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City Council Moves Forward with
$30K Tourism Funding, Lincoln Way Project, and More
[June 13, 2025]
All members of the Lincoln City
Council were present at Tuesday evening’s Committee of the Whole
meeting, held June 10, 2025. Key issues included a $30,000 funding
motion for the Logan County Tourism Bureau, a proposed survey
initiative to support the Lincoln Way branding project, and
discussion around forming a new ethics commission.
Andrea Runge, representing Lincoln Economic Advancement and
Development (LEAD), spoke about the Lincoln Way initiative and a
proposed sidewalk survey to gather community feedback. “We want
everyone to know that they are welcome in Lincoln if they are just a
good person,” said Runge.
The QR-code decals would link to a survey designed to include both
residents and visitors. While technically against city ordinance,
the stickers would be temporary and weather-safe. “It’s just a
larger-scale vinyl sticker,” she explained. “I will assure the
council through email that it will be low-tech and come up easily,
and not be destroyed by weather events.”
Mayor Tracy Welch supported the request and said, “I think we should
take a vote on it, just because it’s an actual ordinance and you’re
asking for an exception.” The council then agreed to place the item
on the regular agenda.
The council also discussed a motion to contribute up to $30,000 to
the Logan County Tourism Bureau, contingent on a matching or greater
contribution from the county. “We have traditionally done that for
many years through the Bureau,” said Welch. Neil Patel, Treasurer
for the Bureau, explained that the requested funding would support a
lean budget of $97,000. “This budget looks good,” Patel said. “It’s
helpful for the tourism too, and it is also helpful for the Route 66
100 [year anniversary] coming up.”
Alderman Kevin Bateman asked for transparency in how advertising
dollars have been spent in past years. “I want to see a detailed
accounting report, not just a general chuck-it-in-the-bucket
report.” Stan Anderson added, “We’d like to know how much was spent
in this community versus that community, and what the event was.”
Steve Parrott responded, “Most of our advertising costs were through
medias,” but acknowledged that detailed line items could be helpful
moving forward. Welch said he would share a breakdown that he
previously received from the Bureau and encouraged further review.
Among several permits placed on the
consent agenda was a request from Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue for
the Saint Jude Jeep fundraiser. O’Donoghue noted she would abstain
from the vote but explained, “Over the last five years, we’ve raised
$25,000 for Saint Jude. Last year alone, we raised $11,534.” Other
permits approved included First Presbyterian Church’s annual BBQ and
the Lincoln Park District’s children’s Fourth of July parade.
Wes Woodhall, Building and Zoning Officer, brought forward a
long-awaited special use permit at 1009 Woodlawn Road. “This is
going to be the Taco Bell,” he confirmed. “The general public would
kind of lose their minds over it.” After years of delay, Woodhall
said, “Their 100% intention is to move forward,” with construction
expected by the end of the year.
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The council also
moved forward with a formal switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield for
city health insurance. Peggy Bateman noted, “All three unions
came back to me and said that they were okay with it.”
Welch also appointed Julia Gerardo to the Historic Preservation
Commission, stating that former Alderman Ron Keller had
recommended her.
The council briefly discussed a city cost-share for resurfacing
work on Business I-55, estimated at $23,000. Walt Landers
clarified that “the parking lanes are our responsibility,” while
the driving lanes fall under IDOT jurisdiction.
Welch brought forward the city’s acquisition of the former State
Bank of Lincoln building and its associated parking lot. Further
details were not disclosed, but the item was acknowledged as an
important development.
A lengthy discussion followed regarding the formation of an
ethics or code of conduct commission. Welch noted that past
behavioral issues and lack of formal complaint procedures had
motivated the discussion.
Robin McClallen said, “I really feel
like we have suffered through a lot of things here... by making the
informal committee more formal, there would be a place for people to
go.”
The meeting concluded with several announcements. Welch encouraged
residents to attend a ribbon cutting at Imago de Pilates on June 14
and highlighted the launch of the city’s new website, which replaced
a glitch-ridden older version. “The old website was just dying a
slow death,” he said.
He also thanked first responders for their work during a recent
vehicle crash at the hospital, adding, “Please again thank your men
and women that serve our community. It didn’t go unnoticed this
time.” Police Chief Joe Meister confirmed that no patients were
seriously injured and said, “We’re still investigating the cause of
the crash.”
Alderperson Sam Downs gave thanks for support of the recent Pride
Festival, calling it “a huge success,” while Stan Anderson praised
the turnout and vendor participation. “You even had a guy doing some
blacksmith work,” he said.
The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June
16. The following Committee of the Whole meeting will take place on
Tuesday, June 24.
[By Sophia Larimore]
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