Cody Ellis

The meeting included a public hearing regarding citizen comments on the Madison County Community Development Block Grant for the Edwardsville Road Water Line Improvement Project. Key agenda items for the Council session included the approval of the 2024-2025 Audit Report, and the authorization to borrow funds from the Illinois Water Pollution Control Loan Program to finance both the State Street Storm Sewer Project and the 9th Street Detention Pond Project. Additionally, the Council planned to approve ordinances and resolutions related to funding obligations for Edwardsville Road Water Line Improvements, applications for the Community Development Block Grant (including Fair Housing and ADA Transition Plan resolutions), endorsement of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, an application for the 2026 Madison County Resource Management Program Environmental Grant, and execution of intergovernmental agreements with the East Alton-Wood River High School District and the Madison County Housing Authority. The Council also addressed rejecting bids for the Wood River Eastwood Pump Station Project, seeking bids for replacement pumps at the Eastwood Lift Station, approving engineering services for a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) project, appointing a member to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, and scheduling the annual Public Hearing on the ADA Transition Plan.

The agenda includes roll call, approval of minutes and bills, and the annual investment report. Other items include citizen comments, reports from city officials, and approval of an ordinance declaring personal property surplus. The council will also consider a professional services agreement for a new roof system at the Public Services Building, a landscaping proposal for the Recreation Center, and re-appointments to the Library Board. Additional requests include holding an Ice Cream Social at Central Park and allowing EAWR High School's Student Council to solicit at an intersection.

The City Council meeting will include public hearings on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) State Revolving Fund Loan Program for the 9th Street Detention Pond Project. The agenda also includes presentations, citizen comments, and various approvals such as ordinances amending city code, the sale of surplus real estate, amended redevelopment agreements, and the purchase of exercise equipment. Other agenda items include sponsorship agreements, maintenance bids, roadblock solicitations, and street closures for events.

The City Council meeting agenda included the approval of minutes from previous meetings, bills for payment, citizen comments, and reports from city officials. Key ordinances addressed amendments to clarify the City Attorney's role and responsibilities, the repeal of ordinances related to TIF guidelines, and the approval of intergovernmental agreements for dispatch services. Other agenda items included lease agreements for farmland, redevelopment agreements, subdivision approvals, budget adoption, surplus item sales, and an agreement with AT&T. The meeting also involved discussion of bids for demolition and water main improvements, and a closed session to discuss personnel and property sale/lease pricing.

The meeting included public hearings on the FY 25/26 proposed budget, showing a 22.53% decrease from the previous year, and the IEPA State Revolving Fund Loan Program for the 9th Street Detention Pond Project. Citizen comments were received regarding various issues, including concerns about the conduct of some council members and the performance of the city manager. Several ordinances were approved, including amendments to city code regarding council meeting notices, zoning code updates for recreational vehicles, and the sale of city-owned property. Amended redevelopment agreements were also approved for several projects, with significant discussion and debate surrounding the process and adherence to previous agreements. Finally, resolutions were passed for the purchase of exercise equipment for the recreation center and a sponsorship agreement with a local business. Several other approvals were given for road closures and solicitations.