Brad Ruble

The meeting commenced with the formal opening, invocation, and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. A key item involved citizens, specifically members of the Casey Jr. High Beta Club, requesting the City of Mt. Vernon be designated a Purple Heart City, which the Council subsequently proclaimed. Financial matters included the approval of Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable totaling $2,540,739.85, and the presentation and approval of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Audit, which resulted in an unqualified opinion with no findings. Bids were awarded for two demolition projects: the Late Fall Demolition Project to Heck's Excavating ($62,500.00) and the Demolition of the Municipal West Building, also to Heck's Excavating ($18,750.00). The City Manager obtained approval for a street closure for a church conference, permission to seek bids for the July 4th fireworks contract, approval for engine replacement on Firetruck #5131 at an estimated cost of $96,599.73, and approval for a Subdivision Preliminary and Final Plat. Several ordinances were passed, including rezoning three properties (2611 Benton Road, 9867 N. IL Hwy 148, and 2604 Veterans Memorial Drive) to various residential classifications. Resolutions were approved to update the Personnel Policy and to accept a proposal with Sutphen Fire Apparatus to purchase a new fire truck. The Council convened in Executive Session to discuss the setting of a price for the sale or lease of city-owned property.

The proceedings included a Public Hearing regarding the TIF Redevelopment Plan and Project for the N. 42nd Street TIF. The Regular City Council Meeting agenda covered presentations of journals from the previous meeting, public participation, approval of consolidated vouchers, review of bids/quotes, and City Manager reports. Key items under the City Manager section included several street closure requests for upcoming events: Mt. Vernon Market Days (October 2025), Mt. Vernon Brewers Festival (June 2026), Christmas activities and parade (December 2026), and Fall Fest activities and parade (September 2026). Legislative actions included the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the ceding of private activity bonding authority, and resolutions requesting permission from IDOT for temporary street closures for the Christmas and Fall Fest parades, as well as a resolution approving an agreement with IDOT for State Route 37 resurfacing, ADA, and traffic signal improvements. The agenda also reserved time for Mayor and City Council items, citizen requests, and an Executive Session.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Key actions included the approval of Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable totaling $1,353,718.72. A resolution was approved for an agreement with James Superior Cleaning LLC for janitorial services for City Hall, Public Works offices, Tourism office, and the Police Department at a monthly cost of $5,700. The Mayor recognized first responders, and Officer Brenton Deadmond was presented with the Officer of the Year award for his performance, dedication to training, and obtaining a drone pilot's license. The Council also approved the reappointment of Christopher Yenne, Robert Brands, and Nathan McKenna to the 911 Board.

The City Council meeting included the approval of Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable totaling $1,557,217.22. Key actions involved approving a Subdivision Preliminary and Final Plat for Troy J. Parrish, which included a necessary rezoning from Agricultural to Low Density Residential. The Council passed an Ordinance authorizing the issuance of $30,000,000 in General Obligation Bonds for capital improvements, including a new recreational center. Another Ordinance was approved to reallocate proceeds from the Home Rule Municipal Retailers and Service Occupation Tax. Additionally, the Council approved an Ordinance concerning the levy and collection of taxes for Fiscal Year 2026 and adopted a Resolution to induce redevelopment within the IPCA TIF with specific enterprises. A resolution was also approved for purchasing solar power from KPH IL44, LLC, projected to result in significant long-term savings, and a resolution was passed approving a proposal from Terracon for environmental consulting services funded by an EPA Brownfield Assessment grant. Finally, a Resolution was approved to establish a Public Hearing regarding the Redevelopment Plan and Project for the North 42nd Street TIF.

The City Council meeting included discussions on concerns about the proposed recreational center, specifically regarding the financial implications of aquatics facilities. The council approved consolidated vouchers for accounts payable and granted permission to seek bids for the Late Fall Demolition Project, which includes ten properties. An ordinance rezoning property on North 42nd Street was approved, and a second reading of an ordinance authorizing the donation of 805 Main Street to Jefferson County Toys for Kids, Inc. was also approved. Council members acknowledged and thanked everyone for their help with the Angels on Assignment Food Drive.