Brad Brewer

The meeting addressed numerous items via omnibus vote, including the approval of the schedule of bills totaling $3,734,358.49. Several ordinances and resolutions were adopted on their second reading, covering the annexation of the Harmon Property, authorization for a special use permit at 111 Kaylea Court, and approving contracts with JIMAX Landscape LLC for shoreline clearing and site clearing projects. Other approvals included the purchase of a scissor lift, accepting proposals for intersection improvements, purchasing a backhoe loader, retaining engineering services for parking lot rehabilitation, establishing a rental agreement for mowers and a tractor, approving audio-visual improvements, purchasing four Ford Interceptor Utility Vehicles, and approving the Eastport Marina Management Agreement. Furthermore, the Council adopted a resolution abating various 2025 tax levies for bond issues and an ordinance partially abating the 2025 tax levy related to revenue recapture under PTELL. A first reading was held for an ordinance extending the lease for the Robein Cell Tower site, and an ordinance vacating portions of the Edmund Street and alley rights-of-way for redevelopment was adopted. Resolutions were introduced for the Bell Archway Structure Project for Levee Park, the purchase of a trailer-mounted spray patcher, a four-ton asphalt transporter hot box, contracts for the 2026 Street Maintenance Program, the purchase of two new dump trucks for the Streets and Water Departments, payment for an emergency sewer main repair, and furniture/landscaping purchases for the new Police Station. Finally, amendments extending an Intergovernmental Agreement and a Construction and Lease Agreement regarding Eastlight Theatre, Inc. were approved. A public comment segment focused on concerns regarding rising property taxes and sewer/water rate increases.

The City Council conducted a regular meeting to address various municipal operations and infrastructure projects. Key actions included approving a significant schedule of bills, authorizing a lease extension for a cell tower, and approving numerous purchases for the Streets, Water, and Police Departments, including new dump trucks, a backhoe loader, SCADA software upgrades, and evidentiary laboratory equipment. The Council also approved contracts for street maintenance, emergency sewer repairs, police station furniture and landscaping, and intergovernmental agreements concerning the Eastlight Theatre. Additionally, a resolution was adopted to increase the number of patrolmen, and an ordinance amendment regarding cigarette vending machines was passed. Future plans, including a public hearing for the upcoming fiscal year's budget and Appropriation Ordinance, as well as community initiatives like the Farmer's Market and potential pool planning, were also discussed.

The meeting included a Public Hearing regarding the Proposed Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Proposed Working Cash Budget for the Fiscal Year May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027. Communications included a Proclamation by the Mayor declaring April 2026 as Parkinson's Awareness Month and April 11, 2026, as World Parkinson's Day. The Consent Agenda covered nine items, including the approval of the Schedule of Bills totaling $3,711,665.97, accepting engineering services proposals for the Bell Monument Structure and Center Street Storm Water Ditch Relocation Project, purchasing ten new Getac Laptops, designating authorized officials for roadway salt joint purchasing agreements, accepting proposals for sewer main lining, SCADA upgrade, replacement of an ESDA Tornado Siren, and purchasing evidentiary laboratory equipment for the new police station. Items removed from the consent agenda for discussion included the Annual Appropriation Ordinance, the Working Cash Budget, an ordinance authorizing a special use for a low emission incinerator, and various resolutions related to engineering services, IT network upgrades, demolition of city property, and matters concerning the City's Group Health Insurance Plan for the 2026-2027 Plan Year. Commissioner Decker moved to approve a resolution for an Intergovernmental Agreement with Tazewell County to receive a $50,000 grant for the Residential Curbside Recycling Program. Commissioner Sutherland moved for the adoption of a resolution to purchase a 2026 Caterpillar 420XE Backhoe Loader for the Water Department and for approval of payments for emergency sewer main repair and purchase of water main pipe for the Arnold Road Water Main Replacement Project. Commissioner Mingus moved for the appointment of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Authorized Agent and the purchase of Livescan Fingerprinting Systems for the new police station.

The agenda items for this meeting included the approval of the Treasurer's Report for February 2026 and the approval of bills totaling $39,415.58. Under New Business, the items for discussion included receiving and filing the annual audit and a motion to approve the Title VI program and the certifications and assurances for the FTA related to the Main & Mariners Way project.

The council agenda features a public hearing on the proposed annual appropriation ordinance and working cash budget. Business items include the approval of payment for a schedule of bills, engineering service proposals for the Bell Monument structure and the Center Street Storm Water Ditch project, and the procurement of IT equipment such as laptops, a tornado siren, and evidentiary lab equipment. The council will also address a special use permit for an incinerator, various group health insurance plan renewals, contracts for insurance administrators and brokers, and intergovernmental agreements for recycling grants. Additional agenda topics include the purchase of a new backhoe loader for the water department, sewer repair invoice payments, water main pipe procurement, and an appointment for an authorized agent for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.