City of Centralia

Key discussion points included a review and acceptance of the Treasurer's Report, with a request for the City Finance Director to attend the next meeting to clarify account statements, deposits, and withdrawals. The Administrative Agent's Report covered the upcoming installation timeline for historic plaques, aiming for completion by May for the Locust Street Historical Fair. Discussions also focused on marketing strategies, including the promotion of SeeCentralia and utilizing Amtrak. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Place Branding and Marketing, emphasizing the need for a unified city identity and determining the budget implications of the RFP results, leading to a decision to request the City Manager attend the following meeting for clarification. An update was provided on the Hotel Feasibility Study, which was submitted for review, and the commission decided to coordinate the removal of branding prior to the sale of the city trolley.

Key discussions included an update on the CMT Agreement following a meeting with city management and the Illinois Department of Transportation, confirming that preliminary airport improvements were discussed. The status of the runway lights was confirmed as operational. Regarding the AWOS System, parts were ordered to address communication issues between the building and the terminal. The committee recommended a change in future meeting scheduling from the third Monday to the third Thursday on a quarterly basis, effective January 2026. Further discussions covered the status of the FBO, Airgo, necessary hangar door repairs, violations noted during a State Fire Marshal's visit, and scheduled annual testing for the underground storage tank. Hangar rental activity was reported, noting two leases signed last week.

Key discussions included public participation regarding improvements at Laura Leake Park and a suggestion to honor a former resident with a statue. The Council approved several consent agenda items, including payrolls and vouchers, a Treasurer's Report, and resolutions related to a mortgage estoppel certificate and authorization for boat races on local lakes. In resolutions, the Council approved agreements with Metro-Ag Inc. for the removal and transportation of residuals from both the water and wastewater treatment plants, and the disbursement of a $12,000 forgivable loan from TIF #3 for façade improvements at 117 E. Broadway. Furthermore, the Council approved collective bargaining agreements with the Fraternal Order of Police Union #229 and the Illinois Fraternal Order Of The Police Labor Council for the Centralia Telecommunicators, which included updates to wages, shift structures, and the introduction of safety days. Follow-up discussions addressed park improvements, street lighting evaluation, and the public release of the Economic Development Interactive Map.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of consent agenda items, such as payrolls and vouchers totaling $1,359,600.32, and a request regarding Lake Centralia use. The Council passed ordinances approving a month-to-month lease for warehouse space to store Leaf Vac trucks and an agreement with Marion County allowing temporary use of the City's Animal Control Facility until March 31, 2026. Several resolutions were approved concerning roadway improvements on S. Perrine Avenue and East Calumet Street, as well as drainage improvements for the Holiday Terrace Subdivision, all involving engineering services from Gonzalez Companies, LLC. The Council also approved an extended access license agreement for site assessment testing near 135 S. Elm St. by Ghattas Trust, and a resolution renewing the agreement for the Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce to serve as the Administrative Agent for the Centralia Tourism Commission. Additionally, staff reported that water and sewer rates increased by 3.2% starting with January billings, and applications are being accepted for the Code Enforcement Department.

The meeting included a discussion regarding potential changes to the Fire and Police Commission rules and regulations, specifically concerning the Disciplinary Procedure. The body also received polygraph results for one candidate. Following a call to order for a closed session, an interview was conducted for a lateral candidate.