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City of Lincoln
City of Lincoln approves Fifth Street Road Project bond insurance
price increase
[March 27, 2026]
Seven members of the Lincoln
City Council were present at the March 24, 2026, Committee of the
Whole meeting, which covered a wide range of topics including a
proposed fuel surcharge, multiple road closure requests,
infrastructure upgrades, and upcoming budget-related items.
Mayor Tracy Welch called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., and
officials noted there was no public participation before moving into
agenda items.
The council first discussed a request from GFL Environmental to
implement a temporary fuel surcharge on residential trash services
due to rising diesel prices. Eric Shangraw (Municipal Marketing
Manager at Coulter Companies/ PDCAREA) cited global instability as a
major factor, stating, “this war in the Middle East is something
that’s beyond our control [and] is affecting our cost dramatically.”
While the discussion included concerns about the impact on
residents, council members ultimately agreed to move the proposal
forward to the April 6 regular meeting for a formal vote.
Following that discussion, the council reviewed several
event-related requests, most of which were placed on the consent
agenda. These included a road closure for the Cars and Coffee event
on Pulaski Street, a Rail Splitter Antique Car Club gathering at
Postville Park, and a poppy distribution event at McLean and
Broadway.
Additional requests included a road closure for a benefit event
hosted by Foxhole Pub & Grub and two late submissions: another
antique car gathering and a Washington-Monroe Elementary school
carnival featuring bounce houses, food trucks and games. All were
approved to move forward without significant discussion.
The council then turned to economic
development matters, where two structural improvement grants were
recommended for approval. One grant would support exterior door
replacements at the Lincoln Eagle Lodge on Kickapoo Street, while
another would fund window and door improvements at a Woodlawn Road
property owned by Brady’s Rentals and Properties.
An appointment to the Fire and Police Commission was also discussed.
Officials recommended Emily Whitham to fill a vacancy created by a
recent resignation. Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister described
Whitham as “intelligent” and “engaging” and noted her interest in
public service, adding that she “was supportive of both police and
fire departments.”
Several financial and infrastructure-related items were also
introduced for future approval. The city is seeking to increase a
previously approved bond issuance from $6 million to $8.25 million
to cover rising costs associated with the Fifth Street Road Project.
“We now have found that that’s going to cost $8,250,000,” City
Treasurer Chuck Conzo said, explaining that the original bond amount
would no longer be sufficient.
The council reviewed a renewal contract for the city’s IT services
provider, Notto Technology & Consulting. City officials strongly
supported the renewal, citing Eric Notto’s responsiveness and
reliability.
“He’s a lifesaver,” City Clerk Peggy Bateman said.
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Police Chief
Meister echoed that sentiment, noting Notto’s readiness at
seemingly all hours when needed.
“He makes himself available 24/7, 365… that’s extremely
important,” Meister said.
City Attorney John Hoblit echoed
others' satisfaction, “for people who are here, who are new, it's
the same words every time, practically ‘lifesaver’.”
Council members also discussed a discrepancy in a compensation study
invoice, which exceeded the originally expected amount. Officials
agreed to place a “not to exceed” amount of $11,470 on a future
agenda while seeking clarification on the difference.
Another topic introduced was a proposed community solar and electric
aggregation program. Under the plan, residents could receive up to
10% savings on their electric supply costs, with income-qualified
households eligible for up to 20% savings. The council will consider
whether to move forward with the program and issue a letter of
intent at a future meeting.
Streets Superintendent Walt Landers presented a proposal to replace
a malfunctioning traffic detection system at the intersection of
Woodlawn and Connelly roads. The current system has been causing
irregular signal timing and delays.
“It’s in what we call default… it just makes sure that all the
traffic gets a turn to go,” Landers said.
The proposed replacement, using a camera-based system, would cost
$32,300, with the city responsible for half of that amount through
its agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation.
During announcements, council members highlighted several community
updates, including an upcoming volunteer trash cleanup event at
Latham Park and a ribbon cutting for a local business expansion.
Alderman Dennis Clemons also recognized city sewer department
employees for their work resolving a recent issue, calling them
“very professional” and noting they returned multiple times to
ensure the problem was fixed.
Additional discussion touched on code enforcement, including the
requirement for residents to maintain trash service and the use of
the city’s “Go Lincoln” reporting app. Officials explained that the
app allows residents to submit concerns directly, which are then
routed to the appropriate department.
The meeting concluded after all agenda items and announcements were
addressed, with several topics set to return for final action at
upcoming council meetings.
[Sophia Larimore]
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