Here is a summary from the Monday, May 19, 2025, meeting of the Monmouth City Council, as provided by the City of Monmouth.
The Monmouth City Council met on May 19, 2025. A public hearing was held at 5:45 PM regarding the Combined Sewer Overflow Operations and Management Plan. The regular council meeting followed at 6 PM.
Council Actions & Approvals:
1. Combined Sewer Overflow Plan:
A public hearing was held with no objections raised regarding the City’s Operations and Management Plan related to its combined sewer system. This is a mandatory requirement every 5 years.
Highlights include:
- Infrastructure: Monmouth’s combined sewer system primarily serves the city center and dates back to the early 1900s. It includes six overflow points and two permitted discharge outfalls into tributaries of Markham Creek
- Pollution Control Measures:
- Street sweeping and catch basin cleaning
- Regular sewer inspections and maintenance
- Overflow storage basins and modernized pumping systems
- Public notification signage when overflows occur
- Monitoring: Overflow sites are equipped with flow monitors and connected to SCADA for real-time data. Sampling is performed during overflow events, and discharge reports are submitted monthly.
- Treatment Capacity: The Consolidated Wastewater Treatment Plant, upgraded in 2010, significantly expanded the City’s capacity to manage wet weather flows and minimize overflow frequency.
The plan outlines strategies to reduce pollution, prevent dry weather overflows, and maintain compliance with water quality standards.
2. Code Recodification Project:
Council approved a proposal from CivicPlus to recodify and republish the City’s Code of Ordinances. This will modernize formatting, improve online accessibility, and provide consistent updates through a new digital hosting system. The project includes online features such as advanced search tools, social sharing, and mobile-friendly design.
3. Prairie Hills Land Bank Presentation:
Vicki Livingston gave a very detailed presentation of the land bank’s proposed work. Livingston also answered multiple questions from City Council about their work. A copy of the presentation is available on the City of Monmouth’s YouTube channel.
No action was taken at this time.
Land banks in Illinois are public or nonprofit entities created under state law to acquire, hold, manage, and redevelop properties that are vacant, abandoned, or tax-delinquent. They provide a legal and financial structure to clear title problems, cancel outstanding taxes through court processes, and prepare properties for future development. Land banks are commonly used across the state to support new housing, attract private investment, and remove blight from neighborhoods.
4. Main Street Engineering Services Agreement:
Council approved a $240,744 engineering agreement with Hutchison Engineering for the next phase of Main Street reconstruction and streetscape enhancements in the 200 block of North and South Main Street.
The engineering scope includes:
- Diagonal parking to increase parking capacity
- Resurfacing, new curb and gutter, ADA-compliant sidewalks
- Decorative lighting and streetscape enhancements
- Drainage and utility coordination
- Construction staging and bid administration
- A public involvement plan, including meetings with property owners
Engineering will occur from June 2025 through February 2026, with construction slated for April through October 2026
Construction of the additional downtown blocks is being funded by a $1.5 million dollar grant the City received from the State of Illinois.
5. Monmouth-Roseville SRO Agreement:
A formal intergovernmental agreement was approved to assign a Monmouth Police Department officer as the School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Monmouth-Roseville School District starting August 2025. The officer will remain a full-time member of MPD but will work directly with school staff to promote safety, conduct educational sessions, and serve as a liaison with students and families. The School District will reimburse 75% of the SRO’s base salary.
6. New LED Sign for Fire Station I:
Council authorized hiring an electrical contractor to install power for the new LED sign at Station I. The sign is expected to be completed by late July. C&D Electric was awarded the low bid at $3,485. This project is funded through a FEMA grant.
7. Fire Department Monthly Report – April 2025:
Chief Rexroat reported 139 calls for service in April, including building fires, EMS assists, and hazardous condition responses. Staff completed training on burn and overdose management, aerial ladder operations, and confined space rescue. The department is preparing for its June 21st entry-level testing and continues work on the fire safety trailer and LED sign installation.
8. Police Department Monthly Report – April 2025:
Chief Switzer reported 80 arrests and 1,457 calls for service in April, a significant increase from the same time last year. Officers issued 86 citations, and dispatch handled 3,546 total calls. Dispatchers completed updated sex offender registration system training, and officers completed both required annual training and high-risk traffic stop scenario training.
Officers spent approximately 14 hours in court for criminal and traffic cases. A threat assessment was conducted at Central Intermediate School, and Chief Switzer met with the new Emergency Management Director at OSF Holy Family Medical Center. The department is actively preparing for upcoming summer events, including the 4th of July, the Car Show, and the WCPBF parade and festival.
9. Equipment Purchases:
- Council accepted the low bid for the purchase of new commercial lawn mowers for the cemetery mowing crew. The purchase will include trade-ins of the current lawn mowers. The bid was awarded to Sinclair Tractor for $57,500 for 10 John Deere mowers.
- Council also approved a bid for roadway improvements under Phase I of the West Harlem project. The bidding was conducted by the Illinois Department of Transporation as it was mandated. 3 bids were submitted and the low bid was Brandt Construction for $2,855,657.95. Since federal funds are being used for this project, the project is required to be awarded to the lowest bidder.
10. Executive Session:
Council entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining matters in accordance with Illinois Statutes.
