[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5986572,"mediaKeyId","5764820-408a5dacf668ddf53a6d6de39aa97278","parentId",5764820,"title","City to consider Heartland Bank letter of credit to secure Ameren pole camera for safety initiative","audioSeconds",307,"startMs",2299000,"endMs",2606000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5764820-408a5dacf668ddf53a6d6de39aa97278&start=2299&end=2606","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5764820-408a5dacf668ddf53a6d6de39aa97278/thumbnail_2299000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5986572/Lincoln/Logan-County/Illinois/City-to-consider-Heartland-Bank-letter-of-credit-to-secure-Ameren-pole-camera-for-safety-initiative","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5986572-e133b58dde289132b615ef53dc845c16/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213750&Signature=kUSXran4WzVpitfkYh27t1AKdzUMV4RYCs3bChElWkqZzF6Qh-WzfFYMmYOPWCXEaVrgUsh1vXv9C2I4fiG2T5cuvghOdmmmhx0L3DUw-KLs8~XPdGOZ0O6zpW1O4My0~BhMCzns3MJivNr8wFOAvGfojnrBVCvHfwa~8LiKP-2afKU1DzH63VtT1IMU0~Q8CzsJV2~dfgpa-rs1tu7rLtHPOOvIIc9sst3m-~s6pg-3zmP6sCWhAurztHHacNzL~UNFEQM3GEEGAzAvxbsxNMdyJ0nhMwc1A8bGB98InrxrKZddMeGdRWGwHkjD3eCVKbwEekgKazvF2bOcdCk65g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lincoln, IL","date","2025-09-12T14:01:56Z","article","City police and staff briefed the committee Sept. 9 on a request to secure a Heartland Bank letter of credit required by Ameren to permit attachment of a security camera to an electric pole as part of the city’s safety initiative. The council placed the item on the regular agenda so the bank can issue the letter after formal council action.

Police staff said Ameren’s attachment process for longer‑term camera installations requires a detailed agreement and a bank letter of credit. The chief said the paperwork amounted to some 20 pages and that Ameren charges an annual pole attachment fee of about $197. The requested bank instrument would be a $500 letter of credit from Heartland Bank to secure the city’s obligations under Ameren’s attachment terms.

Staff explained the camera is intended to cover a location between the 200 blocks of South Kickapoo and South Chicago Street; an earlier plan to route wiring through an older movie theater wall failed because renovations made the walls too thick. The chief said this pole attachment option is the remaining feasible approach for that coverage area.

Treasurer Konza told the committee Ameren requires a council request to enable the bank to issue the letter of credit and that the lack of a council action has delayed the installation. The committee placed the item on the regular agenda in order to meet Ameren’s bank issuance process and move forward with the final camera of the project phase.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee of the Whole - September 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Police and staff told the Sept. 9 committee that Ameren requires a $500 bank letter of credit and extensive contract terms to allow a security camera to be attached to an electric pole as part of the city’s safety initiative; the council placed the request on the regular agenda so Heartland Bank can issue the letter after council approval.","taxTitle","Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois","taxId",62037,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5986577,"Council to consider $250,406.40 curb and sidewalk contract; extra $75,000 proposed",102,1601000,1703000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5764820-408a5dacf668ddf53a6d6de39aa97278&start=1601&end=1703","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5764820-408a5dacf668ddf53a6d6de39aa97278/thumbnail_1601000.jpg","/articles/5986577/Lincoln/Logan-County/Illinois/Council-to-consider-25040640-curb-and-sidewalk-contract-extra-75000-proposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5986577-0b39090c67e8931359c8dc82529fd907/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213750&Signature=XifSS~kyYwBlPhVttcDZBWCAbo5V4k6FmPTRVqscI60mX2C1BsX7ttdlG0xM7G-~8V7mPn9obmKJopI7Pn2ZHPIo2EDU7-8JPeVntudzzFyJAhf6K~NKGTNjK8Fp9Pj49Vdl6JfDKAg4d5waodiDr~wns6bl0IyVQ8gobN-mRGWsWJNEz5OCaEq1X~Z6zGMp0v~LgYIZoQ5sZ0xVzuVVL4sV2kWivcSDgh67wK47iRDMJSRdnRC6G8a~qfhk7bneKDDM8rvVluJmoRdHPqxNwMXlXaZccdbcFlgY0tPvw-7ixDXZFKIidBz2NdSyQoA0ZWMyc9buZEUIGmv05mM2yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the committee of the whole meeting on Sept. 9, public works staff reported on the curb and sidewalk replacement project bid opening and recommended accepting the low bid from Kenny Contractors for $250,406.40. Staff also recommended adding $75,000 to allow additional work and contingencies; the council placed the item on the regular agenda for final action.

Public works staff said four bids were received at the Sept. 3 opening and that the recommended contractor’s price covered the target locations listed in the bid documents. The city’s appropriation for the project is $350,000; staff said adding $75,000 would enable more ramps and sidewalk segments to be addressed while leaving a contingency balance.

Staff cautioned that the additional work would be contingent on the contractor accepting the unit prices in the current contract; in previous years, contractors have agreed to the listed unit prices, the staff member said. The council asked to review the target lists and to speak with staff before the regular agenda vote if they had further questions.

The committee referred the recommendation to the regular agenda so the full council can consider awarding the contract and any additional work.","Staff recommended on Sept. 9 that the city accept a low bid of $250,406.40 from Kenny Contractors for the 2025 curb and sidewalk replacement project and add $75,000 to allow more work; the item was placed on the regular agenda pending contractor agreement on unit prices.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5986582,"Lincoln seeks $250,000 to finish Eighth Street park pavilion; treasurer recommends deferred loan timing",613,1017000,1630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5764820-408a5dacf668ddf53a6d6de39aa97278&start=1017&end=1630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5764820-408a5dacf668ddf53a6d6de39aa97278/thumbnail_1017000.jpg","/articles/5986582/Lincoln/Logan-County/Illinois/Lincoln-seeks-250000-to-finish-Eighth-Street-park-pavilion-treasurer-recommends-deferred-loan-timing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5986582-667b704c718fb11d0aeb4c868087eb44/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213750&Signature=h63eFEHjPu9naBq6r~L8fZ2frSy2VXIopXcQpgU5w579fgW1WxfWEooOMY~uotA1AVztQimYBN2HSIvIRcQutItmgKybgDN2JYsG11H4eJioxz05Nzpw6yHBi4zgzbmfQR3aN-Gfh7H4jbEXgUbGQb755heLYDtRyh9TLuJsUHqLdNI2LWTKLPwXsp~KgN1hZ2-0-LjBubVXstjZJamczKf7VZnqNoddqhHnfMiLzG-l4Y5lCtJVsvtbc78cTTQpv6jngUpY48wEMUDgAI938rNnlAbBffsiy7A-9ypXITAHTFa0xn3Uodntia6DZ92CShVErAk3HvK7sBLgt05J7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 9 committee meeting, a parks representative requested additional funding to complete a proposed community pavilion at Eighth Street Park, saying the project requires about $250,000 beyond previously allocated funds. The council agreed to place the item on the regular agenda so members can consider financing options.

The parks representative said the total project estimate is $380,000 and that roughly $136,514 in ARPA funds have already been allocated toward the project. Two grant applications had been denied, she said, and she plans to reapply for a recurring T‑Mobile grant whose next deadline is Sept. 30. The packet provided to the council includes engineering and design details.

Treasurer Konza told the council the feasible way to cover the remaining cost is a bank loan or debt certificate spread over three or four years. He recommended waiting to close a loan until closer to when funds will be used — likely spring — to avoid paying interest on unused proceeds and because interest‑rate forecasts suggest rates may fall. The treasurer said local banks had been contacted for proposed rates.

Parks committee member Bateman described the proposed pavilion as a compromise in size and design intended to be accessible, suitable for performances and low on ongoing maintenance. Alderman McClellan asked whether noise restrictions would apply for amplified music; staff said existing noise ordinances would apply and additional use guidelines could be developed.

The council placed the pavilion funding request on the regular agenda for the next meeting and asked the treasurer to continue monitoring loan rates and to bring specific financing recommendations, likely in spring if the council delays borrowing until then.","Council heard a request Sept. 9 for roughly $250,000 more to complete the proposed Eighth Street Park community pavilion; $136,514 in ARPA funds have already been allocated, and staff recommended financing the balance with a short‑term loan timed to interest‑rate movement and project schedule.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5986586,"Council discusses voluntary annexation to expand Keystone community solar project",568,2791000,3359000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5764820-408a5dacf668ddf53a6d6de39aa97278&start=2791&end=3359","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5764820-408a5dacf668ddf53a6d6de39aa97278/thumbnail_2791000.jpg","/articles/5986586/Lincoln/Logan-County/Illinois/Council-discusses-voluntary-annexation-to-expand-Keystone-community-solar-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5986586-efeeed76be242498d75353a0f2728eb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213750&Signature=gFPwFW92NJiRuBtjwtHCqWkKfjW3eyXQNsoflg8t~aQavGCSxzH9-UPj5Akp8iIar5IO~tV2N2DWe7SchvmlN6SBMcRl32zSBTivPAS2ahBgah2tf6OZmgZpqgglExLRb7v8MzlUoYMMtEJnM6aI~uCm5iszrTSwIyQEfP-q-mppVoi9YYpBM1Z93fj93XVfprPk0V9BzSk1Wes0kflIHTfNcVI3sF~ZEOv4OybWs7LP8zTf8gMZfI3IOgB0eX9LtuoPTKgQe8ItTuyJd~qSniZHYRlAVjh9J0~Yr9qsVuUyndEllX76j1LGn0XARI~4cYCltJkAcBqE1xZKhVoJzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 9 committee of the whole meeting, city staff and project contacts outlined a proposed voluntary annexation of farmland to expand the Keystone community solar project. The council directed staff to prepare paperwork and send required notices so the annexation could be considered at the Oct. 6 voting meeting if the parcels are finalized.

City staff said Keystone plans to lease, not buy, adjacent farmland for a solar expansion that would add to the community solar farm already under construction. A staff member explained that because the project is intended to serve City of Lincoln constituents, the land must be inside the city limits. The property owner has indicated willingness to seek annexation.

Staff noted statutory notice requirements for voluntary annexations: certified letters must be sent to the fire protection district, township and library district 10 days before the meeting at which annexation would be considered. The earliest practical council date to hear the annexation, given those notice timelines, would be Oct. 6, staff said.

City and project contacts discussed several site details. One parcel contains a gas line that must be considered when selecting specific acreage for annexation. A council member said GIS mapping shows one parcel at roughly 68 gross acres but that project representatives have mentioned an additional 20 acres for panels; staff said they would confirm which parcels Keystone intends to lease and which parcels would be petitioned for annexation.

Councilmember contact for Keystone expansion said Kent Cross and his farm have been contacted and are agreeable to leasing. The contact also said the expansion would allow the city to receive applicable tax dollars while the landowner receives lease payments.

Councilmembers did not vote on annexation at the committee meeting but asked staff to prepare the petition, send the required notices and return with finalized parcel descriptions so the council can consider a vote at the Oct. 6 meeting, if timelines allow.","City staff and project contacts told the Sept. 9 committee the Keystone community solar developer is seeking voluntary annexation of farmland so the city can include the expansion in its jurisdiction and collect applicable tax dollars; staff tentatively set paperwork and required notices to support an Oct. 6 vote if parcels are finalized.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5986591,"Lincoln committee to consider Cisco Drive solar array and on-site data center",496,1822000,2318000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5764820-408a5dacf668ddf53a6d6de39aa97278&start=1822&end=2318","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5764820-408a5dacf668ddf53a6d6de39aa97278/thumbnail_1822000.jpg","/articles/5986591/Lincoln/Logan-County/Illinois/Lincoln-committee-to-consider-Cisco-Drive-solar-array-and-on-site-data-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5986591-dd1ccc813d87e64dc69fe61cbf13bc47/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213750&Signature=ega4hzr3F-Oc7olS3X-kxQ09lpsi99vy5jiS5tXyPTOUaprFKddz6FAbTR-1i4dQwqUBW0Tt9fMdKcBSDKBLgNx2ro68uxH-rNrXNkML~meu3df-Nk42HiVNQEH7axBfIyEs1LDbduLZImdK1rHsQieeLukIsvkls4zwP0Gdk5ua9ef7tfQiJKEkL5hGt8IejgJc7RdEWewORwFmLf3w7nGjJR9pd3BoLGszcN8dQo826EyU6wEuRYuTIdXB-jVzXxGIPDDw17j8bJMX3R3Trig1MPCrWQC3mGFdD~CR3XaWpr2oEkUqRNljWYf2qi24nRLAZmAQ3SEfAq5fTBfz8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the City of Lincoln committee of the whole meeting Sept. 9, staff presented plans for a solar array and on-site data processing center on a 10‑acre parcel on Cisco Drive, with roughly eight acres proposed for the solar installation. The council placed the item on the regular agenda for further consideration.

The proposal, described by a staff member who provided a project packet, calls for a data processing facility served by a solar array sited on property west of the auto auction and east of a nearby water tower. The packet, roughly 280 pages, includes design information the council requested.

The project proponents and several local workers addressed the council during public participation to emphasize local economic benefits. “To date this year, we have about a million dollars in wages that we’ve paid to only people who live in the city of Lincoln, working on projects,” said Tony Grillo. Mitchell Bachman, who identified himself as electoral supervisor and foreman for BTV Energy Solutions, said his crew spends much of the year in Lincoln and buys goods locally. Resident Josh Glazek said the job helped him save to buy a house and pay for private school for his children. “This job has been a great opportunity,” Glazek said.

City staff said the electricity generated would be used on‑site to power the data processing center, not exported elsewhere. A councilmember asked whether the facility would use water for cooling; a project representative said the data center would be air‑cooled, not water‑cooled.

Council members also raised the visibility and neighborhood impacts after prior complaints about a different array on Limit Street. Project representative Tony Grillo told the council he will follow the city’s solar rules and make the fence along Limit Street opaque, add vegetation and maintain the site. He said the project is in an industrially zoned area and would be set behind existing industrial uses, and that he is awaiting Ameren’s final interconnection work before completing landscaping and maintenance handover.

Mayor Tracy L. Welch and staff directed that the proposal be placed on the regular agenda for next week so the council can review the full packet and ask follow‑up questions. No formal approval was taken at the committee meeting.

If the council approves the item at a future meeting, staff indicated they will coordinate remaining issues such as fencing, screening and the Ameren interconnection timeline.","At its Sept. 9 committee of the whole meeting, City of Lincoln staff and project representatives presented a proposal for a solar array serving an on-site data processing center on Cisco Drive. Councilmembers placed the item on the regular agenda for further review after questions about visibility, fencing and utility connections.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City to consider Heartland Bank letter of credit to secure Ameren pole camera for safety initiative

Council to consider $250,406.40 curb and sidewalk contract; extra $75,000 proposed

Lincoln seeks $250,000 to finish Eighth Street park pavilion; treasurer recommends deferred loan timing

Council discusses voluntary annexation to expand Keystone community solar project

Lincoln committee to consider Cisco Drive solar array and on-site data center