Edward P. Bartel

The board discussed and approved the hiring of two individuals for the fire department. Additionally, the board entered into an executive session to address personnel matters before returning to an open session and adjourning the meeting.

The board discussed fiscal year budget amendments and reviewed a price increase from Wellnow Urgent Care. The Fire Department provided reports on 2025 service calls, current training initiatives, ongoing policy updates, personnel status, and upcoming academy scheduling. The Police Department reported on the status of officers in field training and academy attendance, and announced upcoming staff awards. Pending and new business included updates on police officer testing procedures, a review of fire department testing portals, and the scheduling of firefighter orientation. The board also convened a closed session to discuss confidential personnel budget matters.

The Board of Fire & Police Commission held a meeting to discuss new business, including police and fire department hiring. They approved the hiring of a new police officer and, after an executive session, approved the hiring of a new firefighter.

The meeting addressed various topics, including a resident's concerns about parking a trailer on a lot, approval of consent agenda items such as meeting minutes and bills, proclamations for Fire Prevention Week and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and a petition for a road closure. The council discussed and approved amendments to create an extended hours permit for liquor license holders, pay requests to construction companies, waiving the bid process for paving at Fire Station Two, and an intergovernmental agreement with Whiteside County to address nuisance properties. Also discussed was designating an area as a River Edge Redevelopment Zone. Staff reports included updates on public works projects, wastewater management, building and zoning activities, fire department training and events, and police department administration. Council members reported on the IML conference, parking permits, pedestrian safety, and community events.

The meeting included a financial report, discussion in executive session, approval of Vanessa Leavitt as Band Manager, and renewal of Annette Hackbarth's contract as Band Director for the 2025-2026 year. Gratitude was expressed to Director Annette Hackbarth for music purchases and support, and to Paul Ausman for his years of service as Band Manager, with plans to plant a tree in his name. Mercantile agreed to host Tuba Christmas, and Director Hackbarth noted teaching conflicts with upcoming Commission meetings.