NW Illinois News

City of Dixon City Council met Feb. 18.

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 Considine, Oros, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes answered roll call. Absent: None

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION

The Pledge of Allegiance was cited. Invocation was given by Councilman Venier.

PRESENTATION

Councilman Venier spoke regarding the celebration of Black History month, Ike Mercer, the award given in his name, the past recipients, and the Lifetime Achievement Award past recipient.

Mr. Akhil Khan nominated Gerald Lott for the Ike Mercer Award, he explained the background and reasons for his nomination. Mr. Lott thanked everyone and the Mercer family, honored to be considered in the same space as him. Councilman Venier presented him with the award.

Mr. Walt Lohse nominated James Dishman for the Black History Month Lifetime Achievement Award. He gave his background. His professional & personal relationship with Mr. Dishman as City Commissioners and Mr. Dishman’s accomplishments. Honored to speak regarding his memories. Councilman Venier presented Mr. Dishman’s granddaughter Izzy Dishman and family with the award. Ms. Dishman - an amazing award for him, he was kind and caring, She thanked everyone and stated how nice it is to have his great granddaughter and great-great granddaughters see all of his accomplishments.

VISITOR/PUBLIC COMMENT

Mayor Hughes explained the procedure of Visitor Comments.

Matthew Conkrite – Spoke on his history, relationship, career, and volunteering, potential with the theatre. He was asked recently why he volunteers so much at the theatre, he read a quote from Nancy Kleinbaum who wrote a book that inspired the play Dead Poets Society.

Brendan Velez – Read comments from his wife who was unable to attend the meeting. The comments included her background and children’s involvement regarding the theatre, others volunteering, and what the theatre does for the citizens of Dixon. Supporting the theatre isn’t just about preserving the historic building, it’s about recognizing and valuing the people who pour their hearts into making it thrive.

Patrick Anderson – Spoke on his background regarding the theatre, children’s theatre, his children, providing for children, how it helps children grow, volunteers, staff and teachers. What investing in the theatre would do for the volunteers, children and the city. It is one of the few remaining historical theatres in rural cities within 150 mile radius. His hope is for years to come we’ll continue to give these kids every opportunity to grow, shine and be proud of something that’s been at the heart of Dixon for over a century.

Lilli Highley – Spoke on her performances with the theatre, how she feels and what she has learned bout the theatre, how it affects her life, what it contributes, what it does for the city, and her experiences. She urged to support our theatre, not just for the shows but for the positive impact it has made on all of our lives to ensure that this beautiful historic space continues to thrive nurturing creativity and friendship in our town for year to come.

Kathy Lane – President of Buddy Bags. She spoke on what Buddy Bags is and what they do for the children of the city, serving 250 children a week, and what the needs are for these children. She reviewed the history of the program and how many kids have been served and who are being served now. What the bags provide, who helps provide food, pack food, and the time line on when the bags are distributed. They applied for United Way this year and do a lot of fundraising. She urged the City to get involved with this program. Discussion ensued. Donations can be dropped off at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 421 S. Peoria Avenue.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Councilman Bishop moved that the minutes of the Special and Regular Session Council Meeting of Monday, February 3, 2025 and the Special Session Council Meetings of Monday, February 10, 2025 and Wednesday, February 12, 2025; be accepted and placed on file. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Oros, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

APPROVAL OF TOTAL LABOR AND OUTSIDE CLAIMS

Councilman Oros moved that the Total Labor and Outside Claims in the amount of $1,348,980.88 be approved and ordered paid. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Mayor Hughes noted larger expenses. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Oros, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

APPROVAL OF YEAR-TO-DATE FINANCIALS

Councilman Considine moved that the year-to-date Financial Summary through January 2025 be accepted. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Oros, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

On File: Building Department Permit List

CITY MANAGER REPORT

None

COUNCIL REPORTS

Mayor Hughes – None

Councilman Bishop – Commend the officers who came down to Kiddie Corral last weekend, to interact with the children.

Councilman Considine – Reminder that early voting starts on Thursday, as a public service announcement, exercise your right.

Councilman Oros – Put a challenge out to our community. People coming out and talking about the community and sharing their prospective. Comments about Buddy Bags requests for help, there are a lot of needs in the community things we can do as households in the community. Challenging the community to buy an extra individually wrapped items and drop off at St. Paul’s Church.

Councilman Venier – Recognized Louise Dixon Corken, a life long citizen, educator. Dixon lost a good one.

ORD# 3430 – ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF DIXON, LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS TO BORROW FUNDS FROM THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL LOAN PROGRAM

Councilman Venier moved to approve the ordinance authorizing the City of Dixon, Lee County, Illinois to Borrow Funds from the Water Pollution Control Loan Program with respect to a $22 million-dollar loan for the City’s Sewers System. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Wastewater Manager McNitt explained the request, discussion ensued. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Oros, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

ORD# 3431 – APPROVING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR

PURCHASE OF PROPERTY – 502 WEST SEVENTH STREET

Councilman Bishop moved to approve the ordinance approving execution of agreement for purchase of property – 502 West Seventh Street. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Building Official Shipman explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Oros, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

ORD# 3432 – AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE PURSUANT TO THE PETITION OF RICK MCQUALITY AND KYLE MCQUALITY

Councilman Oros moved to approve the ordinance for a Special Use to allow a Self-Service Storage Facility located on parcel numbers 07-02-30-402-006 and 07-02-30-402-005, pursuant to the petition of Rich McQuality and Kyle McQuaility. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Building Official Shipman explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Oros, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

ORD# 3433 – AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE PURSUANT TO THE PETITION OF CASTLE HILL HOLDINGS, LLC

Councilman Considine moved to approve the ordinance for a Special Use to allow a Self-Service Storage Facility located on parcel numbers 07-02-30-426-002, 07-02-30-426-005, and 07-02-30- 427-003 pursuant to the petition of Castle Hill Holdings, LLC. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Building Official Shipman explained the request, discussion ensued. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Oros, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

ORD# 3434 – VACATING A PORTION OF N. DEMENT AVENUE PURSUANT TO THE REQUEST OF ROY TYLKOWSKI AND CASSIE TYLKOWSKI

Councilman Venier moved to approve the vacating a portion of North Dement Avenue pursuant to the Request of Roy Tylkowski and Cassie Tylkowski. Seconded by Councilman Considine. City Attorney LeSage explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Oros, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

RES# 3180-25 – RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FY 2024 2025 BUDGET PUBLIC WORKS

Councilman Bishop moved to approve the budget resolution amending the FY 2024/2025 budget with respect to Public Works. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Public Works Director/ Assistant City Manager Heckman explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Oros, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

RES# 3181-25 – APPOINTMENT TO VETERANS PARK COMMISSION

Councilman Oros moved to appoint James Williams to the Veterans Memorial Commission for a term ending September 30, 2026, or until his successor is duly appointed and qualified. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Mayor Hughes explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Oros, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

APPROVAL TO EXTEND THE MOTOROLA/WATCHGUARD VIDEO CONTRACT BY THREE YEARS

Councilman Considine moved to approve the contract extension with Motorola Solutions for an additional three-year term. Seconded by Councilman Venier. IT Manager Philhower explained the request, discussion ensued. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Oros, Venier, Bishop, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

COMMENT

Next Budget Meeting will be Monday, February 24th and Tuesday, February 25th, if needed.

ADJOURMENT

Mayor Hughes declared the meeting adjourned.

The meeting adjourned at 6:51pm.

https://www.dixongov.com/documents/agendas-docs/city-council-agendas/2025-city-council-agendas/03-03-25-council-meeting-agenda-packet/?layout=file