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Princeton council annexes fairgrounds, advances budget and other ordinances
Summary
In the March 16 meeting council approved two annexations (including the Bureau County Fairgrounds), advanced several ordinances to later readings and handled routine business including bids for water treatment chemicals and a library board appointment.
Beyond the business district hearing, the Princeton City Council voted on multiple routine and policy items during the March 16 meeting.
Annexations: The council adopted ordinance O‑26‑00005 to annex the Bureau County Fairgrounds into the city to allow the fairboard to access district resources and passed ordinance O‑26‑00006 to annex the adjacent Riker property; both votes were recorded by roll call. Council said it would follow with a resolution to grant the fairgrounds a grandfathered use status for livestock and event noise.
Property and budget items: Council advanced ordinance O‑26‑00007 (purchase agreement for 526 North Chestnut Street) to a second reading; staff characterized the house as blighted but salvageable and said acquisition aims to restore the property for residential use. The council also advanced ordinance O‑26‑008 (budget amendments for FY 2025–26) that includes a $75,000 refund from the Illinois Municipal Risk Management Association and records BDD preparation costs (consultant and legal) in the economic development fund.
Procurement and appointments: The council approved resolution R‑26‑00007 to award 2026 water‑treatment chemical contracts to low bidders (Alexander Chemical Corp.; Brent Tag; Raw Wall Chemical; SJ Smith) and appointed Stephanie Reinhardt to fill an unexpired library board term expiring June 2026.
Administrative notes: Staff said some BDD preparation costs will be paid from current budgets and could be reimbursed later from district proceeds. Mayor Mabry read a proclamation recognizing Vietnam War Veterans Week and encouraged voter turnout for the March primary. The council adjourned and set the next meeting for April 6, 2026.
Votes at a glance: annexations O‑26‑00005 and O‑26‑00006 approved by roll call; ordinance O‑26‑004 (BDD) adopted (final reading); O‑26‑007 and O‑26‑008 advanced to second reading; resolutions R‑26‑006 and R‑26‑00007 approved; Stephanie Reinhardt appointed to library board.
