Jim E. Claeyssen

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Key discussions included the Treasurer's Report for January 2026, noting positive fund balances across the General Fund, Water Fund, and Capital Improvements Fund, as well as an update on the Investment Report ending January 31, 2026. The Board approved several items under the President's Report, including accepting a $350,000 Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity Grant for playground equipment replacement and approving two proposals from The Place Foundry, PLLC for a Comprehensive Implementation Partnership and a completely updated Village-Wide Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, Resolution 2026-01, approving a license agreement with the Cherry Valley Historical Society, was passed. Public Safety items included approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Winnebago-Boone County Investigative Cooperative and authorizing the purchase of community relations handouts. The Board passed several ordinances, including granting a Special Use Permit for an automobile laundry (car wash) at 2408 S. Perryville Road and approving ordinances regarding retail licenses for alcoholic beverages and the sale of certain non-tobacco and related products. The Board also authorized the disposal of specific automatic rifles. Under Public Works, the Board approved the purchase of a fireproof door for the village hall, funding for two employees to attend the Illinois Road Scholar Program, funding for one employee to attend the Illinois Public Service Institute, and two pay requests/change orders related to the Well House 7 Project. The Administrator reported on concerns regarding a proposed 1% sales tax referendum by the Winnebago County Regional Board of Education.

Key discussions and actions taken during the meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting on January 6, 2026. The Board approved providing $25,000.00 in tourism funds to the newly created Village of Cherry Valley Business Association. The Board also approved the selection of Dynegy as the alternate electrical energy supplier for the village's Water Wells and Water Towers for a 58-month period. The Attorney reported an update on the Cherry Valley Club II matter, noting that a title search is in progress. The Board considered the first reading of two ordinances: one approving a Special Use Permit for an Automobile Laundry (Car Wash) at 2408 S. Perryville Road, and another amending the Code of Ordinances related to retail licenses and the sale of certain non-tobacco and related products. Public Works items approved included the contract for CV 2026 Streets Improvements Design Services with C.E.S. INC. and the purchase of 500 tons of Road Salt. The Finance report included approval of bills totaling $90,007.39. The meeting concluded with an Oath of Office ceremony for the newly appointed Deputy Clerk Jennifer Gorostieta.

The Committee of the Whole meeting agenda included an Engineer's Report with project updates. Key new business items involved discussions and motions to recommend approval for Public Works employees to attend the American Water Works Association Water Conference at a total cost of $3,124.48. Another motion sought approval to purchase a new ThinkStation P3 Ultra Small Form Factor Gen 2 Workstation for the Interim Public Works Director. Discussions also covered new permits for purchasing water from the Village. The Public Safety section included discussions and motions regarding an agreement with Offender Watch for sex offender tracking and approval for a Patrol Officer to attend a Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor Development Course. The Finance section included a Health Insurance Deductible vs Budget Report for January 2026.

Key discussions included a presentation from Place Foundry, LLC concerning Professional Consulting Services for Cherry Valley Crossings and the development of a new Village-Wide Comprehensive Plan, with the consensus to forward options to the Village Board for approval. A resolution approving a license agreement between the Village and the Cherry Valley Historical Society was forwarded. Under New Business, the committee moved to waive rules to forward two ordinances to the Village Board for second and final reading: one authorizing the disposal of certain automatic rifles and sub machine guns, and another amending rules and fees for rentals in Baumann Park. The Public Works section detailed updates on Well 7 construction, including receipt of the Construction Permit and coordination on punch lists, as well as progress on the Mill Road Watermain Replacement and the commencement of design work for CV 2026 Streets and Watermain Improvements. Purchase of a new fire-proof door and approval to send three Public Works employees to professional training programs (Illinois Road Scholar Program and Illinois Public Service Institute) were passed for forwarding. Additionally, a proposed Change Order #36 for the Well House 7 Project regarding condensate trap heaters was moved for approval. The Public Safety section involved forwarding a resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Winnebago-Boone County Investigative Cooperative and approval to purchase community relations handouts for special events. The Chief reported on virtual TI training, active shooting training, and FY 26/27 budget work.

The agenda was adopted after moving New Business before Unfinished Business. Key discussions included the introduction of members from the newly formed Cherry Valley Chamber of Commerce, who expressed interest in collaboration on events and promotion. It was noted that there would be no January meeting, with the next scheduled for February 4, 2026. Under unfinished business, the Santa event was deemed successful despite lower turnout possibly due to heavy snowfall, leading to a recommendation to reduce the cookie order for the following year. The winners of the 2025 Holiday Light Contest were announced.