NW Illinois News

City of Dixon City Council met September 15.

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 Michael Suttcliffe, Corner Fringe Ministries.

Note: Councilman Oros arrived at the meeting at 5:32pm.

OATH OF OFFICE

Sergeant Timothy Pratt – Chief Bivins spoke regarding his police background and accomplishments. Mayor Hughes gave the Oath of Office. Sergeant Pratt addressed the crowd. Paused for pictures.

Officer Owen Haring – Chief Bivins spoke regarding his background. Mayor Hughes gave the Oath of Office. Officer Haring addressed the crowd. Paused for pictures.

Officer Justin White – Chief Bivins spoke regarding his police and military background. Mayor Hughes gave the Oath of Office. Officer White addressed the crowd. Paused for pictures.

AWARD PRESENTATION

Police Chief Bivins recognized two individuals tonight, who displayed courage that he hasn’t seen in a long time. Deputy Chief Simonton explained a disturbance with a suspect with a knife and two Good Samaritans, Hayden Sweet & Jeremy Hunter. He read a summary of what happened in this encounter. The convenience store video was played for the people in attendance at the meeting. It was not broadcasted or recorded for privacy reasons. Mr. Sweet and Mr. Hunter were presented, on behalf of the department and the city, an Award of Valor. Standing ovation. Paused for pictures. 

Paused meeting for group pictures and attendees exit.

WORK SESSION 

Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Heckman introduced the reason for the work session. Matt Hansen with Willett Hofmann and Associates did a presentation regarding the Sauk Valley Community College Sewer Connection which consisted of: project need, map of locations for lift stations and main lines, who owns, who operates, project cost, project financing, and project schedule. Discussion ensued regarding funding, capacity, price of new treatment plant, maintenance, SVCC board, and the process moving forward. 

VISITOR/PUBLIC COMMENT 

Edward Gasser addressed the council regarding vehicular discipline. People are not making full stops and going through intersections with people walking in the crosswalks. Feels there should be more policing on vehicle traffic infractions. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

Councilman Bishop moved that the minutes of the Regular Council Session Meeting of Tuesday, September 2, 2025 be accepted and placed on file. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Mayor Hughes noted a scriber’s error on the date, which has been fixed. Voting Yea: Councilman Bishop, Considine, Oros, Venier, 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 $1,391,895.06 be approved and ordered paid. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Mayor Hughes noted the larger expenses. Voting Yea: Councilman Bishop, Considine, Oros, Venier, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS 

On file: Building Department Building Permit Report 

CITY MANAGER REPORT 

City Manager Langloss – he had a tour of the new Cemetery Building, it’s incredible to see this come to life. The thing that struck him during the tour was the level of gratitude that the team had being in this new building. We will be hosting a staff luncheon in the building next week. The next step will be to tear down the old building for future lots. Great job for all that were involved. He then spoke about the Redevelopment Agreements tonight in the I-88 corridor. We continue to see progress in that area, our downtown, and northern business district are looking great, and progress of the bridge and Page Park. Twenty-eight years ago tomorrow, he started with the Dixon Police Department, this will be the start his 29th year with the City. It’s never been a better time to be in Dixon. The people and organizations, the teams built, and council, we are just blessed with all the projects and leveling our resources. Great to see all the partnerships and what we can accomplish. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue to serve. 

COUNCIL REPORTS 

Mayor Hughes – Good weekend in the City with the Chili Cookoff. A month ago had the opportunity to acknowledge Keesha for the Certified Municipal Clerk and since then she has achieved the Registered Municipal Clerk. The certificates are from two different organizations, and explained them and the elite group of clerks with these certifications. Very thankful for the work she has done and the efforts to continue the education and extra efforts to get these certifications. 

Councilman Bishop – Spoke regarding the road work going on, someone stopped him over the weekend to let him know they are very thankful and appreciate all we are doing. He also talked about the Chili Cookoff. Recently there have been different forces going against each other creating some tragic events, said a lot about our community on Friday night with the folks peacefully spending their time. It’s okay to have differences, we love one another, appreciates everyone out there.

 Councilman Considine – As a rule we do not usually respond to citizens who come before the council during the meeting. He understands the gentleman’s comments. We have one of the finest police departments in the state. We citizens need to be more aware of our driving habits rather than putting it onto the law enforcement. Everyone is aware of the rules of the road. Proud of our wonderful police department and the great job they do with all the things we do. 

Councilman Oros – United Way Day of Caring event had over 200 people who volunteered to work & help different non-profit in this community. It is fantastic to see so many people showing up to help with different activities. There was an article posted in a national news organization “This Underrated Illinois Town is a top retirement pick thanks to its trails, festivals, and affordable homes” featuring Dixon. It was fantastic deep dive into this community with the amenities we have added in the last ten years. It was fantastic acknowledgement to our town. 

Councilman Venier – Saw the article too, got it sent to him from Nashville. They were current all the way down to our focus on community policing, great way to see our community nationally. Saturday night also had an event at the Dixon Theatre, Steely Dan tribute band. The band couldn’t say enough of our community and theatre. The theatre is looking great, the staff is doing a phenomenal job, now have an adult theater, all ages are now represented. We are also using the IMPACT kids at the theater. Beautify Dixon group were out in full force over the weekend cleaning up, thanks for all the volunteer groups. Our company newsletter is awesome, another great mark in showing what we are doing. Dennell is doing a fantastic job. 

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS REPORTS 

On File: Veterans Memorial Park Meeting Minutes 

ORD# 3471 – ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE LIQUOR CODE IN CONNECTION WITH SONNY’S LLC 

Councilman Considine moved to approve the ordinance amending the Liquor Code in Connection with the band concert on September 27, 2025, pursuant the request from Sonny’s LLC. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Mayor Hughes explained the request, discussion ensued. Voting Yea: Councilman Bishop, Considine, Oros, Venier, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried 

ORD# 3472 – ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE LIQUOR CODE IN CONNECTION WITH A BLOCK PARTY PURSUANT TO THE REQUEST FROM THE PUP HOUSE 

Councilman Venier moved to approve ordinance amending the Liquor Code in Connection with a block party on September 27, 2025 pursuant to the request from Pup House. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Mayor Hughes explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Bishop, Considine, Oros, Venier, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried 

APPROVAL OF A REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DIXON AND DIXON DENTAL REAL ESTATE, LLC 

Councilman Bishop moved to approve a Redevelopment Agreement between the City of Dixon and Dixon Dental Real Estate, LLC. regarding the construction of a multi-tenant commercial building to be located on lot 1 in Hummel Business Park. Seconded by Councilman Oros. City Manager Langloss and City Attorney LeSage explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Bishop, Considine, Oros, Venier, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried 

APPROVAL OF A REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DIXON AND DIXON LAND GROUP, LLC 

Councilman Oros moved to approve a Redevelopment Agreement between the City of Dixon and Dixon Land Group, LLC regarding the construction of a multi-tenant commercial building to be located on lot 1a in Dixon Gateway Subdivision. Seconded by Councilman Venier. City Manager Langloss explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Bishop, Considine, Oros, Venier, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

APPROVAL TO WAIVE THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS FOR THE PURCHASE OF STREET LIGHTS 

Councilman Considine moved to waive the formal bidding process for the purchase of street lights. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Streets Manager Venier explained this request and the next, discussion ensued. Voting Yea: Councilman Bishop, Considine, Oros, Venier, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried 

APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF STREET LIGHTS FROM STEINER ELECTRIC 

Councilman Oros moved to approval of the purchase of 16 street lights from Steiner Electric for $85,808.00. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Voting Yea: Councilman Bishop, Considine, Oros, Venier, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried 

EXECUTIVE SESSION 

Councilman Venier moved that the Regular Council Meeting of Monday, September 15, 2025, meet in Executive Session to discuss probable or imminent litigation pursuant to Section 2(c)(11) of the Open Meetings Act. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Voting Yea: Councilman Bishop, Considine, Oros, Venier, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried 

RECONVENE MEETING 

Councilman Venier moved that the Regular Council Meeting of Monday, September 15, 2025, reconvene into Open Session. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Voting Yea: Councilman Bishop, Considine, Oros, Venier, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried 

ADJOURMENT 

Mayor Hughes declared the meeting adjourned. 

The meeting adjourned at 7:35pm.

https://www.dixongov.com/documents/agendas-docs/city-council-agendas/2025-city-council-agendas/10-06-25-council-meeting-agenda-packet/?layout=file