Monticello council approves variances, equipment purchases and endorses Illinois America250 commemoration

Monticello — At its Jan. 26 meeting, the Monticello City Council approved a package of ordinances and a resolution that included two residential zoning variances, a loan to finance 20 new firefighter air packs, several equipment trades and a formal endorsement of the Illinois America250 commemoration.

City staff presented the items during the “New Business” portion of the agenda. Jim (city staff) described Ordinance 20‑26‑12, a request to reduce a rear‑yard setback at 811 Tyler Court to 6 feet so the property owners can expand a single‑car garage to two spaces after sustaining a house fire. Jim said the Planning and Zoning Board held a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval. An applicant representative explained the addition is intended to replace fire‑damaged space. The council moved, seconded and approved the variance by roll call; the clerk recorded unanimous 'Yes' votes.

The council also approved Ordinance 20‑26‑13 to permit a 6‑foot privacy fence within a front‑yard setback at 703 East Grant. Jim said the applicant sought the variance to retain a walkway and accommodate a hot tub, that adjacent property owners were notified and that the PZB recommended approval. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call with all members recorded as voting yes.

Under equipment and budget items, Terry (city staff) presented Ordinance 20‑26‑15 to authorize the city to borrow funds and execute a promissory note to pay for 20 new self‑contained breathing apparatus air packs previously approved in the FY2026 budget. "We received two quotes... First State Bank offered the lowest interest rate," Terry said, adding that a four‑year loan would require annual payments of approximately $47,166. Council approved the borrowing by roll call.

Council also approved Ordinance 20‑26‑16 to declare surplus a John Deere manure spreader and trade it toward the purchase of a Kubota zero‑turn mower with a 72‑inch deck from Jennings Implement Company; staff said the mower will be used by the parks and recreation department and is included in the FY2026 budget. A separate replacement—the trade of an old rotary post lift toward a new rotary post lift from Dust and Sons Auto Supplies—was presented as Ordinance 20‑26‑17. Staff explained the existing lift showed safety deficiencies, described plans for removal and installation and noted the purchase would be reflected in a forthcoming appropriation ordinance; the purchase price was discussed in the meeting as about $13,000. Council approved both ordinances by roll call.

The council also unanimously passed Resolution 20‑26‑14, expressing the city’s support for the Illinois America250 commission and encouraging local events and educational programming in the lead‑up to the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

During mayoral and alderman reports, the mayor announced community events including the Land Conservation Foundation’s “Mutt Puppy Festival” (Feb. 1 at the Monarch Events Center) and a downtown business promotion “Treat Yourself Sunday” (Feb. 1), and aldermen passed along updates about the TIF program, downtown maintenance and the Monticello High School band’s All‑State performance.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (claims and minutes): approved (roll call recorded unanimous 'Yes'). - Ordinance 20‑26‑12 (811 Tyler Court variance, rear yard): approved (roll call recorded unanimous 'Yes'). - Ordinance 20‑26‑13 (703 East Grant fence variance, front yard): approved (roll call recorded unanimous 'Yes'). - Ordinance 20‑26‑15 (authorize borrowing for 20 air packs): approved (roll call recorded unanimous 'Yes'); staff estimated ~ $47,166 annual payment on a four‑year loan. - Ordinance 20‑26‑16 (surplus/trade for Kubota mower): approved (roll call recorded unanimous 'Yes'). - Ordinance 20‑26‑17 (surplus/trade and purchase of new rotary post lift): approved (roll call recorded unanimous 'Yes'); staff discussed ~ $13,000 purchase price and plans to add the appropriation to the next ordinance. - Resolution 20‑26‑14 (support Illinois America250): approved (roll call recorded unanimous 'Yes').

What’s next: Several items approved tonight (the lift purchase and some fleet replacements) will be reflected in an upcoming appropriation ordinance that staff said will appear in late February or early March. The council adjourned and is scheduled to meet again in two weeks.