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Belvidere City Council approves redevelopment deal with DFA Dairy Brands and a slate of infrastructure contracts
Summary
At its June 1 meeting the Belvidere City Council unanimously approved a TIF-backed redevelopment agreement with DFA Dairy Brands Ice Cream LLC to fund wastewater-treatment improvements, approved a planned development for Central Commodities, confirmed multiple capital and service contracts, and appointed a new public-works director.
The Belvidere City Council on June 1 unanimously approved a redevelopment agreement with DFA Dairy Brands Ice Cream LLC that allows the city to use tax-increment financing (TIF) revenues from the Kishwaki River redevelopment plan to help pay for plant improvements intended to reduce burdens on the city's wastewater treatment plant.
The measure, Resolution 2026-17, passed after council members said preserving the local plant was important to the city's economy and wastewater system. "We are fortunate and they have been a great employer here in the city for over a hundred years," said Alderman Peterson, who urged support during discussion.
Council also approved Ordinance SE-765H, a special-use planned development for a facility at 1140 West Locust proposed by Central Commodities/Central Grain. Mr. Dan Mickey, identified in the meeting as representing Central Commodities, thanked the council after the vote.
In addition to the two headline items, the council approved a package of motions and low-bid contracts forwarded from committee. Key approvals included:
- Renewal of the First Due public-safety software subscription for $18,979.27, to be paid from budget line 01-5-220-7020 (approved by roll-call).
- Confirmation of Jordan Kek as director of public works, effective June 8, 2026 (approved by roll-call).
- Three mowing contracts with JSV Landscaping LLC: $455 per mowing for water department sites (61-5-810-6040), $2,931.20 per mowing for public works sites (01-5-310-60002), and $723.52 per mowing for Farmington Ponds (Farmington Pond Maintenance Fund) (each approved by roll-call).
- Low bid from DPI Construction for the Logan Avenue water main replacement project for $389,459.78, to be paid from the water depreciation account (61-1780) (approved by roll-call).
- Low bid from Current Contracting for $245,000 for the phase 3 sanitary manhole adjustment project, to be paid from capital funds (approved by roll-call).
- A motion to waive bidding and a related approval for factory repairs to the wastewater treatment plant thickening centrifuge by Centric's, not to exceed $45,241, to be paid from sewer depreciation account 61-1790 (approved by roll-call).
Council members who participated in roll-call votes were recorded as voting in favor on these items; the meeting record shows the motions passed without recorded opposition.
Why it matters: DFA's planned improvements are intended to reduce costly discharges of organic material to the city's wastewater system, a problem the mayor and council described as both a cost and operational risk for the plant. The use of TIF revenues for these improvements was authorized by the 2003 redevelopment plan for the Kishwaki River TIF district, and council described the support as a way to help a longstanding local employer while limiting impacts on city infrastructure.
What's next: Ordinance 766H, an intergovernmental agreement to transfer the Santa Claus House to the Belvidere Township Park District, was given a first reading and will return to council for action at the next regular meeting. The council adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
