Committee of the Whole
Jun 22, 2026
The lede
- Council approved reappointments to Fire & Police Commission and multiple library board appointments
- Approved 6-year residential electric aggregation renewal providing $36,000 annual civic contribution while keeping rates neutral with ComEd
- Authorized water department asset management plan ($50,000) and approved street overlay/striping bids totaling over $1 million
- Voted to refer Perry School to Historic Preservation Commission for landmark status consideration following closure by school district
- Approved yield sign installation at Willow/Douglas intersection after resident request
Decisions & votes
Appointments (all approved unanimously):
- John W. Hunter reappointed to Fire & Police Commission (3-year term ending April 30, 2029)
- Gary Greenhow appointed Chair of Planning & Zoning Commission (1-year term ending May 2027)
- Lucy Capitosti, Chris Hvezda, and Jenny Tillema appointed/reappointed to Ida Public Library Board (3-year terms ending June 30, 2029)
Ordinances forwarded to City Council:
- Residential Electric Aggregation Program renewal with MC Squared (6-year term, 2-year opt-out windows)
- Repeal of Section 110-222 (obsolete city vehicle sticker parking violation provision)
Contracts & Bids approved:
- Strand Associates ($50,000 not-to-exceed) for water system Risk & Resilience Assessment, Emergency Response Plan update, and Asset Management Plan
- Rock Road Companies ($968,888.93) for 2026 MFT Street Overlay Program, subject to IDOT approval
- Belvidere Township reimbursement ($80,204) for Shaw Road overlay
- A.C. Pavement Striping Co. ($21,525.80) for thermoplastic pavement striping, subject to IDOT approval
Other approvals:
- Agreement terminating 2003 Wycliffe monitoring wells agreement with Fridh Corporation (with escrow for proper closure)
- Yield sign installation at Willow Street & Douglas Street intersection
- Referral of Perry School to Historic Preservation Commission for local landmark designation consideration
Discussion items
Perry School landmark status (extended discussion): Mayor expressed concern about recently-closed Perry School potentially becoming dilapidated like abandoned St. Joe’s Hospital. Sought landmark designation to preserve exterior and potentially help future private buyers access tax credits for renovation. City Attorney clarified landmark status would not prevent closure, force school use, or require interior preservation—only regulate exterior aesthetics and require Historic Preservation Commission approval for demolition/alterations. School district still owns property; designation would not create city financial obligation. Some aldermen questioned benefit; others argued city should show it cares about neighborhood. Concern raised about lack of advance notice to residents before referral, but majority supported getting Historic Preservation Commission input on whether building meets landmark criteria.
Electric aggregation renewal: Director Turnipseed explained 6-year contract structure reduces administrative burden of frequent resident mailings while protecting city with 2-year opt-out windows. Rates remain identical to ComEd default with no enrollment/termination fees; city receives $36,000 annually (down from $100,000+ in earlier years due to competitive electricity market). Alderman Brereton expressed personal preference for dealing directly with ComEd. City Attorney confirmed longer-term energy contracts specifically permitted by state statute even for non-home-rule municipalities.
Willow/Douglas intersection: Director Keck reported no accidents in 5 years, ADT of 200 or less, no sight distance issues. Recommended no changes needed but if council wanted regulation, suggested Douglas yield to Willow. Council approved yield sign after brief discussion.
5th Avenue/West 6th stop sign reconsideration: Alderman Montalbano raised constituent complaints about recently-installed stop sign, noting residents weren’t notified in advance, sign frequently ignored, and no historical accident problems. City Attorney explained only notification required is published agendas/minutes except for matters requiring public hearings. Mayor agreed to place reconsideration on future agenda if requested.
Financial / operational notes
- Water Department FY2027 budget includes $50,000 for asset management plan (required by IEPA inspection). Work funded from Water Depreciation Line Item 61-1780.
- Director Turnipseed presented fiscal year 2026 general fund report showing all departments met or exceeded projections; interest income and building department revenues exceeded expectations. Annual audit underway.
- MFT street overlay engineer’s estimate was $957,697; single bid received at $968,888.93. Director Keck noted only Rock Road bids locally since Curran closed plant—travel distance makes competitors uneconomical.
- Shaw Road overlay through Boone County contract saves money: County asphalt $80/ton vs. City’s $95.86/ton due to higher County volumes.
- Thermoplastic striping bids came in well under estimate ($21,525.80 vs. $37,545 estimate).
- Electric aggregation civic contribution decreased from ~$100,000 in early 2010s to $36,000 currently due to competitive electricity market, but still provides benefit while maintaining rate neutrality.
- Fridh Corporation closing/dissolving; monitoring wells no longer needed after 23 years with no methane detections. Escrow of $9,550 secures proper well closure to avoid burden falling on homeowners.
Public comment
No content.
Notable moments
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Mayor presented emotional case for Perry School landmark status, calling school closure a “raw deal” and criticizing school board for charging 68% of property taxes then abandoning 126-year-old building that “didn’t owe taxpayers a penny.” Noted city previously gave district $520,871 check hoping funds would go toward roof repairs cited as closure reason.
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Alderman Peterson drew parallel to Pearl Street Junior High, which he secured $4 million in federal funding for in 1994-95 to prevent city having to demolish abandoned school. Warned Perry could become eyesore like boarded-up St. Joe’s Hospital, emphasizing “somebody run a play” rather than “turning our back.”
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Alderman Hoiness: “Let’s show the people of the city that we do care” after school board “never cared for them,” referencing board changing position on keeping school open.
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City Attorney had to clarify multiple times that landmark designation wouldn’t prevent closure, force school use, or help government entities (no tax credits for tax-exempt bodies)—only assist future private development.
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Alderman Albertini noted Perry neighborhood already lost park pool and now school—”one less chance to keep this from being what OSF did to the neighborhood on Andrews Drive when they walked away from St. Joe’s Hospital.”
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Meeting ran long enough (1.5+ hours) that City Attorney was able to research and report back on electric aggregation contract term question during same session.