McLean County Times

City of Lexington City Council met June 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Lexington City Council was called to order at 7:00 P. M. by Mayor Spencer Johansen in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

Mayor Johansen led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call was taken to find the following physically present: Mayor Johansen, Alderman Mattingly, Alderwoman Wilson, Alderman Stover, Alderman Richard, Alderman Franklin and Alderman Little. Members of the staff and public present were: Peg Reynolds with the Lexingtonian, Kenneth Sours, Kim Rohlwing, Phillip Rohlwing, Jared Karban with Third Pillar Solar and Chief Edmiaston.

It was moved by Alderwoman Wilson and seconded by Alderman Mattingly to approve the minutes of the May 28, 2024 regular session City Council meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Alderman Stover and seconded by Alderman Franklin to approve the Treasurer’s Report and paying of the bills in the amount of $42,209.93. Motion carried unanimously.

Public Input: None

Old Business:

Update & Discussion on Possible Ordinance Allowing Chickens

Alderman Wilson has been working on updating the ordinance for allowing chickens within the city. She has been working with the city attorney who has added several items to the ordinance.

The Rohlings had several comments to some of the items pertaining to wording on the ordinance on section C item 2 concerning property lines and item 5 concerning pen enclosures.

There was also discussion concerning section B item 4 pertaining to the keeping of ducks. It was felt that ducks were quiet and presented no nuisances. Discussion thought maybe a total of 6 fowl, a combination of chicken or ducks could be allowed.

The question was also asked if they would need a building permit to put up their coop? It was felt that since this would not be a permanent structure no permit would be required.

Mayor Johansen asked the councilmen to reach out to residents in their wards to get feedback on how they felt and it will be on the agenda for a vote at the next meeting.

Motion to go into Closed Session to Discuss Personnel Issues

Motion was made by Alderman Mattingly and seconded by Alderman Richard to go into closed session to discuss personnel issues at 7:44 P. M.. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion to go Into Open Session

Motion was made by Alderman Franklin and seconded by Alderman Mattingly to go back into open session at 8:32 P. M. Motion carried unanimously.

New Business:

Presentation Third Pillar Solar

The representative from Third Pillar Solar has been with the company for five years and is currently looking for property in the area. Their whole mission is to keep off ag land. The city has a lagoon just north of the treatment plant and he felt they could put 13-14 acres of floating dock on the lagoon. This should generate $36,000 annually for the city. They sell the energy generated to Ameren and ComEd and sell to the residents at cost.

The question was asked about the water freezing or thawing in the winter. It was noted that the lagoon water doesn't freeze in the same way as a normal pond. Our treatment plant is a good fit for this type of system and it is not open to the public. The Ameren substation is down the road.

They would need to go across property lines to get to the substation but believe there is an easement going back to the farm on the north side of the lagoon where they could tap into the power lines. It is a simple and straightforward floating dock and keeps all water quality. They do install a canopy over it.

The question was asked how they maintain the position of the panels? There is a liner in the bottom of the lagoon and they use a mooring system. The floats interlock to avoid shifting. Each panel is about 4 1⁄2 megawatts. Wind turbines are 2 ½ watts. These are smaller and harder to see from the road. They can be damaged from hail or bird poop. They insure everything and have maintenance men to take care of them.

They will lease the surface of the water, own the equipment and sell electricity to Ameren. The city will still own the lagoon. The lease will be for 25-30 years. The panels will last 25 years and some have lasted 30 years. They will clean up and take everything away at the end of the lease. Installation goes pretty quickly.

Zach from Farnsworth has been on vacation and the city would like to ask his opinion. They would also like to contact other municipalities who have done this to see how they like it. Those municipalities are in Maryland and New Jersey. There are no floating docks in Illinois.

The question was asked that if in 10 years something better has come along will they come in and replace these panels? We are seeing bigger and bigger panels but it is unlikely that we will come in and swap out the panels. Once installed we let them sit. The question was asked if the panels lost any productivity? They will degrade over the 25 years, 25% over that time is normal wear and tear, 1% per year. Being low to the ground shields it. Floating is newer on the east coast and is working its way this west.

The question was asked if it reduced the evaporation? Don’t we have issues out there now when we have heavy rains? We have been talking about coming up with a different way.

The mooring system can handle 150 feet in fluctuation. Floats are fine to move up and down.

If in 10-15 years we want to get out of the lease. What does it take to get out of it? A major issue would allow us to make a special opt out or failures. We ask that you stay in the lease unless a critical issue arises, or there is a critical error with the treatment plant.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mayor’s Report: Mayor Johansen reported on the following:

Star has been looking at the TextMyGov proposal. People can sign up to get text alerts from the city and we can put Amber Alerts, police reports, water main breaks, snow ban, etc. on it. Cost is $5,000 for the first year and after that it is $3,500. Star has broken it down as to how we would pay for it. They would be able to text us if there are potholes or street lights out, etc. Key features are: General notifications for the city: office closures, events, water bill reminders and more.

Emergency notifications including water main breaks or boil orders. When we have those we rely on WJBC, Pantagraph or social media. Many citizens don’t know what is going on. There is no easy way to get the word out and everyone has the option to opt out. We should limit it to emergency situations.

Allows to send alerts to residents in an affected area using geolocation.

Residents reporting issues such as potholes, tree limbs down, code issues and more.

Star knows more of how it works and can answer questions.. He feels it is a good idea. It isn’t just for Public Works. It can be used for Red Carpet Corridor, emergency situations, road closures, EMA, tornado alerts and more.

The Route 66 billboard is done and will be getting put up this week. It looks good.

June 22nd the Corvettes are coming back to Lexington. He doesn’t know how many. They are going to leave Bloomington at 5 P. M. and come down Main Street and around the park and then out to Lake Bloomington.

The Leaders Conference on the 22nd still has some empty slots if anyone wants to sign up.

He has resolved the issue around the pin numbers at the Anderson Subdivision. It has been divided into two parcels. At some point we need to look at the city code and the definition of subdivision. He thinks we need to fine tune that to include if there is going to be streets, water mains, etc. When you take a parcel and divide it up into two parcels you should not have to call it a subdivision.

Police: Chief Edmiaston reported that they had gotten a Speed Awareness Grant through IDOT. There will be more officers in town and they will be writing tickets. They will put the dates on facebook so everyone is aware of the program.

He also had is April and May Monthly Reports

April 2024

Arrests - Felony - 1, Misdemeanor - 1, Traffic Stops LXPD - 15 - UTT’s - 5, Warnings - 10, Traffic Stops MCSP - 3, UTT’s - 2, Warnings - 1, Reports Taken - LXPD - 4, MCSP - 3, Calls For Service - LXPD - 39, MCSP - 31, School Patrols (Walk Through/Meetings/Teaching/Programs) - 16, Business Check - 36, QR Code Checks - 2, Extra Patrols//Foot Patrols - 16

May 2024

Arrests - Misdemeanor - 2, Traffic Stops LXPD - 18 - UTT’s - 6, Warnings - 12, Traffic Stops MCSP - 2, UTT’s - 1, Warnings - 1, Reports Taken - LXPD - 10, MCSP - 2, Calls For Service - LXPD - 39, MCSP - 11, School Patrols (Walk Through/Meetings/Teaching/Programs) - 12, Business Check - 30, QR Code Checks - 26, Extra Patrols//Foot Patrols - 15

Building/Insurance None

Finance /TIF Alderman Stover continued to work on the appropriation.

Water/Sewer/Sanitation/ Public Works Alderman Stover reported that they had met with one of the employees and will meet with the others.

Street/Alley Alderman Mattingly reported that they are redoing the parking along the west side of the Municipal Building and resurfacing along the alley by the Analytical building.

There being no further business, a motion was made by Alderman Franklin to adjourn at 8:33 P.M. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

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