City of Braidwood City Council met Feb. 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Call to Order: The Regular Meeting of the Braidwood City Council on February 10, 2026 was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Mayor Lyons in the Council Chambers of the Braidwood City Hall.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Lyons requested that all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call: Upon Roll Call by the Clerk, the following members of the corporate authorities answered “Here” or “Present”;
Elected Officials:
Present: Commissioner Dixon, Commissioner Wietting, Commissioner Walsh, Commissioner Mikel, and Mayor Lyons
Absent: None.
Appointed Officials:
Present: City Consultant Manager Steve Gulden, Police Chief Eric Allen, City Clerk Sarah Weaver, City Engineer Sean Kelly, and City Attorney Hannah Lamore
Absent: None.
Quorum: There being sufficient members of the corporate authorities in attendance to constitute a quorum, the meeting was declared in order.
Public Comment:
Tony Altiery, 494 W. Kennedy Rd., addressed the Council regarding the proposed park development behind Casey’s. He expressed concern over the estimated $3-4 million cost, stating he believes funds should instead be directed toward needed infrastructure improvements. He also voiced concerns regarding a recent appearance by the Mayor and City Administrator in Wilmington related to comments published in the press.
MaryLu Jensen, South Washington Street, spoke regarding the proposed data center. She reiterated previous concerns about noise, cost, and environmental impacts. She expressed opposition to approving the project and stated her belief that future satellite technology may make data centers obsolete. She encouraged the Council to consider long-term impacts before making a decision.
Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Walsh made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Dixon, to approve the meeting minutes from the January 27, 2026 Regular Council Meeting. Motion carried with 5 ayes: 0 nays; 0 Abstain (Walsh, Dixon, Wietting, Mikel, and Lyons)
Mayor’s Report:
• On January 29, the City hosted a Legislative Breakfast attended by nine representatives from local, county, and state government. The City presented a booklet outlining future goals and infrastructure priorities. The Mayor stated the meeting was productive and resulted in positive feedback and potential grant opportunities.
• Appreciation was extended to staff members for coordinating the event and preparing materials.
• The Mayor and City Management Consultant attended the Will County Board Breakfast at the Jacob Henry Mansion, which provided additional networking opportunities.
• A meeting is scheduled with Hitchcock Design Group to review existing parks and begin updating the City’s Parks Master Plan.
• The City’s Business Spotlight program featured Ultimate Rides on social media.
Mayor Lyons requested a motion to approve Ordinance 26-06. Commissioner Mikel made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Dixon to approve Ordinance 26-06 Authorizing the City of Braidwood to enter into and for the Mayor of Braidwood to execute a Consulting Services Agreement with Gulden and Associates Consulting, LLC. Motion carried with 4 ayes; 1 nay (Mikel, Dixon, Walsh, and Lyons)
Administrator Report:
• Replacement downtown light poles have been ordered and are expected to arrive around February 25.
• The City currently has sufficient road salt. Recent river freezing temporarily impacted shipments, but conditions are improving.
• The Planning and Zoning Commission approved both the PUD amendment and D’Orazio Self- Storage variances unanimously.
• The property at 585 W. Main has been declared uninhabitable. The City anticipates obtaining ownership by late February or early March.
• The Building Code has been amended to require foundations for garages over 800 square feet. Garages under 800 square feet may use thickened-edge slabs.
• The TIF 4 study has been halted due to the data center project being placed on indefinite hold.
• Well #1 requires approximately $40,000 in repairs, including motor rebuilding and replacement of deteriorated piping.
A discussion was held regarding the EPA-required lead service line survey. The Consultant clarified the survey pertains to identifying potential lead service lines within private residences, not city-owned water lines.
Requested a motion to approve Ordinance 26-07. Commissioner Mikel made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wietting to approve Ordinance 26-07 Approving and Authorizing the execution of Entertainment Contracts for the 2026 Red Carpet Corridor Festival. Motion carried with 5 ayes; 0 nays (Mikel, Wietting, Dixon, Walsh, and Lyons)
City Clerk Report: No report.
Engineer Report: No report.
City Attorney Report: No report.
Accounts & Finance Report:
Financial Report Highlights
• General Fund surplus: $559,000 (prior year $365,000)
• Total revenue across funds: $5.99 million
• Total expenditures: $4.76 million
• Net surplus: $1.2 million
• Illinois Funds balance: $10,369,879.08
• 2025 audit underway; target completion June 30
• 2026 budget preparation has begun with new formatting for clarity
• Department heads invited to participate in budget development
• Food Pantry served over 1,200 families in 2025 and distributed holiday meals
Commissioner Dixon made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mikel, to approve the Payment of Bills, in the amount of $234,908.98 as identified in the Accounts Payable General Ledger dated February 10, 2026. Motion carried with 5 ayes: 0 nays. (Dixon, Mikel, Wietting, Walsh, and Lyons)
Commissioner Dixon then made a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Mikel, to Approve Payroll Expenses in the amount of $103,634.18 as identified in the Payroll General Ledger dated January 30, 2026. Motion carried with 5 ayes; 0 nays. (Dixon, Mikel, Wietting, Walsh, and Lyons).
Streets & Public Improvement Report:
• Cold weather call-outs addressed.
• Ongoing maintenance on aging 20+ year-old trucks.
Public Property Report:
Bi-weekly maintenance summary
• 30 locates
• 8 emergency shut-offs
• Battery replacement in the administration car
• 4 final reads
• Vehicle repairs on truck 311
Public Health & Safety Report:
Requested a motion to approve Ordinance 26-08. Commissioner Dixon made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Walsh to approve Ordinance 26-08 Approving the appointment of Scott Dillner as Hearing Officer for the City of Braidwood. Motion carried with 5 ayes; 0 nays (Dixon, Walsh, Wietting, Mikel, and Lyons)
Requested a motion to approve Ordinance 26-09. Commissioner Wietting made a motion seconded by Commissioner Dixon to approve Ordinance 26-09 Amending the City of Braidwood Code of Ordinances as it pertains to Fire Alarms and Burglar Alarms. Motion carried with 5 ayes; 0 nays (Wietting, Dixon, Walsh, Mikel, and Lyons)
Police Activity (Jan 27 – Feb 9):
• 260 service calls
• 22 case reports
• 6 subjects arrested
• 15 arrest charges
• 93 traffic stops
• 28 citations
• 36 warnings
• 28 P-tickets
• 7 abandoned vehicles brought into compliance
Josh Bolatto reported:
Will County Public Preparedness Workshop
Announced March 28, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Reed-Custer Auditorium.
Free event covering weather preparedness, targeted violence prevention, and nuclear preparedness. Registration required.
Planning & Zoning Report:
George Kocek: Stated there was a meeting held on February 4, 2026, and those items will be brought in front of the council at a future date.
Old Business:
A discussion was held regarding park usage and funding.
A Park District representative explained:
• Annual Park District budget is approximately $165,000.
• Playground replacement costs range from $100,000-$150,000.
• Park Improvement Fund currently holds approximately $20,000.
• Grocery tax intergovernmental agreement is expected to assist with capital improvements.
• Existing parks, walking paths, disc golf course, and baseball facilities are actively used.
Clarification was provided that the referenced vehicle battery replacement was for a City-owned vehicle.
New Business: None.
Adjournment: Commissioner Mikel made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Walsh, to adjourn the February 10, 2026 regular meeting of the Braidwood City Council. Motion carried with 5 ayes: 0 nays. (Mikel, Walsh, Dixon, Wietting, and Lyons)
The next regular meeting of the Council will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 7:00 pm. The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:30 pm.
https://www.braidwood.gov/file-share/4190b404-788d-442b-ae92-ddec61e4918a
