Michael Nichols

The council approved monthly bills and the treasurer's collection deposit report. Key business included the approval of an amendment to the Midwestern Gas Transportation Company agreement, a resolution regarding net metering, and the acquisition of several utility easements. Additionally, the council approved a taser agreement, an ordinance for the transfer of city-owned lots for housing development, and a resolution supporting the Illinois America 250 Commemoration. The council also approved four business district agreements following recommendations from the economic development committee.

The council received reports from the Director of Public Works and the Economic Development Director, including updates on the Park roads resurfacing grant and the Big250 project. Discussions were held regarding the donation of a used siren to the Village of Westfield, utility rates, and a potential roundabout at a major intersection. An executive session was conducted to address personnel and property sale matters. The council approved the hiring of a new employee for the Street Department and passed an ordinance concerning the appointment of officials and salary increases. Committee reports were provided regarding appropriations and infrastructure maintenance.

The council approved the February 2026 Bills and the Treasurer's Collection Deposit Report. The Director of Public Works provided updates on utility department operations, including the Frontier Fiber project, the office remodel, and the CSO Long Term Control Plan. The Economic Development Director reported on a recent conference and the 250 Celebration. New business included the approval of an ordinance implementing a 1% grocery sales tax and the renaming of local streets to Jim Bolin's Way. The council also approved an SRO resolution, held an executive session to discuss property and litigation, and discussed the timeline for upcoming appropriation work.

The meeting commenced with a Public Forum where a representative from the Clark County Post discussed the upcoming newspaper and potential sponsorships. Key discussions included the approval of Resolution #011926A concerning the Casey Historical Society Parade scheduled for May 9th, 2026. In officer reports, the Treasurer's Collection Deposit report for December 2025 was approved. The Director of Public Works provided updates on easement extension offers and utility department training, noting progress in transitioning water and sewer licensing support to EJ Water. Resolution #011926B, supporting a regional site readiness program grant request, was approved. The Economic Development Director reported on the Mayor's attendance at the Richards Farm 50th-anniversary ribbon cutting and an IECC conference, and mentioned further information regarding KC Home Solutions LLC as a potential code enforcement option would be provided later. The Council also approved Ordinance #604, which prohibits the sale, possession, and delivery of Kratom and 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products within the city limits.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of January 2026 bills paid and the Treasurer's Collection Deposit Report for January 2026. The Economic Development Director presented several items for action, including the approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Equity Enterprise LLC, an ordinance allowing the transfer of vacant city-owned lots to the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority for housing development, and a Donation Agreement with the City of Casey and the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority. Unfinished business involved the approval of Ordinance #606 authorizing the execution of a Notice of Exercise of Possibility of Reverter, and approval of agreements concerning health insurance with IBEW and ICOP. A motion was also approved to enter into Executive Session for collective bargaining matters and personnel issues.