City Council
Jan 20, 2026
The lede
- Approved FY2026 budget amendment adding $220K for two new Public Works positions as Director Brent Anderson retires after 57 years; Assistant Public Works Director at $114K and Street/Water/Sewer Superintendent at $106K
- Approved two DCEO grants totaling $280,000 ($100K + $180K) for Kishwaukee Riverfront Path Extension Project
- Appointed Carl Swanson to Historic Preservation Commission for vacated three-year term ending April 2028
- Approved expenditures: $2.44M general/special funds and $1.21M water/sewer funds
Decisions & votes
Ordinance 750H (Budget Amendment) – PASSED 9-0
Second reading approving FY2026 budget revisions for two new Public Works positions totaling $220K in new salary expenditures.
Carl Swanson Historic Preservation Commission Appointment – PASSED 8-0
Three-year term ending April 30, 2028.
Grant Agreement 25-203029 (DCEO) – PASSED 8-0
Authorized mayor to sign documents for $100,000 grant for Kishwaukee Riverfront Path Extension.
Grant Agreement 25-203097 (DCEO) – PASSED 8-0
Authorized mayor to sign documents for $180,000 grant for Kishwaukee Riverfront Path Extension.
Expenditures – PASSED 8-0 (each vote)
- General & Special Funds: $2,439,672.46
- Water & Sewer: $1,213,453.35
Discussion items
Turnout Gear Purchase ($3,970.50): Alderman Peterson inquired about Dinges Fire Company charge for firefighter turnout coat and pants. Fire Chief explained the city is required to replace gear after 10 years or when damaged/worn. Department purchases mid-range quality gear after shopping multiple vendors. Chief noted they balance quality with cost-effectiveness.
Public Works Restructuring: Mayor Morris explained the Assistant Public Works Director and Street/Water/Sewer Superintendent positions are needed to replace institutional knowledge as Director Anderson departs after 42 years in June. Acknowledged no single hire can fully replace Anderson’s experience, but noted competitive salaries are necessary to attract and retain qualified personnel from other communities or recent graduates. Jordan Kek will assume Assistant Director role.
Financial / operational notes
Budget Amendment (Ord. 750H):
- Assistant Public Works Director: $114,000 annual salary
- Street/Water/Sewer Superintendent: $106,000 annual salary
- Total new recurring expenditure: $220,000
Grant Funding:
- DCEO Grant 25-203029: $100,000
- DCEO Grant 25-203097: $180,000
- Combined total: $280,000 for Kishwaukee Riverfront Path Extension
Monthly Reports Filed (December 2025):
- Police Department overtime
- Fire Department overtime
- Community Development/Planning Department activity
- Building Department revenues, permits, and case reports
- Annual Building Department report (CY2025)
- Financial reports (General Fund, Water/Sewer)
- Donations report
Public comment
No content.
Notable moments
Public Works Transition: Mayor Morris acknowledged Director Brent Anderson’s 57-year tenure (noted as 42 years of service in discussion) and the challenge of replacing such extensive institutional knowledge. The mayor expressed disbelief that Anderson is departing in June 2026.
Meeting Tone: The meeting opened with light humor about broken chairs and the mayor indicating they would order replacements if council members agreed.
Attendance: Two aldermen (Gramkowski and Stevens) were absent. Eight members present for all votes.