Committee of the Whole
Aug 24, 2026
The lede
- Council unanimously approved waiving building permit fees for YMCA’s $670,000 Phase 1 renovation (interior upgrades to fitness areas and programming spaces), with potential for future phases totaling $3.5 million
- Four-way stop approved for East Perry Street & Webster Street intersection after residents raised serious safety concerns about speeding and visibility issues
- Police Department has nine entry-level interviews scheduled; still down two officers but three recently hired officers heading to academy
- First quarter FY27 tax revenues at $4.3 million, tracking close to previous two years despite elimination of 1% state grocery tax
Decisions & votes
YMCA Building Permit Fee Waiver (Phase 1)
Motion by Alderman Peterson, second by Alderwoman Gramkowski
Passed unanimously
Waives building permit fees for YMCA’s initial $670,000 renovation project (interior work only). City will determine exact fee amount once plans submitted. Future phases would require separate council consideration.
Four-Way Stop at East Perry & Webster
Motion by Alderman Fleury, second by Alderman Peterson
Passed unanimously
Adds stop signs on East Perry Street approaches to create four-way stop, contrary to Public Works Director’s recommendation based on IDOT Manual standards (intersection did not meet accident/volume thresholds). Final vote scheduled in three weeks (September 14, 2026 - Tuesday).
Discussion items
East Perry/Webster Intersection Safety:
Five residents testified about speeding, poor visibility due to hill/trees, parking congestion from county courthouse, near-misses with pedestrians/vehicles, and concerns for children walking to school. Director Keck noted only 2 accidents in 5 years and traffic volumes below IDOT four-way stop warrants (need 5+ accidents in 12 months; 300 vehicles/hour). Council prioritized safety over technical standards given increased traffic from courthouse conversion and school zone changes. Additional measures discussed: street light review, crosswalk additions, speed trailer deployment, and targeted enforcement.
YMCA Renovation Plans:
CEO Brent Pentenberg presented $670,000 Phase 1 (funded by $800,000 grant): relocate fitness center to main floor, create functional fitness space downstairs, add multi-use community programming room. Long-term vision: $3.5 million total facility investment. Alderman Peterson requested consideration of discounted memberships for Belvidere students qualifying for free lunch programs; Pentenberg confirmed Y will reduce rates across all categories and expand financial assistance (30-45% discounts). Before/after school programs serving ~100 kids in Districts 100 and 200 continuing; enhanced drop-in childcare planned.
Police Staffing:
Two officers sworn in August 6 (Francisco, Castan); one graduated academy and started field training August 21 (Rossi). Six officers currently in field training. Three attending Sauk Valley academy August 31. Still down two officers with one on long-term leave. Nine entry-level interviews scheduled; background check underway for lateral applicant.
Financial / operational notes
First Quarter FY27 Revenue (May-July 2026):
- Major tax sources: $4.3 million (less than 1% below FY26)
- Impact of eliminated 1% state grocery tax visible but offset by shifts in use tax reporting categories
- General Fund revenues: $9 million; expenses: $4 million (“tracking as expected”)
Liquor & Gaming Licenses:
- 59 liquor license renewals: $103,850 (vs. $97,250 prior year; ~4 additional renewals)
- 2 new liquor licenses issued: Welcome Slots (formerly Fishbowl Gaming), Belvidere Mart (Fast Fuel North State location)
- 33 gaming establishments (32 renewals + 1 new)
Fire Department Call Volume (30 days):
- 302 total calls (10/day average): 213 EMS, 39 alarm/non-emergency, 34 public service, 11 hazardous conditions, 4 fires, 1 rescue
- 176 patient transports (5.9/day): 66 to OSF, 63 to Northwestern Belvidere, 30 to Javon Bea, 17 to UW-Rockford
- Mutual aid balanced: gave 5 times, received 8 times
- Notable: 2 successful CPR transports (both patients had shockable rhythms); 5 overdoses with 1 Narcan administration (3 patients under 18); carbon monoxide incident (100 ppm from malfunctioning stove, detected by alarm)
Fire Department Staffing:
- No current openings; 1 retirement mentioned over next 2 years
- New eligibility list finalized: 20 candidates (4 Boone County residents, 4 veterans/active military, zero paramedics—unusually low due to paramedic shortage and difficult national registry exam)
YMCA Permit Fee Estimate:
Mayor estimated Phase 1 fees at ~$20,000 based on $670,000 scope (cited county’s $3.5 million project generating ~$300,000 in fees, though that involved new construction). Director will provide exact calculation once plans submitted.
Public comment
Jason Leader (child walks to Madison School): Raised concerns about traffic speeds on Perry Street, particularly 3:30-6pm with courthouse employees cutting through to Popular Grove via McKinley. Noted his truck totaled by drunk driver at intersection; darkness from lack of streetlights compounds danger.
Tracy Shabbacher (313 E. Perry, 39-year resident): Described gradual hill creating visibility issues, speeding from Main to McKinley “straight run,” inability to safely back from driveways (residents must back into driveways to exit safely), pedestrian dangers crossing without crosswalks, multiple vehicle strikes, pet deaths. Noted traffic increased significantly in last 10 years, especially post-Lincoln School closure (lost school zone speed reduction).
Dana Farr (Webster/Perry corner, 25 years): Two driveways on Webster require watching for Perry speeders taking corner; frequently must pull back into driveway to avoid collisions. Described one-car-width street from courthouse parking. Expressed concern for elderly neighbor with walker, children, pets.
Jennifer Reid (corner resident, 23 years): Hears vehicles accelerating from Main Street stop sign inside her house; cars visible speeding before audible. Noted rolling stops at Webster, difficulty for on-street parkers crossing to vehicles, neighbor struck opening car door. Emphasized children playing, dog-walking residents, wildlife. Suggested Hancock Street stop sign as alternative if Webster not feasible.
Emma Sorenson (419 Webster, 5 years): Cannot walk 4-year-old daughter and 2-month puppy to park without fear; daughter understands danger from observing speeding traffic.
Notable moments
- Mayor Morris disclosed 20+ years volunteering at YMCA and noted facility’s impact on his own childhood, stating investment appropriate given city’s strong financial position
- Alderman Peterson negotiated community benefit condition (discounted youth memberships) in exchange for fee waiver support
- Alderman Albertini joked about extending CPR time limit if fire department responds to his home; Chief Shadel noted the request
- Council unanimously overrode Public Works Director’s technical recommendation on four-way stop, with Alderwoman Frank stating “safety comes first” over engineering standards
- Chief Shadel highlighted carbon monoxide save: 100ppm detected by alarm before residents showed symptoms—used as public service reminder to maintain detectors
- Chief Woody offered speed trailer deployment and targeted enforcement; Alderwoman Gramkowski noted effectiveness of unmarked patrol cars
- Mayor confirmed Fast Fuel locations reopening (North State and one other of three closed locations); Belvidere Road location outlook remains uncertain and property needs mowing
- Next meeting rescheduled from Monday, September 7 to Tuesday, September 14, 2026 due to Labor Day