City of Dixon City Council met Feb. 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hughes at 5:30pm.
ROLL CALL
Councilman Bishop, Considine, Venier, and Mayor Hughes answered roll call. Absent: Councilman Oros.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION
The Pledge of Allegiance was cited. Invocation was given by Pastor Mike Sutcliffe, Corner Fringe Ministries.
AWARD PRESENTATION
Chief Bivins spoke that on January 8th, the DPD received a report of a single vehicle accident that occurred resulting in hitting a home and gas line. Officer Collin Grady determined the driver had rapid blood loss and applied a tourniquet during a chaotic scene with several things that could have gone wrong. Dr. Brand, lead doctor of OSF Hospital Intensive Care, spoke explaining the extent of the injuries. Officer Grady’s response and reaction saved this patient’s life while also risking his own health. He added the reaction and quality of the police team is outstanding. Well done to Collin Grady for saving this patient’s life. Life Saving Award was presented to Officer Collin Grady. Paused for pictures.
OATH OF OFFICE
Deputy Chief Simonton gave background of Officer Rodriguez. Mayor Hughes gave the Oath of Office to Police Officer Griffey Rodriguez, paused for pictures.
Deputy Chief Simonton gave background of Officer Yepsen. Mayor Hughes gave the Oath of Office to Police Officer Christian Yepsen, paused for pictures.
Chief Bivins spoke regarding Deputy Chief Christopher Scott’s police background and accomplishments. Mayor Hughes gave the Oath of Office to Deputy Police Chief Christopher Scott. Deputy Chief Christopher Scott addressed the crowd and thanked the council, leaders, and his wife. Special thank you to retired Deputy Chief Doug Lehman for his mentorship. Also thanked his Dixon Police family. Paused for pictures.
VISITOR/PUBLIC COMMENT
None
WORK SESSION
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilman Bishop moved that the minutes of the Regular Session Council Meeting of Monday, January 20, 2026; be accepted and placed on file. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
APPROVAL OF TOTAL LABOR AND OUTSIDE CLAIMS
Councilman Considine moved that the Total Labor and Outside Claims in the amount of $2,787,924.71 be approved and ordered paid. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Mayor Hughes explained larger expenses. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Streets and Properties Manager Venier spoke highlighting some current major achievements and what we can expect to see. Oakwood Maintenance building is complete, fully moved in and operational providing a much safer environment. Brine system has been installed and proved to pay dividends. 150 tons of asphalt for road repairs has been used to replace sections of roads. Sidewalks, approaches, and ADA ramps have been replaced which is just shy of 8 city blocks. Explained the city sidewalk program. Yearly CIP work saving approximately $106,000.00 of doing work inhouse. Explained upcoming tree work. Started the rehab on River Street parking lot railings, the railings continue to rust. Sections are being repaired and reinstalled this winter and spring. 16 Street lights are being replaced. Lastly, the dirt shed is being rehabbed by the street team also saving the city approximately $16,000.00. During the spring we will be starting crack sealing the streets. A thank you to the great staff that allows the Street Department to do whatever it takes, and looking forward to the direction they are heading.
Fire Chief Buskohl spoke of the tremendous culture of the department, members want to perform at the highest level for this community. An overview of 2025 stats, there are a total 2,700 calls for service, 2,170 EMS calls and 530 Fire & Rescue calls. The team has completed over 7,082 training hours. First project nearly complete is the Stop the Bleed Program, in which the proceeds from Legends of the Rock fishing tournament are used to purchase the school kits for Sterling, Rock Falls, and Dixon areas. This collaboration with Dixon Fire, Dixon Rural, and Dixon Police made enough money for each classroom to have a Stop the Bleed kit in Dixon. Deputy Chief Arnould headed up the project taking trainer classes, then provided training for school staff.
Next project, is the mass notification system called Hyper Reach. This is a mass communication system that is able to kick out a message on Hyper Reach. The notification area is for Dixon Rural and City areas. The next step to the program is I-Pause. This will allow a more isolated notification depending on the situation.
The third project, a huge shout out to Mark Palacz for the fire safety program FRED (Fire Ready Every Day). This teaches 1st graders fire safety; assisting in providing a new curriculum with a new hazard house with help from our Charitable Association. It will kick off this month and retire the old house.
Spoke of the Department’s accomplishments of degrees, certifications, and trainings of the fire team, noting the various special trainings throughout. Few additional things, just completed a 5-year update on Policy and Operational Guide, started using the new EMS billing system, and the kitchen dayroom remodel is just finishing up. Hiring Candidate Testing Program is now in collaboration with Sauk Valley Community College. This is a written test program that has worked very well. Recent professional development plans underway for each team member, joint response training with police and OSF. Upgraded data reporting system.
Explained the Apprentice Program which is a 3-year program with 2 members currently in the program. Shoutout to Nick Dinges with the Sublette Fire Department for putting together a candidate program. This helps with recruitment in hopes that they can be future employees of Dixon Fire Department.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
None
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Hughes – Thank you and congratulations to retired Deputy Chief Lehman for his 30+ years of law enforcement, 20+ years with Dixon. Hope he enjoys his retirement.
Councilman Bishop – Agreed with the comments regarding Doug.
Councilman Considine – Spoke of the Fire Department, how blessed and lucky we are to have the finest Police and Fire Departments in the State of Illinois. They go above and beyond to help.
Councilman Oros – Absent
Councilman Venier – Reminder, February is Black History Month. At the next Council meeting we will be recognizing two recipients with the Ike Mercer Certificate of Achievement Awards. Ike was a great member of the community and involved being one of the founders of Al Morrison Baseball Program that continues to be a strong program. Mentioning they do have a fundraising event February 21st, at the Elks Lodge for a trivia night and would appreciate any community support.
BOARD & COMMISSIONS REPORTS
On File: Municipal Band Board Meeting Minutes
ORD# 3485 – ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSAL OF CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF DIXON – COMUPUTING DEVICES
Councilman Venier moved to approve the ordinance authorizing the Disposal of Personal Property owned by the City of Dixon – Specifically Computing Devices. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. IT Manager Philhower explained the request. VotingYea: Councilman Considine, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
RES# 3223-26 – RESOLUTION AMENDING FY 2025-2026 BUDGET IT EQUIPMENT
Councilman Bishop moved to approve the resolution amending the FY 2025/2026 budget with respect to Information Technology Equipment. Seconded by Councilman Considine. IT Manager Philhower explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
RES# 3224-26 – RESOLUTION AMENDING FY 2025-2026 BUDGET POLICE OVERTIME / UNIFORMS
Councilman Considine moved to approve the resolution amending the FY 2025/2026 budget with respect to Police Overtime and Uniforms. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Police Chief Bivins explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
RES# 3225-26 – RESOLUTION REQUSTING TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PORTIONS OF ROUTE 2 IN CONNECTION WITH THE REAGAN 5K RUN/WALK
Councilman Venier moved to approve the resolution requesting temporary closure of IL Route 2 from 7am to 11am on July 4, 2026 for the Reagan 5K run/walk. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Mayor Hughes explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH CRAWFORD, MURPHY & TILLY, INC WITH RESPECT TO THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES OF A NEW AUTOMATED WEATHER OBSERVING SYSTEM (AWOS)
Councilman Bishop moved to approve of the agreement with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc for construction phase services related to the installation of the new AWOS system, total cost not to exceed $54,000. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Streets & Properties Manager Venier explained the request, discussion ensued. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilman Considine moved that the Regular City Council Meeting of Monday, February 2, 2026 meet in Executive Session to review the closed session minutes pursuant to Section 2(c)(21) of the Open Meetings Act. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
RECONVENE
Councilman Venier moved that the Regular Council Meeting of Monday, February 2, 2026 reconvene into Open Session. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
ADJOURMENT
Mayor Hughes declared the meeting adjourned.
The meeting adjourned at 6:48pm.
https://www.dixongov.com/documents/minutes-docs/city-council-minutes/2026-city-council-minutes/02-02-26-council-meeting-minutes/?layout=file
