City Council
Jun 1, 2026
The lede
- Council approved a special use permit for Central Grain to build a 112-foot grain bin with reduced separation at 1140 W. Locust Street
- Approved TIF-funded redevelopment agreement providing $107,790 to DFA Dairy Brands (Dean’s) for wastewater pretreatment improvements
- Appointed Jordan Keck as new Director of Public Works effective June 8, 2026
- Resident opposed new 4-way stop at 6th Street and 5th Avenue, citing noise and driveway access issues
Decisions & votes
Ord. #765H (2nd reading) – Special use for Central Grain planned development at 1140 W. Locust: 112-foot grain bin height (exceeds 45-foot limit) and 11.25-foot building separation (below 40-foot requirement)
Vote: 8–0 (Albertini, Frank, Gramkowski, Hoiness, McGee, Montalbano, Peterson, Stevens aye; Brereton and Fleury absent)
Res. #2026-17 – Redevelopment Agreement with DFA Dairy Brands Ice Cream for wastewater pretreatment improvements using TIF funds
Vote: 8–0 (same attendance)
Jordan Keck appointment as Director of Public Works effective June 8, 2026
Vote: 8–0
Discussion items
Resident Lloyd Phillips opposed the recently installed 4-way stop at 6th Street and 5th Avenue. Phillips, who has lived at the intersection for 24 years, stated neighbors were not notified in advance. He cited increased noise from stopping/starting vehicles, concerns about property values, and difficulty accessing his driveway which empties directly into the intersection. He requested the stop signs be removed or the city consider relocating his driveway.
DFA redevelopment: Mayor and Alderman Peterson emphasized DFA is Belvidere’s oldest employer (operating over 100 years) and a major local job provider. The improvements will reduce burden on the city’s wastewater treatment plant caused by cream releases, which are expensive for both parties.
Sister Cities update: President Linda Castro-Sabena reported receiving the Illinois State Conference Champion of Youth Award in April. The organization is hosting Oktoberfest at Coach’s Corner on October 3 as a fundraiser and will host the 2027 Illinois state conference in Belvidere on May 1.
Financial / operational notes
- First Due software renewal: $18,979.27 from budget line 01-5-220-7020 (Fire Dept) – approved 8–0
- JSV Landscaping contracts: Water Dept sites $455/mowing (line 61-5-810-6040); Public Works sites $2,931.20/mowing (line 01-5-310-6002); Farmington Ponds $723.52/mowing (maintenance fund) – all approved 8–0
- Logan Avenue Water Main Replacement: DPI Construction low bid $389,459.78 from Water Depreciation Account 61-1780 – approved 8–0
- Phase 3 Sanitary Manhole Adjustment: Curran Contracting low bid $245,000 from capital funds (final phase completing all manhole concerns) – approved 8–0
- WWTP centrifuge repair: Bidding waived; Centrisys factory repair not to exceed $45,241 from Sewer Depreciation Account 61-1790 – both approved 8–0
- DFA TIF grant: Up to $107,790.97 reimbursement; completion deadline December 1, 2026; DFA must maintain operations for 5 years or repay funds plus 6% interest
Public comment
Linda Castro-Sabena (Sister Cities President) thanked Council for budget support, announced receiving state Champion of Youth Award, promoted October 3 Oktoberfest fundraiser, and announced Belvidere will host the May 1, 2027 Illinois Sister Cities state conference.
Lloyd Phillips opposed the new 4-way stop at 6th Street and 5th Avenue (detailed in Discussion items above).
Notable moments
Mayor announced retirement open houses for Public Works Director Brent Anderson (June 4, 1:30–3:30 p.m.) and Buildings Director Kip Countryman (June 5, 9–11 a.m.). Anderson has served 42 years with the City. Alderman Peterson noted prisoners of war worked at the DFA plant during wartime and enjoyed the work more than combat. Council first-read Ord. #766H authorizing transfer of the Santa Claus House (Eagle Scout project by Charlie Beckel) to the Belvidere Park District. Executive session on collective bargaining was canceled as not needed.