South Central Reporter

City of Litchfield City Council met April 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Steven Dougherty called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Present on roll call were Alderperson Jacob Fleming, Josh Hughes, Sara Zumwalt, Robbin Huffman, Dwayne Gerl, Marilyn Sisson and Ray Kellenberger. Alderperson Kassidy Paine was absent. The Mayor declared that a quorum was present.

Mayor’s Report:

There was no report.

Mayor Steve Dougherty announced as the first order of business was the swearing in of Amanda Sunley as a Police Officer by Police Chief Kenny Ryker. The Mayor and Council members congratulated and welcomed Officer Sunley to the Litchfield Police Force.

Appointments:

Alderperson Zumwalt made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Gerl to approve the committee appointment of Lee Hyde to fill the unexpired term of Jerry Cruthis expiring May 2025. 

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine.

Motion carried.

Alderperson Gerl made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Kellenberger to approve the following committee reappointments: Dr. D. Ross Billiter and Lee Hyde to the Plan Commission with terms to expire May 2028. Julie Elizondo and Rhonda Weatherford to Police Pension with terms to expire May 2028. Phil Sisson to the Airport Authority, term to expire May 2028. 

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Gerl, Kellenberger.

Nay: Hughes.

Abstain: Sisson.

Absent: Paine.

Motion carried.

Other Business:

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Gerl, to accept the minutes from the March 20, 2025, regular meeting.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine.

Motion carried. .

Alderperson Huffman made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Fleming to direct the transfer of funds from the city sales tax to the City’s general fund to issue checks and authorize to pay the bills and process payroll.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine.

Motion carried.

New Business:

Administration:

Ben Crowder, Partner at Assured Partners, addressed the City Council on the selection of City Employee Health Care. He explained the rationale for continuing with BCBS IL for health insurance coverage and noted that the decision also involved the Employee Insurance Committee, the City Administrator and Finance & Benefits Manager.

Alderperson Huffman made a motion seconded by Alderperson Zumwalt to the renewal of health insurance for the City employees effective May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, through Assured Partners.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine.

Motion carried.

Fire:

The Council noted that the addition of two staff members to the Litchfield Fire Department will decrease the amount of overtime employees must currently work.

Alderperson Hughes made a motion seconded by Alderperson Gerl to approve to increase the staffing level of the Fire Department by two employees.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine.

Motion carried.

Building and Zoning:

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion seconded by Alderperson Zumwalt to approve a resolution approving and authorizing a demolition agreement for the demolition of 726 North Locust.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine.

Motion carried.

Building and Zoning:

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion seconded by Alderperson Fleming to approve a resolution approving and authorizing a demolition agreement for the demolition of 511 East Henrichs.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine.

Motion carried.

Finance:

City Administrator Breann Vazquez opened the budget workshop presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 City of Litchfield Budget. Vazquez explained that she worked with the city’s Budget Officer and Financial Consultant Annmarie Mampe to prepare the budget.

Vazquez, being head of both departments, spoke on the Administrative funds and the Economic Development funds. Mampe highlighted information regarding the TIF funds, projects, and developments. Department Heads oversaw each of their department’s portion of the budget.

Each department head presented their respective budgets.

Mayor Dougherty thanked Mampe and everyone involved for their work on the budget, reminding the public that it will be on display for viewing at City Hall. The proposed Fiscal Year 2026 City of Litchfield Budget will be voted on at the next meeting.

Having no further business, Alderperson Gerl made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Kellenberger to adjourn the regular meeting of the Litchfield City Council. The Mayor called for a voice vote, motion carried, and the regular meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

https://www.cityoflitchfieldil.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04032025-386