Phil Jensen

The City Council held a public hearing regarding the IEPA State Revolving Fund Loan Project Plan for water system improvements and lead service line replacements. Key discussions included the resignation of the City Clerk, the second reading of various ordinances, and the approval of unbudgeted funds for emergency repairs to Well #4. The Council also addressed grant administration, waived the bidding process for dock projects, accepted a proposal for a floating dock and gangway, discussed potential parking fees for semi-trucks, and reviewed a resolution supporting port development at the Savanna Industrial Park.

The agenda for the regular meeting includes committee reports from the Grant Review Committee, as well as consideration of appointments to the Fire and Police Advisory Board. Unfinished business covers updates on the MSA Project and Calendar Parking. New business items include discussion of the Federal Infrastructure Bill for Northwest Illinois. The meeting also includes an Executive Session to consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, followed by action on matters arising from the executive session.

The meeting began with the swearing-in ceremony for the new Mayor, following a plaque presentation to the Former Mayor. Key agenda items included a presentation on the city website redesign and the subsequent approval of an agreement with Two Lanes Media for the design. Monthly reports for December 2025 were acknowledged. Committee reports covered the Finance Committee update. The Council approved the Website Design Agreement using Civic Funds. Discussions regarding an automatic gate and additional security cameras for the Public Works Garage were tabled pending further review and pricing. The Board approved Warrant #9 for the month of December totaling $827,023.89. New business involved approving three resolutions authorizing banking relationships with Fidelity Bank, Citizens State Bank, and TBK Bank, designating specific authorized signers. Additionally, an existing ordinance related to fees for various city services and licenses was revoked. Discussions concerning calendar parking and semi overnight parking were tabled. An update was provided on the new snowplow truck, and the option to generate revenue by having a logger remove trees on city-owned property near the Plum River was decided to require further research on tree value. Executive session was held to discuss employee matters and the setting of property sale/lease price, though no action followed in the public session.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and reports from various departments, including Finance, Police, Fire, and Public Works for November 2025. The Finance Committee provided an update, and the Council approved unbudgeted funds of $922.13 for Police Department squad accessories from the Drug Fund. A warrant payment of $370,090.90 was approved. Unfinished business included an update on MSA grants and the approval of an ordinance amending Time Limit Parking regulations, as well as the second reading approval of the Annual Tax Levy. New business featured approvals for MSA PSAs totaling up to $6,500.00 for a Brownfield Agreement, up to $5,000.00 for a CDBG Housing Application, and up to $12,975.00 for the Savanna GIS 25/26 migration. A resolution regarding the 2026 Street Maintenance MFT Funds was discussed, focusing on aligning the MFT year with the city's budget year. The Council also approved final payment applications and change orders for Lift Stations and CDBG Water Mains projects. Following the reading of the Mayor's letter of resignation, Jeff Griswold was appointed as Acting Mayor.

The council meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. Monthly reports from financial, police, fire, and public works departments were received. The Riverfront Development Committee provided an update, and the Finance Committee discussed and approved the purchase of new water meters and an F550 truck, as well as rejoining the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative. Warrant #7, totaling $555,153.67, was approved. Bids for the IHDA Strong Communities Grant Demolition were tabled for review. Updates were provided on MSA projects, and items related to the Brownfield Agreement and CDBG Housing Application were tabled. The December 23, 2025, council meeting was canceled, and a Mayor Pro Tem was appointed for the second meeting in November. A resolution for the Christmas Walk Parade was approved, and the Police Chief Salary Review was tabled. An executive session was held to discuss the setting of a price for the sale or lease of city-owned property.