Rhonda Okleshen

The council meeting agenda includes several petitions such as the approval of a conditional use permit for a senior housing facility and the rezoning of certain properties. Communications to be addressed involve requests for street closures for a Back to School Health Fair and a Bags Tournament, as well as a Walk/Run event for the Fightin' Irish 5K Ken Klipp Classic. Reports from various departments, including the City and the ESU, are on the agenda. Unfinished business focuses on amendments to the Property Maintenance Code and Nuisance ordinances. New business items include declaring surplus property for the Fire Department and authorizing a Tax Increment Financing Agreement with JT-Desk, LLC. Additionally, the council will consider resolutions regarding the Kankakee River Valley Enterprise Zone, the acceptance of bids for the 2026 Street Maintenance Program funded by MFT and Bond funds, and the approval of engineering proposals from Piggush Engineering for Kennedy Drive and Curtis Avenue improvements.

The council meeting addressed various community communications, including requests for tag days, charity walk/run events, and multiple street closures for local events. The agenda included reports from city officers and standing committees, such as the Budget and Community Development committees. New business items involved amendments to the property maintenance code and nuisance ordinances, the rescission of a handicapped parking ordinance, and the approval of liquor licenses. Additionally, the council reviewed financial resolutions concerning the community development block grant program, fiscal year fund expenditures, and equipment procurement for the City PEG channel. Infrastructure and development items included a joint funding agreement for the Riverfront Trail Project, parking facility maintenance contracts, and a lease agreement for a community garden. Finally, the council discussed participation in opioid lawsuit settlements.

The Budget Committee meeting focused on a review of the April 2026 financial statements, discussing revenue categories such as taxes, service charges, grants, and fines, as well as expenditure updates. The committee also received status reports on ARPA funding and the city's upcoming capital needs budget planning. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding potential bond refinancing options, the impact of federal audit findings on administrative expenses, and an update on the status of pension funds.

The committee discussed issues related to ongoing fiber internet installation work, including site restoration concerns and citizen complaints about property damage. They addressed the need for better coordination with the city's management and legal counsel to resolve these issues. Additionally, the committee reviewed ongoing efforts to define and regulate smoke shops and discussed potential adjustments to single-serve alcohol sale boundaries. A presentation was also heard from a business owner regarding a proposed relocation of a billiard club and an application for a liquor license.

The City Council meeting included public comments regarding ordinance concerns for vegetation, a proposed community garden project, and code enforcement violation notices. The council also reviewed and passed an ordinance approving a conditional use permit for the construction and operation of a senior housing facility.