Committee of the Whole
May 26, 2026
The lede
- City honored retiring Public Works Director Brent Anderson after 42 years of service; Deputy Director Jordan Keck appointed as his replacement effective June 8, 2026
- Council approved $107,790 TIF grant to Dairy Farms of America for wastewater pre-treatment improvements to prevent continued problems at city treatment plant
- Approved multiple infrastructure projects including Logan Avenue water main replacement ($389,460) and Phase 3 sanitary sewer manhole adjustments ($245,000)
- Fire Department awarded state grant for Cascade filling station at Station 2; hiring process for new firefighters opens June 1-30, 2026
Decisions & votes
Approved: First Due fire service management platform renewal ($18,979.27) for Fire Department record-keeping system (Fire budget line item 01-5-220-7020)
Approved: Appointment of Jordan Keck as Director of Public Works effective June 8, 2026
Approved: DFA Dairy Brands Ice Cream TIF Redevelopment Agreement for up to $107,790.97 in available TIF funds, with authorization for mayor to execute future amendment for additional TIF revenues (approximately $22,296) received before January 1, 2028
Approved: Intergovernmental agreement with Belvidere Park District to transfer ownership of Santa House (structure weighs 7,800 lbs; city and Park District to split relocation costs at $750 each)
Approved: Three mowing contracts with JSV Landscaping: Water Department sites ($455/mowing), Public Works sites ($2,931.20/mowing), Farmington Ponds ($723.52/mowing)
Approved: Logan Avenue water main replacement project - low bid from DPI Construction ($389,459.78) paid from Water Depreciation Account
Approved: Sanitary sewer manhole adjustment Phase 3 - low bid from Curran Contracting ($245,000) paid from Capital Funds
Approved: Waived bidding requirement and approved Centrisys factory repairs to wastewater treatment plant thickening centrifuge ($45,241) from Sewer Depreciation Account
Discussion items
Mayor announced Dutch Brothers coffee house will replace Starbucks location near Chipotle and hopes to open quickly.
Mayor appointed Aldermen Peterson, Montalbano, and Alderwoman Frank to reinstated City/County Coordinating Committee (quarterly meetings anticipated).
Perry School closure event scheduled for May 27, 2026, 4-6 p.m. (open house). Mayor noted school closing due to lack of investment in maintenance.
Fire Chief Shadel reported 310 calls in past 30 days (average 10 per shift): 14 fires including 4 structure fires, 211 EMS calls including 9 strokes, 3 cardiac arrests, 21 falls, 23 psychological/behavioral calls, 4 overdoses (2 illicit drugs, 1 alcohol, 1 intentional medication). Fire Department also received state grant for Cascade filling station at Station 2.
Police Deputy Chief Bird reported new officer started academy the previous day.
Mowing program discussion clarified 2025 pricing was artificially low due to contractor error they honored. 2026 proposal cost per acre ($160) comparable to 2024 rates ($102.27). Public Works mowing acreage increased from 8.8 to 18.32 acres due to new detention areas.
DFA wastewater issues: City experiencing ongoing problems with treatment plant due to DFA’s pre-treatment failures, resulting in city costs and DFA fines. U.S. EPA audit required city action. TIF funds grant will help DFA afford over $806,800 in needed improvements. City seeking additional Economic Development Program (EDP) funds through state. DFA is second-largest sewer customer and oldest ice cream plant in continuous U.S. operation (portions dating to late 1800s).
Financial / operational notes
Water Depreciation Account balance: $1,898,767.46 (will decrease after Well 5 and Well 7 repairs not yet reflected; will still exceed $1 million after Logan Avenue project)
Sanitary sewer manhole Phase 3 budget: $300,000 allocated; low bid came in $55,000 under budget
TIF fund (Kishwaukee River Redevelopment Area): $107,790.97 currently available, expires December 2027 (actually January 1, 2028 per tax receipt timing). Expected additional $22,296 in revenues before expiration. All planned public improvements completed.
Wastewater treatment plant currently operating with one of two thickening centrifuges; second unit repaired approximately 2 years ago at similar cost.
Mowing program: No bids received during annual contract bidding; reached out to three contractors, two declined due to being fully booked. Based on 14 mowings per year but actual frequency as-needed depending on conditions.
Logan Avenue water main (Prospect Street to Business Route 20): Multiple breaks in recent years, currently has two small unrepaired leaks pending replacement project. Engineer’s estimate: $409,316.
City sanitary sewer line runs underneath DFA building; if additional funding obtained, will realign line outside building as part of project.
Public comment
No content.
Notable moments
Mayor read lengthy proclamation honoring Brent Anderson’s 42-year career (June 6, 1984 - June 8, 2026) with seven administrations, noting his institutional knowledge, frugal financial decisions, daily “good morning” greetings, sharing candy/treats, annual flower planting at City Hall, and role as city historian. Anderson responded briefly, confirming he’ll keep same phone number and remain available for questions.
Alderman Peterson to new Director Keck: “Jordan, you don’t have to be crazy to work here. We’ll train you.”
Mayor noted he helped build Santa House, which “started out…rather manageable…but it turned into about a 7,800 pound building.” Praised Eagle Scout Charlie Beckel’s fundraising and dedication to the project for celebrating Christmas season.
Anderson confirmed this is final phase of sanitary sewer manhole adjustment project; all manholes will now be addressed between overlay program and adjustment phases.
Meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.