Aaron Smith

The board meeting included the approval of bill payments and reports from various committees. Key discussion points included legal updates regarding annexation objections by the Jo Daviess County GIS Department, a proposed 5% increase in the water base rate for future consideration, and a report on the DACRA committee. Infrastructure and maintenance updates were provided, including the completion of several sidewalk and manhole repairs, the acceptance of a $1,300 bid for tree removal and brush chipping, and ongoing coordination for street maintenance projects. The board also addressed requests for downtown cleanliness, status updates on water and sewer operations, and the issuance of local zoning permits.

The agenda includes committee reports covering personnel, public safety, ordinances, zoning, finance, building, economic development, streets, sewer, water, and TIF. Unfinished business consists of clerk, treasurer, and police activity reports. New business includes a discussion and potential approval regarding an increase to the water and sewer base rates. The meeting will conclude with an executive session.

The board discussed several items, including the approval of a bill list totaling $8,287.45. Key topics covered were the approval of materials for an Eagle Scout canon shelter project at the museum, updates on the annexation paperwork for Red's Liquor, and the review of Clerk and Treasurer reports. The board also reviewed public safety statistics, maintenance activities for village streets, and water department operations. Financial items included the approval of Illinois Department of Transportation street maintenance project costs and requests for PWS and WPC loan disbursements. Additionally, the board approved cleaning service payments for the Community Building.

The board discussed and approved an additional IEPA loan disbursement request for engineering and planning services. Actions were taken regarding the purchase of a new asphalt drag box and the approval of a street maintenance project for specific roads. The board also accepted an ordinance establishing appropriations and estimated revenues for the upcoming fiscal year, established a committee for DACRA court, and approved the acquisition of new accounting and billing software that is expected to reduce annual support costs. Reports were provided on department maintenance activities, zoning permits, TIF reimbursement options, and downtown beautification efforts.

The agenda includes committee reports covering finance, public safety, buildings, streets, ordinances, economic development, personnel, sewer, water, TIF, and zoning. New business items consist of the discussion and approval of the fiscal year 2026/2027 budget, issuance of notices of award for the well house generator and inserta valves, and consideration of donations for the JDC Fair and JDC Transit Services.