Matthew Conner

Key discussions included addressing noise and diesel odor concerns raised by Prairie Point residents related to refrigeration units at Berkot's docks, which the Village committed to escalating to the corporate office. The Village President announced appointments for various committees and commissions for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2026, which the Board subsequently approved. A Proclamation recognized Village Clerk Janett McCawley for over 35 years of service and retirement, and recognition was also given to Terry Lemming for his service as Chief of Police before John Galvin was sworn into the role. The Finance and Administration Committee report included approval of the Treasurer's Report and payment of bills totaling $130,899.53 plus payroll. The Economic Development and Community Relations Committee secured approval for a community benefit agreement with Sparrow Property Management, LLC. During the Executive Session, employment contracts and personnel matters were discussed. New Business involved approving the Executive Session minutes and adopting Resolution #2025-10 regarding the release of executive session minutes, followed by approving an ordinance authorizing an employment agreement with the Village Treasurer and Office Manager.

The agenda for the regular meeting includes several items across various committees. The Village Clerk's report involves the appointment and swearing in of a Deputy Village Clerk and a Police Officer. The Finance and Administration Committee agenda includes reviewing variance reports, approving the list of bills and payroll, considering a budget workshop on March 16, 2026, and scheduling a public hearing for the proposed budget on April 27, 2026. This committee will also discuss the allocation of proceeds from the sale of the Police Station. The Public Safety Committee agenda covers monthly reports from the Police Department, EMA, and Code Enforcement, as well as a motion to approve the purchase of a compact vertical mast light tower, partially funded by the Earthrise Energy RISE Grant. The Planning, Building, and Zoning Committee agenda notes the date for their next meeting, and the Public Works Committee agenda includes monthly reports for Public Works and the Wastewater Treatment Plant, along with a review of the Water Billing Register Report for September-October 2025. The Economic Development and Community Events Committee agenda lists an update on the Concert in the Park Series.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included several committee reports and items for consideration. The Finance and Administration Committee was set to consider approving the Treasurer's Report, approving the list of bills and payroll, and approving a resolution authorizing the Village Administrator to contract for electricity purchases via the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative bid process for commercial accounts at Village water and sewer facilities. The Planning, Building, and Zoning Committee agenda included consideration of an ordinance amending construction code provisions, which is set to be effective March 1, 2026. The Public Works Committee noted that the bid notice for the Miller Street Watermain Replacement Project would be advertised on January 29, 2026. The meeting also included provisions for Old Business and adjournment to Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the appointment and swearing-in of Denise Abbink as Village Clerk. The Board approved the designation of representatives for the SSMMA Environmental Justice Committee. Commission updates were provided regarding the 4th of July Commission, Youth Commission activities (MLK Day Matinee and Daddy-Daughter Dance registration), and Historic Preservation meeting schedules. The Finance and Administration Committee reported on variance reports and approved a significant payment of bills and payroll. The Building Department report was reviewed. Public Works noted that leaf pickup was concluding. Following an executive session regarding personnel, the Board made a conditional offer of employment. Additionally, an update was given on a potential nuisance issue with Berkot's, and the Board decided to adopt the current building code while excluding the GFCI requirement specifically for refrigerators.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting of the President and Board of Trustees includes several key items. The Village President's report covers the appointment of Denise Abbink as Village Clerk and the designation of representatives for the SSMMA Environmental Justice Committee. Reports are scheduled from various commissions including the Fourth of July Commission, Youth Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission. Committee reports cover Finance and Administration (including approval of bills and payroll), Public Buildings and Properties, Planning/Building/Zoning, Public Safety (with a request for Executive Session to discuss personnel), Public Works, and Economic Development and Community Events. The agenda also schedules Old Business, adjournment to Executive Session for personnel matters, action on executive session items (including consideration of a conditional employment offer), New Business, and Adjournment. The document also contains the minutes from the prior meeting on December 22, 2025, which covered audience concerns regarding noise/odor from refrigeration units, approval of numerous committee and individual appointments, recognition of retiring Clerk McCawley and former Police Chief Lemming, swearing in of the new Police Chief, approval of bills and payroll, approval of a community benefit agreement, and discussions in Executive Session leading to the adoption of a resolution releasing executive session minutes and approval of an employment agreement with the Village Treasurer and Office Manager.