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City of Lincoln
New officers sworn in, police vehicle purchase approved by Lincoln
Council
[June 04, 2026]
All members of the Lincoln City
Council were present for the regular meeting held June 1 at Lincoln
City Hall. The meeting included the swearing-in of three new public
safety employees, approval of economic development grants, renewal
of school resource officer agreements, the appointment of a new
police pension board trustee and authorization to purchase five new
police vehicles.
During public participation, Sophia Larimore of Logan County Pride
addressed the council to promote the upcoming Logan County Pride
Fest scheduled for June 6 on the downtown square.
“It's going to be downtown here at the Square,” Larimore said. “It's
going to be four to 8 p.m. It's going to be an all ages event. I'm
really excited for it. It's going to have a pet costume contest,
food, live music and vendors.”
Following public participation, the council conducted oath-of-office
ceremonies for three new city employees. Alexander Bogdanic was
sworn in as a patrolman with the Lincoln Police Department, while
Cameron Anderson and Jayden Graham were sworn in as firefighters
with the Lincoln Fire Department.
The council then unanimously approved a consent agenda that included
payment of bills, approval of several sets of meeting minutes and
multiple street closure requests for upcoming community events.
Approved permits included the Balloons Over 66 5K Run on Aug. 29, a
Route 66 Centennial celebration on June 13, the Juneteenth
Celebration on June 19 and the City of Lincoln's Semiquincentennial
250th anniversary parade scheduled for July 4.
City Treasurer Chuck Conzo presented the April 2026 revised and
final treasurer's report, noting that the city's general fund
balance currently stands at approximately $3.04 million after the
close of the fiscal year.
Conzo noted that the balance has declined compared to previous years
and encouraged caution as the city prepares its upcoming budget. He
explained that increased operating costs, higher salaries, and
rising prices for fuel and equipment have contributed to the
decrease.
“We're not down to where we're critically low, but we need to be
careful how we spend it in the year ahead,” Conzo said.
During discussion, Alderman Steve Parrot requested year-over-year
comparisons showing revenue and expenditures to help council members
better evaluate long-term financial trends. Conzo agreed to provide
that information.
The council also approved two Economic Development Commission
grants. Brady's Rentals & Properties LLC received a grant of up to
$7,500 for window and door replacements at 725 Woodlawn Road, while
Levi Curry Storage Rentals received up to $7,500 for door
replacements and weather-stripping improvements at 800 Burlington
Street.
Council members unanimously approved annual school resource officer
agreements between the Lincoln Police Department and both Lincoln
Elementary School District 27 and Lincoln Community High School
District 404. The agreements continue partnerships that place
Lincoln police officers in local schools to provide security, law
enforcement education and support services for students and staff.
Both agreements passed with Alderwoman Rhonda O'Donoghue abstaining
from the votes.
The council approved Mayor Tracy
Welch's appointment of Corporal Colin Antoine to serve as a trustee
on the Lincoln Police Pension Fund Board. The appointment passed
with O'Donoghue again abstaining.
Another major action item involved approval of the purchase of five
new police vehicles from Morrow Brothers Ford at a cost not to
exceed $306,480. The purchase was approved by the council, with
O'Donoghue abstaining from the vote.
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Several community
announcements followed council business. Welch reminded
residents about the city's monthly "Coffee with the Mayor" event
scheduled for June 6 at Guest House Coffee and encouraged
volunteers to assist with the upcoming Third Friday event on
June 19.
Conzo also promoted the Humane Society of Logan County's annual
garage sale fundraiser at the Logan County Fairgrounds. The
event includes a preview night on June 4 and public sale days on
June 5 and June 6.
During announcements, Mayor Tracy Welch and Tourism Director
Scott McCoy shared updates on the Museum of Route 66 following
its soft opening on June 1. Welch said the museum drew strong
community interest on its first day, while McCoy reported
receiving positive feedback from visitors.
McCoy encouraged residents to stop by before the museum's grand
opening on July 11, noting that exhibits and displays will
continue to be added in the coming weeks.
“We had a lot of positive feedback and excited people,” McCoy
said. “We're really excited to showcase this to the residents
and the businesses here.”
The museum is currently open to visitors free of charge as work
continues toward the official grand opening.
Additional discussion focused on
mosquito abatement spraying and accommodation for residents with
respiratory conditions. Council members discussed allowing residents
to notify the city if they wish to be skipped during spraying
operations due to health concerns.
Following the regular meeting, the council convened a special
meeting to consider revisions to the previously approved agreement
with the proposed buyer of 300 Keokuk St., part of the former
Lincoln College campus redevelopment project.
Mayor Tracy Welch explained that language contained in the original
agreement required modification before the sale could move forward.
According to Welch, the original exhibit included a provision that
would have remained in effect in perpetuity. After discussions
between city officials and the prospective buyer, council members
agreed to remove that language and revise a separate provision
involving the property's right of first refusal.
“The buyer side had requested that a sunset clause be put in there,”
Welch said. “The council appeared to be in agreement that a
three-year sunset clause would be appropriate for this sale.”
City Attorney John Hoblit told the council the revisions were
significant enough that the agreement should return for council
approval. Alderman Kevin Bateman clarified during discussion that
the changes were limited to modifying the right-of-first-refusal
language and establishing the three-year sunset provision.
Council members ultimately approved the revised agreement, allowing
the transaction to move forward and helping keep the redevelopment
project on schedule. Welch noted that Lincoln College is operating
under funding-related time constraints and said finalizing the
agreement would allow the city and developers to continue
discussions regarding future aspects of the property.
[Sophia Larimore]
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