolution to purchase compatible radios for the County-Wide Radio and Communication System Project. The Council also accepted the MFT Compliance Review Report from IDOT and approved an ordinance to partner with the Chamber of Commerce regarding special event permit requirements for smaller downtown events. The session concluded with an executive session and subsequent adjournment.