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Council approves proclamations, contracts and budgets; debates public‑works repairs
Summary
At its April 7 meeting Washington’s City Council approved an Arbor Day proclamation, several contracts and resolutions (including a suspension and debarment policy and tourism agreements), authorized a SCADA purchase, adopted a video‑gaming amendment, and discussed whether to repair or replace a damaged public‑works storage/evidence building.
The Washington City Council on April 7 approved a set of routine items and discussed a larger facilities question for public works.
The council unanimously approved a proclamation naming April 25, 2025, Arbor Day in Washington after the mayor read the proclamation and Miss Stevens moved approval. The consent agenda (items a–d) passed 7–0.
Public works staff member Brian updated the council on a damaged public‑works storage and evidence building. Initially estimated at about $110,000, contractor and insurance reviews raised the repair estimate to approximately $340,000; the city has received about $304,000 so far with roughly $36,000 due on completion. Councilmembers debated whether to raise the building (estimates requested for 8–16 inches of lift), complete repairs consistent with an earlier consensus, or demolish and plan a new facility. Several council members asked staff to provide demolition and lift estimates and noted a placeholder of $500,000 in this year’s budget for facility work.
Council approved a purchase authorization to integrate SCADA into Water Treatment Plant No. 1 for the chlorine upgrades; the project was budgeted at $60,000 with a vendor quote near $52,000. The motion to approve passed by voice vote, 7–0.
The council also approved three resolutions and agreements by unanimous vote: a suspension and debarment policy required for federal‑funded contracts (per 2 CFR part 200) intended to be incorporated into the procurement policy; a two‑year Washington Chamber of Commerce work agreement (through 04/30/2027) that provides $35,000 annually in FY25‑26 and FY26‑27 and a $10,000 reimbursement in FY25‑26 for Bicentennial planning; and a one‑year tourism services agreement with Discover Peoria (through 04/30/2026).
In first readings the council heard proposals to transfer volume cap for a first‑time homebuyers program, to adopt the FY2026 corporate budget (and amend FY2025), and to vacate a portion of Harding Street in Hartman’s Subdivision — none were adopted at first reading. The council did adopt, on second reading, an ordinance increasing the number of permanent video‑gaming terminal stickers to 72 and allowable licenses to 12; the vote was 7–0.
Before moving into executive session to discuss property and personnel matters under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), the city attorney clarified a scrivener’s note about the correct subsection; the mayor stated there would be no action coming out of executive session. The council then adjourned.
Votes at a glance
- Arbor Day proclamation: approved 7–0 (motion moved by Stevens). - Consent agenda (items a–d): approved 7–0. - SCADA integration purchase authorization (Water Treatment Plant No.1): approved 7–0; budgeted $60,000; quote ~ $52,000. - Suspension and debarment policy (2 CFR part 200 compliance): approved 7–0. - Washington Chamber of Commerce work agreement (through 04/30/2027): approved 7–0; $35,000 FY25‑26 and FY26‑27 plus $10,000 reimbursement FY25‑26. - Discover Peoria agreement (through 04/30/2026): approved 7–0. - Video gaming ordinance (second reading/adoption): approved 7–0, increases terminal stickers to 72 and licenses to 12.
Next steps: staff will return demolition and building‑lift cost estimates for the public‑works building and will draft ordinance language for water‑rate proposals as requested by council.
