Village of Durand

The board reviewed financial reports including payment of bills, the payroll bills, and the treasurer's report, as well as a memo regarding revenue received. Zoning issues regarding the Country Creek Condos on Fremont were discussed, including variance requests and easement adjustments. The meeting covered updates on several ongoing projects, including the Otter Creek development, the village hall cleaning contract, the multi-use path project, and the Anytime Fitness sidewalk repair. Additionally, the board discussed the Frontier fiber request, chemical spill litigation, the Durand Lions Club Easter Hunt, and future community events.

The meeting addressed several key administrative and operational items. Financial actions included the approval of Board AP bills totaling $53,926.37 and Payroll Bills totaling $20,216.79. Zoning discussions involved commencing the process to vacate State Street north of North Street and ongoing efforts to locate missing portions of the Country Creek Condos PUD map, noting the Zoning Board's 'No' vote on the current Country Creek Condo items. Committee reports covered several topics: Finance reported on the review of the AC Johnston deed, budget committee findings for the general fund and salaries, an agreement for Village Hall cleaning services, the signing of a Municipal Aggregation Supply Agreement, and securing participation in a community solar field. Economic Development noted the status of a raffle jackpot. Buildings and Parks discussed an incident at the yard waste drop-off. Streets and Alleys covered the status of a Frontier Fiber request, the selection of Origin Design as the Multi-use Path Engineer, the MFT Resolution for FY2026/2027 funding street lighting, and updates regarding yard waste disposal regulations. Water and Sewer reported on two water main breaks, with all repairs completed internally, and confirmed follow-up on the Chemical Spill billing complaint. Police updates included a Chief's attendance at a Disaster Drill and the roster change of an officer; the start date for the new SRO Officer was confirmed. New Business approved Origin Design as the engineer, the MFT Resolution FY2026/2027, and the Village Hall cleaning service agreement.

The Board reviewed and approved payroll bills from December 24th, 2025, and January 7th, 2026, as well as accounts payable bills dated December 22nd, 2025, and January 12th, 2026. Treasurer's reports for November and December 2025 were approved. Committee reports covered an AC Johnston lot request needing finalization, the first reading of a Tax Abatement Ordinance, the need to reallocate a 5% Levy & Assessment increase, and updates on the Durand Charm Queen of Hearts Raffle and the Multi-use Path Project, which was tabled pending new quotes. Ordinances 2026-01 (Tax Abatement) and 2026-02 (Amendment to Levy & Assessment) were both approved after the first reading was waived. An application for a raffle by St. Mary's Catholic Church for March 22, 2026, was also approved.

Key discussions included zoning matters, specifically the vacation of several alleys including North Street, N. State Street, W. Howard Street (South Side), and W. North Street (North Side), with direction for the Zoning Board to proceed. The interest of Kelsey Excavating in relocating to the village was also noted. Financial reports covered the approval of accounts payable bills and payroll bills. Committee reports detailed follow-up on an unbuildable lot with AC Johnston, discussion regarding the revision of the Easement Work Request Fee, positive feedback on the Employee Appreciation Party, and budget requests for Durand Charm initiatives like the Reading Program and Friends of the Library. Updates were provided on parking sign replacement, mobility signs, and a Multi-use Path Project meeting with IDOT due to financial constraints. The Police Department budget was submitted, and updates included officer firearm qualification, changes in county ticket systems, and the renaming of a local investigative task force. The board approved Ordinance 2026-03, concerning the Easement Work Request Fee, after waiving the first reading.

The meeting included reviewing and approving the payment of Board AP bills totaling $111,254.37 and Payroll Bills totaling $20,696.00. Finance committee reports covered the 2025 Audit Results review, confirmation that Durand CUSD is already on a discounted water rate, and the upcoming formal Board approval for Village Electric Aggregation. Other finance topics included planning the Employee Appreciation Party, reporting that all four Otter Creek properties have closed with Ambassador Homes breaking ground, marketing efforts for the OC Development, and securing a $105,000.00 HRAP Grant for Durand Charm. The Economic Development report noted the current Queen of Hearts Raffle jackpot and the approval of a Lions Club 50/50 Raffle. Unfinished business involved adopting Resolution 2025-24 regarding the Rock River Energy Services Aggregate Agreement. New business included approving Luis Marquez for the vacant seat on the Zoning Board.