Quincy Reporter

City of Quincy City Council met May 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the City Council was held this day at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Dr. Linda K. Moore presiding. The following members were physically present: Ald. Fletcher, Entrup, Bergman, Bauer, Mays, Adkins, Ehmen, Sassen, McReynolds, Ebbing, Reis, Reed, Uzelac, Holtschlag. 14.

The minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council held May 12, 2025, were approved on a motion of Ald. Entrup. Motion carried.

Legal Counsel: Interim Corporation Counsel Bruce Alford.

The Deputy City Clerk presented and read the following:

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Wendy White discussed the issues she has with bats in her home, being bit by a bat, and the concerns of rabid bats found in Adams County.

Mecki Kosin of the Sister City Commission invited everyone out to the Germanfest, June 6th and 7th. She said that additional volunteers are needed.

Jami Miller passed around photos of the outside of her home. She spoke about her concerns regarding the issues she talked about one (1) year ago. Nothing has been done.

Steve Homan discussed concerns about the Quincy Police Department using the flock camera system in a civil matter.

PETITIONS

Applications for Waiver of Liquor Ordinances by the Quincy Axe Co., 625 Maine Street and The Pour Haus, 625 Maine, for June 13th and 14th, and September 20th from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Quincy Police Department has given their approval.

Ald. Uzelac moved the prayer of the petition be granted. Motion carried.

By Fireworks Authority Inc. requesting permission to hold a fireworks display on July 4th at Quinsippi Island, approximately 9:30 p.m. for the Quincy Freedom Fest. The Quincy Fire Department has given their approval.

Ald. Bauer moved the prayer os the petition be granted and the proper authorities notified. Motion carried. By Bethel Assembly of God Church, 839 S. 12th Street, requesting approval of a Live Entertainment/Public Gathering application for the “Bethel’s 100th Anniversary Parking Lot Party” on May 31, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Ald. Reis moved the prayer of the petition be granted and the proper authorities notified. Motion carried. By Bethel Assembly of God Church, 839 S. 12th Street, requesting approval of a Live Entertainment/Public Gathering application for the “100th Anniversary Tent Revival” from July 9th to July 13th, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on each day.

Ald. Reis moved the prayer of the petition be granted and the proper authorities notified. Motion carried. Special Event Application to hold Germanfest on Friday, June 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 7th from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in South Park. They request barricades and “No Parking” signs at the east entrance of the park on South 12th Street. The applicant has submitted all required documentation, and approval is recommended by the Depart ment of Utilities & Engineering.

Ald. Reis moved the prayer of the petition be granted and the proper authorities notified. Motion carried. Special Event Application requesting permission to hold the Quincy Grand Prix on Friday, June 27th through Sunday, June 29th in South Park. Closure of the South 12th Street, Harrison Street to South Park Terrace Drive from 7:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27th through 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 29th and barricades are requested. “No Parking” signs on South 14th Street, Jackson to Harrison Streets (both sides); South side of Jackson Street, South 14th Street to the east entrance of QND; Elmwood Dr. East, Elmwood Dr. West, and Elmwood Dr. North (inside lanes around the horseshoe); South and West sides South Park Terrace are requested from 7:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28th, and from 7:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 29th. The applicant has submitted all required documentation, and approval is recommended by the Department of Utilities and Engineering.

Ald. Reis moved the prayer of the petition be granted and the proper authorities notified. Motion carried. Special Event Application requesting permission to hold a Maker’s Market on Friday and Saturday, June 13th and 14th and September 19th and 20th. Closure of 6th Street, Maine to Vermont Street (including 6th and Hampshire intersec tion); Jail Alley, west side of 6th Street to Parking Lot G (parking lot will remain open); Parking Lot I from 12:00 (noon) Friday through 7:00 p.m. Saturday, barricades are requested. “No Parking” signs on Parking Lot I and 6th Street, Maine to Vermont Streets, on the mornings of Friday, June 13th and Friday, September 19th are requested. The applicant has submit ted all required documentation, and approval is recommended by the Department of Utilities and Engineering. Ald. Uzelac moved the prayer of the petition be granted and the proper authorities notified. Motion carried. Special Event Application requesting permission to hold the Raider Challenge on Saturday, June 14, 2025. They request the closure of Jackson Street, 9th Street to 12th Street; R.J. Peters Drive, Gardner Expressway to 12h Street and Southbound Lane of South 12th Street, R.J. Peters Drive to Jackson Street from 6:30 a.m. through 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14th with barricades. The applicant has submitted all required documentation, and approval is recommended by the Department of Utilities & Engineering.

Ald. Reis moved the prayer of the petition be granted and the proper authorities notified. Motion carried. Special Event Application requesting permission to hold the Soap Box Derby on Friday, June 13th and Saturday, June 14h. They request the closure of North 18th Street, Seminary Road to Kochs Lane and Hollister-Whitney Parkway, North 18th Street to North 24th Street beginning at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, June 12th through 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14th with barricades and “Road Closed” signage. They also request “No Parking” signs on North 18th Street, Kochs Lane south to Hollister Whitney Parkway on the morning of Thursday, June 16th. The applicant has submitted all required docu mentation, and approval is recommended by the Department of Utilities & Engineering.

Ald. Mays moved the prayer of the petition be granted and the proper authorities notified. Motion carried.

MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS

By Mayor Dr. Linda K. Moore making the appointment of James Pioch as Director of IT effective June 1, 2025. Ald. Uzelac moved the appointment be confirmed. Motion carried.

By Mayor Dr. Linda K. Moore making the appointment of Bruce Alford as Corporation Counsel effective immediately. Ald. Reis moved the appointment be confirmed. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Quincy Police Department hired one recruit police officer in December of 2024; and

WHEREAS, basic law enforcement training is vital to ensure recruit police officers get the fundamental training needed to prepare them for a career in law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, the new officer, Abin Cherian, successfully completed the basic law enforcement training at the Police Training Institute in April 2025; and

WHEREAS, until recently, the cost of tuition for recruit police officers to attend the basic training academy was paid for via direct bill by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board; and

WHEREAS, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board has recently experienced a significant de crease in funding from the state of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board now requires all departments to pay tuition up front for recruit police officers attending the basic law enforcement training class; and

WHEREAS, the department can then apply for reimbursement from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Stan dards Board to recoup the money used to pay for tuition for the recruit officer to attend the basic law enforcement training academy; and

WHEREAS, departments understand that reimbursements will be subject to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board availability of funds; now

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Chief of Police recommends to the Mayor and City Council that the Quincy Police Department be granted authority to pay $8,177.00 for tuition for Officer Cherian who attended the basic law enforce ment training academy at the Police Training Institute, Champaign, IL.

Adam C. Yates

Chief of Police

Ald. Sassen moved for the adoption of the resolution, seconded by Ald. Mays, and on the roll call each of the 14 Alder men voted yea. Motion carried.

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND ESTABLISHING JUNETEENTH AS A PAID HOLIDAY FOR EMPLOYEES NOT PART OF A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BY THE CITY OF QUINCY, ILLINOIS

WHEREAS, the City of Quincy, Illinois (the “City”) is a duly organized and validly existing home-rule municipality created in accordance with the Constitution of the State of Illinois of 1970 and the laws of the State;

WHEREAS, Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” “Jubilee Day” and “Emancipation Day,” is the oldest National Day of Commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was proclaimed to all slaves in the south by Union General Granger in Galveston, Texas, more than two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln; and,

WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a Federal and state holiday; and,

WHEREAS, the celebration of Juneteenth is inclusive of all races, ethnicities, religions and nationalities and provides the opportunity for all citizens to acknowledge a period in history that has influenced and shaped today’s society while recognizing that there is still significant work to be done to advance the ideals of freedom, liberty and justice for all; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Quincy Mayor (the “Mayor”) and the Director of Human Resources desire to recognize the historical importance of Juneteenth and its continued relevance across the nation, and specifically within the City of Quincy; and,

WHEREAS, in furtherance of this effort and to encourage City of Quincy employees to educate them selves on Juneteenth’s rich history and to participate and engage in Juneteenth celebrations, the Mayor and Director of Human Resources have determined that it is in the best interest of the City of Quincy to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday in the City of Quincy and to establish June 19th as an annual paid holiday for all City of Quincy employ ees who are not part of a collective bargaining agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Dr. Linda K Moore, City of Quincy Mayor (the “Mayor”) and the Director of Human Resources Kelly Japcon hereby recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday in the City of Quincy and establishes June 19th as an annual paid holiday for all City of Quincy employees who are not part of a collective bargaining agreement.

Ald. Bauer moved for the adoption of the resolution, seconded by Ald. Uzelac, and on the roll call each of the 14 Alder men voted yea. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the City of Quincy is the owner and operator of the Quincy Regional Airport; and

WHEREAS, as a primary airport, the City of Quincy is entitled to $1,622,396.40 dollars in 2022 airport improvement funds; and

WHEREAS, the City of Quincy wishes to apply for a grant with the Federal Aviation Administration and the State of Illinois Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, the project designated in the grant will be as follows; acquisition of two pieces of snow removal equip ment; and

WHEREAS, the City of Quincy will act as the pass through for all of the federal funds; and

WHEREAS, this project is to be 95% funded by the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, and 2.5% by State DOT and, 2.5% local matching funds; and

WHEREAS, all future contracts and financial obligations for the projects outlined above will be forthcoming; and 

WHEREAS, the majority of said obligations are expected to be appropriated and dispersed over the next two fiscal years: now

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Airport Director and the Aeronautics Committee recommend approval to ex ecute an FAA grant to allow the release of 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law money. The project includes two pieces of snow removal equipment from M-B Company totaling $1,622,306.40. This grant is funded 95% from the FAA, 2.5% from IDOT and 2.5% city portion.

Bill Lantz

Airport Director

Ald. Entrup moved for the adoption of the resolution, seconded by Ald. Reed, and on the roll call each of the 14 Alder men voted yea. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Comptroller’s Office has experienced increased responsibilities related to annual financial reporting and the city audit; and,

WHEREAS, the Comptroller’s Office is currently short-staffed with two budgeted vacant positions; and,

WHEREAS, the Comptroller sent requests to three accounting firms for a quote for Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CaaS) to assist with preparing the year end audit accruals to include training a new employee; and,

WHEREAS, the responses for quotes were:

Lauterbach & Amen $10,000

Wade Stables no quote, no availability until mid-October

Grey Hunter Stenn no response as of 5/16/25, and,

WHEREAS, Lauterbach and Amen currently has experience with our financial system and we feel this is a one-time service to help us establish set standards for year-end needs and assist with training the new accountant who is hired to take over this responsibility.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Comptroller recommends to the Mayor and City Council that the City proceed with a Client Accounting and Advisory Services engagement with Lauterbach and Amen for hourly billing not to exceed $10,000.

Ald. Holtschlag moved for the adoption of the resolution, seconded by Ald. Uzelac, and on the roll call each of the 14 Aldermen voted yea. Motion carried.

ORDINANCE

Adoption of an Ordinance entitled: An Ordinance Granting A Special Use Permit For A Planned Development. (1518 North 5th Street to operate an autobody repair and paint shop.)

Ald. Fletcher moved for the adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Ald. Entrup and on a roll call each of the 14 Aldermen voted yea. The Chair, Mayor Dr. Linda K. Moore, declared the motion carried and the ordinance adopted.

ORDINANCE

Adoption of an Ordinance entitled: An Ordinance Granting A Special Use Permit For A Planned Development. (To allow for an accessory building (garage) located at 1603 Center Avenue to be used for commercial storage.) Ald. Entrup moved for the adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Ald. Fletcher and on a roll call each of the 14 Alder men voted yea. The Chair, Mayor Dr. Linda K. Moore, declared the motion carried and the ordinance adopted.

ORDINANCE

Second presentation of an Ordinance entitled: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 32 (City Council) Of The Municipal Code Of The City Of Quincy. (Change the order of business of council meetings and add Consent Agenda.)

ORDINANCE

First presentation of an Ordinance entitled: An Ordinance Amending The 2025-2056 Fiscal Year Budget. (General Fund needs to increase the Concrete budget for the $81,500 excavator resolution. Reduce the Legal budget by $20,000 and reduce/eliminate the Director of Administrative Services budget to increase the Mayoral budget by $177,768.)

REPORT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE

Jack Holtschlag

Anthony E. Sassen

Eric Entrup

Richie C. Reis

Finance Committee

Ald. Holtschlag, seconded by Ald. Reis, moved the report be received and vouchers be issued for the various amounts and on the roll call each of the 14 Aldermen voted yea. Motion carried.

MAYORS’ COMMENT

Contour Airlines is projected to begin service on August 1, 2025.

At next week’s meeting, we will have the third reading of the Consent Agenda..

The Mayor will be out of the office July 8th to July 14th for the Sister City trip.

NEW BUSINESS

Ald. Entrup asked to have Jeffrey Conte or Steve Bange speak at next week’s Counsel Meeting on the construction update.

Ald. Bergman called on Kevin McClean of Central Services and Mike Seaver of Code Enforcement to explain the pro cess of nuisance and abate issues. Currently there are about 80 work orders to complete and about 177 open cases for review with only 3 crew members to do the work.

Ald. Uzelac moved to have 12th and Broadway referred to the Traffic Commission for review due to the many accidents at that intersection. Motion carried.

Ald. Uzelac moved to close the west side of Parking Lot I to include seven (7) parking spots beginning May 20th, for two weeks. “No Parking Signs” are needed. Motion carried.

The City Council adjourned at 8:00 p.m. on a motion of Ald. Holtschlag. Motion carried.

https://www.quincyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8264