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Princeton council approves routine invoices, adopts ordinance on surplus property and appoints new preservation commissioner; nonprofit describes grant program
Summary
Council approved $537,706.45 in invoices, adopted O-26-3 authorizing sale of surplus city property, approved resolutions including a joint-purchase salt agreement, appointed Michael Stutsky to the Historic Preservation Commission, and heard a presentation from the Princeton Closet about its Lending a Hand grants and scholarships.
The Princeton City Council on March 2 approved routine financial and administrative items, adopted an ordinance to sell surplus city property, appointed a member to the Historic Preservation Commission and heard a community nonprofit presentation.
Invoices, ordinance and resolutions: City staff presented invoices totaling $537,706.45 (Accounts & Finance $45,330.34; Streets & Public Improvements $129,774.60; Public Safety $138,216.73; Public Property & Utilities $224,384.88). A council member moved to approve and the council approved the invoices by roll call.
The council adopted Ordinance O-26-3 (second and final reading) to authorize sale of personal property no longer necessary or useful to the city; the mayor summarized that the ordinance includes equipment no longer needed by the fire department. The council also approved Resolution R-26-4 concerning a 2025 levy refunding matter and Resolution R-26-5 authorizing the city manager to enter contracts and joint-purchase agreements with the State of Illinois (the item noted the ability to purchase road salt through a state purchasing program and to secure reduced prices via joint purchasing).
Appointment and administrative reports: The council voted to appoint Michael Stutsky (term to expire 12/31/2029) to fill an unexpired seat on the Historic Preservation Commission. The city manager presented the monthly financial report (ending Dec. 31): revenues about 71% and expenditures about 82% of budget, with street expenditures higher because sales tax receipts are not yet fully collected. Staff also noted the Princeton Police Pension Fund report (ending Jan. 31, 2026) and reminded residents that cemetery cleanup will begin after March 15, with crews removing winter decorations; residents were asked to remove items they wish to keep before that date. A proposed FY27 budget planning session was scheduled for the Monday after March 16 at 5:00/5:30 p.m.
Princeton Closet presentation: Diane Van Drew (S10), president of the Princeton Closet board, and Amy Murphy (S11), manager, told the council that the Closet has operated for about 56–57 years and runs a Lending a Hand grant program and scholarship initiative. They said the board gave more than $200,000 to 43 nonprofits in January and that over the last 16 years Lending a Hand and scholarships have returned about $2.3–$2.4 million to the area; the Closet reported $15,000 in scholarships distributed last year. They described volunteer operations, recycling efforts and local partnerships with schools, churches and other nonprofits.
What to expect next: The council scheduled its next regular meeting for Monday, March 16 at 6 p.m. at City Hall and invited residents to remain after adjournment to speak informally with council members.
