City Council - Regular Meeting

corn dog. [laughter] You can't tell me the one that has a hot dog. I guess if you put enough ketchup on it, you're going to make a difference anyway. [laughter] I like hot dogs at the ball game. And where we at? Oh, it's seven. Hi, Sam. You ready? [laughter] All right. We're even missing. Okay. Let's start the regular meeting of the uh council of the city of Ottawa, January 20th, 2026. Roll call. Michael Kraut here. Gier here. Pearson here. Baron here. Mayor here. We have five present.

Stand for the pledge of allegiance. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Moved by Commissioner Echrell that the minutes of a regular meeting of the council of the city of Ottawa, Illinois held on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 be approved as recorded in the permanent files of the city clerk. Okay, got a second. Second. Commissioner Gayer. Roll call. Craon. Hi, Mayor. Hi.

Is there anyone wishing to appear before the council? Come up and state your name. Good evening. I'm I'm Joe Togars. I'm with the submarine veterans and I'm here to address any questions you may have. Thank you. All right. And now we will start uh the public hearing at 7:01. I believe I [laughter] can take it away. Yes. So this is the public hearing for uh I think it's 28 actual Fields Hill. Do you only have 20 I think it's 2 23 agreements 29 annexations ordinances. Yeah.

Okay. Uh yes. So, this is the public hearing in reference to those annexations, agreements, and petitions. We've done a number of these um over the last uh 12 months or so. And uh we're getting really close to having completed the majority of the Fields Hill properties. This is again to uh provide them uh with we put in water meters and then water connections and then hopefully uh as part of these annexation agreements for uh a connection fee uh these property owners are going to be eligible to participate in the sewer once that project's completed either in 27 or 28. Now

any questions? If not we will close the hearing at 7:02 lasted [snorts] a whole minute. On to Commissioner Akler's report. Moved by Commissioner Alec that the bi-weekly salary payroll of January 2nd, 2026 in the amount of $697,31267 and the bi-weekly salary payroll of January 16th, 2026 in the amount of $653,48946. Both be approved and warrants issued. Can I get a second? Second. Commissioner Pearson. Roll call. Eichelkraut. I Pearson. Baron. I. Mayor.

I. Moved by Commissioner Echo that the bimonthly expense report dated January 20th, 2026 showing expenses in the amount of 1,785,683.39 be approved and warrants issued. Okay, a second. Second. Commissioner Baron. Roll call. Michael Kraut. Hi. Ger. Hi. Pearson. I baron. I. Mayor. Hi. Moved by Commissioner Echra that the monthly financial report of city clerk Shelley El Rollson for the month of December 2025 be received and placed on file. I get a second. Second. Commissioner Gayor. Roll call. Eichelra. Hi. Geor. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. I. Mayor. Hi.

Moved by Commissioner Eler that a resolution adopting and approving the ENCAT employee substance abuse policy and testing program be adopted. Okay. I get a second. Second. Commissioner Pearson. Roll call. Eichelra. Hi. Gorier. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Commissioner Eckler that a resolution adopting and approving the ENCAT non-discrimination policies and procedures title six and the ADA be approve be adopted. Okay, get a second. Sorry, Commissioner Baron. Roll call. Echelro. Hi. Gi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Commissioner [snorts] Ecrow. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Not at the present time. Thank you very much. On to Commissioner Gier's report. Moved by Commissioner Gayir that a resolution authorizing the execution of a preventative maintenance service agreement between the city of Ottawa and Bran of Communications Incorporated for the city's warning sirens be received and placed on file for public inspection. Can I get a second? Second. Commissioner Pearson. This is just our annual renewal of the maintenance agreement for the warning sirens. Thank you. Roll call. Michael Kraut. Hi. Ger. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Is there anything that you would like to add? I tried to bring back the warm weather with me, but it wouldn't fit on the plane. [laughter] Fair enough. On to Commissioner Pearson's report.

Move by Commissioner Pearson. The resolution authorizing the execution of a proposal for engineering services by Chamberlain and Associates Incorporated for the Post Street Bridge replacement phase 2 project, which has been on file for public inspection since January 6, 2026, be adopted. Okay, I got a second. Second, Commissioner. Congratulations on this, Commissioner Pearson. Thank you. I think there's some residents that are going to be very heavy. [laughter] Roll call. Michael Crow. Hi. Gor, hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. Hi. Mayor, hi. Is there anything that you would like to add?

I do. I have um for the fifth year we're going to have our veteran banner program. Um today I found out that Financial Plus Credit Union will be donating the banners for the year 2026. So, um, that that press release will be coming out soon, um, over the next couple months to get ready for Memorial Day and Veterans Day to get those hung up. So, that's good news.

Yeah, that is good news. Thank you. On to Commissioner Baron's report. Moved by Commissioner Baron that a resolution authorizing the execution of an access and utility easement agreement between the city of Ottawa and BNR Land LLC regarding the new wastewater treatment plant project which has been on file for public inspection since January 6, 2026 be adopted. Okay, I got a second. Second. Commissioner Gayer. Roll call. Ira. Gay. Hi. Pearson. Baron. I. Mayor.

Hi. Moved by Commissioner Baron that a resolution authorizing the execution of an easement agreement between the city of Ottawa and Kerry Sharf Materials Company regarding the new wastewater treatment plant project which has been on file for public inspection since January 6, 2026 be adopted. Okay, second commissioner. Roll call. Ecle. Baron I. Mayor, I moved by Commissioner Baron that a resolution authorizing the execution of an easement agreement between the city of Ottawa and Daniel Hollowell regarding the new wastewater treatment plant project which has been on file for public inspection since January 6th, 2026 be adopted. Okay, a second. Second. Commissioner Pearson. Roll call. Eel Kraut. I Pearson. I Baron

I. Mayor I. Moved by Commissioner Baron that a resolution authorizing the execution of an easement agreement between the city of Ottawa and Grand Rapids Enterprises Incorporated regarding the new wastewater treatment plant project which has been on file for public inspections since January 6, 2026 be adopted. Okay, I got a second. Second. Commissioner Gear. Roll call. Michael Kraut. I Pearson I. Baron I. Mayor I. Moved by Commissioner Baron that change order number one from John Poor and Suns Incorporated in the increased amount of $289,865.80 for the long-term control plan element 8.2 Canal Street Storm Ser project be accepted, approved, and paid for from the Combined SE overflow fund and grant proceeds. Okay, a second.

Second. Commissioner Pearson. Uh we ran into some rock. [laughter] Imagine that on the west side. All right. Roll call. Echel I. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. Hi. Mayor. Hi. I'm already getting you when you have your mouth. Okay. [laughter] Uh, Commissioner Baron, is there anything that you'd like to add? Not tonight. Okay. Here we go. On to mine. Moved by Mayor Hasty that a resolution authorizing the execution of an architectural agreement between the city of Ottawa and BCA Architects Limited regarding the waterfront amphitheater project which has been on file for public inspection since January 6, 2026 be adopted. Okay, get a second. Second. Commissioner Gayer. Roll call. Eel. I.

Gainer. I. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement for a monument between the city of Ottawa and United States Submarine Veterans Incorporated USS Chicago base adjacent to the Illinois River in Allen Park which has been on file for public inspection since January 6, 2026 be adopted. Okay, I got a second. Commissioner Ecrachout I. Gayer I Pearson I Baron I. Mayor I

moved by Mayor Hasty that a resolution authorizing the execution of an engagement letter between the city of Ottawa and TEC Services Consulting Incorporated for assistance with the Star Bond application which has been on file for public inspection since January 6, 2026 be adopted. Okay, I got a second. Commissioner Michael Crab. Roll call. Michael Crab. I Pearson I Baron I. Mayor I. Moved by Mayor Hasty a resolution authorizing the execution of 23 annexation agreements between the city of Ottawa and various property owners in Fields Hill subdivision which have been on file for public inspection since January 6, 2026 be adopted. Okay, I got a second. Second. Commissioner Baron. Roll call. Eichel Kraut. I. Pearson

I. Baron I. Mayor I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that a resolution authorizing the execution of a renewal agreement between the city of Ottawa and Civic Plus LLC for the city's website be received and placed on file for public inspection. I got a second. Second,

Commissioner Pearson. Um I would just like to uh add that I was talking with Dan and Tammy last week in regards to the website and they're they're pleased with the uh with the last year and how they've been able to build it and it does look a lot better and cleaner. It's a little cumbersome at first to try to figure out where things are, but I think that's just because we're all accustomed to old habits, but um they're doing a lot of pretty neat things with it and uh they were eager to renew that that uh membership with them. So, roll call. Michael, I Pearson. I mayor. Time

move by Mayor Hasty that the request for a fundraiser from Pep Hadrick to collect donations on Saturday, June 13th, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the intersection of Norris Drive and Columbus Street be approved in the city and if departments involved be notified of the event. I got a second. Second. Commissioner Ger, sorry about that. Roll call. Michael Kraut. Hi. Gayer. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. Hi. Mayor, I was expecting Marlin to get that one. That's why [laughter] That's why I tongue twistered. I'm going to take a nap in the corner now for

Okay. [laughter] Yeah. Here we go. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance annexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa South County, Illinois. Boy, Lauren Mattis and located at 2006 Kaitton Road be passed and approved. Can I get a second? Second. Commissioner Baron. Roll call. I kraut. I Pearson. I Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa South County, Illinois, owned by Tamara Wilkinson and located at 21108 Kaitton Road be passed and approved. I got a second. Second. Commissioner Pearson. Roll call. I kraut. Hi. Gayer. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance indexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa, Lasel County, Illinois, owned by David and Connelly Mccclure and located at 2110 Kaitton Road be passed and approved. Can I get a second? Second. Commissioner Alecraut. Roll call. Eichelkraut. Hi. Geor. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. Hi. Mayor. Hi. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance indexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa South County, Illinois. Owned by Tristan J. Traml and Ashley B. Schmidt and located at 2112 Kaitton Road. Be passed and approved. Okay. I got a second. Second. Commissioner Gayer. Roll call. Michael Kraut. I. Gayer. I. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor.

I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa, Lasowl County, Illinois, owned by Haley Evans and located at 2114 Kaitton Road be passed and approved. Okay, I got a second. Commissioner Baron, roll call. Michael Kraut. Hi. Geor, I Pearson. Hi. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa County, Illinois, owned by Elizabeth Damon and located at 2111 Kaitton Road be passed and approved. Okay, I got a second. Second. Commissioner um Commissioner Pearson. [laughter] Roll call. Michael Crab. Hi. Gerard. Hi. Pearson. I Baron. I. Mayor. I.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance indexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa Lasal County, Illinois. Owned by Maria Rodriguez Bibian and located at four Lincoln Road be passed and approved. I get a second. Second. Commissioner Eckleout. Roll call. Ekcraut. Hi. Gayer. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron I mayor I moved by mayor hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottabal County Illinois or by Georgia Brown and Kevin Brown as co-rustees and located at six Lincoln Road be passed and approved. Okay, I got a second. Second. Commissioner Ger roll call. Michael Kraut. Hi. Ger I Pearson I Baron I mayor I

moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance indexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa South County Illinois owned by R. Kevin Ahern and Rhonda Ahern and located at 8 Lincoln Road be passed and approved. Can I get a second? Second. Commissioner Baron. Roll call. Michael Kraut. Hi. Gay. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. Hi. Mayor. Hi. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa Las County, Illinois. Owned by Helen C. Maximok and located at 9 Lincoln Road be passed and approved. I get a second. Second. Commissioner. Roll call. Eichelro. I. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron I mayor I

moved by mayor hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Adabalis County Illinois owned by Cam Shamberg and Morris LLC and located at 10 Lincoln Road be passed and approved. I got a second. Second. Commissioner Gayer. Roll call. Eichel. Hi. Gayer. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa Lasal County, Illinois. Owned by Anthony J. Mucci and located at 11 Lincoln Road be passed and approved. Okay. I got a second. Second. Commissioner Baron. Roll call. Eichel Kraut. Hi. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor.

Hi. Move by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance indexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa South County, Illinois, owned by Jay and Kimberly McCracken and located at 21101 Kaitton Road be passed and approved. I get a second. Second. Commissioner Pearson. Roll call. Michael Crouch. Hi. Can I Pearson? I Baron. I mayor. I moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa Las County, Illinois, owned by Raymond and Nina Lawson and located at 2100 Fields Place be passed and approved. I get a second. Second. Commissioner Eler. Roll call. Echelraut. I. Gayer. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. I. Mayor. I.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa, Lasal County, Illinois. Owned by Michelle M. Hall and located at 21103 Fields Place be passed and approved. A second. Second. Commissioner Gayer. Roll call. Eichel Kraut. Hi. Ger. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. Hi. Mayor. I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa Lasowl County, Illinois owned by John and Fran Puas and located at 21 Palacus Palacus. Okay. Located at 2115 Fields Place be passed and approved. Second. Second. Commissioner Baron. Roll call. Erlut. Hi. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. I mayor. I.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa South County, Illinois owned by John A. Palaka senior and located at 2119 Fields Place be passed and approved. Can I get a second? Second. Commissioner Pearson. Roll call. Eichel Crown. Hi. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. Hi. [clears throat] Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa South County, Illinois, owned by Timothy F. Awesome and Lan Awesome as trustees and located at 105 Beverage Avenue be passed and approved. Okay. I got a second. Second. Commissioner Gayer. Roll call. Michael Kro. I Pearson. I Baron. I mayor. I

moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa South County, Illinois, owned by Steven and Laura Lowidge and located at 113 Beverage Avenue be passed and approved. Can I get a second? Second. Miss Lidge. What's that? Lidge. Lidge. Oh. Uh, Commissioner Baron. Roll call. I go. Hi. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. Hi. Mayor. Hi. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa Lasowl County, Illinois, owned by KCS Rawlings and located at 116 Beverage Avenue be passed and approved. Okay, I got a second. Second. Commissioner Pearson. Roll call. Eichelkraut. Hi. Ger. I. Pearson. I. Bailey. Hi. I. Mayor.

I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance indexing certain territory to the city of Ottawalis County, Illinois, owned by Andrew Norman and Morgan Ginstead, now known as Morgan Norman, and located at 2203 Spencer Place, be passed and approved. A second. Second. Commissioner Eelkraut. Roll call. Eichelkraut. I Pearson. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa, Lasowl County, Illinois, owned by Bonnie Riley and located at 2221 Spencer Place be passed and approved. I get a second. Second. Commissioner Gayer. Roll call. Icelout. Hi. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa South County, Illinois, owned by Ronald E. Fontai and located at 2222 Spencer Place be passed and approved. I get a second. Second. Mr. Baron, roll call. I crow. Hi, Gir. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. Hi, Mayor. I moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa Lasau County, Illinois, owned by Michael B. Bama and located at 2203 Boyce Place be passed and approved. Can I get a second? Second. Commissioner Pearson. Roll call. Michael Crow. Hi. Geor. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor.

I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa Lasowl County, Illinois, owned by Crystal M. Bryop and located at 2205 Boyce Place be passed and approved. I get a second. Second. Commissioner Echelra. Roll call. Ira. Gier. I. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Mayor Hazy that an ordinance indexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa Lasal County, Illinois, owned by Tad Lang and located at 2206 Kaitton Road be passed and approved. Can I get a second? Second. Commissioner Gayer. Roll call. Eichel Crraut. Hi. Gorier. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. I. Mayor. I.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance annexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa, Illinois, owned by Ryan M. Kims and Karine. Raweiler, now known as Karine E. Kims, and located at 2216 Kaitton Road be passed and approved. Okay. Second. Second. Commissioner Baron. Roll call. Michael Crow. Hi. Gay. Hi. Pearson. [clears throat] Hi. Baron. Hi. Mayor. I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance enexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa Lasowl County, Illinois, owned by David E. Wooley and located at 2218 Kaitton Road be passed and approved. Okay, a second. Second. Commissioner Pearson. Roll call. Echelra. Hi. Ger. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance indexing certain territory to the city of Ottawa South County, Illinois, and owned by Alex and Lauren Noak and located at 2220 Kaitton Road be passed and approved. Can you get a second? Second. Commissioner Eiccraut. Roll call. Eichelkraut. I. Gainer. I. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. Hi. Moved by Mayor Hasty that an ordinance to propose the approval of a business development district redevelopment plan and establish a date for the public hearing as March 3rd, 2026 for the Ottawa business development district number one be received and placed on file for public inspection. Okay. Get a second. Second.

Commissioner Gainer. [clears throat] Back in August of last year, we had hired um Jacob and Klein to look into uh what a business development district redevelopment plan would look like. They've done the research and they're now obligated to provide us with a public hearing to give us the facts of what they've found and uh which will allow us to make further decisions as to whether or not this is something that would fit right for the city of Ottawa. Roll call. Michael Croat. Hi Gor. Hi Pearson. Baron. Don't be in a good position here.

This is just to do the plan, right? It it's to this is for uh Jacob and Klein to be able to discuss um what they were able to find and what it would produce if we were to go in that route, what the map would look like, what it would include. And then based on that information, we would take the next steps as to determine whether or not we would want to move forward in that direction. I'll give you an I. Mayor I. Motion carries.

And um the only other thing that I would add is that uh there is going to be testing uh for the public works department. Uh, and if you go to the website, uh, the city's website that we were just talking about 15 minutes ago, um, you can apply for it and get the information that's, uh, that's needed in order to take the test to become a city employee. Motion to adjurnn. Moved by Mayor Hasty that this regular meeting be adjourned. I get a second. Second, Mr. Hiker. Roll call. Echel. Ger. I. Pearson. I, Baron. I, Mayor. Hi. Thank you everybody. Great job, challenge. And and only one drink. I was going to say she did great.

Well, I did tea before I started. [laughter] I cheated today. department. Plus, I didn't have any dinner.