Committee of the Whole
Mar 23, 2026
The lede
- City Council heard passionate public comment from Perry Elementary School staff and parents opposing potential school closure; speakers urged council support at upcoming District 100 hearings
- Council approved $25,900 expenditure for window replacement at Public Safety Building (PSB), joining county’s renovation project; city and county split PSB costs 50/50
- Council approved landfill revenue-sharing agreement with Boone County; solar lease income (~$10,000/year) will offset shared closure costs
- Council authorized purchase of two used dump trucks for $100,000 total (budgeted $150,000 for one); emergency well #7 repairs approved up to $200,000
Decisions & votes
Motion to replace PSB windows – Approved expenditure not to exceed $25,900 for window replacement at Public Safety Building, paid from capital funds (account 41-5-110-7900). City’s portion of joint county project using Ringland-Johnson/Rock Valley Glass.
Motion to amend fire code (Chapter 46-54) – Approved amendment requiring mandatory annual inspections of commercial, industrial, and multi-family structures. Will return in ordinance form. Addresses gap in authority for non-suppressed buildings.
Block party approval – Approved Ida Public Library “Touch a Truck” event for June 11, 2026, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., closing Madison Street between N. State and Kishwaukee.
Landfill 2 IGA with Boone County – Approved intergovernmental agreement for revenue sharing from landfill solar leases; all income deposited in shared landfill account to offset 50/50 closure costs.
Dump truck purchases – Approved two motions: (1) 2014 International 7400 10-yard dump truck for $50,000; (2) 2014 International 7400 5-yard dump truck for $50,000, both from Lakeside International, funded from capital line item 41-5-752-8300.
Well #7 emergency repairs – Waived bidding requirements; approved not-to-exceed $200,000 for emergency repairs/rehabilitation by Water Well Solutions, paid from Water Depreciation account.
Discussion items
Perry Elementary School closure debate – Two speakers (Ford Zachary, ESL teacher; Mike Speak, parent) urged council to oppose District 100’s plan to close Perry and build early childhood center. Criticized Morris Lutheran survey methodology (400 respondents, 66% empty nesters), lack of community input, rushed 3-week timeline for public hearings (April 6, 7, 9) and vote. Speakers emphasized Perry’s value as walkable neighborhood school with strong test scores despite deferred maintenance. Council asked for meeting dates but took no formal action.
PSB window replacement debate – Extended discussion on whether city should pay $25,900 for windows in city-operated PSB spaces while county pays $13,090 for their areas using ARPA funds. Concerns raised about unequal cost-sharing (city taxpayers effectively subsidize county portion), whether space allocation might change, and lack of city involvement in vendor selection. Mayor cited improved city-county relations following prior dispute over $211,000 in permit fees county requested city waive.
Fire inspection authority clarification – Chief Schaedel explained new ordinance doesn’t change inspection procedures, only provides legal framework for administrative search warrants if owner refuses entry. Applies to all commercial/industrial/multi-family (3+ units) structures, not just common areas, but focuses on code compliance (exits, fire alarms, combustibles), not privacy invasion. Addresses gap for non-suppressed downtown buildings.
Financial / operational notes
Electric services contract – Finance Director Turnseed reported new 3-year contract with Dynegy for wells, water tower, and lift stations at $0.07803/kWh (previous rate: $0.07595/kWh), awarded after March 11 bidding process.
Staffing updates:
- Police: Deputy Chief Berg graduated FBI National Academy; two officers in FTO program, two at basic academy; eight on entry-level eligibility list; Michelle Schwartz retiring May 1, Rob Kozlowski retiring May 4
- Fire: Welcomed EMT Olivia Cooper (starts March 27 from Kirkland Fire); hired administrative assistant Reagan Kohler (starts April 6/7); Fire & Police Commission meeting March 25 to begin 2-year hiring list (current list expires August 2026, 18 candidates remaining)
Fire response statistics (past 30 days): 302 total calls (10/day average): 10 fires including 2 serious apartment fires with rescues; 14 hazardous situations; 205 medical calls (171 ambulance transports, 5.7/day average); 36 public service calls.
Well #7 status – Quit pumping March 12; Water Well Solutions pulled pump assembly March 18 for $16,610; borehole video $1,800; motor turns by hand (positive sign); wire cable in good condition; full cost estimate pending by March 23 council meeting. City water capacity currently adequate (early spring, not summer demand); wells 3 and 4 already offline.
Dump truck replacement – Replacing 1987 Mack DM and 1998 Mack CS (out of service 3 years) with two 2014 trucks (29,274 and 22,206 miles); saved ~$200,000 vs. budgeted new truck cost ($300,000); old trucks to be auctioned or scrapped.
Public comment
Ford Zachary (Perry Elementary ESL teacher) and Mike Speak (Perry parent) spoke against District 100’s plan to close Perry Elementary. Key points: Perry previously saved 2 years ago by 6-1 school board vote directing investment; central office instead diverted students, deferred $10,000/year maintenance, spent city’s $500,000 roof grant on high school track/tennis; new Morris Lutheran survey of only 400 residents (66% empty nesters, few from Perry zone) used to justify closure; $14 million maintenance estimate inflated (master plan allocated $7 million for elevator, secure entrance, bathroom, code updates); public hearings scheduled April 6, 7, 9 with immediate vote (not in Perry zone); Perry serves as walkable neighborhood school with top test scores and community hub. Speakers requested council attend hearings and voice support.
Notable moments
Mayor Morris shared he previously declined county’s request to waive $211,000 in permit fees for PSB remodeling, explaining he lacks authority to approve invoices over $15,000 and such action would constitute malfeasance; described this as source of past city-county tension now improving.
Chief Schaedel praised fire crews for exceptional performance on two recent apartment fires during high-wind conditions (40–50 mph), including one intentional fire with successful rescue and another kept to room of origin despite blowtorch-like wind effects. Mayor commended the response.
Inspector Lee Revels earned nickname “Inspect-a-Terry” from fire crews while covering administrative assistant duties; Chief Schaedel formally thanked her before new hire Reagan Kohler starts.
Alderman Peterson questioned city’s designation as landfill “operator” (dating to 1973 agreement), noting city taxpayers bear county ownership costs plus additional operator liability despite not requesting the role; Attorney Drella explained EPA requires certified operator even for closed landfills.
Lakeside International appraisal forms for both dump trucks left accident history questions blank; Alderman Peterson noted this during discussion of unusually low mileage for 10-11 year old vehicles.