City Council

Apr 6, 2026

The lede

  • Council unanimously approved the FY2026–2027 budget ordinance (Ord. 753H), which includes a $10.9 million operating transfer out of reserves for capital projects.
  • Approved emergency repairs to Well #7 (waiving bidding requirements) for a not-to-exceed amount of $200,000; Well #5 also went down last week.
  • Adopted intergovernmental agreement with Boone County to share revenue from Landfill #2 (e.g., solar panel leasing income) to offset joint closure costs.
  • Approved two 2014 International dump trucks ($50,000 each) and $25,900 for Public Safety Building window replacements.
  • Mayor proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month; ordinance for non-residential and multi-family property inspections held for first reading, with revisions pending.

Decisions & votes

All votes were unanimous (10–0).

  • Ord. 753H (2nd reading): Approved FY2026–2027 annual budget ordinance.
  • Res. 2026-9: Adopted intergovernmental agreement with Boone County on Landfill #2 revenue sharing.
  • Public Safety motions:
    • $25,900 for PSB window replacements (Capital Funds).
    • Ida Public Library block party June 11, 2026, closing Madison Street 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Public Works motions:
    • Purchase of two 2014 International 7400 dump trucks ($50,000 each, Capital Line Item 41-5-752-8300).
    • Waived bidding for Well #7 emergency repairs; approved Water Well Solutions contract not to exceed $200,000 (actual estimate $190,286).
  • Minutes: Approved March 16 and March 23, 2026 meeting minutes.

Discussion items

  • Well #5 and #7 outages: Director Anderson reported Well #5 went down last week and Well #7 will require 2.5–3 weeks for pump assembly removal, rehabilitation, and reinstallation.
  • Budget discussion: Alderman Albertini questioned projected electric tax revenue from the new Walmart distribution center and whether its high electricity usage might increase rates for residents. Mayor Morris indicated ComEd has capacity and does not expect residential rate hikes tied to Walmart’s usage.
  • Ordinance 754H (first reading): Inspection of non-residential and multi-family structures. Neeley Erickson (Northwest Illinois Alliance of Realtors) testified in opposition, citing constitutional (Fourth Amendment), scope, timing, fee, and enforcement uncertainties. City Attorney indicated changes are being drafted; ordinance will return for second reading with revisions.
  • Nathan Colvin public comment: Requested the intersection at East 5th Street and Caswell be converted to a four-way stop due to recurring collisions (at least one annually for three years). Mayor committed to reviewing traffic data and following up.

Financial / operational notes

  • FY27 Budget highlights:
    • General Fund revenues: ~$25.2 million; expenses: ~$25.2 million (balanced operating budget).
    • Includes $10,878,384 operating transfer out of reserves for capital projects.
    • Ending cash and reserves: ~$35.2 million.
  • Capital purchases (from Capital Funds):
    • Two dump trucks: $100,000 total.
    • PSB windows: $25,900.
  • Water/Sewer Fund:
    • Well #7 emergency repairs: $190,286 (from Water Depreciation account).
    • Well #5 also offline; repairs underway.
  • Landfill #2: County-owned, City-operated. New IGA ensures revenues (e.g., solar lease income) shared equally and applied to reduce joint closure costs. Quarterly accounting required to City-County Committee, Finance Director, and County Administrator. Agreement remains in effect until IEPA final closeout and “No Further Remediation Letter” issued.

Public comment

  1. Nathan Colvin (resident, East 5th & Caswell): Described a recent two-car collision at yield-controlled intersection that sent two people to the hospital (including friend’s younger sibling). Noted at least one accident per year for three years. Requested yield sign be replaced with stop sign for safety, particularly for children in the neighborhood. Mayor committed to reviewing intersection data and responding.
  2. Neeley Erickson (Northwest Illinois Alliance of Realtors): Submitted written testimony and spoke against Ordinance 754H as drafted. Concerns: constitutional (Fourth Amendment right to refuse inspection; $500–$2,000 fine for refusal); unclear scope (interior units vs. common areas); undefined inspection standards; ambiguous timing tied to tenancy/ownership changes (“just cause”); uncertain fees and appeals process; over-reliance on administrative policy rather than codified standards. Not opposed to inspections in principle, but urged clarity and due process protections.

Notable moments

  • Fire Chief Schadle introduced Alivia Cooper, newest Metro Paramedic assigned to Belvidere Fire Department EMS division, presenting her with a certificate of assignment and challenge coin. Chief praised the department’s 12 paramedics for providing ~6 ambulance transports daily with outstanding patient care.
  • Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month proclamation: Mayor Morris presented proclamation to Judge C. Robert Tobin III and Probation Director Amy Galliano. Judge Tobin acknowledged first responders’ role in creating safe environments for disclosure by abuse victims. Galliano announced “Hands Around the Park” event April 11 at Big Thunder Park (11:45 a.m., Lutheran High School choir; noon, remarks by Judge Swift and State’s Attorney’s Office). Blue ribbons distributed citywide to support awareness.
  • Realtors’ testimony on Ord. 754H: Erickson’s detailed critique prompted acknowledgment from City Attorney that revisions are underway; ordinance held for first reading only.
  • Mayor’s closing: Reminded attendees of School District 100 public hearings on potential closure of Perry Elementary School (Administration Building, 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday this week); encouraged public participation.

Filed to the wire — written by a machine from the agenda, the minutes and the meeting video. No human reporter attended. How this is written

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