Grundy Reporter

City of Highland City Council met June 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Kevin Hemann called the Regular Session to order at 6:30pm. Council members Klaus, Sloan, Bellm and Napper were present. Others in attendance were City Manager Conrad, City Attorney Michael McGinley, Directors Cook, Gillespie, Koehnemann, Widman, and Wilken, Deputy City Clerks Hediger and Flake, City Clerk Bellm, and 34 citizens.

PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Hemann opened the public hearing to receive comments pursuant to Title 47, Section 546(h) of the United States Code, relating to the city’s proposal to issue a franchise agreement to Spectrum Mid-America, LLC. David Todd stated he is confused about what this is about, in that we the City gets 5% off revenues. City Attorney Michael McGinley explained this is a standard agreement. The federal government allows different entities to share infrastructure, if others want to run fiber on it. We did some checking around to see what revenue other communities were receiving. City Manager Conrad added this gives Spectrum permission to use our right-of-way, and in return, we get revenue and fiber feed.

MINUTES

Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 19, 2025 Regular Session as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 19, 2025 Executive Session as attached; seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

MAYORAL RECOGNITION

Mayor Hemann recognized the Highland High School Varsity Dance Team, which competed at the IDTA State Championships on Saturday, February 15. The Dance Team came away with a State Championship in Jazz and Open Pom. Prior to becoming IDTA State Champions, the dance team was also IHSA Sectional Champions. Erin Cotto and Carrie Eilerman coach the girls. Erin Cotto introduced the girls in attendance. Mayor Hemann presented the team with the IDOT Highway sign recognizing their accomplishments.

PUBLIC FORUM

Citizens’ Requests and Comments:

Madison County Fair – Special Event Application – Daniel Ammann, current president of Madison County Fair Board, was present to answer any questions. Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the special event application for the Madison County Fair, to be held July 22-27, 2025 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Requests of Council:

No comments or requests presented.

Staff Reports:

City Manager Conrad reported that, tonight, we are coming to the end of an era. About two weeks ago, Deputy City Clerk Lana Hediger presented me a letter with her intent to retire. I do not have the vocabulary to tell how much she has meant to us, and for what all she has done. She has kept me from embarrassing myself, made sure things were done according to proper procedures, made me aware of law changes, and even advised attorneys on how they should be doing their job. It is with great sadness to announce this will be her last meeting. In appreciation for her excellence of standards, we want to present her with this plaque and recognize her for all she is done. Lana, you are going to be missed. We hope you will answer our phone calls and we sincerely hope to live up to your expectations. Deputy City Clerk Lana Hediger stated I had so many people tell me so many nice things today, and I greatly appreciate them.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Request for Proposals to Bid on the Korte Recreation Center Pool Deck – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Request for Proposals to bid on the Korte Recreation Center Pool Deck as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Approve Notice of Municipal Letting, Bid # PW-05-24, for Sealing Asphalt Shared Use Paths 2025 – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Notice of Municipal Letting, Bid # PW-05-24, for Sealing Asphalt Shared Use Paths 2025 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-68/RESOLUTION Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Proposal for Preliminary Engineering Services with Curry and Associates Engineers, Inc., for Street Resurfacing in 2025 – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #25-68/Resolution #25-06-3197 approving and authorizing the execution of a proposal for preliminary engineering services with Curry and Associates Engineers, Inc., for street resurfacing in 2025, in the amount of $32,700, as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-69/RESOLUTION Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Proposal for Preliminary Engineering Services with Curry and Associates Engineers, Inc., for Filter Repairs at the Water Treatment Plant – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #25-69/Resolution #25-06- 3198 approving and authorizing the execution of a proposal for preliminary engineering services with Curry and Associates Engineers, Inc., for filter repairs at the Water Treatment Plant, for an amount not to exceed $25,000, as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. Councilwoman Bellm inquired is Curry and Associates the old Oates & Associates. City Manager Conrad replied, no, Curry and Associates are specialists in this field that we use from time to time. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-70/RESOLUTION Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Proposal for Preliminary Engineering Services with Curry and Associates Engineers, Inc., for Spillway Retaining Wall Improvements at the Silver Lake Dam – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #25-70/ Resolution #25-06-3199 approving and authorizing the execution of a proposal for preliminary engineering services with Curry and Associates Engineers, Inc., for Spillway Retaining Wall Improvements at the Silver Lake Dam, for an amount not to exceed $12,000 as attach. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-71/RESOLUTION Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirement and Approving The Execution of an Agreement with Truck Centers, Inc. for the Purchase of a 2026 Freightliner M2106 Dump Truck Under the Sourcewell Purchasing Program - Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #25-71/Resolution #25-06-3200 waiving competitive bidding requirement and approving the execution of an agreement with Truck Centers, Inc. for the purchase of a 2026 Freightliner M2106 Dump Truck, in the amount of $108,860.00, under the Sourcewell Purchasing Program as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-72/RESOLUTION Authorizing and Approving a Franchise Agreement with Spectrum Mid-America, LLC, Pursuant to 47 U.S.C. §546(h) – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #25-72/Resolution #25-06-3201 authorizing and approving a franchise agreement with Spectrum Mid America, LLC, pursuant to 47 U.S.C. §546(h) as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-73/RESOLUTION Authorizing the Mayor and/or City Manager to Execute Any Documents Necessary to Facilitate the Transfer of Electric Service Rights for Parcel 01-1-24-06-00-000- 027.001 From the City of Highland Territory to Ameren Territory – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #25-73/Resolution #25-06-3202 authorizing the Mayor and/or City Manager to execute any documents necessary to facilitate the transfer of electric service rights for Parcel 01-1-24-06-00-000- 027.001 from the City of Highland Territory to Ameren Territory as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. City Manager Conrad explained this is the solar project in the southwest area of town. The west half will service Ameren; the east half will be Highland’s. We will have Ameren service our territory, as it will be interconnected. Mayor Hemann noted this is in the city limits. City Manager Conrad affirmed it is. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-74/ORDINANCE Declaring Personal Property of the City of Highland Surplus and Authorizing its Sale and/or Disposal, Specifically Property From the Department of Light and Power - Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #25-74/Ordinance #3395 declaring personal property of the City of Highland surplus and authorizing its sale and/or disposal, specifically property from the Department of Light and Power as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-75/RESOLUTION Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirement and Approving And Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Energy Wise, for the Replacement and Installation of HVAC Units at Public Safety Building – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #25-75/ Resolution #25-06-3203 waiving competitive bidding requirement and approving and authorizing the execution of an agreement with Energy Wise, for the replacement and installation of HVAC units at Public Safety Building, in the amount of $35,431 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Mayor Hemann pointed out this is a new building. City Manager Conrad reported that during the hailstorm in March, we had some units damaged. The Public Safety Buildings HVAC units have had a change of components, since installed, and there are very few parts remaining. We found a vendor that had some of those components. We wanted to get them while we can. This is an insurance claim, so it will be reimbursed. We are going to still bid the units for electric department, because there is not an issue with finding those components. Director Cook reported we put a hail guard grid on a unit when it was replaced, and that one went unscathed. So, they do work. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-76/RESOLUTION Approving Intergovernmental Agreement Between City and Madison County, Regarding Lease of Storage Space and Tower – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #25-76/Resolution #25-06-3204 approving Intergovernmental Agreement between City and Madison County, regarding lease of storage space and tower as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. City Manager Conrad stated this is an exciting project for us. This has been a long awaited project to have shared radio communication between all departments, countywide. We are offering up space on our tower, which is located at the Street & Alley Shed, along Highland Road. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

REPORTS

Accepting Expenditures Report #1291 for May 17, 2025 through May 30, 2025 – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to accept Expenditures Report #1291 for May 17, 2025 through May 30, 2025 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to adjourn. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. All aye, none nay. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:00pm.

https://www.highlandil.gov/City%20Council/Minutes/2025/6-02-2025.pdf