Tom Baker

The meeting agenda covered several items including adjustments to the agenda, visitor communications, and the consent agenda. The consent agenda addressed approvals for licenses and permits, ratification of a letter of support for the Good Sam outreach team, acceptance of a resignation from the Parks & Rec Committee, and authorization for the Manager to execute contracts (though none were presented). City Warrants for the week of 9/10/25 were scheduled for approval, along with ratification of warrants from the week of 9/3/25. Key discussions in New Business included approving an idling policy, receiving updates on the Flood Resiliency Plan and CDBG-DR applications, and discussing regional future land use maps. There was also a discussion on upticks in criminal activities and quality of life issues, focusing on drug-related activity and the need for accountability versus increased resources for the unhoused. The council also reviewed investment funds exceeding $6,000,000 and associated bequestor instructions.

The meeting involved agenda adjustments, including the approval of an additional contract to purchase an F-150 truck for the facilities department for $42,612. Visitors discussed the success of the library fundraiser, the literacy mentor program seeking adult volunteers, and a need for donated winter footwear. Consent agenda items included approving the minutes and authorizing a request for voter assistance ballot placement, a snow removal landowner permission form, and a contract for the trailer and truck mentioned earlier. Updates from the manager covered the ongoing FEMA buyout demolitions, which are expected to pause until January, and the implementation of the winter parking ban effective that evening for snow removal purposes, even without snow in the forecast. Procedural changes were announced regarding where residents must pay for towed vehicles depending on the time of day. The water department reported on repairing three out-of-service hydrants, with replacements continuing based on parts availability and snow removal duties. The facilities department noted that the USDA approved the preferred design-build option for auditorium renovations, with a contract pending execution. Finally, a significant portion of the meeting recognized city employees for reaching service milestones ranging from 5 to 40 years. New business included the appointment of Marjorie and Ginger to the Neighborly Barry Committee, and discussion regarding the allocation of COY fund resources for a cemetery records digitization project.

The meeting included discussions regarding the CDBGDR hearing being treated as the flood resiliency plan update due to overlap. The agenda was amended to remove an executive session item, and the consent agenda approval included the minutes from February 3rd, 2026, certification of the 2025 TIFF annual report, and approval of the 2026 coin drop schedule. Updates were provided on the cancellation of an ice fishing tournament due to site issues, and the significant increase in usage for the overnight shelter compared to the previous year, noting 24 nights open versus 10. The status of the RFQ for Prospect Heights developers, whose proposals were due the following day, was discussed, alongside the notification of receiving two Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) grants totaling $3.3 million for Prospect Heights and $591,000 for Gunnersbrook. Administrative matters included a reminder about the upcoming property tax due date being pushed to February 17th due to a holiday closure, updates on absentee ballot requests, and dog license renewals. A council member brought up an issue concerning the plowing of a city walkway between Fost and Berlin Streets, blocking resident access, and another council member reported a persistent issue with a malfunctioning traffic light sensor at the intersection of Washington and Hill Streets. Finally, the manager announced his upcoming absence and named Chief Brad as the acting city manager, outlining protocols for consultation on major decisions. The meeting then proceeded to a public hearing for the CDBGDR Round Two housing project applications, which were split into two distinct submissions focusing on elevations/buyouts and acquisitions.

The meeting agenda was adjusted to accommodate the distribution of city warrants and to discuss an interim policy. Key discussion points included updates on the budget survey, which received fewer responses than the previous year. The Department of Public Works (DPW) received commendation for extensive snow removal efforts and addressing water leaks, though one worker sustained an injury due to ice accumulation near a misplaced trash can, prompting a request for residents to keep sidewalks clear. The overnight warming shelter operations were detailed, including their schedule and the need for volunteers and meal donations. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) round two applications for North End gateway projects, specifically addressing concerning new guidance from the state regarding property buyouts and elevations. This guidance introduces complicated program income recovery rules tied to future sales of elevated properties, which has caused several property owners to withdraw from elevation plans. The council expressed concern over the financial risk these rules impose on both homeowners and the city.

The agenda was adjusted by removing items related to Clerk's Office Licenses & Permits, authorizing a manager to execute a contract, and the Flood Resiliency Plan update, as the CDBG-DR hearing will cover the latter. The consent agenda was approved, which included certifying the 2025 annual report and approving the 2026 coin drop schedule, as well as approving City Warrants for week 2/11/2026. The City Clerk provided updates regarding Presidents Day closure affecting tax payment deadlines and dog license renewal due dates. License renewals for liquor and tobacco/tobacco substitutes were approved for Forget-Me-Not Flowers and Walgreens, and a new second-class liquor license was approved for Granite City Market. Key City Manager report items included updates on an unauthorized fishing tournament at Dix Reservoir, the high usage of the overnight warming shelter, the closing of the RFQ for Prospect Heights developers, and exploring next steps for two Congressionally Directed Spending grant awards. New Business featured a Public Hearing regarding CDBG-DR applications, followed by the approval of two related resolutions concerning North End/Gateway project buyouts and acquisitions. Alex Pastor was appointed to the Police Advisory Committee. The proposed FY27 Streets Department budget was presented, detailing increases in personnel costs and added funding for sand/pothole repair. The Treasurer detailed a plan to transition payment acceptance from postmark date to receipt date.