City Council

Feb 16, 2026

The lede

  • City Council passed ordinance updating ward descriptions to reflect annexations since 2011
  • Council rejected private IT vendor proposals and approved intergovernmental agreement with Boone County for IT and VOIP services at $110,000/year with 3% annual escalator
  • Council approved concept of TIF redevelopment agreement with Dairy Farmers of America; final terms to be presented later
  • Rick Menge appointed to Fire & Police Commission to complete Tim Rathburn’s term through April 2027

Decisions & votes

  • Ordinance #751H (ward boundary updates): Passed 10-0 on second reading
  • Rejection of IT vendor proposals (Petry Design, Entre Solutions, Sundog): Approved 10-0
  • Resolution #2026-3 (IT/VOIP agreement with Boone County): Adopted 10-0
  • Resolution #2026-4 (IDNR license agreement for storm sewer): Adopted 10-0
  • Resolution #2026-5 (accepting public improvements for MH Subdivision/former Dodge Lanes): Adopted 10-0
  • Resolution #2026-6 (police services IGA with Belvidere Township Park District): Adopted 10-0
  • Resolution #2026-7 (Winnebago-Boone County Investigative Cooperative MOU): Postponed to March 16, 2026 at Police Chief’s request due to potential language changes
  • Dairy Farmers of America TIF concept: Approved 10-0
  • Rick Menge appointment to Fire & Police Commission: Approved 10-0
  • Mental health consultant services agreement (Dr. Christina Warden/Glenwood Center): Approved 10-0

Discussion items

  • Mayor thanked Boone County Board and Chairman Tom Wahberg for improved working relationship on IT agreement
  • Director Anderson confirmed TIF balance amount for Dairy Farmers agreement may change by final presentation based on receipts
  • Police Chief Woody confirmed Park District Board approved police services agreement on prior Tuesday
  • Council discussed not including specific TIF dollar amounts in conceptual motion since final numbers may fluctuate

Financial / operational notes

  • General & Special Fund expenditures: $4,780,265.46 approved
  • Water & Sewer Fund expenditures: $605,730.77 approved
  • Boone County IT/VOIP services: $110,000 annually with annual increase of higher of CPI-U Midwest or 3%; three-year initial term beginning May 2026
  • IDNR license agreement: $110/year for 10-year term (May 2026-April 2036) for 21” storm sewer operation/maintenance
  • Monthly reports for January 2026 (police overtime, fire overtime, community development, building department revenues/permits, financial reports, donations) placed on file

Public comment

No content.

Notable moments

  • Mayor read aloud letter of introduction from Rick Menge detailing his 46-year career at Camcar/Fontana/Acument, 10 years managing city recycling center under Director Anderson, and extensive youth sports coaching experience
  • Chief Woody requested postponement of investigative cooperative MOU due to member requesting language changes
  • Mayor reminded Council and staff of budget retreat scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
  • Meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.

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