City of Braidwood City Council met Jan. 13.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Call to Order: The Regular Meeting of the Braidwood City Council on January 13, 2026 was called to order at 7:00 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 Mikel, and Mayor Lyons
Absent: Commissioner Walsh
Mayor noted:
• Liz was seated during the pledge due to recent knee surgery.
• Dale was absent celebrating the birth of his grandchild.
Appointed Officials:
Present: City Consultant Manager Steve Gulden, Chief Eric Allen, City Clerk Sarah Weaver, City Engineer Sean Kelly, and City Attorney Wellner
Absent: None.
Quorum: There being sufficient members of the corporate authorities in attendance to constitute a quorum, the meeting was declared in order.
Recognition: Mayor Lyons and Chief Allen recognized Officer Zachary Manos for his service in the Illinois Army National Guard.
Officer Manos was called to active duty in February 2025 and reassigned to the 130th Infantry, serving approximately ten months overseas in Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Officer Manos served as a Staff Sergeant, leading fellow service members during his deployment.
A crystal plaque was presented in recognition of his honorable and dedicated service from February 7, 2025, through January 12, 2026. The Mayor and Chief Allen expressed gratitude to Officer Manos and his family for their sacrifice and service. Officer Manos has since returned to duty with the Braidwood Police Department.
Public Comment:
Tony Altiery, 494 W. Kennedy Street, addressed the Council regarding the generator replacement project, including bid discrepancies, project costs, disposal of existing generators, and statements related to cost savings and City finances.
Danita Morgan, Community Outreach Coordinator, Braidwood Area Healthy Community Coalition, 465 E. Reed Street, provided the following information:
• Announcement of a 2026 Community Mental Health Survey for residents of Braidwood, Wilmington, and the Reed-Custer area.
• Distribution of scam awareness and prevention materials, particularly for senior residents.
• Announcement of Coffee & Conversation quarterly community meetings, with the first scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
The Mayor inquired about the distribution of scam awareness materials to senior housing facilities. There being no further public comment, public comment was closed.
Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Mikel made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wietting, to approve the meeting minutes from the December 23, 2025 Regular Council Meeting. Motion carried with 4 ayes: 0 nays; 0 Abstain (Mikel, Wietting, Dixon, and Lyons)
Mayor’s Report:
• Recognition of Officer Manos and appreciation to Chief Allen.
• Blood Drive scheduled for January 15, 2026, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
• Legislative Breakfast scheduled for January 29, 2026.
• Preliminary discussions with developers regarding potential redevelopment of the former Jones- eez’s property.
• Update regarding a proposed data center, noting land was purchased in unincorporated Braidwood and annexation discussions are ongoing.
• Grant applications submitted for a downtown town center and sidewalk improvements.
• Launch of Business Spotlight and Employee Spotlight initiatives via City social media.
• Formation of an Events Committee, with interviews to be conducted.
• Requested the City Engineer provide an overview of the generator replacement project.
City Consultant Manager: Steve requested a motion for Ordinance 26-01. Commissioner Mikel made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Dixon to approve Ordinance 26-01 Approving and Authorizing the City of Braidwood to enter into and for the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Agreement with B&F Construction Code Services, INC. Motion carried with 4 ayes; 0 nays; (Mikel, Dixon, Wietting, and Lyons)
Updates:
Secure Truck Lines Compliance Issues
• Company failed to follow original site plan:
o Berm built on IDOT right-of-way
o No landscaping
o No water/sewer lines or hydrants installed
o Gravel not up to city standards
o No business license
City is enforcing compliance through a phased correction plan, including:
o Proper berm relocation and grading
o Fencing and landscaping
o Water line installation for fire protection
o Improved gravel base
Fire inspection completed; business license application pending.
Staff Training
• CPR, AED, and Narcan training completed; ~90% of staff participated.
Legislative Breakfast
• Private meeting with legislators; 4–5 RSVPs so far.
Adjudication
• Recommendation to hire Scott Dillner from a law firm; engagement letter forthcoming.
Boundary Line Agreements
• City working with Coal City, Wilmington, Godley, and Diamond to establish formal boundary lines for future development planning.
Goal-Setting Workshop
• Final workshop scheduled for January 21 at 6 PM.
City Clerk Report: No report.
Engineer Report: The City Engineer provided a detailed explanation of the generator replacement project, including:
• Generator issues identified in mid-2024.
• Original quotes were generator-only, not installation.
• Full project required:
o New pads
o Electrical panels Transfer switches
o Conduit installation
o Relocation of water plant generator due to chemical corrosion
• Wastewater plant generator still functional but deteriorating.
• First formal bid: $1.4M, but corrected unit pricing totaled $7.5M due to transcription errors. Council rejected the bid and authorized negotiations.
• City and contractor identified cost-saving measures (city performing some site work, material staging, etc.).
• Revised proposals received from two contractors.
• Final recommended contract: Excel Electric – $803,500.
• Generac generators selected; staff expressed some concerns but accepted based on cost and availability.
City Attorney Report: No report.
Accounts & Finance Report: Commissioner Dixon made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wietting, to approve the Payment of Bills, in the amount of $169,642.48 as identified in the Accounts Payable General Ledger dated January 13, 2026. Motion carried with 4 ayes: 0 nays. (Dixon, Wietting, Mikel, and Lyons)
Commissioner Dixon then made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mikel, to Approve Payroll Expenses in the amount of $89,849.69 as identified in the Payroll General Ledger dated January 2, 2026. Motion carried with 4 ayes; 0 nays. (Dixon, Mikel, Wietting, and Lyons).
December Financial Statement
• Total Revenue (all government funds): $5.64 million
• Total Expenditures (all government funds): $4.18 million
• Net Change in Fund Balance: +$1.49 million
Clarified:
• The $1.49M surplus includes restricted funds (Police, MFT, TIF, Water), which cannot be used for general spending.
• The General Fund alone showed a $758,000 surplus, compared to $495,000 the prior year.
• General Fund dollars are used for day-to-day operations.
Clarification on “Spending Freeze” Rumors
• Stated there is no spending freeze.
• She has signed numerous POS and checks.
Departments were simply asked to be fiscally responsible by:
o Seeking bids
o Evaluating purchases
o Considering alternative manufacturers
• All requested projects have been completed or are in progress, including:
o Water tower work
o Water plant roof repairs
o Generator relocation
o Air conditioner replacement at the water plant
Many of these issues were two years old and had not been addressed by prior administrations.
Comptroller Notice – Late Filings
• The City received notice from the Illinois Comptroller that:
o The financial report, audit, and TIF review for FY25 were not submitted on time.
o Fines are accruing and will reach $60 per day if not resolved by June.
• Will update the council once the fine amount is posted.
Streets & Public Improvement Report:
Commissioner Wietting made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mikel to approve Ordinance 26-02 Authorizing Disposal of personal property owned by the City of Braidwood. A Monroe Snow Plow off of truck # 310. Motion carried with 4 ayes; 0 nays; (Wietting, Mikel, Dixon, and Lyons)
Public Property Report:
Noting that many items had already been discussed earlier in the meeting. Commissioner Wietting highlighted ongoing progress across departments and provided the following operational updates from Public Works:
• 60 utility locates completed
• 8 meter repairs
• 2 water leaks repaired
• 4 inspections completed for the Lead & Copper List
• 2 frozen meter replacements
• 4 emergency shutoffs
Public Health & Safety Report:
Commissioner Mikel made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Dixon to approve Ordinance 26-03 Waiving Competitive Bidding and Approving the purchase of a 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle from Currie Motors. Motion carried with 4 ayes; 0 nays (Mikel, Dixon, Wietting, and Lyons)
Police Activity Report (Dec 23 – Jan 2)
• Total calls for service: 335
• Case reports: 37
• Arrests: 5
• Arrest charges: 13
• Traffic stops: 126
o 32 citations
o 68 written warnings
o 4 semi-truck violations
o 22 parking tickets (P-tickets)
Code Enforcement Activity
• 12 abandoned or inoperable vehicles removed from private property
• All 12 achieved compliance voluntarily
• No tows required
Commissioner Mikel noted that most residents comply once notified, and only minimal enforcement pressure is needed.
Commissioner Mikel recognized:
• Josh Bolatto for training City Hall and Public Works staff in First Aid, CPR, and Narcan.
• The Braidwood Police Department for handling several recent high-stress incidents with professionalism.
• The Fire Department for continued strong collaboration.
The Mayor asked for clarification regarding community rumors about towing activity.
• The department reported that in the second half of 2025, approximately 80 vehicles were brought into compliance either removed, repaired, or relocated.
• Only a few campers required towing; most owners complied voluntarily.
Planning & Zoning Report: The next Planning & Zoning meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4 at 7:00 PM at City Hall.
Old Business: None.
New Business: Commissioner Mikel announced that the Reed-Custer Varsity Cheerleaders will compete at home in the conference tournament the following evening at 7:00 PM, encouraging community support.
Adjournment: Commissioner Wietting made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mikel, to adjourn
the January 13, 2026 regular meeting of the Braidwood City Council. Motion carried with 4 ayes: 0 nays. (Wietting, Mikel, Dixon, and Lyons)
The next regular meeting of the Council will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 7:00 pm
https://www.braidwood.us/file-share/de159199-d626-48f5-8c1b-f5e9ea2b7b23
