(OLNEY) The Olney City Council met Monday evening, approving several business, infrastructure, and development-related items during its regular meeting.
The council first approved the consent agenda before voting 3-1 to grant Speakeasy Arcade LLC a Class A liquor license for its location at 215 North Fair Street. Following that action, council members approved an amendment to the city code creating an additional Class A liquor license.
Council members also approved a $5,000 sponsorship request from Olney Festivals of Illinois to support the upcoming White Squirrel Bluegrass Festival.
Several city fee increases were approved during the meeting, including adjustments to utility deposits, water and sewer services, inspections, permits, and sewage dumping fees. City officials noted that some of those fees had not been updated in more than 20 years.
Additional increases were approved for building permits, demolition permits, sign permits, mobile home park licenses, and variance applications, with many of those fees remaining unchanged for approximately 15 years.
The council also approved an amendment to the 2026-2027 Motor Fuel Tax budget to account for $32,507.84 in COVID Relief Urban Allotment Funds. The funding will help cover costs associated with the East Street Bridge Project.
In another action, council members expanded eligibility for the city’s Façade Grant Program. The updated boundaries now include portions of York, Walnut, Fair, Boone, and Market streets, allowing additional property owners to qualify for grant assistance.
During his City Manager’s Report, City Manager Frank Bradley provided updates on several ongoing infrastructure projects. Bradley said Elliott Street is expected to reopen Tuesday evening, while East Street is anticipated to reopen Wednesday evening. He also reported that the East Scott Street storm sewer project should be completed this week and that the East North Avenue Water Main Replacement Project remains on schedule.
Bradley noted that ISO flow testing is scheduled for Wednesday. The testing helps determine insurance ratings that can impact property insurance costs for city residents and businesses.
The council also approved several closed session resolutions and authorized a public hearing on July 13 regarding a proposed exchange of real estate in the industrial park for the construction of a lift station.
The next meeting of the Olney City Council is scheduled for July 13.