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Washington council removes billboard item, adopts resolutions and ordinances in unanimous votes
Summary
The City of Washington council unanimously removed a Robinson Outdoor billboard variance from tonight’s agenda, approved two resolutions (Truth in Taxation determination; Illinois America 250 commemoration), adopted ordinances to surplus 22 unclaimed bicycles and transfer part of North Main Street, and recessed to executive session citing litigation and personnel with no action to follow.
The City of Washington City Council on Nov. 17, 2025, unanimously approved a series of routine agenda items, removed a first‑reading billboard variance from tonight’s agenda at the request of council members, and recessed into an executive session citing potential litigation and personnel matters.
Agenda change: Ald. Moss moved to remove the first reading for Robinson Outdoor’s request for a large electronic billboard variance on Business 24 until a later meeting so the company could be invited to present; Ald. McIntyre seconded and the motion carried unanimously, removing the item from tonight’s docket.
Resolutions: The council unanimously approved a resolution under the Truth in Taxation Act determining that the city’s 2025 levy increase would be less than 5% and therefore a Truth in Taxation hearing is not required; the council noted detailed levy discussion will occur during the December first reading. The council also unanimously approved a resolution supporting the Illinois "America 250" commemoration and discussed forming a local committee (Ald. Ernst to chair) and options such as a state historic marker for the Candlewood Bridge.
Ordinances and consent items: The consent agenda (minutes, bills and payroll, a Washington commercial grant pay request, a TIF subsidy pay request, and a police evidence storage pay request) passed unanimously. On second reading the council approved an ordinance authorizing sale, donation or disposal of 22 unclaimed bicycles held by the police department. The council also approved the second reading of an ordinance authorizing transfer of jurisdiction of a portion of North Main Street from Tazewell County to the City of Washington. All motions were passed unanimously.
Executive session and adjournment: The council moved into executive session citing 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) (litigation) and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) (personnel matters); the mayor stated there would be no action coming out of the closed session. The meeting returned to open session and adjourned by unanimous vote.
Votes at a glance:
- Recognition: Central Intermediate School softball team — approved (motion: McIntyre; second: Ernst) — outcome: approved, unanimous.
- Recognition: City Clerk Valerie L. Bridal CMC designation — approved (motion: Johnson; second: Smith) — outcome: approved, unanimous.
- Remove Robinson Outdoor billboard first reading from tonight’s agenda — approved (motion: Moss; second: McIntyre) — outcome: approved, unanimous.
- Consent agenda (items a–e) — approved (motion: Smith; second: Schluter) — outcome: approved, unanimous.
- Accept audited financial statements (placed on file) — approved (motion: McIntyre; second: Smith) — outcome: approved, unanimous.
- Resolution: Truth in Taxation determination — approved (motion: Ernst; second: Moss) — outcome: approved, unanimous.
- Resolution: Illinois America 250 commemoration — approved (motion: Johnson; second: Smith) — outcome: approved, unanimous.
- Ordinance (second reading): surplus unclaimed bicycles (22) — approved (motion: Smith; second: McIntyre) — outcome: approved, unanimous.
- Ordinance (second reading): jurisdictional transfer of North Main Street — approved (motion: McIntyre; second: Smith) — outcome: approved, unanimous.
Next steps and context: Several items (the billboard variance, levy first reading) were deferred for future meetings where staff or proponents will provide additional information; the executive session was held under statutory authority with no immediate action reported.
