City Council

Watseka City Council Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by Mayor Marcier present were Alderman Brault, Muench, Miller, Pence, Dewitt & Alderwoman Rohlfs with Alderman Barragree. Absent Alderman Petersen Public Comment-None A Motion was made by Muench, seconded by Rohlfs Appoint Brandon Barragree as Alderman 1st Ward to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mark Garfield. Motion passed 6-0. Alderman Barragree was sworn in and seated. A Motion was made by Miller, seconded by Rohlfs to Approve City Council Regular Meeting Minutes from March 24th, 2026. Motion passed 7-0. Ordinances, Resolutions, Agreements & Proclamations • Ordinance #2788- An Ordinance for the City of Watseka, Iroquois County Illinois Providing for the sale of Surplus Personal Property • Ordinance# 2789- Rezoning the property Commonly Known as 841-845 South 4th Street, Watseka, Illinois from “R-4” Multi-Family Residential District to “8-1” Neighborhood Business District • Ordinance #2790- Authorizing the Purchase of Real Property Commonly Known at 604 North Chicago Street, Watseka, Illinois • Agreement-City of Watseka and Illinois FOP labor Council 2026-2029 Collective bargaining Agreement • Resolution 2026-3-Amendment Number One to An intergovernmental Agreement By and Between the City of Watseka and The State Of Illinois, Department of natural Resources, For the Watseka Nettie Davis School Flood Hazard Mitigation Project. Consent Agenda • Ordinance #2788- An Ordinance for the City of Watseka, Iroquois County Illinois Providing for the sale of Surplus Personal Property • Ordinance# 2789- Rezoning the property Commonly Known as 841-845 South 4th Street, Watseka, Illinois from “R-4” Multi-Family Residential District to “8-1” Neighborhood Business District • Ordinance #2790- Authorizing the Purchase of Real Property Commonly Known at 604 North Chicago Street, Watseka, Illinois • Agreement-City of Watseka and Illinois FOP labor Council 2026-2029 Collective bargaining Agreement • Resolution 2026-3-Amendment Number One to An intergovernmental Agreement By and Between the City of Watseka and The State Of Illinois, Department of natural Resources, For the Watseka Nettie Davis School Flood Hazard Mitigation Project. A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Brault to Set the Consent Agenda. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Brault to Accept the Consent Agenda. Motion passed 7-0. Standing Committee Reports • Finance, Legal and Audit A Motion was made by Pence, seconded by Rohlfs Claims in the amount of $823,562.72. Motion passed 7-0. Mayor Marcier gave a breakdown why claims were so high this month. A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Brault Accept and place on the file the March Treasurers report. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Pence, seconded by Miller CliftonLarsonAllen Statement of Work Engagement letter for 2026-2027 Fiscal year $48,400. Motion passed 7-0. Conxxus Solicitor Fee Discussion and Possible Action-tabled A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Brault Knights of Columbus Donation $15,000 payable from Promotions 1-10-6016. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Miller, seconded by Rohlfs Lee farms excavating Aggregate bid $23,900 for 607 N Market & 509 E Oak (DNR Grant). Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Brault BT Video cameras for the Impound Lot $3944. Motion passed 7-0. BT Video Cameras for the Depot $8850-Tabeled A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Pence Loan from General Fund into the Park Fund $270,000. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Brault Transfer $15,000 from General Fund 1- 10-8000 into Police pension 40-10-5001. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Brault, seconded by Rohlfs Transfer $122,000 from Liquor Tax 1-10- 8025 into Police pension 40-10-5010. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Brault Transfer $122,000 from Liquor Tax 1-10- 2025 into Promotions 1-10-1049. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Brault, seconded by Rohlfs Transfer $200,000 from Gaming 1-10- 8020 into Police Pension 40-10-5005. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Miller, seconded by Rohlfs Transfer $100,000 from 1-10-1000 into Demolition 1-10-1047. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Brault Transfer $200,000 from General Fund 1- 10-1000 into capital Purchase 1-10-1045. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Miller, seconded by Brault Transfer $75,000 from General Fund 1-10- 8000 into Revolving Loan 45-10-5000. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Brault Transfer $35,000 from General Fund 1- 10-1000 into Façade Grant 1-10-1075. Motion passed 7-0. Public Works/Water Wastewater Water/Sewer rate Discussion-Tabled, this will go on for May full council. A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Brault Grady Bell CDL pay increase to $21.00 Effective 4/21/2026. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Pence, seconded by Rohlfs Blake Ritzman CDL pay increase to $21.00 Effective 4/21/2026. Motion passed 7-0. Public Safety A Motion was made by Pence seconded by Rohlfs Create a new line Pooled Cash Line- Police Department Capital Equipment and transfer $60,000. Chief Starkey shared that this is from Sherilyn at Fox Group since the budget is significantly in the black this would be more of a savings account. Motion passed 7-0. Code Enforcement A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Miller Lee Excavating demolish 811 W Franklin, 303 W park & 432 N 2nd St. Motion passed 7-0. A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Miller Examinetics $3593.00 to test air after Asbestos Removal at Nettie Davis School. Motion passed 7-0. Miscellaneous Business A Motion was made by Rohlfs, seconded by Brault Appoint Scott Muench to the Purchasing Committee to fill vacancy of Mark Garfield. Motion passed 6-0 with Alderman Muench abstaining. Keith with Robinson shared that a pre-construction meeting was being held and the road work will start on 5th Street & Oak Street. Concrete will begin May 11th & 18th, Mill work May 25th and June 2nd. Loren shared that no parking signs will be posted for M-F 7a-7p until the project is complete. Alderwoman Rohlfs asked about the pool, Loren shared they are cleaning it and putting it back together hopefully filled and ready to go end of May. Set sleeves have been set for pickleball courts, net is ordered for sand volleyball, and they hope to pour 1st pour of concrete .Alderman Muench wanted to thank Loren and Chief Starkey for their work on saving money in the budget, Mayor Marcier shared all of the departments did a good job with the budgets. A Motion was made by Brault, seconded by Rohlfs to Adjourn at 7:00pm Amanda Hibbs, City Clerk