Crest Hill council approves proclamations, tables minutes item, reappoints commissioners and clears forensic‑audit and infrastructure contracts

The Crest Hill City Council voted on a range of routine and higher‑profile items during its May 4 meeting, including proclamations, reappointments, legal engagements, and a major infrastructure contract.

Proclamations and recognitions: The council unanimously approved a proclamation designating May as ALS Awareness Month and heard remarks from John Aldridge and family about his sister’s diagnosis. The council also approved proclamations recognizing National Police Week (May 11–17, 2026) and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 17), and a proclamation for National Public Works Week (May 17–23, 2026). Police chief Ed Clark and public works director Gary Richardson addressed the chamber and received council commendations.

Consent agenda and minutes: The mayor read 20 consent‑agenda items including contracts, promotions, payroll and a drone purchase. Councilor requests removed item 6(c) (approval of minutes from the April 27 work session) for further review. After discussion about the minutes format (summary vs. verbatim) and the possibility of archiving audio, the council voted to table item 6(c); the motion carried with one abstention recorded.

Appointments: The council approved reappointments to commissions: Tom Hunter to the Civil Service Commission and Marty Flynn and Gordon Butler to the Plan Commission; abstentions were recorded in some roll calls as noted in the minutes.

Forensic audit and legal engagement: The city attorney presented two linked resolutions to engage Ketchum Advisory LLC for a forensic audit of the events committee and to retain Hervis, Condon & Bersani for associated legal services. Councilors asked about scope and costs; the Ketchum Phase 1 estimate discussed at the meeting was $10,000–$12,000 and the law firm will bill hourly. Both resolutions passed; recorded votes included several yes votes, at least one explicit no, and a few abstentions.

Infrastructure contract: The city engineer reported on competitive bids for reconstruction of the city’s east and west receiving stations and recommended a notice of intent to award the project to Visserin Construction Company for $9,427,000, with staff directed to prepare the IEPA loan submittal. Council approved the notice of intent and related authorization.

Salaries ordinance: The council adopted an ordinance approving nonunion employee salaries for FY 2026–27, including a 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment and merit ranges consistent with the presentation from administration and HR. The item passed on roll call.

The meeting ended with routine department reports, reminders about community events, and adjournment at 8:57 p.m.