City Council - Regular Meeting

We'll have to close each one of these public hearings, too. Time of the seven. Go. Ready. Yep. All right. Let's start the regular meeting of the council of the city of Ottawa, April 21st, 2026. Roll call. Michael Kra here. Gay here. Pearson here. Baron here. Mayor here. We have five present. Stand for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all

moved by commissioner that the minutes of a regular meeting of the council of the city of Ottawa Illinois held on Tuesday April 7th 2026 and the minutes of a special meeting held on Friday, April 10th, 2026. Both be approved as recorded in the permanent files of the city clerk. Can I get a second? Second. Gainer. Roll call. Michael Kraut. Hi. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. I. Mayor. Hi. Sir. Anyone wishing to appear before the council. All right. If not, we will move to the first public hearing, which is operating budget for the fiscal year 2027. I was told that Don is going to be discussing that. Okay. Well, we'll let we'll let Commissioner start then. How about that?

Okay. First of all, I just want to let everybody know that the budget is balanced. Uh I want to thank everybody for all the time it took and the due diligence. Uh I think it worked out pretty good. Actually, we got it done relatively in a short amount of time if you think about it. So, I'm going to turn this over to Don.

Yeah. Just a few highlights I pointed out as Commissioner noted the budget is is balanced general corporate fund um with both revenues and expenses that approximately 29,500,000 um I look there property tax uh makes up 11 in the budget makes up 11.6% % of the revenues in the general fund sales tax 34.7. So between the two 46.3 overall uh when you include all of our other funds thanks overall with uh all of our other funds um uh there is a a deficit there that we're going to cover out of reserves. Uh total revenues there are 80 almost $86 million. Expenses uh slightly above $87 million deficit of a million call it a million3 uh which we've got reserves to be able to cover that. Um, and then going back to general corporate, we're our revenue projections this year were 3.7% more than they were in last year's budget. And the expenses on general corporate were 2.3% more than last year. And expenses overall for the entire city 4.5 including all of our funds.

Any questions from council? Any questions from the public? All right, then we can close this public hearing at 7:03. Okay, then we have another public hearing which I believe Dave Noble, are you? Oh, Calvin. Okay,

thank you for the introduction. Um, there we go. Good evening everyone. My name is Calvin Croy and I'm here with NCICG. Um, now I'm here at this hearing um, in accordance with section 10-5 of the River's Edge Redevelopment Zone Act here. And the purpose is to gather public input and discuss the potential establishment of the River's Edge Redevelopment Zone here within the city. Um, for uh, the legal record, this public hearing has been properly noticed in accordance with the state requirement. Uh it was published in the times uh in the proposed zone area which you can see behind me here is u basically the entirety of Ottawa um no more than 20 days and not less than 5 days prior to the date to to today's date. Now the purpose of this hearing is three-fold uh to to consider whether the city should establish a river's ed redevelopment zone to discuss the proposed boundaries of the zone and to review potential local plans tax incentives and programs that might be implemented in connection with the zone. Uh to those unfamiliar of what a river's edge redevelopment zone program is, uh it is a state of Illinois initiative designed to encourage economic development, uh historic preservation and the revitalization of riverfront communities. um designation as a RERZ city or Rivers Edge redevelopment zone uh allows the city to access and offer a variety of incentives including but not limited to state and local tax incentives uh sales tax exemptions and building materials and other redevelopment tools aimed at attracting investment and supporting local businesses. Uh most importantly though uh it would be the historic tax credits um and the building materials sales tax exemptions.

Thank you. Now um at this time I will provide an overview of the proposed or the proposed river's edge zone here. Um it includes area all along the Illinois River here as you can see. No kind of get out of your guys' way just so you can see it. um most of the downtown area as well as most of the adjacent neighborhoods and going all the way out to I80 and there are also maps over there uh with a little more that are a little more clear. Um now as part of this proposal the city is considering a range of redevelopment strategies and incentives which may include uh targeting redevelopment of underutilized or vacant properties, support of historic preservation projects, infrastructure improvements, and potential local tax incentives. These of course are uh all aligning with the city's broader economic development goals. Uh so at this time um I'll just go to you guys for public comment where uh we welcome input on the creation of the zone, the boundaries uh or any suggested plans, incentives or programs associated with the zone if anyone has any questions please and all that at once. Okay. Now if there are no uh public comment then I will close this portion of the hearing uh and I would just like to thank everyone who had attended uh and participated tonight. Uh all the comments received so many uh will be considered as the city evaluates the proposed river's edge redevelopment zone. Following this hearing the city will take further action uh regarding the establishment of the zone and the associated redevelopment plans. Um and that is all I have to say on the matter. Thank you very much.

Um one thing that I will add to that is that uh these rivers these rivers edge zones are um very limited by the state of Illinois. So the fact that we were even selected to be able to do this um is pretty good accomplishment. If you want to look at uh some of the other communities that have been awarded in the past and what it's done to them, you can look at downtown Rockford. Um it's a really good example of the renovation of those downtown buildings around the uh civic center that they have there. So hopeful in getting uh this approved and through and start added to the development we've already got. Any other comments? No.

Close at 707 and then we can move on to Commissioner Ekler's report. Moved by Commissioner Ecraft that the bi-weekly salary payroll of April 10th, 2026 in the amount of $661,54782 be approved and warrants issued. I get a second. Second. Commissioner Pearson. Roll call. Icraut. Hi. Gear. I. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Commissioner Eckler that the bimonthly expense report dated April 21st, 2026 showing expenses in the amount of $829,48067 be approved of warrants issued. A second. Second. Commissioner Baron. Roll call. Eichelraut. Hi. Ger. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron.

I. Mayor. I. Moved by Commissioner Eichelra that the monthly financial report of city clerk Shelley L. Rollson for the month of March 2026 be received and placed on file. Make a second. Second. Commissioner Gayer. Roll call. Eichelra. I. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Commissioner Eler that a resolution approving and authorizing the execution of an employment agreement with William Thompson as ENCAT dispatch supervisor be received and placed on file for public inspection. A second second replacement somebody that retired. Roll call. Eichelra. I Pearson I. Baron I. Mayor. Hi.

Um number five is lined out. So we'll move on to the next one. Moved by Commissioner Richcraut that an ordinance adopting the operating budget for the fiscal year commencing May 1st, 2026, which has been on file for public inspection since April 10th, 2026, be passed and approved. I got a second. Second roll call. Eichel, I Pearson. Baron. I mayor. I like to add, Commissioner.

Yeah, I just had music in the park. Uh, everything's set, ready to go. Uh hopefully the summer gets here real quick so we can enjoy it and have a great time. Uh there are some uh cards out so uh they're here. We have them here. They got them at the visitors center. So if anybody wants one of them and we'll be passing them out after the f first night. So all right. It's always a good time. On to Commissioner Gainor's report. Moved by Commissioner Gainer that a resolution authorizing the execution of a statement of work between the city of Ottawa and IOS for the police department's promotional testing which has been on file for public inspection since April 7th, 2026 be adopted. Second commissioner Kraut. Paul Eichelkraut. Hi. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. I.

Mayor. Hi. Moved by Commissioner Gainer that a resolution authorizing the execution of a subscription agreement between the city of Ottawa and Leadeds Online LLC for the police department's investigative software which has been on file for public inspection since April 7th, 2026 be adopted. Make a second. Second Pearson. Roll call. Ekrut. I Pearson. I Baron I. Mayor I. Moved by Commissioner Gainer that a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement between the city of Ottawa and Northern Illinois Ambulance Building Incorporated, which has been on file for public inspection since April 7th, 2026, be adopted. Okay, you got a second. Second. Commissioner Baron. Paul. Eel. I. Gainer. I. Pearson. I. Baron. I.

Mayor. I. Moved by Commissioner Gainer that a resolution authorizing the execution of a master lease purchase agreement between the city of Ottawa and PNC Bank National Association for the new Pearson Forcer pumper fire truck and equipment which has been on file for public inspection since April 10th, 2026 be adopted. Second, Commissioner. Um, this is for a firet truck that we ordered approximately 5 years ago. It's finally coming in and finally built so now they really want us to pay for it. What? Year. No, not in Well, yeah. The first payment doesn't start for a year. Correct. And then 12 years. Correct. 12 year pay kind of helps the budget that way. Roll call. Echo Kraut. I. Gainer. Hi. Pearson.

Hi. Baron. I. Mayor. Hi. Mr. Gayer. Anything you'd like to add?

I do. Um, I want to commend the Ottawa Fire Department for their very quick and efficient response to the fire and explosion at Coogi Chemical this morning. Also want to commend the Ottawa Police Department for their quick response and for their very effectively managing access to the scene and the Ottawa Telecom telecommunicators also deserve accommodation for effectively handling the call volume that accompanies incidents such as this one. The call came in at approximately 7:58 a.m. this morning. The first fire apparatus arrived on the scene at 8:06 a.m. The first arriving company were greeted by Coochie employees and informed of two injuries. The injured employees were removed from the building giving medical treatment by our paramedics and transported to OSF St. Elizabeth for further treatment. First patient arrived at OSF at 8:13 a.m. and the second at 8:25 a.m. Overall, very quick responses. The fire department quickly assessed the scene and determined that there was no danger to the public or surrounding businesses. However, out of precaution, the area businesses were asked to have their employees shelter in place. Due to the fire department's aggressive inspection program, the firefighters were well aware of the dangers of the product, magnesium, produced at the plant. They were also able to quickly assess the situation and contain the fire to the area of the building where it started. There were no injuries to fire department personnel. The fire was under control at 8:14 a.m. Due to the very hazardous nature of the of a magnesium fire, the mag hazmat team and several other fire departments were called in. I wish to thank the MA hazmat team which is made up of members of various departments from the area. I also wish to thank the following agencies for their quick response and and assistance. Marcel's fire department, Marcel's Ambulance, Nate Plate Fire Department, Udica Fire Protection District, Streeter Fire Department, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and Illinois OSHA. I would just echo your sentiment in

regards to all the different emergency services and um it's a it's a good sign when something like when something tragic like this happens and you get an inpouring of positive comments as to the response and dedication of the services that were doing it. So great job to everyone involved and thank you for your service. All right, on to Commissioner Pearson's report. Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a resolution authorizing the execution of a proposal for construction engineering services by Chamlan Associates Incorporated for the main street bridge repairs which has been on file for public inspection since April 7th, 2026 be adopted. Second second.

So this on number one and number 10 this is for maintenance for the main street bridge. Um they are just going to replace um parts of the deck seats correct and some of the joints. So it will be maintenance and then uh number 10 we're going to request for the bid. Roll call. Echelro. Hi. Gayer. I Pearson. I Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a resolution authorizing the execution of a maintenance proposal with Marcel Sheet Middle Incorporated for the fire and police department facilities be received and placed on file for public inspection. I get a second. Second. Commissioner Baron. Roll call. Echelut. Hi. Gay.

Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. I. Mayor. Hi. Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the low bid received from Gillan Construction in the amount of $631,915 for the 2026 curb replacement project be approved and paid for from the general corporate fund. I get a second. Second, Gainer. Uh, this bid actually came in under what the engineer had originally thought. So, woo. All right. Win. Roll call. Echelro. Hi. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. I. Mayor. I

moved by Commissioner Pearson that the quote received from Marcel sheet metal incorporated to replace the coil condenser at the IBCC satellite building be accepted approved and paid for from the general corporate fund. Take a second. Second call. Eichelraut. Hi. Gorier. Hi. Pearson. I Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the quote received from Reese Construction to repair the sidewalk on the entire north side of the central life building in the amount of $55,311 be accepted approved. Competitive bidding be waved and paid for from the general corporate fund. I got a second. Second.

Baron. One thing I will add on this is because it's been barricaded around for a while is that we were told that we could not touch it until all the insurance companies had a chance to look at it and then as soon as they looked at it they told us it was emergency and it had to be replaced yesterday. Yeah. So that's what we're trying to do. Roll call. Kraut. Hi. Ger. Pearson. I baron I. Mayor I. Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement between the city of Ottawa and the state of Illinois's Department of Transportation for the US Route 6 Fox River bridge replacement project be received and placed on file for public inspection. I get a second. Second, Mr. Aricut.

So, um this is for replacement of the Fox River and I believe the state of Illinois are going to open up the bids on the Friday. Okay. On this Friday. So, I have a lot of the fourth in my brain for some reason. Um, so they'll be opening up the bids this Friday and then obviously the rest um the next few are all about replacing those. Roll call. Echo. I Pearson I Baron I. Mayor I. Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a resolution appropriating1,742,918 of city funds for the Fox River Bridge replacement project be received and placed on file for public inspection.

I got a second second. Roll call. Echelut. I. Ger. I. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Commissioner Pearson that an ordinance regulating parking on US Route Six over the Fox River East of the intersection of Champlain Street be passed and approved. A second. Second. Commissioner Kraut. Roll call. Michael Kraut. I. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Commissioner Pearson that an ordinance regulating an encroachment on the public rightway in the city of Ottawa Lasell County, Illinois in relation to the Fox River Bridgement Project be passed and approved. I got a second. Second. Commissioner Baron. Roll call.

Ecle. Gayer. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the city clerk be authorized to advertise for bids for the Main Street bids rehabilitation project. Bids will be received until Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Second. Second. Mr. Gor. Echelut. Hi. Ger. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Commissioner Pearson. Is there anything that you would like to add? Nothing tonight. On to Commissioner Baron's report.

Yes, he has one item of new business. Moved by Commissioner Baron that a resolution authorizing a loan agreement with Illinois EPA Bureau of Water for the city's new wastewater treatment plant be received and placed on file for public inspection. I get a second. This is we're marching towards that new plant. So, this is part of the paperwork. Right. Roll call. Echelro. Hi. Gayer. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. I. Mayor. Hi. Mr. Baron. Is there anything you'd like to add? Not tonight. On to my report.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a resolution authorizing the execution of a lease agreement between the city of Ottawa and Base Camp LLC for the Columbus and Jackson Street parking lot, which has been on file for public inspection since April 7th, 2026, be adopted. I got a second. Second.

Pearson. Um, I know I said this um the last council meeting, but I'll repeat it that this lease agreement is for the parking lot, the parking spots that will be um in the alley area there. It's not for the entire parking lot. The city will still uh possess and occupy the majority of that parking lot, but this is for the uh former Woolworth building and base camp. And so that they have a place uh for to do three-point turns and for a couple uh uh of their employees to have a place to park. So roll call. Michael, I Pearson I Baron I. Mayor, I

moved by Mayor Hasty that a resolution accepting and executing a grant agreement between the city of Ottawa and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity regarding the Ottawa Industrial Park Water Main be received and placed on file for public inspection. Second. Second, Baron. Uh this is a grant that was awarded to us recently. Um the uh the governor announced it I think about a week ago, right? We had found out just a little bit before that. Um it's about $1.9 million and um as indicated it's going to loop the industrial park and kind of tie in over on Canal Road. Roll call. Michael Kraut. I Pearson. Hi. Baron. I. Mayor.

I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that a resolution approving and authorizing an amendment to the employment agreement with Daniel Penn as community development assistant be received and placed on file for public inspection. I got a second. Second back. Um the one thing I'll say in regards to this is uh we knew that we needed a position that Dan had come in and uh and filled and he's done an exceptional job and it's one of those situations where now he's now that he's been with us for a year plus you kind of wonder what we were doing before then. So he's done a magnificent job and I think everyone agrees with that. Roll call. Michael Kraut. I. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. Hi.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a resolution amending resolution 146-2023 which established an art committee in the city of Ottawa by increasing the number of members from 7 to 9 be adopted. I got a second. Second Harrison. Uh the main reason for this is um that committee has really um they're a bunch of of uh workers and doers and they've developed within themselves a bunch of subcommittees and they're they've got a whole slew of projects and art ideas that they've got coming along and in order for them to be able to move forward on it, make sure that they can always have a quorum they asked to increase up to the nine. And in talking with Tammy Coppen, we kind of thought that would be a good idea for them to do so. That was the reason for it. Roll call. Eichel Kraut. Hi. Gayer.

Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that a resolution appointing a member to the art committee and Kaylee Martin term to expire April 1st, 2029 be adopted. Okay. I got a second. Second. Mr. Baron. Roll call. Michael Kraut. I. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. I. Baron. I. Mayor. I. Moved by Mayor Hasty that the request from the Ottawa Downtown Association to collect donations at the intersection of Norris Drive and Route 23 on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. be approved and the city departments involved be notified as of the event. I got a second. Second Ger callout. I Pearson I. Baron I. Mayor I.

And we have a couple proclamations to read. Uh the first one is for motorcycle awareness month. Whereas safety on the highway and streets of our city and state is a top priority. And whereas motorcycles are an economical form of transportation that help reduce fuel consumption, roadware, and traffic congestion. And whereas it is important that all motorists remain aware of motorcycles on the roadway, the road safety. And whereas Abate of Illinois Incorporated continues to promote motorcycle safety, education, and awareness through public outreach and driver education programs across the state of Illinois. And whereas motorcyclists throughout Illinois contribute significantly to charitable and community organizations through volunteerism and fundraising. Now therefore, I mayor uh mayor of the city of Ottawa, Illinois, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as motorcycle awareness month. The city of Ottawa and encourage all motorists and motorcyclists to work together to promote safety, awareness, and respect on our roadways. Proclaims this 21st day of April, 2026.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a proclamation naming the month of May 2026 as motorcycle awareness month in the city of Ottawa be adopted. I got a second. Second. Pearson. Roll call. Echelro. Hi. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. I Baron I mayor I

we also have a proclamation for Arbor Day. Whereas in 1872 the Nebraska Board of Agriculture established a special day to be set aside for the planting of trees. And whereas this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. And whereas Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world. And whereas trees can be a solution to combating climate change by reducing the erosion of our precious top soil by wind and water, cutting heating and cooling costs, moderating temperature, cleaning the air, producing life-giving oxygen, and providing habitat for wildlife. And whereas trees are renewable resources, giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products. And whereas trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. And whereas trees wherever they are planted are sources of joy and spiritual renewal. Now therefore, I, Robert Hasty, mayor of the city of Ottawa, Illinois, do hereby proclaim April 24th, 2026 as a Arbor Day in the city of Ottawa. And I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. Proclaimed this 21st day of April, 2026. Robert Hasty. Moved by Mayor Hasty that a proclamation naming Friday, April 24th, 2026 as Arbor Day in the city of Ottawa be adopted.

Second. Were you baiting people? Commissioner Baron. Roll call. Michael Kraut. I. Pearson. I. Baron. I better vote for this one. I mayor.

I. Last but not least, we have Purple Update, which is whereas the American Legion since its founding in 1919 has devoted much of its talent, effort, and resources to improving conditions for our nation's youth. And whereas the Americanism, children, and youth programs of the American Legion provide settings that permit children to realize and to achieve their full potential. And whereas the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary have labored unselfishly to achieve this goal through their untiring effort, dedicated leadership, and devotion to overriding principles of these benev benevolent programs. And whereas purple indicates the color of the military branches combined, Army Green, Marine Red, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force Blue. Therefore, we are asking all communities to honor military children on this day and wear purple to support military children. Therefore, I, Robert Hasty, mayor of the city of Ottawa, Illinois, do hereby proclaim the 15th day of April, 2026 as purple up day. The American Legion family recognizes the military children under the children and youth program for the entire month of April. Proclaimed this 21st day of April, 2026. Robert Hasty

moved by Mayor Hasty that a proclamation recognizing April 15, 2026 as purple update in the city of Ottawa be adopted. Second, and I swear I had nothing to do with the purple. I read that in here. Roll call. Michael Kraut. Hi, Gainer. Hi, Pearson. Hi, Baron. Hi, Mayor. Hi. Do you have any new business? I don't have anything else to add. Um, we will be going into executive session. And I do believe that there'll be uh business voted on afterwards. So, we will pause. Moved by Mayor Hasty that this council recess into close session to discuss a matter of collective bargaining and a step three, ask me grievance. I get a second.

Second. Roll call. Echelut. Hi. Gainer. Hi. Pearson. Hi. Baron. Hi. Mayor. Hi. We'll be back everyone.