Jeff Blair

The Administration Committee agenda covered several areas. Under Personnel, there was a discussion regarding a temporary Police Department force level increase. The Finance section involved a review of the bill list, discussion of the Escrow Procurement Policy, and an amendment to Ordinance 1974-2024. Administrative updates included the extension of an offer for a new Building Official and the start of employment for a new Finance Supervisor, along with personnel changes in the Finance and Land Use departments, and a new Manager of Code Enforcement being hired. The Finance Committee reviewed a bill list totaling $2,571,744.93 and discussed the budget submission timeline, which includes internal review meetings in February and budget hearings in March. There was also an informational discussion regarding the need for clearer internal guidelines for reviewing larger purchases made using Police Department escrow funds.

The Operations Committee agenda for the February 11, 2026 meeting includes standard items such as Roll Call, Public Participation, and approval of the previous month's minutes (January 14, 2026). Key discussion topics for the Law Enforcement section include the Code Enforcement Report, State of the Department Report, and Code Summary. The Public Works section agenda is extensive, covering the Capital Improvements Plan Priority List, Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Maintenance Resolution, a Joint Funding Agreement for State Participation regarding Longacre Drive, the MS4 Municipal Storm Sewer Annual Report, and the Director's Report/Project Updates.

The City Council meeting agenda included several key items. Discussions covered the proposed Ordinance No. 33-'26 concerning the implementation of a Municipal Grocery Retailers' Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax. Additionally, several resolutions were scheduled for review, including Proposed Resolution No. 14-'26 to amend the Capital Improvement Priority List by updating major, minor, and joint projects; Proposed Resolution No. 15-'26 to authorize a Joint Funding Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for Phase II Design Engineering Costs for Longacre Drive improvements; and Proposed Resolution No. 16-'26 for maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code. A motion was also proposed to temporarily increase the force level of sworn officers for the Police Department from 47 to 49, with the intent to return to 47 through attrition.

The meeting addressed several operational topics including discussion of cleanup routes, supply orders, and budget status. Key discussion points included reviewing the remaining budget balance of $650 and proposing to delay the next order for orange and blue trash bags until March to account for potential donations. The committee reviewed problematic cleanup areas such as locations near Walgreens, White Castle, and along Ashland Road. Furthermore, the passing of former Mayor Langston was acknowledged with condolences. Action items were assigned for supply pick-up, volunteer coordination, confirming Lowe's donations, and placing future supply orders.

The City Council meeting agenda for February 3, 2026, includes several items of New Business, all sponsored by the Community Committee. These include Proposed Resolution No. 11-'26, authorizing an agreement with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for $150,000 in funding for Moody Park Trail Enhancements; Proposed Resolution No. 12-'26, authorizing an agreement with Farnsworth Group for $30,000 in re-design services for the Pleasant Ridge Park Renovation Project due to SHPO archaeological findings; and Proposed Resolution No. 13-'26, authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Confluence for design services related to the Lincoln Trail Great Streets Initiative.