Committee of the Whole
Jan 12, 2026
The lede
- City appointed Carl Swanson to the Historic Preservation Commission to fill a vacancy through April 2028; Swanson brings extensive experience restoring historic properties including an 1840s farmhouse
- Approved two state DCEO grants totaling $280,000 for the Kishwaukee Riverfront Path Extension in downtown Belvidere
- Combined with two other grants already secured, the city will have $980,000 in grant funding for the $1.1 million path project, requiring only $140,000 in local match
- Public Works addressing leaf collection challenges caused by early snow; crews using end loaders to clear leaves from streets to prevent storm drain blockage
Decisions & votes
Carl Swanson appointment to Historic Preservation Commission (term ending April 30, 2028)
- Motion by Alderman Fleury, second by Alderman Peterson
- Approved unanimously by voice vote
DCEO Grant Agreement #25-203029 for $100,000 (Kishwaukee Riverfront Path Extension)
- Motion by Alderman Peterson, second by Alderman Albertini
- Approved unanimously by voice vote
- Authorizes Mayor to sign all required documents
DCEO Grant Agreement #25-203097 for $180,000 (Kishwaukee Riverfront Path Extension)
- Motion by Alderwoman Gramkowski, second by Alderman Peterson
- Approved unanimously by voice vote
- Authorizes Mayor to sign all required documents
Discussion items
Planning Department update: December had two replats for Deer Woods subdivision; no cases in January but potential applications for February. Staff receiving increased phone calls regarding industrial and commercially zoned properties. Site plan reviews approved for Pup Chiropractic Building (1414 N. State Street, purchased by school district for health clinic), Moriam Drive truck repair center, and Salvation Army relocation to former Pacemaker location in Southtown Drive. Historic Preservation Commission participated in Hometown Christmas outreach; planning for Heritage Days 2026 including America’s 250th anniversary commemoration.
Salvation Army relocation: Moving from downtown Riverside Plaza location to split Pacemaker building space; tenant renovations currently underway with building permits issued. No information yet on future occupant of current Salvation Army space. Riverside Plaza owned by Chicago-based LLC.
Leaf collection: Early snow forced suspension of regular leaf collection; trucks switched from leaf collection equipment to snow removal. Crews using end loaders to remove leaves from streets to prevent storm drain blockage. City will resume terrace leaf collection in spring after snow season ends. Residents reminded not to rake leaves into streets; regular yard waste collection through garbage contract resumes April 1st (20 bags allowed during fall season).
Kishwaukee Riverfront Path Extension project: Total of four grants secured for $1.1 million project. Two grants approved tonight ($100K and $180K); two additional grants include $500,000 (agreement pending) and $200,000 in conjunction with Belvidere Park District. Project will connect regional pathway system through historic downtown and along Kishwaukee River to Park District facilities. Related Parking Lot 7 improvements project going to state letting this Friday with bid results expected later that afternoon.
Financial / operational notes
- Total Kishwaukee Riverfront Path Extension project cost: approximately $1.1 million
- Total grant funding secured: $980,000 across four grants ($100K + $180K approved tonight, plus $500K and $200K previously secured)
- City’s local match requirement: approximately $140,000 (roughly 13% of total project cost)
- All grants are state funds through Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
- Grant agreements effective 12/01/2025, expiring 11/30/2027
- Parking Lot 7 improvements project to be bid through state letting process January 17, 2026
Public comment
No content.
Notable moments
Credit given to Senator Seligman: Mayor Morris specifically thanked Senator Seligman for securing the grant funding, calling it “bringing home bacon to the community.”
Alderman Peterson commended grant leverage: Praised staff for securing nearly $1 million in grants requiring only $140,000 local match, calling it “a pretty decent piece of leverage.”
Director Anderson’s reality check: When thanked for securing multiple grants, Anderson noted “it would have been a lot nicer if it was just one grant instead of five, but we still got to manage now each of them separately” – highlighting the administrative burden of managing multiple funding sources.
Carl Swanson’s qualifications: Alderwoman Frank commented that his resume was “very impressive,” which included 62 years maintaining an 1840s farmhouse, 10 years coordinating construction of a one-room schoolhouse replica, restoration work on Stone School, and unique historical finds including Indian artifacts and a plate fragment from the Titanic’s sister ship.