City of Watseka

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence for a recently deceased Fireman. The committee recommended acceptance of the January Treasurer's report to the council. Key discussions involved security and lighting at the Depot. Regarding Depot lighting, quotes from two vendors differed significantly, leading to a decision to re-solicit more specific quotes. The committee reviewed quotes for two cameras at the impound lot, pending input from Chief Starkey regarding installation details. The committee recommended accepting a quote from Ruder Electric for seven cameras and door access installation at the depot, to be funded by Depot monies. The date for the following month's Finance and Public Works/Water Wastewater meeting was tentatively changed due to the state general election.

The Purchasing Committee Meeting included a discussion regarding the Zone fitness bill for Jason Smith, where Loren provided an explanation of the charges. The committee reviewed and signed a total of 66 purchase orders during the session.

The Public Safety Committee meeting commenced with no public comment. The Fire Department reported statistics for January, including fires, first responder calls, ambulance calls, MVAs, automatic alarms, and miscellaneous calls. Training activities for January were also noted, along with enrollment updates for Fire Academy and EMT-B courses. The Police and Fire Commission representative detailed the status of recent testing, noting weather delays for the physical portion. After a brief adjournment, Deputy Chief Harris provided a report detailing January incidents, including total calls and book-ins. He also noted that new squad equipment installation was nearing completion, though K9 squad parts for repairs were still pending.

Key discussions included updates on the IDNR Flood Mitigation project, noting a closing scheduled for March 5th and two additional contracts in progress. The committee reviewed and recommended approval for an asbestos abatement quote from Nationwide Environmental & Demo LLC for Unit 9, totaling $77,000 plus a $10,000 allowance, to be funded by the DNR grant. Additionally, the committee recommended approval of a $5,000 façade grant for Simply Country Shoppe to fund repairs to an awning, tuck pointing, window trim painting, and a new front door. Regarding the HMPG Grant, it was noted that the Relocation Consultant company would not be utilized due to the grant's expiration date of June 18, 2026, shifting tenant placement responsibility to the landlord.

The meeting included the discussion and potential approval of several key ordinances and resolutions. Key actions involved Ordinance #2779 amending parking restrictions for snow removal, Ordinance #2780 concerning the number of alcoholic beverage licenses, Ordinance #2781 authorizing a $1,155,000 General Obligation Taxable Note for Unit 9, and Ordinance #2782 authorizing a lease agreement with the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Historical Society for space in the Watseka Union Depot Building. Further actions included approving a Letter of Intent regarding property donation for the Watseka Flats project, Resolution 2026-1 related to the Muller Subdivision land transfer, and Resolution 2026-2 approving an agreement with Iroquois County Community School District No. 9 for the demolition of the Nettie Davis School. Financial reports included the approval of claims totaling $292,269.20. Public Works actions involved approving funding for the Oak Street Resurfacing from Infrastructure Fund and rejecting all bids for the Watermain Project on 3rd Street. The council also approved a pay rate increase for an employee with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) due to it not being covered by contract, and approved a contract for Asbestos Remediation paid by the DNR Grant, as well as a Façade Grant for the Simply Country Shop. Garage Sale Days for June and September 2026 were established.