Public Meetings - Decatur, Illinois

The Decatur City Council held its regular meeting on November 2, 2026. The meeting included public comments, a discussion of the fiscal year 2027 budget and 2026 property tax levy, and approval of several resolutions and ordinances. Key topics included audit concerns, homelessness, ADM's FFA support, a memorial bench, ballot access, and budget priorities. Consent Calendar - Items A, B, and D were approved unanimously (7-0). Item C was previously removed from the agenda. Item A: resolution authorizing action regarding unsafe structures. Item B: ordinance adding territory to the enterprise zone and approving amendment for Lima Drive multi-family housing development. Item D: resolution accepting bid and authorizing purchase order for garbage, recycling, and landscape waste collection services at the municipal services building and garbage service for downtown and oakwood neighborhood pedestrian camps. Public Comments & Testimony - TJ Solarski (first appearance): Expressed concern that the 2022 Treasurer Report contains 582 out of 583 entries identical to the 2021 report, which he said does not happen by chance. Noted that city auditors reported a "material weakness" in financial reporting for 2021-2024 and that the city lacks an internal control policy over financial reporting. Requested a date for the overdue 2025 report and acknowledgment of his emails. - Jeffrey Mueller: Described ongoing outreach to homeless individuals, sharing stories of those in need. Asked the city to pursue a "plan B" for a daytime shelter location after the OASIS closure, urging action and public accountability. - Chris Geswine (ADM General Manager, Ethanol Business): Highlighted ADM's long-standing partnership with FFA, noting over $6 million in donations since 1957 and recent recognition for 50 years of giving. Emphasized FFA's role in developing future workforce skills. - Sheila Livingston Watson: Requested approval to place a fully funded memorial bench in Preston Jackson Park in honor of Horace G. Livingston Jr., a World War II veteran and mentor to Preston Jackson. Received support from Preston Jackson's brother, TJ Jackson, and his wife, Paulette Jackson. - Abier Motian: Claimed retaliation prevented her from appearing on the ballot and from accessing the Macon County building and Richland Community College. Demanded that the city work with her to be on the ballot as a supporter of President Trump. - Anne Owens: Thanked first responders and encouraged the council to continue funding services. Shared a story of a young man living in his truck and called for continued community support. - Michael Leone: Opposed any property tax increase, advocating for a land value tax instead of property tax, citing benefits seen in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. - Gary Feit: Questioned the number of city managers and expressed frustration with what he perceived as wasteful spending and creation of unnecessary positions. - TJ Solarski (second appearance, during budget discussion): Criticized the city's late financial reports and lack of internal controls. Noted that the city is discussing the 2027 budget without the 2025 audit or treasurer report. Questioned whether the county should withhold tax dollars until reports are filed. Requested dates for the 2025 audit and treasurer report, and delivery of a controls report approved by council. Discussion Items - Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Discussion: City Manager Melissa Hahn introduced the budget process. Several department heads presented highlights: - Economic and Community Development (Miranda Lambert): Focused on holding operating expenses flat while supporting the comprehensive plan, unified development ordinance, demolitions, residential rehab, and commercial facade improvements. Proposed a grant-funded transportation planner and a transit administrative assistant. Reported over 177,000 rides on Decatur Moves microtransit in its first year. Planned a comprehensive operations analysis for transit. - Public Works (Matt Newell): Presented department overview and budget highlights, including increased professional fees for locating services (due to fiber installations), higher electricity costs for street lighting and traffic signals, and planned projects: Garfield Avenue and 22nd Street Bridge replacement, Broadway sewer project, Garfield and Summit drainage project, lead service line replacement, and South Water Treatment Plant expansion. Staffing: two new water plant operator positions proposed. - IT (Travis Shannon): Focused on consolidating duplicated services and upgrading the ERP system to the cloud to save labor hours. No large capital server upgrades planned. Fiber network complete; will aggressively market unused fiber for revenue. - Police Chief Allen: Budget increase primarily for personnel. Key items: $2 million overtime, training, technology (drones, tasers), parking enforcement, fleet purchases. Pursuing grants for Axon suite, organized retail theft, DARE, and overtime reimbursements. - Fire Chief: Staffing at 109 authorized; training, facility repairs (Station 6 roof), cardiac monitor lease, portable radios, and grant strategy highlighted. Discussed reducing duplication of responses and noted $48,000 collected from residential facilities for lift services in the past year. - Tax Levy and Budget Overview (City Manager Hahn): Presented three scenarios: 1. Fully funded levy (rate 1.517650) – would cover all obligations but increase taxes (e.g., $7/month for $100k home). 2. Maintain current rate (1.38467) – would require $1.8 million from general fund; recommended by staff. 3. Hold levy flat (16.7 million) – rate drops to 1.28658; would require $3 million from general fund; results in slight tax decrease. Staff recommended holding the current rate to reduce general fund deficit of $2.45 million. Noted that other taxing bodies (schools, parks, county) increased their levies. - Council Debate: - Councilman Horn opposed increasing the levy, citing Macon County's high effective property tax rate (2.12% vs. national average 0.90%) and that the city has a projected surplus this year ($4 million) that could cover the deficit. He argued residents are overtaxed. - Councilwoman Gregory countered that Illinois funds schools through property taxes, making comparisons unfair. She supported maintaining services and investing in infrastructure, public safety, and water quality. She suggested rolling the community grant fund into the strategic fund to address homelessness. - Councilman McDaniel emphasized that deferring maintenance costs more later and that residents get good value from city services. He praised staff for securing grants. - Councilwoman Cruz argued that property tax increases are unsustainable with a declining population and high poverty rate. She called for a deliberate strategy to increase population and reduce poverty, tied to economic development. - Councilman Cooper agreed with Horn that residents are overtaxed and that the surplus can cover the deficit. - Mayor Moore Wolfe noted that taking money from the general fund reduces services and that deferred needs grow worse. - Other discussion: Councilman Horn requested department heads return for further budget questions. Councilman Cooper asked about push tax revenue; Hahn said it is not included in 2027 budget as software will not be ready until mid-2027, with estimated revenue uncertain (possibly $1 million). Councilwoman Gregory stressed that the budget is not just about covering the deficit but about maintaining quality of life. Key Outcomes - Approved Minutes: Minutes of October 19, 2026 City Council meeting approved (7-0). - Resolution Estimating 2026 Property Tax Levy (Item 2): Approved (7-0). This is an estimate required by state statute; the actual levy will be set at a later hearing. - Ordinance Authorizing Water Pollution Control Loan for Broadway and Jasper Sewer Rehabilitation (Item 3): Approved (7-0). Authorizes borrowing from the Illinois EPA for the project. - Resolution Authorizing Preston Jackson Park Bench (Item 4): Approved (7-0). Bench fully funded by community foundation. - Consent Calendar: Items A, B, D approved (7-0). Item C was removed. - City Manager Update: Noted new hires and departures, and encouraged public participation in the comprehensive plan survey and upcoming community visioning session on November 17, 2026. - Next Steps: Budget discussions will continue at the next meeting (November 16, 2026). Budget hearing and adoption scheduled for December 7, 2026; tax levy hearing and adoption on December 14, 2026 (with possible December 21 backup). Council may also schedule a study session on homelessness per Councilman Cooper's request.

The meeting was called to order with six council members present (Councilman Horn, Cole, Cooper, Gregory, Cruz, McDaniel, and Mayor Morwolf) and one absent. It began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a 30-minute public comment period. Public Comments & Testimony - Verlan Rosenberger asked about enforcement of the vacant property registration ordinance (Chapter 70.2, enacted May 18, 2020), including whether property owners are registering, how many have registered, and who follows up on inspections and security requirements. - Jeffrey Mueller urged the city to provide a concrete plan for the roughly 25–40 unsheltered individuals he speaks with nightly, following the closure of OASIS. He asked whether anyone has been connected to substance abuse treatment or mental health care and called for a coordinated response before cold weather. - Brittany Larson (ADM Director of Stakeholder Engagement) announced the launch of the ADM Decatur Community Facebook Hub for open dialogue and information sharing. - Jacob K. Robinson expressed frustration over the demolition of the Antioch church (525 N. Church St., built 1890), which housed his congregation since 1957. He stated the Black community was not informed and historical assets (stained glass windows, chandeliers, pews) were lost. - Jeffrey Perkins spoke about the devaluation of Black Americans, citing the church as a community staple whose destruction reflects systemic disparities. He was cut off after time expired. - Rick Walker (business owner) requested a zoning change from office (O-1) to B-2 commercial for 228–248 W. Main St. to open Spillin Tea Company, noting the property has long-standing commercial use per Macon County. - Dominique Stanton (Greenwood Manor resident) reported being wrongfully evicted after complaining about severe roach, mice, bedbug, and black mold infestations. She said other residents fear retaliation and asked for an inspector and legal help. - Terry Stanley (59-year resident) criticized deteriorating sidewalks and roads, discrimination, declining youth amenities, and poor city bus service, stating she plans to leave due to safety and accessibility issues. - Abir Motin (mayoral candidate) outlined plans for a 24-hour shelter, multi-faith facilities, and ending corruption, calling for community healing. - Ann Owens played voicemails from a veteran (James Summers, thanking for an Easter basket) and a 94-year-old (Mrs. Helen Stall, seeking rent assistance) to illustrate unmet needs among vulnerable residents. Discussion Items - Antioch Church Demolition: Corporate Counsel Mortland explained the building was structurally unsound (engineer report), had asbestos issues, and no entity stepped forward to rehabilitate it. City authorized demolition in April 2024. Councilman Horn noted the city has 500 dangerous vacant properties and criticized the lack of a preservation strategy for historic structures. - Vacant Property Registration Enforcement: Councilman Horn stated that out of an estimated 5,000 vacant properties, only 25 are registered. Staff will review the ordinance’s effectiveness compared to existing city codes. - Homelessness and OASIS Closure: Mayor acknowledged the crisis, stating the city is exploring laundry/shower facilities and seeking an operator for the OASIS building. Several organizations have expressed interest but lack funding. The Continuum of Care lost 100 housing units in five years. - Wabash Crossing & Housing Code Violations: Councilwoman Cruz questioned why Wabash is not demolished. Mortland distinguished demolition (dangerous/unsafe) from property maintenance violations. 70 citations were issued in March; the case has moved to circuit court. Cruz requested a status update for the next meeting. - Greenwood Manor Conditions: Staff advised residents to contact Neighborhood Standards for inspections. Councilman McDaniel offered to connect Dominique Stanton with staff after the meeting. - TIF Feasibility Studies: Council approved resolutions authorizing PGAV to conduct feasibility studies for two new TIF districts: Near North 2 (near Wabash Crossing) and Pershing Road/22nd Street. These are studies only, not TIF creation. - Public Comment on TIFs: Chad Bolan requested accountability for the expired 2023–2025 strategic plan, asking for a public dashboard showing results of past neighborhood revitalization metrics (assessed value, housing condition, vacancies, crime, owner occupancy). - Water Supply Study: Approved a sponsored service agreement with the University of Illinois to assess the sustainable yield (target 7.5 million gallons/day) of the Mahomet Aquifer at the Decatur well field. - Transit Grant Application: Approved submission of a $20 million IDOT capital grant application for the campus master plan. Key Outcomes - Votes: All resolutions and ordinances passed 6–0, with Councilman Horn, Cooper, Gregory, Cruz, McDaniel, and Mayor Morwolf voting in favor. - Consent Calendar Approved: Included acceptance of FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (diesel exhaust systems), annexation of 2010 Heritage Dr., rezoning of 228–248 W. Main St. to B-2, and appointments to the Plan Commission, Civil Service Commission, Decatur Housing Authority, and Civic Center Board. - Conditional Use Permit Corrected: Rescinded and re-approved the conditional use permit for 357 W. Decatur St. to fix an erroneous parcel identification number. - Closed Meeting Minutes: Approved release of minutes from April 26, June 20, and May 19 of an unspecified year; other minutes remain confidential. - Next Steps: Community Visioning Session for the comprehensive plan will be held October 20, 2026, 4–7 PM at the Decatur Public Library.

The Decatur City Council met on October 5, 2026. The meeting included extensive public comment on the Heritage OASIS program closure. The Council approved a restructured bond for Millikin University, authorized a railroad merger analysis, accepted CDBG and HOME funds, and granted a conditional use permit. After significant debate, the Council voted 4-3 to proceed with the asbestos abatement and demolition of the former Antioch Baptist Church at 525 North Church Street. Public Comments & Testimony - OASIS Program Closure (Multiple Speakers): Mary Owens and Jeff Mueller demanded a timeline and transition plan for the temporary pause, questioning whether stated 24/7 services at the Heritage hub were operational. Angela Love requested the city coordinate a multi-agency table to map service gaps. Michael Leone (Public Aid) noted mail pickup continues on limited days and emphasized basic needs. Tim O'Connor questioned fire department readiness for the ADM pipeline and suggested redirecting recreation funds to human services. Joyce Keller (Human Relations Commissioner) characterized the closure as a potential hate crime. - Heritage Response: Mary Garrison (President/CEO, Heritage Behavioral Health) stated the pause was temporary for internal capacity building and infrastructure strengthening. She had no specific reopening date to announce but confirmed resource navigation continues through the downtown hub and community partner network. - 525 North Church Street (Items D & E): Brent Robertson argued against demolition, comparing it to a Chicago building repurposed after decades. Jeff Burns raised concerns about clerical errors and cost discrepancies in the bids compared to the YWCA project. Mary Owens noted the church is currently occupied by homeless individuals and opposed spending $300,000 on the structure. - Other Comments: Maggie Cummiford (ADM Cares) reported 650 ADM colleagues contributed over 1,500 volunteer hours and $135,000 to the community food drive. CJ Solarski raised data privacy concerns regarding the FLOCK camera system. Monad Graves complained about drag racing on Decatur Street and lack of transit connections. Consent Calendar - Items Approved Unanimously (7-0): Annexation (2209 Mesa Drive), Brush College Road Pump Station agreement, OpenGov platform renewal, city health benefits plan, and Halloween trick-or-treat hours. - Items Pulled: Items D (Asbestos Abatement) and E (Demolition) for 525 North Church Street were pulled for individual votes. Discussion Items & New Business - Millikin University Bonds (Items 1 & 2): Council rescinded a prior $53M ordinance and approved an $18M tax-exempt revenue bond. University President Dr. Privanal explained the shift from a public to a private placement due to market volatility. City acts as a conduit issuer with no financial liability. Vote: 6-0 (Councilman Horn recused). - Rail Merger Impact Analysis (Item 3): Council approved $124,991 from community revitalization funds for a technical analysis of the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger. The analysis is needed to support city mitigation requests to the Surface Transportation Board by the Nov 18, 2026 deadline, specifically regarding an anticipated 3-7 additional trains per day. Vote: 7-0. - CDBG & HOME Funding (Item 4): Council accepted $1.34M in Community Development Block Grant funds and $356,854 in HOME funds for FY2026. Funds will support housing rehabs, emergency repairs (waitlist of 200+ for roofs), and homebuyer assistance. Vote: 7-0. - Powers Mansion Conditional Use Permit (Item 5): Council granted a conditional use permit for 357 W Decatur Street to allow the historic Powers Mansion to operate as a wedding and event venue. Vote: 7-0. - City Manager Update: Staff promotions were announced (Police Lt. Scott Marquita, Sgt. Tucker Tool, Water Plant Operator III Charles Roberts). Retirement of Lt. John Quayle (29 years). City staff donated 2,371 lbs of food to the community drive. Key Outcomes - 525 North Church Street Asbestos Abatement (Item D): Approved 4-3. (Ayes: Cole, Gregory, McDaniel, Morwolf; Nays: Cooper, Cruz, Horn). The $46,000 contract with M&O Environmental covers removal of asbestos from windows and doors, as the building was deemed too structurally unsafe for full interior abatement. - 525 North Church Street Demolition (Item E): Approved 4-3. (Ayes: Cole, Gregory, McDaniel, Morwolf; Nays: Cooper, Cruz, Horn). The $236,000 contract with Steve's Trucking was authorized. Supporters cited safety and a completed legal process; opponents argued the funds should be prioritized for dozens of blighted residential structures. - Directives & Clarifications: Councilwoman Cruz asked the city manager to update the website resource tab to specify service locations (showers, bathrooms). Corporation Counsel confirmed the city is actively pursuing reimbursement for the YWCA property owners through the courts, complicated by a bankruptcy filing. Funds left in the demolition budget revert to the general fund at year-end.