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Lincoln City Council
One million in wages to Lincoln residents reported at city council
meeting
[September 12, 2025]
All members of the Lincoln City
Council were present at the Committee of the Whole meeting on
Tuesday evening, September 9, 2025. The session covered topics
ranging from a proposed community pavilion and solar developments to
safety initiatives, road closures, and infrastructure repairs.
Mayor Tracy Welch opened with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a
moment of silence for two longtime Lincoln residents. Former City
Clerk Juanita Josserand, who served the city from 1971 until her
retirement in 2003, was remembered alongside Don Jordan. Welch said
their service and contributions left a lasting impact on the
community.
Public participation featured a strong turnout from supporters of
the Sysco Drive solar project, a proposed two-megawatt solar array
and data center with battery storage. Developer Tony Grillo
described the project’s scope and emphasized its economic impact,
citing about $1 million in wages already paid to Lincoln residents
this year through related construction work. He promised that unlike
the Limit Street project, which drew criticism for maintenance
issues, the Sysco Drive site would comply with the city’s solar
ordinance, including opaque fencing and landscaping.
Several local workers also
addressed the council, sharing how the project had provided steady
wages and allowed them to invest in the community. One worker said
the job enabled him to save toward buying a house in Lincoln, while
another called the opportunity “life changing” for his family.
Alderwoman Robin McCallen raised concerns about visibility and
upkeep, referencing the Limit Street site, but Grillo assured her
the new development would be well maintained. Alderman Kevin Bateman
noted the industrial location was appropriate, surrounded by
trucking facilities and warehouses. Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue
asked about cooling systems for the data center and was told the
facility would use air cooling, avoiding water concerns. The council
voted to move the project forward to the regular agenda.
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The proposed community pavilion at Eighth Street Park also drew
lengthy discussion. Coordinator Ashley Metelko explained that
two grant applications had been denied, leaving a $250,000
funding gap for the $380,000 project. The city has already
allocated $136,000 in ARPA funds, which would be forfeited if
the project stalls.
Treasurer Chuck Conzo
outlined financing options, recommending a short-term bank loan but
advising that the city wait until spring when interest rates may be
lower. Alderman Sam Downs added that the structure would be a
one-time investment benefiting the community for years. Council
members agreed to place the pavilion request on next week’s agenda.
The council also considered a permit for the Abraham Lincoln
National Railsplitting Festival later this month, along with a road
closure request from The Foxhole for September 20. City Attorney
John Hoblit introduced a voluntary annexation of farmland for the
Keystone solar project, which would expand the current solar array
by as much as 20 acres. Hoblit explained that the annexation could
be finalized by October 6, pending statutory notices to local taxing
bodies.
Announcements included the Touch-a-Truck event scheduled for
September 30 at Scully Park, Ameren’s promotion of energy bill
assistance programs, and notice of a sewer main repair on Delavan
Street that will temporarily close part of the roadway. The meeting
adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
[Sophia Larimore]
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