Jef Liddiard

The City Council discussed several infrastructure and administrative projects, including the Worth Street Extension and HVAC replacements for the Civic Center. Department reports were provided regarding the Electric Department's tank replacement and power contracts, sewer and street maintenance, and gas main installations. The Council approved Ordinance 24-1 for the disposal of surplus property and Ordinance 24-2 to adopt a Federally Funded Procurement Policy. Additional business included reviewing bids for directional boring at Cedar Dale Subdivision, scheduling a town-wide cleanup for May, approving the sale of surplus equipment and a vehicle, and tabling discussions on liquor license requirements and special use permits.

The council discussed various city projects, including an update on the storm sewer project, OSLAD grant progress, and water supply conservation efforts. Key actions included approving a contract for repairs to the Al Crockett building, passing an ordinance amending no-parking zones, and authorizing a voluntary 10% water usage reduction for business, commercial, and industrial customers. Additionally, the council addressed a storage container request for the Sullivan Bakery, made appointments to the library board, and approved claims and expenditures.

The meeting included updates on various infrastructure and grant projects, including the Main Street Water Main, Storm Sewer Grant, ITEP grant, and Safe Routes to School. Discussions covered park improvements, including court renovations and the upcoming splash pad opening, as well as Electric Department projects such as IMEA compliance, utility locates, and transformer maintenance. The Council approved claims, construction projects, and mulching services. Further deliberation occurred regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement for a School Resource Officer, a GIS support contract with Cloudpoint Geospatial, and proposed restrictions for dump lot usage. Additionally, the Council reviewed the status of the fuel tank replacement and scheduled a future public meeting regarding a TIF IV amendment.

The City Council discussed park department projects including tree removal and Christmas display preparations, as well as electrical department maintenance and pole replacements. Updates were provided on street reconstruction and repair projects, including discussions on traffic control and TIF funding opportunities. The Council also approved Trick-or-Treat hours, a debt collection agreement with PayCourt Innovations, and reviewed potential TIF application terms for a development project. Additionally, the Council addressed community concerns regarding a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program for stray cats, deciding to continue current complaint-based procedures while exploring ordinance changes and long-term solutions.

The meeting included a public discussion where members of the "Just Say No to Renewal Group" expressed concerns regarding the early renewal of the IMEA contract, advocating for better terms concerning renewable energy implementation, insufficient proposed solar capacity, and securing state/federal funding for battery storage. Other public comments addressed water billing inquiries, mulch availability, and limitations on selling locally generated energy. Key actions included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered minutes from prior meetings and a resolution for maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code. Park Department updates involved moving a concession stand, tree removal, weed spraying, mulch delivery, restroom repairs, and planning for splash pad work. The Council addressed the lack of proposals for audit services, opting to move forward with Clifton Larson Allen (CLA) under existing fee schedule adjustment provisions. Electric Department reports detailed system maintenance, including primary line work. The Council approved the City of Sullivan being highlighted as a success story by the Rural Development Farm and Home Administration concerning the new water treatment plant. The Mayor signed a compliance commitment acceptance letter regarding Sewer Plant operations. Progress reports were given on the Main Street Water Main project and the Safe Routes to School project, which resulted in cost savings through local tree removal. A proposal for establishing a flag fund and addressing roof leakage damage near the old City Building was discussed. The Council authorized the preparation of a new ADA self-evaluation and transition plan by Milano & Grunloh. Special Use Permits were approved for events hosted by the Sullivan American Legion and Cerks LLC d. b. a. Old No. 1. The Council accepted an amended TIF IV map, which necessitates annexing some properties. Ordinance 24-8, increasing the Intergovernmental Agreement with the School District by ten percent, passed despite some opposition regarding precedent setting. A change order for OSLAD Phase I related to aggregate subbase finish grading was approved, as was a decrease in cost for the Main Street water main project due to a pipe material switch. Ordinance 24-10, authorizing a new Power Sales Contract and Capacity Purchase Agreement with IMEA starting in 2035, was approved. Ordinance 24-11, implementing a four percent annual increase to water and sewer rates, was passed. Discussion on electric rates was tabled pending review of a prior rate study. The Mayor declined an increase to gas rates. Resolution 24-X to update the City Code Book was approved, followed by the appointment of Kassie Waggoner as City Treasurer and authorization for her to sign on all City accounts. Finally, the Council approved the purchase of a replacement Padmount Transformer for the City of Princeton from Fletcher-Reinhardt Company, funding it from TIF II, and pulled Change Order #3 and Pay Estimate #1 from Wiggs Excavating for future review.