Greg Holthaus

The agenda includes project updates regarding lead service line replacements, various ordinance presentations concerning property surplus, fireworks, and loan agreements, and a review of special events and annexations. Administrative and operational items include hiring for seasonal and permanent positions, dispatcher appointments, labor union agreements, professional surveying services, infrastructure material purchases, and park improvements. Additionally, the council will address zoning, liquor license changes, and storage container permits.

The council meeting includes agenda items regarding project updates for the Waste Water Treatment Plant and 6th Street Transmission Main. Legal topics feature ordinances on economic development agreements, special use permits, surplus property, and fireworks regulations. Administrative and operational items cover the purchase of pool chemicals, renewal of body camera subscriptions, the Fiscal Year 2027 budget approval, equipment purchases, and various water and sewer account adjustments. The committee reports address fire department staffing and community support initiatives, while new business includes discussions on salvage operations, sidewalk removal, and sidewalk petitions.

The council meeting agenda includes project updates regarding the Waste Water Treatment Plant and the 7th Street Water Main project, involving loan disbursements, pay applications, and change orders. Legal matters involve the presentation of ordinances related to downtown redevelopment financing, feral cat regulations, and real estate transfers, as well as a theater agreement. Departmental and committee items include a special event application, fire department personnel changes, and financial motions such as the purchase of a new police vehicle and a dump truck, alongside loan procurement and a garbage collection contract extension. Additionally, the agenda covers water and sewer bill adjustments and consideration of allowing a cannabis lounge within the city.

The City Council meeting, chaired by Alderman Scott in the Mayor's absence, addressed multiple engineering and municipal matters. Key discussions included the approval of a loan disbursement and change order for the Waste Water Treatment Plant project. Updates were provided on upcoming project bids for the transmission main replacement, lead service line replacement, Safe Routes to School project, and the downtown water project. The council passed an ordinance amending the Solid Waste Collection Fee to $20.00 and another ordinance declaring property surplus for redevelopment. A public hearing date was set for an amendment to a Business District ordinance. Progress on theater basement insulation and exterior vent coverage was noted. Negotiations were authorized for a redevelopment agreement with Jack Matthews Development for South Locust Street properties. A resolution authorizing a Pre-Annexation Agreement failed initially but was slated for reconsideration at the next session. The council also approved landscaping assistance for the Lincoln Prairie Bike Trailhead and allowed the Pana Chamber of Commerce to return to their former office. Several one-time water/sewer adjustments were approved for various properties, and the first presentation of an ordinance regarding insufficient funds checks occurred.

Key discussions included a presentation from a master gardener regarding funding for landscaping at the Lincoln Prairie Bike Trail head. The council considered and ultimately failed to pass an ordinance amending the sale of personal property code section. A first presentation was given for an ordinance increasing the solid waste collection fee to $20.00, and another ordinance declaring property surplus redevelopment parcels was presented. The City Engineer reported on the installation of a storm sewer and inspection of building trusses. The council approved expense reimbursement to BNT Glass per their redevelopment agreement and approved filling a vacancy in the Street Department with Blake Stauder. Funding applications were approved for the CDS Grant and IEPA funding for transmission main replacement Phase 2, and for the Illinois Regional/Site Readiness Program for road improvements. Approval was also granted for in-filling basement windows at 119 E 2nd St. The Police Chief announced the retirement of Officer Richard Rahar, effective March 1, 2026. A Committee of the Whole meeting was scheduled for February 4, 2026.