Alderman Justin Schuch cast the lone objection Monday when the Macomb City Council voted to hire Studio GWA of Rockford to assist with research and design work on the city’s Randolph House hotel redevelopment project.
“The timing is not good,” he said, “given the other things we’re doing.”
Alderman Dave Dorsett spoke for the majority when he said, “This is not cutting into other projects. This is something needed for our downtown.” City Administrator Scott Coker said Macomb would take $54,580 from the Downtown Tax Increment Finance District to pay Studio GWA for its work. Macomb hopes to find a developer to take over the project and design upstairs hotel rooms for the historic hotel location.
Also Monday, the City Council unanimously voted to authorize Mayor Mike Inman to send an email to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, declaring Macomb’s intent to establish a State Tax And Revenue district that could provide money toward a large indoor sports complex. “This is the start of a long process,” Coker told the council. New state legislation authorized STAR Bond districts.
Coker said the notice of intent does not obligate Macomb financially. He said the city’s complete proposal is due between January 1, 2027 and June 1, 2028. Schuch said, “I hope to see more community sessions dealing with the sports complex.”
In other business, the council approved a resolution accepting a sign easement agreement from Kirby Risk on U.S. 67 north of Macomb. Coker said the company is willing to have the “Welcome to Macomb” sign relocated to its property. The Illinois Department of Transportation told the city the sign had to be moved because it had been located on IDOT right-of-way.
Aldermen witnessed the swearing in of Police Officer Eli Gerard by City Clerk Renee Lotz. Police Chief Todd Tedrow said Gerard is a Western Illlinois University graduate who was hired in September 2025. He completed his police academy training and his departmental field training earlier this year.
The city council also accepted Tedrow’s police activity report for April. The department received 1,400 calls for service and officers made 58 arrests. There were seven arrests for theft and six arrests for burglary. Macomb police officers earned $14,369 in overtime and completed 280 hours of training.
Tedrow reported that a taser was displayed to stop a fight on April 16. The taser then was set on stun to control a person who was resisting arrest.
A mayoral proclamation was issued at the beginning of the council meeting declaring the week as National Public Works Week. Mayor Pro Tem John Vigezzi recognized the work of public works crews on behalf of the well-being of the people of Macomb. Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann added that their work often goes unnoticed when things are working properly. She said public works is the foundation that allows the rest of the community to function.
