City Council
Mar 16, 2026
The lede
- City Council approved general and special fund expenditures of $2.64 million and water/sewer expenditures of $528,000
- Passed ordinance establishing handicap parking spaces on Garden Drive near old Pope Chiropractic Clinic
- Adopted resolution joining Winnebago-Boone County Investigative Cooperative (renamed from Integrity Task Force)
- Approved multiple infrastructure and public works projects including spring branch pickup, street maintenance program, and wastewater treatment plant change order with $82,393 credit
- First reading of FY27 budget ordinance with reserves of approximately one year
Decisions & votes
Ordinance #752H (2nd reading) - Handicap parking on Garden Drive: PASSED 9-0
- Establishes two handicap parking stalls on north side of Garden Drive west of State Street
- For facility purchased by District 100
Resolution #2026-7 - Winnebago-Boone County Investigative Cooperative MOU: PASSED 9-0
- Joins multi-jurisdictional law enforcement cooperative for investigating officer-involved incidents
- Name changed from “Integrity Task Force” for legal reasons
Resolution #2026-8 - Genoa Road jurisdictional transfer IGA with Boone County: PASSED 9-0
2026 Spring Branch Pickup: PASSED 9-0
2026 MFT Street Maintenance Program: PASSED 9-0
WWTP Sludge Heater Replacement Project - Change Order #1: PASSED 9-0
- Credit of $82,393.34 (unusual credit change order)
- Project not yet complete, awaiting gas safety items
Illinois DCEO Regional Site Readiness Program Grant - additional cost: PASSED 9-0
- City portion: $61,540
Work authorization amendment - CES, Inc. engineering modifications: PASSED 9-0
- $48,900 from Capital Funds for Regional Site Readiness Grant Project
Re-establish City-County Coordinating Committee: PASSED 9-0
- To meet quarterly
- City expects to field three aldermen as representatives
Discussion items
FY27 Budget Ordinance (Ordinance #753H) - First reading only; changes from committee packet:
- Budget Officer Sarah Turnipseed removed operating transfer dollars from Exhibit A, page 1
- Revenue reduced to $25,830,395
- Ending cash balance now $23,638,514 (approximately one year of reserves)
- Changes made after consultation with auditors
City-County Coordinating Committee:
- Mayor noted county has different fee structure (paid per meeting), creating past incentive for unnecessary meetings
- Three aldermen have expressed interest in serving
- Awaiting county action on re-establishment
Financial / operational notes
Expenditures approved:
- General & Special Fund: $2,642,372.56
- Water & Sewer Fund: $527,946.05
- Specific items questioned: $6,830 to Automotive Solutions for equipment in 2026 Dodge Durango; $11,173 to Arthur Gallagher for underground fuel tank liability insurance
FY27 Budget:
- Reserves maintained at approximately one year
- Methodology changes per auditor guidance (operating transfers removed from revenue presentation)
WWTP Sludge Heater project:
- Rare credit change order of $82,393.34
- Director Anderson noted credits are uncommon
- Final change order may still include small additional expenses
Grant modifications:
- Regional Site Readiness Program: additional $61,540 city match
- Engineering amendment: $48,900 for design modifications
Public comment
Kim Haley, representative from Growth Dimensions, read a letter requesting a $20,000 contribution from the City (no action taken).
Mayor Morris read thank-you letter from Boone County Fair Association for donation of 1967 Joy Air Compressor.
Notable moments
Police Chief Shane Woody presented awards:
- Officer Joseph McDermott: Meritorious Service Award and Decorated Officer Award
- Detective Thomas “Steve” Jones: Decorated Officer Award (presented by Deputy Chief Dan Smaha)
Mayor’s invocation included extensive prayers for U.S. military personnel engaged in operations against Iran, described as “heroes in the war against evil in Iran, to stop an evil regime in this region.”
Alderman Hoiness was absent from the meeting.
Budget Officer corrected budget presentation methodology after auditor consultation, demonstrating responsive financial management.