Richard Howell

Key discussions included a request for the city to co-sponsor a derby-themed Mahjong event on May 2nd, 2026, at the Davie Street Pavilion, which the City agreed to sponsor. The City Administrator provided updates stating that IDOT confirmed prior rights for sewer infrastructure relocation, saving the City significant costs, and that IDOT would modernize the intersection light at 51 and 146 with new features. The Council approved the Consent Agenda, which included authorizing a Redevelopment Agreement utilizing Tax Increment Financing for a commercial building renovation and establishing fees for the exclusive use of the Davie Street Plaza, alongside the purchase of two lift station pumps. New business involved the denial of a request to open an ERI for three retiring employees. A resolution was passed to approve a leave of absence as per the collective bargaining agreement. The Council also approved a proposal for the "Christmas in Downtown" event with an unspecified vendor. During reports, a discussion on sidewalk shoveling responsibility downtown occurred, and the Police Chief noted the start of foot patrols.

Key discussions included a presentation from the Stinson Memorial Library regarding the America 250 Project, which involved requests for council meeting photography and interview access, and materials for a time capsule. The council addressed concerns regarding business activities being hosted at a residentially zoned property at 301 W High Street, deciding to draft a cease-and-desist letter, noting the homeowner may seek a zoning variance. Other topics included further clarification on Short Term Rental units, updates on the PARC Grant extension, and consideration of the National Fitness Campaign grant. The council voted to grant a video gaming license to Game Day Gaming Parlor. Additionally, Ordinance 2026-01, requiring feather flags to be 50 feet from public right-of-ways, was approved. Commissioner Bryan was appointed to the Health Insurance Committee, and concerns were raised about Gum Drop Drive timelines for display removal. Old business regarding a TIF application was deferred pending further details from Moran.

The meeting addressed several agenda items. Updates were provided on the budget process, including contacting a new audit firm, and the ongoing search for a City Clerk. Consent agenda items approved included Ordinance 2026-01 to regulate the placement of feather flags near sidewalks and public rights-of-way, and an RB IL Project Pay Application. An old business item concerning a video gaming license for Game Day Gaming Parlor was tabled pending the City Attorney's presence. The Council awarded the bid for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Lagoon Valve Replacement Project to Plott Construction. A new business item regarding a TIF application was tabled for further data analysis. During reports, concerns were raised about zoning and the nature of business operations being run from a residence at 301 W High Street. The Council entered and exited a closed session for a semi-annual review of minutes.

The regular session commenced with recognition of the Anna District 37 Lady Indians Softball team for their Class M State Championship achievement. During public communications, a zoning variance request for a school solar system was discussed, with follow-up pending the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation in January. The City Administrator provided updates on projects, including a grant received by Southern 7 from the National Fitness Campaign and the City of Anna hosting a seminar on building community. Key items approved in the Consent Agenda included the Ordinance 2025-21 prohibiting Kratom sales and distribution, Resolution 2025-36 approving the FOP Collective Bargaining Agreement, and various project change orders and expenditures. A motion to grant a general retail liquor license to Kiki's Coffeehouse was approved. A motion to grant a video gaming license to Game Day Gaming Parlor failed. Police department updates noted the graduation and training commencement of one officer and the start of a new School Resource Officer.

The meeting commenced with public communications, during which the City Administrator provided an update on various grants, noting the denial of the cemetery grant and the pending TIF application, while confirming the success of "Christmas in Downtown." The Council approved the Consent Agenda, which included Ordinance 2025-19 concerning the City's Tax Levy for the Fiscal Year beginning May 1, 2025, and Resolution 2025-35 approving a Right-of-Way License Agreement with Ervin Cable Construction on behalf of Frontier Communications. Old Business (Resolution 2025-34) was tabled pending a closed session discussion. In New Business, the Council accepted bids for surplused equipment, specifically selling a 1989 Ford Super Duty to Darren Brown and a 2005 GMC 7500 to Donald Meyer, and a 1999 Metro Leaf Vac to Bill Hennessey; no bids were received for the 2002 Vermeer Brush Chipper. During the closed session, personnel matters were discussed. Upon returning to open session, the Council voted to approve the employment of Jordan Chamness as the Public Works Manager.