Tom Helm

The Council meeting addressed various municipal infrastructure and operational concerns. Public comments focused on drainage issues, sidewalk damage, and road maintenance. Legislative actions included the approval of an ordinance for a utility easement and a donation to a local organization for a community event. The Council authorized the Treasurer to attend an annual conference and approved the purchase of a new server to replace aging IT infrastructure. Several items related to street and alley construction, including a change order and a pay request, were tabled pending further information. Additionally, the Council discussed the status of city streets and planned for a city-wide cleanup event.

The council meeting addressed several key agenda items. Regarding public affairs, the council narrowly approved a motion to allow a modular home in the Walk Subdivision First Addition, contrary to existing covenants against non stick-built homes. An ordinance amending Article 14 of the Code of Ordinance to define and list prohibited animals passed with three affirmative votes. The council approved an ordinance to sell two pieces of excess police equipment, a Sig P220 and a Glock, for a total of $475. A motion was approved to grant a special event liquor license to the Neoga Booster Club for a Music Bingo fundraiser, and a $500 donation to Neoga Days sponsorship was approved. Ordinance #1131-01-2026, declaring property at 631 Elm Avenue as dangerous and unsafe, was accepted. The bid of $1,000 from Workman Real Estate Holding was awarded for the property at 747 Maple Avenue. Financial reports noted the review of electricity usage at NCC and confirmation that the CDBG Sewer Lining Grant was approved for a portion of the city.

Key discussions included the review of a proposed TIF ordinance and contract, which will be placed on file for future approval. The council reviewed an ordinance authorizing the sale of real estate at 747 Maple Ave., which will also be filed prior to approval. Membership dues for CCDC for 2026 were approved for payment. Updates from the engineer on public works projects covered the status of the Sewer Plant litigation, completion of the CDAP Water Grant and ITEP projects, outstanding liquidated damages for the RLF & State Grant Project, unsuccessful grant applications (Rebuild IL/RISE and Community Facilities Grant), and expected timelines for the Walnut Street & Alley and City Hall Parking Lot projects. The council approved payment for an M&G invoice and accepted the CDBG Sanitary Sewer Improvement Grant, subsequently passing the Professional Service Agreement with M&G for its administration. A lengthy discussion regarding covenants for Walk Subdivision First Addition resulted in a motion failing to pass concerning the allowance of pre-fab, engineered, and modular homes. The council unanimously approved the sale of Lot #3 in Walks Subdivision First Addition. It was agreed to contact IDOT regarding a plan to extend 6th Street and Jennings Avenue for Walks Subdivision First Addition, as well as 8th Street east past Grove Avenue.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of two ordinances: one authorizing the lease of real estate (Damon Potter-Cash Rent Farm Lease) and another authorizing the sale of real estate (565 Locust Avenue). The Council approved the Omnibus agenda after Commissioner Schabbing successfully moved to remove the Bill List from future Omnibus agendas for separate discussion. During public comments, a citizen expressed concerns regarding the availability of AA/NA meetings and local food pantry options. In finance, the monthly bills totaling $636,313.84 were approved for payment. For public property, the Council reviewed an engineer's report and approved an invoice from Milano & Grunloh. The Water Main Replacement Bid was awarded to Kieffer Brothers Construction for $192,848.04. Streets and Alleys reported ongoing dust complaints from a recent project and a pothole needing repair. Following an executive session regarding personnel, the Council approved a 2.8% pay increase for all full-time employees, excluding two named officers, and committed to reviewing additional health insurance options.

The regular council meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included the approval of the TIF application from Mike and Connie Vonderheide, authorizing a contract expenditure of $14,602.40 for the TIF project. The council also reviewed and approved Change Order #4 for the Watermain Replacement project, which resulted in a decrease in the project cost by $20,390.72. An ordinance authorizing the lease of real estate (Cash Rent Farm Lease) was agreed to be moved to the next consent agenda. The Public Works department was recognized for their efforts during a recent snowstorm. During an executive session, personnel matters related to employee hiring, firing, compensation, discipline, and performance were discussed. Upon reconvening, the council approved bonuses for full-time employees ($400), part-time employees ($75), and Zoning Board members ($25).