Belvidere council approves $1.7M in expenditures, capital equipment purchases and key appointments; Wilcox confirmed amid benefits debate

The Belvidere City Council on May 18 approved several budget items, appointments and capital purchases and confirmed Greg (Craig) Wilcox as Director of Buildings effective June 6, 2026.

Council approved general and special fund expenditures presented at $1,761,694.95 (roll call recorded 10 in favor) and then approved water and sewer fund expenditures (amount presented $991,667.55; a differing figure appeared later in the roll-call audio). The mayor opened the floor for questions on both and the motions passed on roll calls.

Appointments drawn from committee were approved by voice/roll call votes: Daniel (Dan) Druckery was appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a five‑year term through May 2031; Arthur Hyland was similarly appointed to P&Z for a five‑year term. The council also approved three Historic Preservation Commission appointments: Kimberly Caniglio and Sonya Dobrevieux (transcript contains variant spellings), each for three‑year terms ending April 30, 2029. Each appointment motion recorded 10 votes in favor.

Public Works items cleared included approval (10–0) to contract Hampton, Lenzini & Renwick for up to $3,600 to complete the FRA railroad crossing elimination program grant application for the Appleton Road grade separation (funded from line item 41-5-110-8025); and approval (roll call 9 in favor) of a $22,750 Testing Service Corporation contract for material testing on Parking Lot No. 7 to be paid from grant and capital funds.

The council also approved purchases from Westside Tractor Sales: a 2026 John Deere 190G excavator for $345,532.85 (including trade-in) and a 2026 John Deere 60P mini excavator for $140,446.49, both to be paid from capital funds. Staff noted the older mini excavator may be auctioned or reassigned to the street department.

The most contested personnel action was the appointment of Craig (Greg) Wilcox as Director of Buildings. Chairwoman Frank presented the committee motion citing budgetary savings (the new hire salary was presented as $80,000 compared with the prior $89,000). Alderman Meriden moved to amend the hire to change the paid vacation from eight weeks to four weeks; the motion to amend failed on roll call (2 in favor, 8 opposed). Final confirmation of Wilcox passed on roll call (8 in favor; 1 recorded nay from Brereton; some council members expressed policy or procedural concerns but supported the appointment as a succession and budget solution).

The meeting concluded after a brief thank-you to the incoming director and a motion to adjourn at 7:05 p.m.