South Central Reporter

City of Litchfield City Council met May 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Special Session Minutes 

Mayor Steve Dougherty called the City Council Special Session for the City of to order at 6:30pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Boy Scout Troop. Present on roll call were Alderperson Jacob Fleming, Josh Hughes, Kassidy Paine, Sara Zumwalt, Robbin Huffman, Dwayne Gerl, Marilyn Sisson and Ray Kellenberger. The Mayor declared that a quorum was present.

Mayor's Report:

Mayor Dougherty opened the meeting by saying, "It has been a pleasure and honor to work with you all. From the beginning, we've been able to pave the way and continue the efforts to build our community." Mayor Dougherty continued, saying that Dwayne Gerl, Marilyn Sisson and Ray Kellenberger had been alderpersons for all 12 of his years. He also recognized the department heads, saying, "I think we've got a great, great team, as well as the employees you supervise. I want to thank you all for your efforts, your expertise and giving all the time that you do, even in late nights, to benefit the community."

Mayor Dougherty continued, "I have banged the gavel over 300 times and never missed a city council meeting and I've attended many other meetings as the city's representative. I encourage the board to rely on City Administrator Breann Vazquez, to continue the great efforts and work ethic". He ended by saying he believes great things are in store for the community.

Other Business:

Alderperson Huffman made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Hughes, to accept the minutes from the April 17, 2025, regular meeting.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

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

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Alderperson Zumwalt made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Sisson, to accept the minutes from the April 17, 2025, Executive Session meeting.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

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

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

City Administrator Vazquez presented Mayor Dougherty with a plaque honoring his accomplishments as mayor, including helping the city rebound from a deficit budget to a $30 million budget with reserves, pioneering the city's third industrial park and developing the Eagle Ridge subdivision. Alderwoman Kassidy Paine was also recognized for her seven years on the Litchfield City Council.

The newly elected officials were sworn in by Deputy Clerk Dawn Ashby. Jacob Fleming took the oath as Mayor, Bert Holloway as Ward 3 Alderperson, Ray Kellenberger as Ward 4 Alderperson and Marilyn Sisson as Ward 1 Alderperson.

Having no further business, Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Paine to adjourn the Special Session meeting of the Litchfield City Council. The Mayor called for a voice vote, motion carried, and the Special Session meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Regular Meeting Minutes

Mayor Jacob Fleming called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Present on roll call were Alderperson Bert Holloway, Alderperson Josh Hughes, Sara Zumwalt, Robbin Huffman, Dwayne Gerl, Marilyn Sisson, and Ray Kellenberger. The Mayor declared that a quorum was present.

Mayor Fleming read a proclamation declaring May 4, 2025, through May 10, 2025, as Public Service Recognition Week. Mayor Fleming also read a proclamation declaring May 4, 2025, through May 10, 2025, as National Travel and Tourism Week and thanked Stacie Peecher, Tourism Coordinator, for her diligent work.

Mayor Fleming stated that he is excited to serve as Mayor and that it means a lot to be working with the Council and be a voice of the people.

Appointments:

Alderperson Huffman made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Hughes, to reappoint Michael McGinley as City Attorney.

Alderperson Hughes stated that McGinley is a valuable asset to the City and does a great job.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

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

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Gerl, to reappoint Stacie Peecher as Treasurer.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

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

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Alderperson Hughes made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Gerl, to appoint Bob Garcia to fill the unexpired term of Jacob Fleming as Alderperson of the 4th Ward.

Mayor Fleming asked Mr. Garcia to introduce himself. Garcia shared that he has lived in Litchfield since 1996 and has raised his family here. He thinks kids are very important to the community, is involved in the MAPPING program, hopes to provide more opportunities for youth and serve the community in any way he can.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

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

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Deputy Clerk Dawn Ashby swore in Bob Garcia as he took the oath of office as Alderperson of the 4th Ward.

Alderperson Hughes made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Holloway, to appoint Vickie Throne as City Clerk.

Mayor Fleming asked Ms. Throne to introduce herself. She shared that she was born and raised in Litchfield, moved away for a couple of years after high school, and then returned. She and her husband have raised their family here. She worked for Midstate Special Education for 21 years, where she facilitated board meetings. She understands the confidential nature of closed session meetings. She is retired and works part-time in town.

Mayor Fleming stated that the reason a City Clerk must be appointed is because Mary Ann Frerichs was elected but has decided not to take the position.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Hughes, Holloway, Garcia, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Deputy Clerk Dawn Ashby swore in Vickie Throne as City Clerk as she took the oath of office.

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Gerl, to approve the following Committee Assignments by the Mayor:

Marilyn Sisson - Fire Department

Dwayne Gerl - Street Department

Sara Zumwalt - Finance Department and Building and Zoning Department

Robbin Huffman - Lake Department

Josh Hughes - Administration Department and Tourism Department

Bert Hollway - Police Department

Bob Garcia - Water Department and Sewer Department

Ray Kellenberger - Economic Development Department and Building and Grounds 

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Hughes, Holloway, Garcia, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Alderperson Zumwalt made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Huffman, to approve the following committee appointments:

Jennifer Helgen - 4-year term (May 2029)

Jennifer Compton - 4-year term (May 2029)

Mandy Jewell - 4-year term (May 2029)

Lonnie Bathurst - 4-year term (May 2029)

Earl Flack - 4-year term (May 2029)

Alderperson Hughes stated that he is excited to see a lot of new names on the agenda for appointments and asked Mayor Fleming to speak to possible restructuring of committees within the next couple of years. Hughes noted that some committees are very large and may need to be reduced in size. Mayor Fleming stated that he feels that the City should not have committees that are much larger in size than the Council, as it is intimidating for applicants to present to large committees, and change is important. He said it is hard to get volunteers to serve on committees and we have many members who have served for several years, using Kent Redfern's 30 years service on the EDC as an example, stating that he appreciates his service, and there is a time when it is necessary to include new voices and streamline committees. Hughes stated he wants to ensure there are not multiple members of the same family on committees and that members reside within the 62056-zip code. He is glad to hear that Mayor Fleming is willing to consider restructuring.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Hughes, Holloway, Garcia, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Alderperson Huffman made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Holloway, to approve the following committee appointments:

Tourism Advisory Board:

Christina Dexheimer - 3-year term (May 2028)

Matt Vaughn - 3-year term (May 2028)

Carol Sneed - 3-year term (May 2028)

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Hughes, Holloway, Garcia, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Other Business:

Alderperson Gerl made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Huffman, 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.

Discussion: None.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Holloway, Garcia, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

City Council

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Old Business: None.

New Business:

Lake:

Alderperson Huffman made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Gerl, to approve and ordinance declaring a 2007 John Deere 401J backhoe as surplus and authorizing its trade-in.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Holloway, Garcia, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Lake:

Alderperson Huffman made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Zumwalt, to approve a resolution waiving bidding and authorizing the sole source purchase of a John Deere 410P backhoe from Martin Equipment for an amount not to exceed $133,217.00.

Alderman Kellenberger asked if we had any other quotes. Alderperson Huffman explained that with John Deere we can only purchase through Martin. Martin is the only company who is authorized to sell John Deere within our region, that's how John Deere works. That's where we get all of our John Deere equipment, out of Springfield.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Holloway, Garcia, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Wastewater Treatment:

Alderperson Garcia made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Holloway, to approve an emergency repair to remove, repair and re-install the West Excess Flow Basin Solids Transfer Pump at the Wastewater Treatment Facility by Vandevanter Engineering for an amount not to exceed $29,690.87.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Holloway, Garcia, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Economic Development:

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion seconded by Alderperson Zumwalt, to approve a resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute an emergency roof repair grant agreement with Triple C Holdings LLC at 223 N. State Street and other actions related thereto. 

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Holloway, Garcia, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Economic Development:

Mayor Fleming stated that the following item has been removed from the agenda and will be placed on the May 15, 2025 agenda at the request of the applicants: A motion to approve an ordinance approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a development agreement with CETE Holdings for the rehabilitation of 608 N. State Street in TIF 2 and authorizing the porting of funds from TIF 1 into TIF 2 to facilitate the agreement, and other actions related thereto.

Fleming noted that the applicants have been very cooperative, have been working with the EDC on this request for the past three months, but the public has raised some questions, so they have asked for it to be moved to the next agenda to address concerns.

Economic Development:

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Gerl, to approve an ordinance declaring approximately 262 acres of City owned and optioned land as surplus and authorizing its sale and development through a Request for Proposals process.

City Administrator Breann Vazquez explained that the motion needs to be amended from approximately 262 acres to approximately 254 + acres because, after a recent survey, that is a more accurate estimate of the land that is owned and optioned by the City.

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Huffman, to amend the motion to approve an ordinance declaring approximately 254 + acres of City owned and optioned land as surplus and authorizing its sale and development through a Request for Proposals process.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Holloway, Garcia, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Huffman, to approve an amended motion for an ordinance declaring approximately 254 + acres of City owned and optioned land as surplus and authorizing its sale and development through a Request for Proposals process.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Holloway, Garcia, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Economic Development:

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Hughes, to approve a notice of Requests for Proposals for the sale and development of approximately 262 acres of City owned and optioned land.

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Sisson, to amend the motion to approve a notice of Requests for Proposals for the sale and development of approximately 254 + acres of City owned and optioned land.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Holloway, Garcia, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Zumwalt, to approve an amended motion for a notice of Requests for Proposals for the sale and development of approximately 254 + acres of City owned and optioned land.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Holloway, Garcia, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Police:

Alderperson Holloway made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Zumwalt, to increase the Police Department's staff level by one employee in order to allow for a full-time code enforcement officer.

Alderperson Kellenberger asked if this would bring the Police Department up to full staff. City Administrator Vazquez replied that it would bring the Police Department staff to seventeen. It is adding one person to allow for a dedicated code enforcement officer.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Holloway, Garcia, Hughes, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried.

Having no further business, Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Gerl 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 7:35 p.m.

https://www.cityoflitchfieldil.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05012025-394