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City honors long-serving planner Pete Nelson; History Center reports Madison Library restoration nearly complete
Summary
The council recognized Pete Nelson for more than 20 years of city service at his final official meeting, and the Bureau County History Center reported that cosmetic restoration of the former Madison Library stairwell and auditorium is nearly finished and fully funded.
The Princeton City Council paid tribute to Pete Nelson, a city planning and zoning administrator who announced his retirement next week after more than 20 years of municipal service. At the same meeting, Lex Poppins, executive director of the Bureau County History Center, updated the council on a funded restoration of parts of the former Madison Library and presented Nelson with the History Hero Award for 2025.
"We award Pete Nelson the first History Hero Award for 2025," Lex Poppins said, presenting the honor on behalf of the Bureau County Historical Society and the History Center. Poppins said the center had secured final funding for the cosmetic restoration of the West stairwell and auditorium of the former Madison Library and planned a community open house on May 24 from noon until 5 p.m.
Lisa Wittnauer, city manager, outlined Nelson’s 20-plus years of service at City Hall, describing his roles as planning and zoning administrator, city clerk and human-resources functions and noting his deep local involvement with civic groups including the Princeton Public Schools Foundation and Perry Memorial Hospital renovation efforts. "Pete’s retirement succession planning here at City Hall has been very unique," Wittnauer said, and she announced that Janet Henning will serve as city clerk and Michael Dearing will serve as planning and zoning director.
Nelson reflected on his time with the city, citing long experience with permits and projects: "I estimate that I've written about 1,520 permits worth about $80,000,000 in investment in this town," he said. He thanked city staff, attorneys and council members and urged the city to "stay on track, whittle down the debt, and honor your employees."
Citizens and local business owners in the audience, including Michael Stutsky and others who worked on downtown projects, offered personal tributes. The council held a short reception following adjournment to honor Nelson.
The council did not take formal action on the restoration or the award; both items were presented as a report and recognition during the meeting.
