Gary Bird

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call, followed by a public comment period where concerns were raised regarding the VEX proposal and potential traffic disruption from related project closures. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the midyear financial review presented by representatives from Lad and Amen LLB. The review indicated positive governmental fund performance, strong sales tax revenue, and increases in pension funding percentages for police and fire. Discussions on expenditures noted that general fund debt service was paid off, and several funds (Sewer, Non-Home Rule Sales Tax, MFT) were budgeted at a deficit to cover capital initiatives. The council then proceeded to Ordinance 202528, which involved approving a Tax Increment Financing District Redevelopment Agreement. Discussion centered on the commitment of 85% of the increment over 23 years to reimburse the company for costs, with emphasis placed on the net investment to the community even with the reimbursement structure, compared to receiving zero revenue from vacant properties.

The City Council meeting covered several key topics, including public comments regarding the closure of the North Point movie theater and the regulation of golf carts, UTVs, and other small vehicles. New business included the first reading of an ordinance imposing lift assist fees on senior care facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living residences, with discussion on potential service overuse. The council also voted on a resolution ratifying the payment of real estate taxes for a property to protect the city's security interest related to the defaulted loan for the Eagle Theater redevelopment. Further discussion focused on electric vehicles, e-bikes, and scooters, with the council deciding to address golf cart regulation separately before tackling other electric vehicle ordinances.

The meeting included a period for public comment where residents raised serious concerns regarding ongoing property disputes, threats, and unsafe street conditions due to illegal parking and excessive speeding by ATVs and cars, impacting pedestrian and emergency vehicle access. The Council proceeded with action items including a technical correction to an ordinance amending the municipal grocery tax. They also approved the levy of an additional 0.02% on real property for the library maintenance and repairs. Furthermore, the council approved the 2026 meeting and holiday schedule, making a key change to move a recurring meeting to the first Wednesday of the month to avoid scheduling conflicts. Discussions then began on the 2026 tax levy and budget, specifically reviewing options to reduce the general fund levy below the recommended 4.99% by eliminating excess funds designated beyond pension obligations. Decisions were made to remove planned capital expenses, such as a fire department building project, a vehicle purchase for mileage reimbursement elimination, and an ambulance purchase from the current year's budget, while emphasizing the essential need to proceed with the City Hall generator replacement.

The meeting included several action items and a discussion regarding the initial request for the 2026 budget, which currently projects a significant deficit. Action items included the approval of Ordinance 202544, annexing portions of the Circle Drive subdivision into the City of Streeter, with an effective date of January 1, 2026. Resolution 202544 supported a US EPA grant application for a brownfield assessment at the Smith Douglas site. Resolution 202545 appropriated an additional $80,000 in MFT funds for the Iowa Avenue Roadway project. A mayoral appointment was made, appointing Andy Urbanic to a term ending in June 2028. The Fire Department budget presentation highlighted the need for a new Deputy Chief position to ensure 24/7 incident command coverage and address administrative duties, estimated to cost approximately $120,000 due to the need to hire an additional firefighter. Other budget discussions included an increase in telecommunications costs due to a shift to Starcom, increased education/training funds to cover retirements and upcoming paramedic training, and the potential purchase of a utility pickup truck to reduce mileage reimbursement costs. The Fire Department also presented the planned purchase of a new ambulance in 2027 and discussed a 10-year lease program for five ZO cardiac monitors.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call, followed by the removal of the closed session item from the agenda. Public comment included updates regarding the Struterfest committee's events. The council held a public hearing concerning the closeout of DCO grant 18-242031 for sewer lining and rehabilitation work along Spring Street and South Vermillion Street, detailing the project's scope and final costs. Subsequent resolutions addressed the annual appropriation of $210,000 in motor fuel tax funds for roadway maintenance projects, including salt and chip material purchases. The council also approved the award of a construction contract for the incubator renovation project to Osman Construction Corporation, pending final approval from US EDA. Additionally, the council authorized the sale of property at 325 West Frere Street and the solicitation of bids for other surplus properties, while expressing caution regarding the sale of downtown lots for speculative purposes. The session concluded with the approval of the consent agenda covering fund warrants totaling $1,513,522.23, and administrative notes regarding holiday closures and the scheduling of the first January meeting.