Alan Wrasman

The meeting included the swearing in of newly elected officials for the term 2026-2029 and the election of Brian Inkrott as Council President and Chris Recker as BPA President. The Mayor provided a state of the village address, highlighting progress on park shelter house improvements, sidewalk enhancements, addition of the Music Garden, commencement of ball diamonds and a play area at Deters Park, installation of Wi-Fi and camera systems, addition of AED units, installation of speed warning signs, completion of a fire tanker truck purchase contract, and the start of the canoe/kayak launch project, noting a 3% increase in village fund balances. Ordinance #1527 regarding the formation of a Park Commission was approved on its third reading. The 2026 council meeting dates were approved, and members were appointed to various committees including the Street Commission, Personnel Committee, Finance Committee, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Park Board Committee. The council also authorized sending out bid requests for 2026 street projects with a February 3, 2026 bid opening, and the Mayor will begin planning for a new police vehicle/record storage garage. Discussions included checking on the possibility of installing a generator at the main lift station and scheduling a meeting to review zoning ordinances. Resolutions were approved to amend the 2025 and 2026 Revenue and Appropriation budgets to account for canoe/kayak launch disbursements and new grant allocations. The council requested clarification on proposed additional fees from Relentless IT related to cybersecurity rules. The BPA noted tightening water tower straps and the upcoming 3% increase in water fees from the Village of Ottawa, suggesting a joint advisory meeting. The Fire Chief confirmed the new tanker/chassis assembly is underway. The replacement of sidewalks on O-G Rd, funded by the Ottawa-Glandorf School District, was noted. The session concluded with an executive session regarding personnel matters.

The meeting commenced with the approval of bills and the minutes from the previous council meeting. Key actions included the approval of Resolution #2250 to accept the lowest bid of $226,191 from Fenson Contracting for the phase #1 canoe/kayak launch project. The second reading and approval for Ordinance #1527, forming a Park Commission, was completed. The council reviewed potential 2026 road and sidewalk projects identified by the Street Commission and established the 2026 council meeting schedule. Further resolutions approved CRA Agreements for the new homes of Kevin & Marcia Goecke and Jason & Laura lnkrott. Resolutions were also passed concerning newly elected official salary increases, the employment of the village solicitor for 2026 and 2027, and authorizing the Fiscal Officer to use a village credit card following new state guidance on tax-exempt purchases. Temporary appropriations for the first quarter of 2026 were approved across several funds, and a new fund (4903) was established for tracking general capital projects. Department updates included information on TTHM testing results, the upcoming conversion of utility billing software, and updates from the Fire Chief regarding equipment purchases funded by federal and state grants, including applications for new turnout gear.

Key discussions during the meeting included the preparation to bid the first phase of the canoe/kayak launch, scheduled for November 19th, with bid opening on December 11th. An update on the construction status of a new building off Liberty Drive was provided, including verification needed regarding a retention pond. The council approved the creation of a Park Commission via Ordinance #1527. The Street Commission set a meeting for November 8th to review 2026 road and sidewalk projects, and the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals set a meeting for November 6th to review roles, permits, and an Airbnb request. Permission was granted to purchase a tablet/I PAD for the village-owned camera system app. Progress on the EMS building easement issue was noted. The council approved Resolution #2247 for the CRA Agreement for the Recker home, and approved Resolution #2248 to accept FY2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant funds for new SCBA units, along with Resolution #2249 for the required supporting policies. Compliance deadlines for Sunshine Law training were noted. Updates were provided on the 2025 Composting Application submission and EPA inspection schedule, including the need for a new lift pump in 2026. The Lions Club inquired about planting trees in the nature preserve area, and the need for drawings and approval for the second phase of the canoe/kayak launch was discussed. The next council meeting was scheduled for December 16th.

The Council met to accept the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission, authorize the necessary tax levies, and certify them to the County Auditor. The resolution includes accepting the amounts and rates certified by the Budget Commission, levying taxes within and without the ten mill limitation, and directing the Clerk to certify a copy of the resolution to the County Auditor.

The Council approved a Community Reinvestment Area Agreement with Donald and Sandra Pester, granting a 50% abatement of taxes on real property investments for five years for property located at 328 Stoneburg Drive. The property is located within CRA 137-30282-01, has no delinquent taxes due, and the improvement is eligible.