NW Illinois News

City of Dixon City Council met July 7.

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 Oros, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes answered roll call. Absent: Councilman Venier

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION

The Pledge of Allegiance was cited. Invocation was given by Father Evans from St. Patrick’s Church.

WORK SESSION

None

VISITOR/PUBLIC COMMENT

George Bellovics addressed the Council with concerns regarding the shooting range. He began by providing his background and involvement with the City. George then cited the current zoning and special uses for the shooting range property not being in compliance, adding the disruptive noise. He wants to start the conversation with the City to find a solution. Discussion ensued.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Councilman Bishop moved that the minutes of the Regular Council Session Meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025 and the Special Council Meeting of Monday, June 23, 2025; be accepted and placed on file. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Bishop, Considine, 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 $745,195.23 be approved and ordered paid. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Mayor Hughes noted larger expenses. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Police Chief Bivins – Gave an update on the weekend’s Petunia Festival. There were 240 calls and only 36 of those calls were Petunia Fest related. Probably the lowest we have had in his 15 years, crediting the Petunia Fest volunteers, all departments, and the community. He also gave a department update over the last month. A department meeting was held to go over the Mission, Vision, & Commitment: protect, serve & partner. He is launching new programs: an internal mentorship program and a youth mentorship program with the schools and organizations. The Deputy Chief selection process is underway, DC Richards is retiring this month and DC Lehman is retiring early next year. Working on hiring 4 new officers to get the department fully staffed at 30 officers.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

City Manager Langloss – Commended Chief Bivins for connecting with the community on his recent social media post, and is excited for the new youth mentoring program. Commended everyone involved with the Petunia Festival, IDOT, Public Works, Police, Fire, Petunia Fest Board/Volunteers, phenomenal planning, executing, support, and relationships. Had comments about the two plow trucks guarding the entrance, hardening the target but in a soft way.

COUNCIL REPORTS

Mayor Hughes – Great job to Police, Fire, Public Works and Petunia Fest. The Municipal Band performance was excellent. Thanked everyone for their cooperation and support.

Councilman Considine – Nothing more to add than that has already been said.

Councilman Oros – Echoed sentiments said. Had direct communications with individuals who noticed and appreciated the plows at the entrance of the Petunia Festival, sends a message to other communities on how to do it. Petunia Fest was a fantastic event, volunteers and all teams partnering.

Councilman Bishop – Petunia Fest was great, appreciates all the work. Dixon now has a first lady, congratulated Mayor Hughes and Deb on their marriage. Shared condolences to the Venier family for the Loss of Louis Venier, Councilman Mike Venier’s father. The day following the loss of Louis, Gina Venier sang the National Anthem at the Cubs game. It was a very nice experience.

Councilman Venier – Absent

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS REPORTS

On File: Veterans Memorial Park Meeting Minutes

ORD# 3460 – ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF DIXON POLICE DEPARTMENT VEHICLES

Councilman Considine moved to approve the ordinance authorizing the Sale of Certain Personal Property Owned by the City of Dixon – Police Department Vehicles. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Chief Bivins explained. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

REFER SPECIAL USE PETITION ON BEHALF OF MCDONALD’S USA LLC TO THE PLAN COMMISSION

Councilman Bishop moved to refer Special Use Petition on behalf of McDonald’s USA LLC to the Plan Commission. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Mayor Hughes explained, discussion ensued. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

ADJOURMENT

Mayor Hughes declared the meeting adjourned.

The meeting adjourned at 5:56pm.

https://www.dixongov.com/~documents/minutes-docs/city-council-minutes/2025-city-council-minutes/07-07-25-council-meeting-minutes/?layout=file