Jesse Bewley

The board meeting addressed concerns about flags being stolen at the cemetery, and it was decided that Woodhull police could occasionally check the cemetery for vandalism. The board also discussed mowing the grass on the east end of the lake. The Treasurer's Report for June 2025 was presented, and the board approved paying invoices for recurring payments and invoices up to $4,000 to Accounting Systems of Galesburg. A donation of $2,500 was approved for the AlWood Food Pantry, and the $25 raffle license fee was donated back to the Sons of the American Legion for the Mark Berry Benefit Account. The Police Chief gave the May and June Police Reports, and the Public Works Director discussed concerns about Maguire Iron's service to the water tower. The board approved a service agreement with IMEG for water line relocation and renewed the water billing software agreement with Neptune. Additionally, the board approved power washing, painting, and window washing for the Town Hall building. Two new businesses, a tanning salon and plant-selling business, were approved, and the board discussed the need for new Zoning Board members. Kelli Hand was appointed Village Treasurer, and Debra Krueger was appointed Village Clerk. The board approved access to public funds for various individuals and passed Ordinance #25-01 for Fiscal Year 2026.

The meeting included an update from the Henry County Director of Tourism, who discussed a new spring/summer campaign, a new Visitor Guide, and an online calendar for local events. A resident inquired about permits for patio modifications and propane tank installation. The board accepted the resignation of the Village Treasurer. The resignation of the Village Clerk was tabled for further consideration. Election results from April were read, and outgoing trustees were thanked for their service.

The board discussed several key issues, including the transition of working with Accounting Systems, Inc., and resolving accounting discrepancies. A donation intended for the Woodhull Cemetery Association was processed, and concerns about a maxed-out credit card due to a Microsoft charge were addressed. The board approved moving the Square credit card account to the Water/Sewer account and considered converting to QuickBooks online. They also discussed compensating Accounting Systems Inc. for their actual hours worked. The July 2025 police report was presented, and the board discussed hiring a part-time officer. Public Works reported on flushing hydrants, addressing a leak at the wastewater treatment plant, and the relocation of a water main. Concerns about McGuire Iron's inspections and a Kady Aqua Storage tank inspection were also discussed. Economic development updates included Jerry Samuelson's purchase of the Subway building.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The board welcomed the newly hired Chief of Police and administered the Oath of Office. A resident's request to plant trees was approved under specific conditions. The process for opening a tanning bed business was discussed, involving a special use permit. The Treasurer's Report for May was accepted. Concerns about the village's accounts were addressed by the new accountants, including reconciling the Video Gaming Account and investigating discrepancies in Ameren bills. The board also discussed the 2026 budget and Sergeant Wagner's credit card account. The February police report was approved, and the new Police Chief was tasked with investigating complaints about underage drivers and property maintenance. Public Works reported on various projects, including the installation of a village sign, storm drain maintenance, and discussions with USDA representatives. Amendments to the village's code policies on fines were approved. After a closed session, the board voted to combine the Village Clerk and Village Water Clerk positions, approved payments to part-time employees under the Paid Leave Act, and authorized the new Police Chief to apply for a new credit card.

The meeting included discussions regarding a request for a street dance, potential changes to extended hours for a local sports bar, and the possibility of bringing TIF money to the downtown area. The board also discussed the Treasurer's report, adjustments to the MFT account, and a bill from the Village Attorney. Updates were provided on the installation of a new Dutch door in the Village Clerk's Office and office cameras. The board also discussed an issue with an abandoned house and a large IDOT project that could impact a main water main. The board also discussed the possibility of upgrading their mower instead of hiring a summer worker. The board also discussed personnel items and one litigation item in a closed session.