Will County Gazette

City of Wilmington Committee of the Whole met Jan. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Call to Order

The Committee of the Whole meeting on January 14, 2025, was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor Dietz in the Council Chamber of Wilmington City Hall.

Roll Call

Upon Roll Call by the Clerk the following members of the corporate authorities answered “Here” or “Present”: Alderpersons Present Kirwin, Vice, Mietzner, Smith, Holmes

Alderperson(s) Absent Allred, Jeffries, Knight

Quorum

There were sufficient members of the corporate authorities in attendance to constitute a quorum, so the meeting was declared in order.

Other Officials in Attendance

Also, in attendance were the Building Permit Tech Susie McDavid, City Administrator Jeannine Smith, Finance Director Nancy Gross, Public Work Director James Gretencord, Chief of Police Adam Zink, Deputy City Clerk Ziller

Approve Previous Meeting Minutes

Alderperson Mietzner made a motion and Alderperson Smith seconded to approve the December 10, 2024 meeting minutes and have them placed on file. Upon the voice vote, 5 yes. The motion carried.

Public Comment

No comments were made

Mayor’s Report

Nothing to report

Administrator’s Report

Discussion of City Comprehensive Plan and Master Parks Plan

Todd Vanadilok from Egret & Ox Planning provided an overview of the Comprehensive City Plan and the Master Parks Plan. Initiated in October 2023, the project commenced with the formation of a Steering Committee, which facilitated open houses for community engagement, including interactions with local high school students. This comprehensive plan encompasses a detailed policy framework that outlines goals, objectives, and strategies aimed at enhancing the city's development and parks.

Discussion of Heritage Corridor Destinations Annual Investment Request

Robert Navarro engaged in the meeting to advocate for the City’s annual investment in the Heritage Corridor Destination, which is crucial for advancing tourism development initiatives. The Committee decisively endorsed moving the $12,000 annual investment to the consent agenda for the City Council meeting on January 21st, where it will be approved.

Discussion of Catfish Days Website Designer

City Administrator Smith highlighted the importance of redesigning the Catfish Days website to enhance its functionality and accessibility. To move forward with this initiative, the City plans to obtain quotes from designers, with a budget allocated for the project set at $12,000.

Other Pertinent Information

None

Building Tech Monthly Summary Reports

December 2024 Building Department Report

The Committee reviewed the December 2024 Building Department Report as provided in the agenda packet.

December 2024 Code Enforcement Report

The Committee reviewed the December 2024 Building Department Report as provided in the agenda packet.

Police & ESDA

Co-Chairs Alderpersons Mietzner & Allred

Chief of Police Monthly Summary Report

Chief Zink delivered an update to the Committee concerning the department's recent activities and reviewed the report included in the agenda packet. He emphasized the necessity for an additional detective to manage the increasing workload more effectively.

Director of ESDA Monthly Summary Report

The Committee reviewed the report as provided in the agenda packet.

Other Pertinent Information

No other pertinent information was discussed.

Ordinance & License Committee

Co-Chairs Alderpersons Kirwin & Knight

Other Pertinent Information

No other pertinent information was discussed.

Buildings, Grounds, Parks, Health & Safety Committee

Co-Chairs Alderpersons Jeffries & Smith

Direction of Playground Equipment and Bike Path Installation at South Island Park City Administrator Smith presented an informative overview of three potential options for new playground equipment to be installed at South Island Park. She emphasized that the concepts outlined in the agenda packet will be shared with the public to gather insights and feedback from the Committee.

Other Pertinent Information

No other pertinent information was discussed.

Water, Sewer, Streets and Alleys Committee

Co-Chairs Alderpersons Vice & Holmes

Director of Public Works Monthly Summary Report

The Committee reviewed Director Gretencord's monthly report, which was included in the agenda packet.

Consideration to Approve the proposal from Safety Management Group (SMG) to provide on-site OSHA 30 training for Public Works employees, at a cost of $7,125, plus travel expenses Director Gretencord has submitted a request to obtain OSHA 30-hour training for the Public Works department, highlighting its benefits for employee development and safety. This training is recommended by the insurance carrier and will be provided by SMG at an estimated cost of $7,125. The Committee has reviewed this request and decided to include it on the consent agenda for approval by the City Council during their meeting scheduled for January 21, 2025.

Consideration to Approve the payment of $9,029.78 to Airy’s Inc. for water main repairs made on North First Street on November 26, 2024

Director Gretencord provided an overview of a critical water main repair that required contracting due to the considerable depth and a longitudinal split in the pipe. The Committee reviewed the associated payment request and decided to place this item on the consent agenda for the City Council's meeting scheduled for January 21, 2025, for their approval.

Other Pertinent Information

No other pertinent information was discussed.

Personnel & Collective Bargaining Committee

Co-Chairs Alderpersons Mietzner & Holmes

Other Pertinent Information

No other pertinent information was discussed.

Adjournment

The motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderperson Kirwin and seconded by Alderperson Holmes. Upon the voice vote, the motion carried. The Committee of the Whole Meeting held on January 14, 2025, adjourned at 6:41 p.m.

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