Justin Blaser

The meeting included Committee of the Whole discussions covering updates from Aledo Main Street, including grant applications and hiring for a new Executive Director, and a request for a Special Event permit for 'Night in a Car'. The Public Works Department reported on street maintenance, gas utility work, water leak repairs, cemetery operations, and budget reviews across all divisions. The Police Department provided updates on the testing phase for a new e-citation system and established a partnership with the WISE deflection program to connect individuals with necessary support services. The Park Board reported on the Baseball Commissioner appointment, the progress of the Northside Baseball Diamond, and efforts to secure a T-Mobile Hometown Grant for the Aquatic Center. Administrative reports included sales tax comparisons and the process of closing out FY 2025. Committee reports covered a review of an amendment to the City Code regarding utility reconnections. During the Regular Council Session, the Consent Agenda approved several items, including the minutes from the previous meeting and the second reading of ordinances adjusting non-sufficient fund and animal special permission request fees. New business introduced the first reading of ordinances to reduce the number of Class D liquor licenses, amend standing committees, update City Clerk office hours, and revise salary/retirement fund provisions in the City Code. Resolutions passed included awarding contracts for Sponsler Manor Phase 1 infrastructure work, approving professional services for engineering on that project, approving an Economic Development Agreement with Aledo Main Street, and amending the Employee Handbook to include provisions for nursing mothers requiring break time to express milk.

The agenda items for the City Council meeting include public comment, communication from Aledo Main Street, and a request for a special event permit for 'Night in a Car' in February 2026. Administrative reports from the City Administrator and Treasurer are scheduled. The Committee of the Whole met prior to discuss relevant matters. The City Council agenda also covers consent items such as the approval of finance listings and second readings for ordinances concerning non-sufficient fund fees and animal special permission request fees. Action items include first readings for ordinances on reducing Class "D" licenses, and amending City Code chapters regarding standing committees, office hours, and bonds/salaries. Resolutions on the agenda involve awarding contracts for Sponsler Manor Fourth Addition infrastructure work and approving a professional services agreement with Hutchison Engineering, Inc., as well as an economic development agreement for Aledo Main Street and an amendment to the Employee Handbook. The session is scheduled to include a Closed Session to discuss an unspecified topic.

The Public Works Department provided an activity report detailing snow removal efforts, salt usage, gas inventory updates, maintenance on water infrastructure, and cemetery operations. A low bid of $690,170 from Miller Trucking & Excavating for Phase 1 of Sponsler Manor was noted, with an award recommendation scheduled for a future meeting. The Police Department reported on one officer completing firearms instructor training and two others commencing Police Academy training. The City Administrator covered administrative highlights, including meetings regarding the Sponsler Manor bid opening, the Ameren CEC interview, potential DMV site discussions, and the upcoming Water, Sewer & Storm Drain and Ordinance Committee meetings. The Mayor reviewed the Liquor Commissioners Report, noting the status of various license types and that the Council requested an ordinance to formally close available Class "C" and Class "E" licenses. Under the Regular Session, the Council approved the minutes from the December 15, 2025 meeting, the Finance Invoice Listing, and a resolution releasing closed session minutes. First readings were held for two ordinances amending Title 13 of the City Code regarding non-sufficient fund fees and animal special permission request fees. Additionally, the Council approved resolutions engaging Bohnsack & Frommelt, LLP for audit services for Fiscal Years 2025, 2026, and 2027, and approving an Engineering and Professional Services Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. for Phase V of the Downtown Reconstruction Project for $200,000. Old Business included an update on the installation of additional security cameras in the Market Plaza area of Central Park.

The agenda for the Committee of the Whole meeting, preceding the City Council meeting, included a call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. The City Council agenda included items for the Consent Agenda, such as the approval of finance invoices and a resolution regarding the release of closed session minutes. Action items for the City Council included first readings for ordinances amending the City Code related to Non-Sufficient Fund Fees and Animal Special Permission Request Fees. Resolutions were also scheduled for approval concerning the engagement of audit services for Fiscal Years 2025-2027 and an Engineering and Professional Services Agreement for the Phase V Downtown Reconstruction Project. Both meetings included sections for Public Comment.

The Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee discussed several key items. Regarding the Sponsler Manor Fourth Addition Housing Development, the committee reviewed five bids for Phase 1 construction, which significantly exceeded the budgeted amount. Following consultation with a TIF consultant, the committee reached a consensus to recommend that the City Council reject all bids and re-budget for Fiscal Year 2026 due to the current deficit in the TIF Fund. The committee also reviewed the draft Declaration of Covenants & Restrictions for the development, discussing specifics on property use, construction requirements, set-back lines, square footage minimums, and sidewalk installation responsibility. Additionally, the committee reviewed status updates on TIF applications for the Windborn Initiative, LLC (115 E. Main Street) and another mural application (112 E. Main Street), noting that additional information is required. Finally, the committee reviewed a TIF Façade Application from Gail Cooper for 119 S. College Avenue, granting consensus to recommend approval for a maximum award of $5,000. Another façade application from Aledo Lodge #252 for cornice repair at 101 SW 3rd Street was debated regarding eligibility and potential award amounts, with the Administrator tasked to gather more specifics.