Justin Blaser

The meeting included a presentation of the Aledo Main Street 2025 Annual Report, detailing committee work, volunteer hours, accomplishments, and events. A street closure request for Saucy's Street Dance was reviewed. Department reports covered public works activities such as landscape site cleanup, street patching, gas and water meter work, and coordination for CIP projects; police department activities included updates on an emergency power outage site agreement with the VFW, a senior mental health referral program, and a disaster drill training exercise. The Parks & Recreation report detailed updates on baseball registration, lifeguard hiring for the aquatic center, and track and field registration. Administrative reports touched upon construction updates, an intergovernmental agreement review concerning a new driver's license facility parking, and the implementation of a temporary burn ban due to warm weather and wind. Council actions included approving several ordinances on second reading, such as repealing a tax on foreign fire insurance companies and approving sales of parts of Lot 18 in Sponsler Manor. First readings were held for ordinances amending minimum dwelling size in R-2 districts to accommodate affordable housing and updating utility reconnection fee provisions for water/sewer and natural gas. A resolution approving the purchase of decorative holiday trees was adopted. Old business included updates on the Northside Lofts HVAC re-bidding and the dependency of a subdivision project on the minimum dwelling size ordinance. Discussion was held regarding the continuation of the consent agenda format. The Council recessed into closed session to discuss pending litigation before adjourning.

The special session addressed critical municipal service contracts. Key discussions included the approval of Resolution No. 14R, Series of 2026, which formally approved the termination of the contract with Lakeshore Recycling Services, effective April 30, 2026. Following this, the Council approved Resolution No. 15R, Series of 2026, which ratified a new contract for solid waste and recycling collection with Quicks Dumpster and Disposal of Alexis, IL, commencing May 1, 2026, for a five-year term, locking in a rate of $18.85 per month without increases.

The City Council session included a report from the Committee of the Whole, featuring a request for a $1,500.00 city sponsorship for the Mercer County Athletic Boosters' wrestling tournament trophies. The Public Works department reported on completed maintenance activities, including road treatment for minor snow events, gas system maintenance, and planning for water meter replacement and ISO presurvey data gathering. Police Department activity included specialized training for officers in emergency medical response and simulated de-escalation, as well as an update on adopting a new Lexipol platform for policy management. The Administrator reported on ongoing administrative work, including meetings regarding downtown re-platting and the new Aquatic Center, and mentioned a potential Special City Council meeting to address grievances regarding Lakeshore Recycling Services. The Consent Agenda included the approval of previous minutes, finance invoices, and the second reading of four ordinances concerning the reduction of liquor licenses and amendments to City Code chapters related to Standing Committees, Office Hours, and Bonds/Salaries. Action items included the first reading of an ordinance to repeal the tax on Foreign Fire Insurance Companies and first readings for ordinances approving the sale of portions of Lot 18 in Sponsler Manor (Tracts A and B). Resolutions approved included funding for property demolition and cleanup at 402 NE 7th Avenue, and the purchase of water meters, residential gas meters, gas pipe squeeze tools, and an operation and maintenance service agreement for water and sewer systems. New business involved discussion and consensus to proceed with the formal approval of purchasing a Twinkly Pro Branch Community Christmas Tree at the subsequent meeting, pending receipt of additional warranty and lifespan details.

The Special City Council Session primarily focused on discussing the contract with Lakeshore Recycling Services (LRS) following extensive service disruptions since January 2024. Key issues discussed included 611 documented complaints regarding missed pickups, substantial delays, scattered trash, and inconsistent scheduling, which resulted in a Notice of Default being issued in October 2025. City staff time equivalent to approximately $5,000 was spent managing these failures. Public comments reinforced the systemic nature of the failures, citing issues such as missed collections on entire blocks or specific residences, debris left on roadways, and difficulty contacting LRS for resolution. Alderman discussions indicated widespread frustration, with some suggesting the contract should be terminated due to LRS's failure to meet contractual obligations.

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.