Rock Island Today

City of Aledo City Council met July 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of the City of Aledo met in Regular Session in the Council Chambers at the Aledo City Hall building on July 07, 2025. MAYOR HAGLOCH called the meeting to order at 6:55 P.M. The roll was called, whereupon the following answered present:

Aldermen BARRY COOPER, DENNIS DIXON, MARK FRIESE, CARMEN RUH, and JASON SNYDER. Mayor CHRISTOPHER HAGLOCH. Aldermen MARIO PAULEY, LINDA SARABASA, and ANDREW WEEKS were excused.

Also present was MICHAEL CHAUSSE, City Administrator, ADAM BAKER, Chief of Police, JUSTIN BLASER, Director of Public Works & Utilities, MARISA BARRETT, Finance Director, and JAROD DALE, City Clerk.

The media was represented by Ty Taylor, WRMJ.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Public Comment: No Report.

F/Y 2024 Financial Audit Report: Marisa Barrett, Finance Director, appeared before the Committee of the Whole to present F/Y 2024 Financial Audit Report. Dante Odoni, Odoni Partners, LLC was present to provide additional overview of the audit. Mr. Odoni reviewed the Independent Auditor’s Report noting a clean opinion on the financial statements. Also, the report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance of other matters based on an Audit of Financial Statements performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards was briefly reviewed.

Mr. Odoni highlighted the Board Communications Letter to be provided to the City Council after this evenings meeting. There were no concerns to make the City Council aware of with no significant findings and noted as a clean process with the audit.

FINANCE DIRECTOR reviewed the governmental activities revenues for F/Y24. Increases were seen from the prior year regarding “Charges for Services”, “Grants and Contributions”, “Property Tax”, “Other Local Tax”, and “Other”. There were no decreases from the prior year regarding governmental activities revenues.

Governmental activities expenses saw a decrease for “Street and Alley” and “Community Development”, and “Retirement and Unemployment”. Increases in governmental expenses were in “General and Administrative”, “Police”, “Cemetery Maintenance” and “Recreation Programs”.

FINANCE DIRECTOR highlighted the statement of net position proprietary funds December 31, 2024. The statement provided an overview of the business-type activities for the Enterprise Funds. Waterworks and Sewerage had a change in net position in the amount of ($29,736.00). Gas Utility had a change in net position in the amount of $237,655.00. Total Enterprise Funds noted a change in net position in the amount of $207,919.00.

The Assessed Valuations, Rates, Extensions and Collections were also reviewed by FINANCE DIRECTOR Barrett. The total assessed valuations for 2024 were noted in the amount of $60,280,239. This constitutes an increase from FY 2023.

Swearing-In Ceremony: Chief of Police Adam Baker: CITY CLERK Dale administered the oath of office to CHIEF Baker.

Communication & Correspondence: No Report.

Requests & Petitions: Special Event / Street Closure: Aledo Main Street Harvest Hop – September 13th – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Public Works Activity Report: DPW Blaser reported the following:

• Streets: Storm sewer catch basin repairs, cleaned out and scrapped metal from the old disposal, trim trees. Street patching will begin next week.

• Gas: read meters; gas line repair, main extension at Countryview Villas, service line adjustments at the 9th Ave Path project. JULIES for the last of the VHT and Frontier projects are coming in, we average approximately 15-40 a week.

• Water: The key fob and camera systems have been installed at the WTP. Hydrant flushing is 2/3 complete. We are not experiencing hardly any dirty water out of the hydrants. This program has improved this dramatically. This is the 5th year in a row that we have flushed. JULIES for the last of the VHT and Frontier projects are coming in, we average approximately 15-40 a week.

• Cemetery: maintenance of grounds; watering trees, adjustment of grave stones.

• DPW: Sponsler bid opening – bids came in higher than budgeted. We are currently determining if additional funding is available and will bring the award or rejection to the July 21 council meeting. Other work consisted of inspections, project coordination (Aquatics Center, 9th Ave Path, Sponslers, Street Resurfacing Project).

On Monday, 6/30, a contractor drilled thru a gas service line, causing a significant gas leak. The Sherriff’s Department received the call and dispatched the City, Fire, EMT and Police at 10:30am. The gas department responded within three minutes and had the leak shut off within nine minutes of the call. Fire, Police, and the EMT did a fantastic job in responding and assisting with securing the area and keeping people clear of the scene until everything was safe.

Aledo Police Department Activity Report: CHIEF Baker reported the Aledo Police Department provided security for the 4th of July fireworks display. Officer Jaydon Brown was added as an extra officer due to the large presence of spectators for the display.

Officer Jade Ford attended an event at Walmart on July 5th. Officer Ford interacted with families and shoppers regarding police vehicles and police response. She supervised as citizens were allowed to see, touch and sit in a marked squad car. The event had a great turnout and Officer Ford said it was a great experience to meet with the kids and families.

Interim Chief Trevor Fisk worked his last day with the department on Friday, June 27th. Chief Fisk left a mark on this department that will be felt for years to come. He helped form the department into what it is today and helped teach officers and command staff through his vast knowledge of the law enforcement profession. I would like to send my sincere thanks to Trevor for all he has done, not only for me but for the department. Trevor has agreed to stay on the department as a part-time officer, and fill-in when manpower is needed.

Parks & Recreation Report: PRD Blaser reported the following:

Baseball / Softball – The B-League tournament went great, per PRD Blaser. Aledo PCI Hammers finished second against a very good Viola team. Aledo Cokels team finished second place in C-league tournament and Aledo Tobala finished third place in D-league tournament.

YMCA Softball utilizes park district fields for practice and a game if needed. PRD Blaser to assist the YMCA and prep all fields, including Apollo for the remainder of the baseball / softball seasons.

YMCA Flag Football registration starts in July.

PRD continues to train for swim test for the YMCA.

Parks & Maintenance continue with fields in great shape. Continuing to upkeep and fix any park issues.

Administrative Report: ADMINISTRATOR Chausse reported on an overview of highlights of what the Administrator (and others) have worked on since the last council meeting:

• Continue to organize the installation of the new EV Charging Stations and plans are that they will be installed the week of June 29th.

• City Clerk, Finance Director and Administrator attended meetings related to the Bond Parameters for the Aledo Aquatic Center. This meeting was held with Bernardi Securities.

• Met in Springfield, IL to meet the inspector for IL. Department of Public Health and representatives of BCZ and WTI to hopefully final the permit from the State for the Aquatic Center construction. Earthwork for the facility should commence next week, with an official groundbreaking ceremony to come.

ADMINISTRATOR provided an update to the COUNCIL regarding the Secretary of State / DMV office re-location. It was noted, the SOS office is in negotiations with a building owner for a new site for the DMV. Negotiations with the state are intensive and laborious, but hopefully, this building site will be accepted.

Mayor’s Report: No Report.

Committee Report: No Report.

REGULAR COUNCIL SESSION

Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag,

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion was made by ALDERMAN DIXON and seconded by ALDERMAN SNYDER to approve the following consent agenda items:

• Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 16, 2025.

• Approval of Finance: Invoice Listing – AP12.

• Approval of a Special Event / Street Closure – Harvest Hop to be held September 13th from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.

A Roll Call vote was recorded as follows:

YES: Cooper, Dixon, Friese, Ruh, and Snyder. NO: None. Motion carried. 5 yeas, 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT: No Report.

ACTION ITEMS:

ORDINANCE NO. 15, SERIES OF 2025; AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $4,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (ALTERNATE REVENUE SOURCE) SERIES 2025 OF THE CITY OF ALEDO, MERCER COUNTY, ILLINOIS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING THE CITY’S NEW AQUATIC CENTER PROJECT, PRESCRIBING ALL OF THE DETAILS OF SAID BONDS, APPROVING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT, PLEDGING CERTAIN REVENUES OF THE CITY, AND PROVIDING FOR THE IMPOSITION OF TAXES SUFFICIENT FOR THE PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST OF SAID BONDS: (FIRST READING)

Motion was made by ALDERMAN FRIESE and seconded by ALDERMAN DIXON to waive the 2nd reading for Ordinance No. 15, Series of 2025; Authorizing and Providing for the Issuance of not to exceed $4,000,000 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) Series 2025 of the City of Aledo, Mercer County, Illinois, for the purpose of constructing the City’s new Aquatic Center project, prescribing all of the details of said bonds, Approving the Execution and Delivery of the Official Statement, Pledging certain Revenues of the City, and providing for the Imposition of taxes sufficient for the payment of Principal and Interest of said Bonds. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YES: Dixon, Friese, Ruh, Snyder, and Cooper. NO: None. Motion carried. 5 yeas, 0 nays.

Motion was made by ALDERMAN DIXON and seconded by ALDERMAN RUH to adopt Ordinance No. 15, Series of 2025; Authorizing and Providing for the Issuance of not to exceed $4,000,000 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) Series 2025 of the City of Aledo, Mercer County, Illinois, for the purpose of constructing the City’s new Aquatic Center project, prescribing all of the details of said bonds, Approving the Execution and Delivery of the Official Statement, Pledging certain Revenues of the City, and providing for the Imposition of taxes sufficient for the payment of Principal and Interest of said Bonds. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YES: Friese, Ruh, Snyder, Cooper, and Dixon. NO: None. Motion carried. 5 yeas, 0 nays.

RESOLUTION NO. 26R, SERIES OF 2025; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ALEDO IN SUPPORT OF THE ILLINOIS AMERICA250 COMMEMORATION:

Motion was made by ALDERMAN DIXON and seconded by ALDERMAN FRIESE to approve Resolution No. 26R, Series of 2025; A Resolution of the City of Aledo in Support of the Illinois America250 Commemoration. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YES: Ruh, Snyder, Cooper, Dixon, and Friese. NO: None. Motion carried. 5 yeas, 0 nays.

OLD BUSINESS: ALD. Cooper inquired on e-cycle service hours, at the Public Works Building, if those hours could be adjusted to accommodate residents who are unable to utilize the service before 3:00 p.m. MAYOR and ADMINISTRATOR noted the hours are during PW’s hours with e-cycle open for collection on the first and third Thursdays of each month, 9:00 am – Noon and 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm. It was suggested if a resident is unable to drop off an item during the scheduled hours to contact City Hall to discuss a potential appointment to collect the item outside of the designated times for e-cycle service.

NEW BUSINESS: ALD. Friese noted with the recent news regarding Northside Lofts and their approval by IHDA in June, and the increase in units in Aledo that will be available, what is the planning for marketing Aledo. Friese voiced concern that with all of the available units and lots available to build at Sponsler 4th Addition that we will have empty units. A suggestion was inquired upon if a task force or committee should be organized to plan for the promotion and marketing of the community. ADMINISTRATOR Chausse reported he has a scheduled meeting with local relators on July 8th. During early discussions, there are no available homes or units readily available in Aledo. So, with the Northside Lofts project and lots for sale at Sponslers, the realtors are hoping that opens up the market for new residents to move into and a better housing stock. ADMINISTRATOR highlighted over 30% of GGM workforce do not currently live in Aledo and hopes are that with additional housing that this help that workforce possibly move into town.

CITY CLERK noted Haven Creative can also provide suggestions related to the marketing of the community. MAYOR noted Haven as a resource the City could also utilize to help out related to the discussion topic. MAYOR suggested the CITY COUNCIL allocate additional dollars during budget this fall towards tourism and marketing of Aledo. A brochure suggested by ALD. Friese as a possible idea to provide realtors to market the City. Ideas would be to highlight the downtown improvements, Northside Lofts, Sponsler’s 4th Addition, Countryview Villas, and the School District improvements.

ALD. Snyder reported a street light out at 2nd Avenue & 5th Street. DPW Blaser reported there is a yellow tag with a number and that can be reported to Aledo Police Department. Aledo PD will then report to Ameren Illinois to fix.

ALD. Snyder reported there are several outlets inside the Central Park Pavilion that are not working. City Staff to address that issue and have those outlets repaired.

ALD. Snyder inquired on the cell phone policy for the City. ADMINISTRATOR Chausse reported City employees receive a quarterly stipend for the use of personal cell phones for work purposes. The City over the years have gone away from city issued phones due to costs. CITY CLERK reported all employees are required to retain all work-related digital records archived on their personal cell phones as required by law. Those records are available for freedom of information act purposes.

ALD. Snyder inquired on “Painter Farm Equipment, Inc” invoice item for Aledo Park District. Snyder noted the equipment was repaired but also payment was made to pick up and return the equipment. It was inquired why the equipment could not have been delivered by Park employee’s by trailer instead of paying $460.00 to have that picked up and brought back to Parks. PRD Blaser was not present at the meeting and ADMINISTRATOR noted City Staff will have to look into that item. ALD. Snyder noted that is a lot of money to trailer a piece of equipment for repairs.

ALD. Snyder stated there had been previous discussion regarding walk-out basements being taxed in Aledo. It was asked if City Staff had spoken to the accessors office at Mercer County to clarify the assessment of walk-out’s / finished basements. ADMINISTRATOR noted the Accessor’s office did not have a good answer on that. ALD. Friese reiterated that the County most likely does not have a good mechanism to access units if there are upgrades to a property like that. MAYOR suggested a new home build may be easier to tax then compared to an older home if it was to be improved. Ald. Snyder was curious at Sponsler’s new addition on how that would work out for those homes that are to be built out there.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, motion was made by ALDERMAN DIXON and seconded by ALDERMAN SNYDER that the meeting be adjourned. A Unanimous voice vote followed in agreement. Meeting was adjourned at 7:17 P.M.

https://www.aledoil.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07072025-461