City Council
Jul 6, 2026
The lede
- Council passed four special-use ordinances on second reading: a garage over 900 sq ft (330 W. Jackson), outdoor storage/impound yard (726 Columbia), indoor video gaming (336 W. Chrysler Drive), and a mural celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (314 S. State St).
- Approved $968,888.93 MFT Street Overlay contract to Rock Road Companies and authorized $80,204 reimbursement to Belvidere Township for Shaw Road overlay.
- Appointed Gary Greenhow as Planning & Zoning Commission Chairperson and approved three library board appointments.
- Referred Perry School to the Historic Preservation Commission for landmark status designation; Aldermen Peterson and Hoiness will serve as applicants.
Decisions & votes
Ordinances passed (all 9-0 or 8-0):
- Ord. #767H (2nd reading): Special use for garage over 900 sq ft at 330 W. Jackson Street (9-0)
- Ord. #768H (2nd reading): Special use for outdoor storage/impound yard at 726 Columbia Avenue (8-0; Brereton abstained, Montalbano recused due to conflict)
- Ord. #769H (2nd reading): Special use for indoor commercial entertainment (Wing Snob restaurant with video gaming) at 336 W. Chrysler Drive (9-0)
- Ord. #770H (2nd reading): Special use for mural at 314 S. State Street (9-0)
First readings (no votes):
- Ord. #771H: Renewal of electric aggregation program
- Ord. #772H: Repeal of Municipal Code Section 110-222
Resolutions adopted:
- Res. #2026-19: Release of executive session minutes (9-0)
Infrastructure & appointments approved (all 9-0):
- Block party request for Riverview Lane, July 25
- John W. Hunter reappointed to Fire & Police Commission (three-year term)
- Gary Greenhow appointed Planning & Zoning Commission Chairperson (one-year term)
- Lucy Capitosti, Chris Hvezda, and Jenny Tillema appointed/reappointed to Ida Public Library Board (three-year terms)
- Fridh Corporation monitoring well closure agreement
- Strand Associates proposal (up to $50,000) for water system risk assessment and asset management plan
- Rock Road Companies bid ($968,888.93) for 2026 MFT Street Overlay Program
- Belvidere Township reimbursement ($80,204) for Shaw Road overlay
- A.C. Pavement Striping Co. bid ($21,525.80) for thermoplastic pavement striping
Referrals:
- Perry School referred to Historic Preservation Commission for landmark status (9-0); Aldermen Peterson and Hoiness to serve as official applicants
- Yield intersection ordinance (Douglas/Willow Streets) referred back to committee (9-0) due to discovery of conflicting 2025 ordinance already on books
Discussion items
Yield sign confusion: City Attorney discovered Ordinance #739H (passed October 2025) already established Willow Street yielding to Douglas Street, but signs were never installed. Council debated optimal yield configuration given blind spot created by Willow Street’s curve. After discussion, council voted to refer new conflicting ordinance back to committee and implement the 2025 ordinance as originally passed.
Perry School landmark application process: Planning staff sought clarification on who should serve as official applicant for public hearing. Council designated Aldermen Peterson and Hoiness (Ward 2 representatives) as signatories, noting the designation will ultimately return to full Council for final approval regardless of Historic Preservation Commission recommendation.
Video gaming license availability: Alderman Stevens asked about gaming license capacity. Staff confirmed city is at 35-36 licenses issued with cap of 50; three applications pending before state.
Heritage Days: Mayor thanked staff, council members, departments, chamber, businesses, and park district for successful Heritage Days event with strong turnout and good weather.
Financial / operational notes
- MFT Street Overlay Program: $968,888.93 (Rock Road Companies was sole bidder; subject to IDOT approval)
- Shaw Road overlay reimbursement: $80,204.00 to Belvidere Township (MFT funds)
- Pavement striping project: $21,525.80 (A.C. Pavement Striping Co.; subject to IDOT approval)
- Water system assessment: Not-to-exceed $50,000 to Strand Associates for Risk and Resilience Assessment, Emergency Response Plan update, and Asset Management Plan development (paid from Water Depreciation Line Item #61-1780)
- Monitoring wells escrow: Agreement with Fridh Corporation to terminate 2003 monitoring agreement and establish escrow for well closure
Public comment
Gary Tucker attended representing Boone County Arts Council regarding the mural special use but did not make a statement. No other public comment.
Notable moments
- Yield sign mishap: City discovered they had already passed an ordinance a year ago establishing the exact opposite yield configuration, but Public Works never installed the signs—leading to confusion and a committee referral.
- Open Meetings Act reminder: When Alderman Hoiness suggested all council members sign the Perry School landmark application and attend the hearing, the City Attorney reminded council that more than two members discussing city business together would violate the Open Meetings Act.
- Alderman Montalbano’s recusal: Alderman Montalbano stepped out during discussion and vote on Ord. #768H (outdoor storage at 726 Columbia) due to conflict of interest—he is the applicant/property owner.
- Invocation for service members: Mayor Morris offered an invocation referencing military personnel serving “in the war against Iran” and praying for their safe return—indicating ongoing military action in 2026.