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Highland council approves STP grant application, grants, equipment purchase and code changes; multiple votes unanimous
Summary
At its Jan. 20 meeting the Highland City Council unanimously approved an STP application for Broadway improvements, a $10,510.50 path‑sealing grant application, façade incentives, a sole‑source $250,000 mini rescue pumper purchase, an ordinance permitting school chickens for education, and other routine measures.
The Highland City Council on Jan. 20 approved a package of routine resolutions and ordinances, including an application to the 2026 Surface Transportation Block Grant Program for Broadway Street improvements, a $10,510.50 grant application to seal shared‑use paths, façade improvement incentives, a sole‑source purchase of a used mini rescue pumper, and code changes to allow limited chickens at the local school for educational purposes.
Council approved Bill #26‑04 (Resolution #26‑01‑3244) to apply for STP funds to improve Broadway Street from Poplar Street to Swallow Lane. City Manager Chris Conrad said the application is part of the city's regular submissions for projects expected 3–4 years out; the proposed work would widen Broadway, add sidewalk on one side and construct a bike/multipurpose trail on the north side.
The council unanimously approved Bill #26‑05 (Resolution #26‑01‑3245) authorizing application for a Madison County Agency for Community Transit Community Action grant of $10,510.50 to seal shared‑use paths along Iberg Road and Troxler Avenue.
Economic development action included Bill #26‑06 (Resolution #26‑01‑3246) awarding façade improvement incentives to Daryn Riechmann for 1011 Washington Street.
On equipment, the council approved Bill #26‑07 (Resolution #26‑01‑3247) to purchase a 2022 FOUTS mini rescue pumper from the Worley Fire Protection District for $250,000, waiving customary bidding procedures. City Manager Conrad said the city had planned to build a new unit later but the available chassis accelerates the purchase; Chief Straub said a new truck would cost about $450,000 and that a smaller unit provides better access for volunteer crews in alleys.
Council adopted Bill #26‑08 (Ordinance #3425) to amend Chapter 14 (Animals) to allow chickens to be kept at the school for educational uses. Claire Geiger, the ag‑science teacher who spoke to the council, said she is not certain yet how many chickens will be used and that the project is expected to be short term.
Bill #26‑09 (Ordinance #3426) amended building permit fees and reversed a prior transfer of plumbing inspections to the state so the city would conduct plumbing inspections to help address backlogs.
Council also accepted Expenditures Report #1306 (Jan. 3–16, 2026) and handled other procedural business. Most votes were unanimous (Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, Napper voted aye in roll call), and Councilwoman Bellm made or seconded many motions.
Votes at a glance: - Bill #26‑04 (Resolution #26‑01‑3244): STP application for Broadway Street improvements — Approved, roll call 4–0 (Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, Napper). - Bill #26‑05 (Resolution #26‑01‑3245): Grant application for sealing shared‑use paths ($10,510.50) — Approved, 4–0. - Bill #26‑06 (Resolution #26‑01‑3246): Façade Improvement incentive to Daryn Riechmann — Approved, 4–0. - Bill #26‑07 (Resolution #26‑01‑3247): Sole‑source purchase of 2022 mini rescue pumper from Worley Fire Protection District ($250,000) — Approved, 4–0; city to use reserves as needed. - Bill #26‑08 (Ordinance #3425): Amend Chapter 14 to allow chickens at school for educational purposes — Adopted, 4–0. - Bill #26‑09 (Ordinance #3426): Amend building permit fees and resume plumbing inspections — Adopted, 4–0. - Bill #26‑10 (Resolution #26‑01‑3248): Ambulance service and lease agreement with HSHS St. Joseph Hospital — Approved, 4–0 (see separate article). - Expenditures Report #1306 acceptance — Approved, 4–0.
The council temporarily adjourned to executive session under the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss closed minutes and reconvened at 7:42 p.m., later approving the release of executive session minutes (Bill #26‑03). The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
