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Council approves annexations, zoning changes, EMS amendment and capital contracts; dozen motions pass
Summary
Belvidere City Council approved second readings of multiple annexations and zoning ordinances, adopted a 3% EMS agreement amendment, appropriated $1.3 million in motor fuel tax funds for street maintenance and approved a slate of capital purchases and contracts including Appleton Road engineering work and the 2026 sidewalk program.
At its May 4 meeting the Belvidere City Council handled a broad slate of business: annexations and zoning second readings, a modest EMS contract amendment, motor-fuel tax appropriation, and a package of capital and operating purchases brought forward from committee.
Among the ordinance votes, the council approved second readings to annex property associated with Rush Power Systems LLC and additional territory at Hockey Drive and Irene Road (ordinances 755H and 756H). The council also approved code cleanup amendments to the zoning and subdivision ordinances (760H) and a zoning-district change and planned-development special use for 1014 Irene Road (762H and accompanying special-development approval).
On public-safety and operations, council approved resolution 2026-14 authorizing the third amendment to the EMS staffing and ambulance agreement with Metro Paramedic Services, Inc. (the amendment was described as a 3% change in the agreement). The council also approved resolution 2026-15 appropriating $1,300,000 in motor fuel tax funds for street and highway maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code for the remainder of 2026.
Committee motions carried a number of procurement and program items: authorizations to purchase firearms and related equipment for the police department, ballistic vest plates, purchase of a Lexipol policy-management solution (city attorney noted contract edits including a change to conform to the prompt payment act and removal of automatic renewal), a fill station for firefighter breathing-air equipment, and awards for the city's annual sidewalk program, landscaping and tree services. Council approved an agreement not to exceed $2,999,853 for phase 1 engineering and environmental review of the Appleton Road grade-separation project, with most of the work paid from grant funds and a modest city capital contribution; a related $4,000 proposal to complete a FRA grant application was also approved.
The council passed the motions and ordinances by roll-call votes during the meeting; staff and the city attorney provided the packet information and technical clarifications on contracts as requested. The mayor adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m.
Votes at a glance (select items recorded in the meeting): - Ordinance 755H (annexation — Rush Power Systems LLC): passed (roll-call recorded in packet). - Ordinance 756H (annexation — Hockey Drive/Irene Road): passed (roll-call recorded). - Ordinance 759H (sale of fire department personal property — 2003 Kawasaki jet ski): passed (10 in favor recorded). - Resolution 2026-14 (EMS agreement amendment — Metro Paramedic Services): passed (10 in favor recorded). - Resolution 2026-15 (motor fuel tax appropriation $1,300,000): passed (10 in favor recorded). - Appleton Road phase 1 engineering: agreement approved (amount not to exceed $2,999,853; grant funds cover majority).
