Decatur City Council Meeting Summary - September 8, 2026

The Decatur City Council held a regular meeting on September 8, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting included a proclamation for Pride Day, extensive public comments on data centers and the Flock safety system, a detailed police department presentation on Flock, approval of new business items, and updates from the city manager.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent calendar (items A through N) on a single unanimous vote. Items included software for parking enforcement, grant certifications, police training payments, vehicle purchases, grant applications for microtransit vehicles, boiler pump and elevator repairs, elevator maintenance contracts, Lake Decatur Watershed agreements, an alcohol consumption ordinance, and appointments to boards and commissions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeff Burns and TJ Solarski (residents) raised concerns about the Flock safety system, questioning data ownership, accuracy, and privacy, and requesting a technology committee. TJ Solarski suggested the city develop its own system.
• Verlin Rosenberger (Illinois People’s Action) addressed a prior Citizens Voluntary Advisory Committee (CVAC) meeting, stating IPA members used silent protest and were not disruptive, and criticized the lack of public engagement on data centers.
• Virginia Cooper (resident) opposed data centers, citing negative impacts on water usage, noise, health, and jobs, and called for transparency.
• Deloitte Sanders (candidate for city council) outlined three priorities: neighborhood safety/cleanup, local economic development, and youth programs, emphasizing responsible budget and communication.
• Tim O’Connor (East John’s Hill neighborhood) criticized the CVAC process and the mayor’s position on data centers, alleging lack of transparency and influence.
• Stephanie Brown (resident) questioned the city’s position on AI data centers, sharing research indicating AI data centers exist in Illinois despite strict privacy laws. Later during the Flock agenda item, she read the Fourth Amendment and raised concerns about warrantless searches and data security.
• Brandon Rick (ADM Fleet and Sustainability Manager) updated on the completion of the Brush College Parkway overpass, harvest season, and ADM’s investment in Decatur (over $195 million annually since 2020).
• Brett Robertson (resident) shared a personal story to advocate for attracting high-skilled jobs.
• Sherry Owens (resident) reported on preserved sandstone pillars from old Decatur High School and announced preservation awards to city employees.
• An unnamed resident (Mr. Feich) complained about flooding issues, lack of response, and lack of transparency.

Discussion: New Business

Animal Control Agreement Extension

• Council approved an extension of the intergovernmental agreement with Macon County for animal control through July 31, 2027. City Manager Hahn explained that the city will take over criminal violation investigations and continue managing the pet registration program.

Professional Engineering Services for Lead Service Line Replacement

• Council approved a $563,000 agreement with Clark Deets, Inc. for design services for the lead-contaminated galvanized water service line replacement project (City Project 2026-20). Public Works Director Newell stated the agreement covers two bid packages and assists in applying for subsequent grants. Council discussed the necessity of outside expertise due to staffing constraints.

Presentation: Flock Safety System

• Police Chief Allen, Deputy Chief Rosenberry, and Flock Public Affairs Manager Phil Arnold presented an overview of the Flock safety system, covering both license plate readers (LPRs) and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras. They highlighted safeguards: data owned by the city, 30-day auto-deletion, no facial recognition, prohibition of immigration and reproductive care searches, mandatory case number for searches, monthly audits, and a forthcoming transparency portal. Success stories included solving homicides, kidnappings, missing persons, and burglaries. Council discussed data sharing, audit procedures, and PTZ camera safeguards. Several council members expressed strong support, noting zero documented misuse in over five years. Citizens spoke after the presentation, reiterating privacy and data security concerns.

City Manager Update

• City Manager Hahn provided updates on the Wabash housing development: the city is facilitating conversations among East Lake management, Decatur Housing Authority, and HUD; a redevelopment plan is in progress and must be HUD-approved. She confirmed the city does not own any housing units. New hires were introduced, including finance director Michelle Anderson (first day). Decatur Moves microtransit service recorded 170,364 riders and 160,372 trips in its first year. The comprehensive plan survey is ongoing via the city website and community events.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent calendar (items A–N) unanimously.
• Approved resolution authorizing extension of animal control intergovernmental agreement (7–0).
• Approved resolution authorizing engineering services agreement with Clark Deets, Inc. for $563,000 (7–0).
• Council received and discussed Flock safety system presentation; no vote taken.
• City Manager will follow up on citizen complaint about flooding and on providing specific policies for Flock camera location selection.
• Next steps for data centers: City staff will develop a draft zoning ordinance, which will go to the Planning Commission for a public hearing before returning to Council for consideration.