Three Colchester City Council committees met Feb. 17 to discuss a range of topics, from a proposed city hall/ police station, an ordinance to address bonding and golf cart licensures.
Building & Grounds Committee The Building and Grounds committee heard a presentation from Doug Erickson of Benton Associates Engineering for preliminary pursuit of funding for a proposed city hall/ police station. Focus was on applying for a Community Project Assistance grant through the offices of the U.S. Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15). According to Erickson, a community may be eligible to apply for up to three separate projects.
Of significant importance is getting community support, especially a formal resolution from the city council as part of the documentation. Council member Frances Welch expressed concern that such support for a new combined facility may not exist. Even other council members were hesitant to express their opinions about the proposal or had contacted any constituents for their opinions.
Mayor Mark Clark, who first presented the idea, stated that he would not apologize for 'trying to think big' when it comes to enhancing the city of Colchester. He indicated that a low-interest loan through USDA could be offset by the recently discontinued contract with the McDonough County sheriff's department for supplemental policing services.
Related to, and complicating, the issue is the desire of the Colchester Fire Protection District to expand their facilities. They would like to acquire land east of their present building. The land is currently owned by the city and has been suggested as the site for city hall/police station construction.
Pursuing a Community Project Assistance grant was the only funding proposal presented, though Erickson noted that getting a loan is possible; however, he warned that acquiring grant money for facility construction is harder to get. While the local community might support the project, decisions about awarding the grant are based on 'regional significance.'
The committee also discussed applying for this grant for their planned water department lift station. Grant applications must be submitted by March 31 and will likely go through several phases of acceptance before the city would be notified. Any allocated money would come in FY26-27.
In other Building and Grounds business, the committee discussed upgrading electrical service and safety concerns with power sources at the city park near the pavilion. Further consultation with Ameren will be necessary.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee met to discuss drafting a new ordinance to address bonding for the mayor, city clerk, treasurer and city collector.
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee met to hear from a local resident concerning licensing of a golf cart. The matter was referred to the city attorney. The committee also discussed proposals to acquire a second hand-held radar gun for the second city police vehicle and to enhance flashing/warning lights on the current police chief's vehicle. Consideration was given to visible labeling/ lettering of both vehicles.
