Committee of the Whole
Feb 23, 2026
The lede
- Police Department progressing well with new officer training; two officers completed FTO program and are now providing shift coverage
- Fire Department apparatus bay floor to be refinished using higher bidder ($34,390) due to significantly shorter completion time (2 days vs. 10 days)
- Approved multiple street closures for Chamber of Commerce events: Buchanan Street Markets (3 dates), Downtown Trick-or-Treat (Oct 28), and Hometown Christmas (Dec 4)
- Two handicap parking spaces approved for 1414 North State Street (former chiropractic clinic, now District 100 wellness facility)
Decisions & votes
Approved: License agreement between City and Franklin Display Group, Inc. for SWAT training at 910 E. Lincoln Ave. in March 2026
Vote: Unanimous approval
Approved: Station 2 apparatus bay floor refinishing contract to TSR Concrete Coatings for $34,390 (capital fund), rejecting lower bid of $29,969 from AA Concrete Works due to completion time (2 days vs. 10 days)
Vote: Unanimous approval
Approved: Buchanan Street Markets street closures for May 29, June 19, and July 31, 5:00-9:00 PM; closures from 4:00-9:30 PM for Buchanan Street (State to Main) and Whitney Boulevard; trash receptacles at designated locations
Vote: Unanimous approval (voted separately)
Approved: Downtown Business Trick-or-Treat event October 28, 5:00-7:00 PM; street closures 3:00-7:30 PM (State Street from Lincoln to 1st, Logan Avenue between State and Main); trash receptacles at six locations
Vote: Unanimous approval (voted separately)
Approved: Hometown Christmas event December 4, 4:00-9:00 PM; street closures 3:00-9:30 PM (State Street from Lincoln to 1st, Logan Avenue from State to Main, 1st Street from State to Garfield); trash receptacles at 10 locations
Vote: Unanimous approval (voted separately)
Approved: Ordinance establishing two handicap parking spaces on north side of Garden Drive at 1414 North State Street
Vote: Unanimous approval
Discussion items
Police staffing progress: Officers Austin Smaha and Ethan Shook completed step 5 of Field Training Officer program and now provide independent shift coverage. Three other officers remain in various FTO phases; three more attending basic academy at Rock Valley/Dixon. Entry-level eligibility list now has 8 candidates with one opening to fill. Two spots confirmed at Police Training Institute with deadline approaching.
Fire apparatus bay floor project: Chief Schadle emphasized operational concerns with extended project timeline—10-day closure would significantly increase disruption and apparatus exposure to weather. Aldermen agreed that finding a reliable 2-day weather window is more feasible than 10 days, especially in March with potential snow/inclement weather.
Chamber events: Downtown Trick-or-Treat attracted nearly 7,000 visitors last year; Hometown Christmas draws approximately 12,000 visitors annually. Events designed to increase foot traffic to local businesses.
Handicap parking: City Attorney Drella noted the improvements actually make parking better than it has been for decades when the property was Pope Chiropractic clinic.
Financial / operational notes
Fire Department call volume (past 30 days):
- 282 total calls (9.4/day); 72.3% EMS responses
- 179 ambulance transports: 38% to local hospital, 36% to St. Anthony’s, 13% to Mercy, 12% to UW Rockford
- Major incidents: 3 fires, 3 gas leaks, 2 CO releases, 2 power lines down, 1 elevator rescue, 1 vehicle-into-house requiring shoring, 9 vehicle collisions with injuries
- Serious medical: 1 cardiac arrest, 3 strokes, 3 overdoses, 4 seizures, 17 breathing problems, 10 chest pain, 5 unconscious persons, 4 hemorrhage/lacerations
Fire Department admin assistant resigned unexpectedly; good response with résumés received
Fiscal Year 2026 Third Quarter Financial Snapshot:
- Tax revenue remaining strong and steady compared to FY24 and FY25
- Ambulance services operating deficit: $460,000 (lower than budgeted)
- General fund expenses: $19,639,928 (78% of budget)
- General fund revenues: $24,326,239 (96% of budget)
- General fund tracking exactly as planned
Station 2 apparatus bay floor project: Cure time after 2-day installation is 48 hours. Project must be completed before fiscal year end. Station will be out of service with apparatus staged outside during work.
Public comment
No content.
Notable moments
Police Chief Woody reported a lateral applicant voluntarily withdrew from the application process when faced with background investigation.
Alderman Peterson inquired about the nature of overdoses; Chief Schadle explained “overdose/poisoning” category includes accidental medication errors, intentional overdoses, and illicit drug overdoses—would need to review individual reports for specifics.
Meeting adjourned at 6:25 PM with humorous comment from unidentified speaker: “Anybody want to stay?”