James Rodney Nolan

Key discussions included the city receiving a violation notice from the Illinois EPA regarding 15 major violations at water and sewer facilities, and the decision to respond through a Compliance Commitment Agreement in consultation with HMG Engineering. The Council voted to require time sheets to reflect specific start and end times for each workday, passing the measure 7-1. Alderman Lewis formally resigned her position due to moving residences. Residents raised concerns regarding trespassers at the former United Methodist Village property, the Wreaths Across America event scheduled for December 13, and issues with septic hauler dumping at the City facility. Public comment also focused heavily on the staffing levels and performance of the Utilities Supervisor. The Mayor announced scheduling for mid-December Labor/Management and Park/Cemetery meetings.

Key discussions included Alderman Volkman's request for more detail regarding overtime pay in council reports and the need for financing information concerning the potential purchase of a jet truck for sewer cleaning. The Council approved the acceptance of bids for three parcels of property, authorized ADG to set specifications for armory roof repairs with a proposed bidding date of February 10, 2026, and approved the purchase of excavating equipment for the Cemetery, utilizing perpetual care funds. Furthermore, the Council voted to repair all wells following a notice of violation from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency concerning issues like chloride tank size and operating permits. A motion to continue using physical timesheets instead of implementing time clocks passed. The Council also heard presentations regarding burying a fiber network and a request to shift aldermanic ward boundaries due to disproportionate voter distribution.

The Council meeting included several key discussions and actions. The Council approved the payment of bills for October 2025. The Treasurer's Report was presented, noting current certificates of deposit rates and the maturation of CDs. The Council discussed the annual audit, with the City holding $8.7 million in holdings at the end of fiscal year 2025. Ordinance 1618 for the annual levy and Ordinance 1619 for the Minimum/Maximum contribution agreement with the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association were passed. A resolution was passed to advertise residential lots for sale by sealed bids to be opened in January. The Council approved spending $5,000 on recycling services through 2026. Concerns were raised regarding potential violations at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and payroll overtime policies. The Mayor appointed two Aldermen to represent the City on a Labor-Management board.

The Council meeting addressed several important issues. Discussions included the receipt of a violation notice from the Illinois EPA regarding 15 major violations at the water and sewer facilities, with plans to address these through a Compliance Commitment Agreement. Concerns were raised about staffing levels at the utility department, leading to a motion requiring time sheets to reflect precise start and end times for City employees. A formal resignation was accepted from the Ward I alderman due to a change in residence. Other topics involved trespassing activity near the former United Methodist Village, plans for Wreaths Across America at the City Cemetery, and comments from residents regarding Christmas in the Park preparations, septic hauler dumping, and general issues with wastewater management and leadership. The Mayor scheduled subsequent Labor/Management and Park/Cemetery meetings.

The council discussed the treasurer's report, indicating the city has certificates of deposit at Casey State Bank. They also discussed the need for a time clock during the open comments period and the Mayor read a letter of resignation from a patrolman. The first reading of the tax levy ordinance was conducted, and a request for an appropriation to Lawrence-Allison Fire Protection District for a new fire truck was approved. The council considered an ordinance to allow areas of River Run Estates to change zoning. The annual audit revealed increased expenditures and a deficit, with advice to raise sewer rates. A motion to audit workforce time sheets was rescinded. The Parks Committee is considering new playground equipment, and the city received a Compliance Commitment Agreement from the IEPA. Roof repairs to the Armory were discussed and approved. Concerns were raised about HMG's permit application and the Utilities Superintendent's licensing. The need for a maintenance plan for sewer lines was also discussed.