Braidwood public meetings in 2025
34 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council approved several professional service agreements for parks and water management, a residential solid waste contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC, and the purchase of a generator for water treatment plants. The body also authorized $117,449.20 in bill payments and $102,481.32 for payroll.
- Residential Solid Waste Collection Service Agreement with Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC
- Payment of Bills: $117,449.20
- Payroll Expenses: $102,481.32
- Professional Services Proposal with Hitchcock Design Group for a Comprehensive Master Parks Plan
- Purchase of a generator for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants (competitive bidding waived)
City Council
The Braidwood City Council held a special meeting to discuss the city's mission, vision, core values, and long-term goals. The session focused on themes of community service, small-town values, and fiscal responsibility. No formal action was taken, and draft concepts will be developed for future consideration.
- Goal-setting session for mission, vision, and core values
- Discussion on maintaining small-town values and fiscal responsibility
- Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
- Next Special Meeting: Monday, January 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
- Meeting held at City Hall, 141 W. Main St., Braidwood, IL 60408
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole approved the minutes from the November 12 meeting. Council members discussed a proposed prevailing wage ordinance, an amendment to the competitive bidding ordinance, the results of the garbage contract request, a $500,000 water infrastructure estimate for the Dixon Mobile Home Park, a $25,000 design fee for a park master plan, and updates to the building code. No final actions were taken; several items will be placed on future City Council agendas for approval.
- Prevailing Wage Ordinance – requires contractors on city projects to pay prevailing wages
- Responsible Bidder Ordinance amendment – formal bidding required for purchases over $25,000
- Garbage contract – LRS offered the lowest cost proposal; council approval scheduled for Dec. 23
- Dixon Mobile Home Park water agreement – estimated $500,000 to install needed water main infrastructure
- Park Site Master Plan – design fee $25,000 (city $20,000, park district $5,000) payable over 2026
City Council
The City Council approved several financial payments, including payroll and a plant operators stipend. The body also waived competitive bidding for salt barn door and roofing repairs and accepted the FY 2023-2024 audit. Residents discussed senior housing needs and local food drives during public comment.
- Approved payment of bills totaling $328,204.98 and payroll of $94,924.08
- Approved Annual Plant Operators Stipend of $6,750.00
- Ordinance 25-60: Waived competitive bidding for Door Masters (Salt Barn Rolling Steel Door)
- Ordinance 25-61: Waived competitive bidding for Adler Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc. repairs
- Resolution 25-26 and 25-27: Appropriated $8,000 and $5,500 respectively from Motor Fuel Tax Funds
City Council
The City Council approved the tax levy for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2025, and updated ordinances regarding utility billing and social media use. The body also authorized a police agreement for reporting criminal offenses by students and approved several large payments.
- Approved Ordinance 25-55 for the Levy and Assessment of taxes for FY 2025-2026
- Approved payment of bills totaling $440,391.64 and payroll of $102,862.72
- Approved Letter of Credit reductions for D’Orazio ($402,201.00) and Bauer ($394,427.00)
- Adopted Ordinance 25-56 regarding utility billing, payment, and disconnection procedures
- Approved Ordinance 25-53 adopting a Hiring and Recruitment Policy and Procedure
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole approved the October 14 minutes and discussed several policy updates, including a Planned Unit Development ordinance to revise zoning codes, a new city social media policy, and a snow‑operations ordinance amendment. Council expressed support for creating an Economic Development Committee, updating the letter‑of‑credit ordinance, and adopting a formal hiring process, while noting that some items will be placed on the next council agenda for final action.
- Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance to update zoning thresholds and requirements
- City social media policy update for managing comments on official platforms
- Police & Public Works snow‑operations ordinance amendment to clarify enforcement criteria
- Creation of an advisory Economic Development Committee composed of local business leaders
- Letter of credit ordinance and policy updates, including a new letter of credit for the Bauer Chevrolet/GMC dealership
City Council
The Braidwood City Council approved a payment of $273,350.41 for street repairs, a resolution for a proposed WHP Data Center Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, and an ordinance amending utility billing procedures. The meeting also included a moment of silence for a former commissioner and the introduction of a new city prosecutor.
- Approval of $273,350.41 payment for FY 2025 Road Program
- Approval of Ordinance 25-52 amending utility billing procedures
- Approval of Resolution 25-25 for proposed WHP Data Center TIF
- Approval of Ordinance 25-51 creating Special Events Commission
- Approval of Resolution 25-24 for Letter of Credit with Old Second National Bank
City Council
The Braidwood City Council approved several ordinances authorizing contracts with Civic Plus for code codification and website services, and with Twin Supplies for an LED lighting program. It also adopted ordinances amending administrative adjudications and establishing a police resource officer agreement with the local school district. Additionally, the council approved payment of bills totaling $478,646.68 and payroll expenses of $105,552.95.
- Ordinance 25-46 – contract with Civic Plus for codifying the city’s code of ordinances
- Ordinance 25-47 – contract with Civic Plus for the city website and media services
- Ordinance 25-48 – amendment to the code concerning administrative adjudications
- Ordinance 25-49 – intergovernmental agreement with Reed‑Custer CUSD No. 255U for a Police Resource Officer (2025‑2026 school year)
- Ordinance 25-50 – approval of two Twin Supplies, LTD quotes for the LED Light Replacement Program
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole reviewed a smart water metering system, website and code modernization options, and updates to the administrative adjudication ordinance. Council members considered a proposal to form a five‑member Special Events Commission appointed by the mayor. They also discussed opening a hiring process for a Public Works Director with a salary range of $110,000‑$120,000.
- Presentation of Sensus smart water metering AMI system (future approval pending)
- Proposal to upgrade city website, agenda management, and code codification via CivicPlus/Municode
- Updates to the Administrative Adjudication Ordinance to align with state law
- Creation of a Special Events Commission composed of five resident members
- Public Works Director job description with salary range $110,000–$120,000
City Council
The Braidwood City Council approved Resolution 25-20, authorizing a letter of credit with Old National Bank for Dora, LLC. The council also adopted several financial actions, including payment of $194,672.62 in bills and payroll expenses of $96,494.24 and $91,540.87. Additionally, two resolutions appropriated $550,000 and $280,000 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund for past periods.
- Approve Resolution 25-20: Letter of Credit with Old National Bank for Dora, LLC
- Approve payment of bills totaling $194,672.62
- Approve payroll expenses of $96,494.24 (Sept. 26) and $91,540.87 (Oct. 10)
- Approve Resolution 25-21: $550,000 appropriation from Motor Fuel Tax Fund
- Approve Resolution 25-22: $280,000 appropriation from Motor Fuel Tax Fund
City Council
The City Council approved a new grocery retailers' and service occupation tax to support the Braidwood Park District. The body also authorized consulting agreements for TIF development and approved several ordinance amendments regarding contractors and certificates of occupancy.
- Ordinance 25-39: Implementation of Municipal Grocery Retailers’ and Service Occupation Taxes
- Ordinance 25-41: Two Credits and Incentives Services Agreements with Ryan, LLC for TIF and Development Consulting
- Payment of bills totaling $209,595.59 and payroll of $91,648.21
- Resolution 25-18: Letter of Credit Agreement with Peoples Bank regarding Mastodon Gas Station
- Ordinance 25-44: Adoption of a new City of Braidwood Purchasing Policy
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole reviewed proposals for a new TIF consultant and a $13,700 Springbrook purchase order system. The body also discussed updates to contractor licensing, certificate of occupancy requirements, and the allocation of grocery tax revenue.
- Proposed Springbrook Purchase Order software costing $13,700 ($5,150 annual subscription and $8,550 setup/training)
- Proposed professional fee agreement for developers with a $20,000 fee tiered by project size
- Discussion of 1% grocery tax revenue, which is projected to drop to $60,000 in FY26
- Proposed amendments to Certificate of Occupancy requiring all inspections and fees be completed before issuance
- Proposal to switch city cellular service from Verizon to T-Mobile T-Priority network
City Council
The Braidwood City Council appointed Sarah Weaver as the new City Clerk and approved benefits for her position. It authorized the OSLAD Grant Program with a $600,000 local match that unlocks $1.2 million in grant funding. The council also approved an ordinance allowing the city to contract with Surf Internet for internet services in city buildings and authorized payments of $181,740.16 for bills and $85,769.36 for payroll.
- Appointment of Sarah Weaver as City Clerk (Resolution 25‑14)
- Approval of OSLAD Grant Program with $600,000 local match (Resolution 25‑15)
- Ordinance 25‑37 authorizing contract with Surf Internet for city building internet services
- Payment of city bills totaling $181,740.16
- Approval of payroll expense totaling $85,769.36
City Council
The council awarded a $318,727.65 contract to P.T. Ferro for road work on Stacey Court, Vita Lane, and Third Street. It also approved a cable franchise agreement with Comcast and declared a property at 693 W. Main Street legal nonconforming. Additional financial actions included approving $176,189.57 in bills, $86,667.11 in payroll, and appropriating $830,000 from the motor fuel tax fund.
- Award road bid $318,727.65 to P.T. Ferro for improvements on Stacey Court, Vita Lane, and Third Street
- Approve Ordinance 25-35 for a cable franchise agreement with Comcast of California/Colorado/Illinois/Indiana/Michigan LLC
- Approve Ordinance 25-36 finding 693 W. Main Street legal nonconforming
- Approve payment of bills totaling $176,189.57
- Approve appropriation of $830,000 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole discussed a proposed 1% grocery tax to replace a repealing state tax and a $24,903.96 lead and copper survey. The body also addressed illegal dumping of fill on vacant lots and a proposed internet service provider switch for City Hall and the Police Department.
- Proposed 1% Municipal Grocery Retailers’ and Service Occupation Tax
- Recommended $24,903.96 quote from 120 Water for IEPA Lead & Copper Survey
- Proposed switch from Comcast Business to Surf Internet for City Hall and Police Department
- Proposed amendments to contractor registration and definitions in the Code of Ordinances
- Discussion of illegal dumping of earth and construction spoils on vacant properties
City Council
The Braidwood City Council approved the minutes from the July 22 meeting, authorized the renewal of BCBS insurance and Life Insurance policies, and approved payments totaling $424,616.90. The council also appointed Mayor Todd Lyons to the WESCOM Executive Board and approved a resolution to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax funds.
- Approve Payment of Bills $337,540.62
- Approve Payroll $87,076.28
- Approve BCBS Insurance renewal
- Approve Resolution 25-11 for Motor Fuel Tax Funds
- Appoint Mayor Lyons to WESCOM Executive Board
City Council
The council approved the July 8 meeting minutes and authorized payment of $86,421.26 and payroll of $84,372.34. It adopted Ordinance 25‑33, allowing the mayor to contract Hitchcock Design Group for a town‑center master plan and OSLAD grant application, and Ordinance 25‑34 for engineering services with Robinson Engineering for the sewage‑treatment plant NPDES permit renewal. The council also appropriated motor‑fuel tax funds totaling $750,000 for fiscal years 2022‑2026.
- Ordinance 25‑33: contract with Hitchcock Design Group for town‑center master plan and OSLAD grant
- Ordinance 25‑34: contract with Robinson Engineering for sewage‑treatment plant NPDES permit renewal
- Approve payment of bills: $86,421.26
- Approve payroll expenses: $84,372.34
- Appropriate motor‑fuel tax funds: $150k, $160k, $210k, $230k
City Council
The council approved Ordinance 25-29, appointing Eric Allen as the city’s Chief of Police and waiving residency requirements. It also adopted Ordinance 25-30 to amend the code governing standing committees and Ordinance 25-31 to authorize disposal of city-owned personal property. The council authorized payment of bills totaling $367,874.56 and approved payroll expenses of $81,514.74.
- Ordinance 25-29: Appointment of Eric Allen as Chief of Police, with residency waiver
- Ordinance 25-30: Amendment to standing committee sections of the city code
- Ordinance 25-31: Authorization to dispose of personal property owned by the city
- Approval of payment of bills amounting to $367,874.56
- Approval of payroll expenses totaling $81,514.74
City Council
The Braidwood City Council held a special meeting on June 24, 2025. Commissioners moved to open an executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, and later moved to close the session. No public comments or other agenda items were presented.
- Motion to enter executive session to discuss employee appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1))
- Motion to close executive session
City Council
The City Council discussed proposed ordinances regarding abandoned and inoperable vehicles and the creation of a Committee of the Whole for public discussion of future ordinances. The body also reviewed financial payments and updates on local commercial developments.
- Proposed ordinance amending rules for abandoned and inoperable vehicles
- Proposed ordinance creating a Committee of the Whole
- Approval of bills totaling $58,690.34
- Approval of payroll totaling $88,399.95
- Discussion of an $800,000 match grant for a town center project
City Council
The Braidwood City Council voted unanimously to go into executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). After the discussion, the council voted to close the executive session. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Motion to enter executive session to discuss employee appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1))
- Motion to close executive session
- Adjournment of the special meeting
City Council
The Braidwood City Council approved the meeting minutes from May 27, 2025, and voted to give a 3% salary increase to the Administrative Coordinator and the Code Enforcement officer. It also authorized payment of city bills totaling $244,173.92 and payroll of $82,523.89, and adopted Resolution 25-6 to purchase rock salt from the State of Illinois. The council moved to enter an executive session to discuss employee matters and pending litigation.
- Approve 3% raises for Administrative Coordinator and Code Enforcement (non‑bargaining employees)
- Approve payment of bills totaling $244,173.92
- Approve payroll payment of $82,523.89
- Adopt Resolution 25-6 authorizing purchase of rock salt from the State of Illinois
- Motion to enter executive session to discuss employee employment, compensation, discipline, and pending litigation
City Council
The City Council approved a consulting agreement for an interim city administrator and contracted John Kasperek Co. for accounting services. The council also updated the city code regarding vehicle impoundment and discussed a budget deficit exceeding $2 million.
- Ordinance 25-26: Consulting agreement with Gulden and Associates Consulting, LLC at $90/hour
- Ordinance 25-27: Engagement letter for professional accounting services with John Kasperek Co.
- Ordinance 25-28: Amendment to the Code of Ordinances regarding the impoundment of vehicles
- Payment of bills totaling $96,366.34 and payroll of $102,738.14
- Transfer of $1 million from Illinois Funds to cover May expenses
City Council
The Braidwood City Council approved Ordinance 25-23, authorizing the settlement and release agreement with Lynda Miner. The council also approved several financial items, including $547,994.81 in bill payments and a $12,209.19 payment to PT Ferro for the Division and English Street project. In the Planning & Zoning Committee, the council adopted Ordinance 25-24 to rezone vacant parking lots on S. Front Street behind the Golden Mine Family Restaurant and Ordinance 25-25 to amend accessory‑building regulations.
- Ordinance 25-23: Settlement and Release Agreement with Lynda Miner
- Ordinance 25-24: Map amendment to rezone vacant parking lots S. Front Street behind Golden Mine Family Restaurant
- Ordinance 25-25: Amendments to Section 23‑9 on accessory building height and quantity
- Payment of bills approved for $547,994.81
- Final pay request to PT Ferro approved for $12,209.19
City Council
The Braidwood City Council approved the minutes from the April 22, 2025 regular meeting. It adopted Ordinance 25-4, which designates authorized signers for the Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund. The council entered an executive session to discuss employee matters and pending litigation, and later closed the session.
- Approve minutes of the April 22, 2025 regular meeting
- Adopt Ordinance 25-4 to designate authorized signers for the Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund
- Enter executive session to discuss employee appointments, compensation, discipline, and pending litigation
- Close executive session
City Council
The City Council held a special meeting to address personnel changes and board appointments. The council approved the termination of Tony Altiery and amended ordinances regarding department heads.
- Approved Ordinance 25-21 amending Braidwood Code of Ordinances pertaining to Department Heads
- Approved termination of Tony Altiery as Supervisor of Public Property and Supervisor of Streets and Public Improvements
- Appointed Tyler Geiss and Nicholas Stewart to the City of Braidwood Plan Commission Board
- Approved Ordinance 25-22 memorializing the expiration of terms for Plan Commission members
City Council
The Braidwood City Council swore in Mayor Todd Lyons and Commissioners Elizabeth Dixon, James Mikel, and a new commissioner on April 22, 2025. The council approved payments of $165,995.76 for bills, $93,899.32 for payroll, and $91,620.28 for retirement and resignation payouts. It also adopted Ordinance 25‑18 to purchase tasers and body‑worn cameras, and Ordinance 25‑19 for products and services from Flock Group, Inc.
- Approve payment of bills: $165,995.76
- Approve payroll expenses: $93,899.32
- Approve retirement/resignation payout: $91,620.28
- Ordinance 25‑18: purchase of tasers and body‑worn cameras
- Ordinance 25‑19: purchase of products and services from Flock Group, Inc.
City Council
The Braidwood City Council will consider several motions, including the appointment of Tony Altiery as Supervisor of Public Property and Streets and the approval of his benefit package. It will also vote on Ordinance 25-14 to increase the number of Class A liquor licenses and Ordinance 25-15 to enter an electric service agreement with Dynegy Energy Services, LLC. Additional financial motions include approving bills totaling $165,671.99 and payroll of $93,202.89.
- Ordinance 25-14: Increase the amount of Class A liquor licenses for Braidwood
- Ordinance 25-15: Approve an electric service agreement with Dynegy Energy Services, LLC
- Motion to approve payment of bills $165,671.99
- Motion to approve payroll $93,202.89
- Resolution 25-3: Approve benefits for Tony Altiery as Supervisor of Streets and Public Property
City Council
The Braidwood City Council voted to approve Ordinance 25‑12, adopting the annual budget and appropriations for the fiscal year May 1 2025 – April 30 2026. Commissioners also approved Ordinance 25‑13, adopting the city's Official Comprehensive Plan. Separate motions authorized payment of bills totaling $351,014.18 and payroll expenses of $89,290.59.
- Ordinance 25‑12: approval of the 2025‑2026 annual budget
- Ordinance 25‑13: adoption of the Official Comprehensive Plan
- Payment of bills authorized for $351,014.18
- Payroll expenses authorized for $89,290.59
- Discussion of $800,000 capital outlay for two new water generators and pumps
City Council
The City Council approved the purchase of two vehicles by waiving competitive bidding and authorized the purchase of a drone bundle. The body also approved a plat map amendment and zoning variances for a property on E. Cody Lane.
- Approved payment of bills for $296,565.73 and payroll for $96,230.74
- Ordinance 25-8: Purchase of a 2025 Ford F650 from Holt & Sons, Inc.
- Ordinance 25-9: Purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado from Arnie Bauer Chevrolet GMC
- Ordinance 25-10: Purchase of an Autel Evo Max 4N Urban Scout Bundle from DSLR Pros
- Ordinance 25-11: Granted variances for 533 E. Cody Lane
City Council
The Braidwood City Council approved the minutes from the February 11 meeting and adopted Ordinance 25-7, which vacates East Cody Lane on the Southern Parcel (PIN 02-24-09-301-018-0000). The council also approved payment of bills totaling $88,032.51 and payroll expenses of $93,576.61. Discussions included a proposed 200‑acre data center south of Kennedy Road and a potential $120,000 purchase of a new dump truck for the water/street department. Motions were made to enter and close an executive session for employee and litigation matters.
- Approve Ordinance 25-7 vacating East Cody Lane (Southern Parcel, PIN 02-24-09-301-018-0000)
- Approve payment of bills $88,032.51
- Approve payroll expenses $93,576.61
- Discuss data center proposal on ~200 acres south of Kennedy Road
- Consider purchase of new dump truck for water/street department (~$120,000)
City Council
The Braidwood City Council approved payment of bills totaling $136,879.02 and payroll expenses of $93,464.47. It also approved the final plat for a subdivision on the vacant property at the northeast corner of N. Walker St. and W. Third St. (PIN 02-24-08-105-023-0000). Additionally, the council moved to enter and then close an executive session to discuss employee matters and pending litigation.
- Approve payment of bills $136,879.02
- Approve payroll expenses $93,464.47
- Approve final plat for subdivision at N. Walker St. & W. Third St. (PIN 02-24-08-105-023-0000)
- Motion to go into executive session on employee matters and pending litigation
- Motion to close executive session
City Council
The Braidwood City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 25-4, which amends building permit fees, and Ordinance 25-5, which updates the annual contractor registration requirements. The council also approved Ordinance 25-6, establishing a memorandum of understanding with the Policemen’s Benevolent Labor Committee through April 30, 2028. Financial actions included approving $246,325.40 in bill payments and $100,763.08 in payroll expenses.
- Ordinance 25-4: amendment to Section 22-148 building permit fees
- Ordinance 25-5: amendment to Section 22-198 annual contractor registration
- Ordinance 25-6: MOU with Policemen’s Benevolent Labor Committee (effective until April 30, 2028)
- Approval of bill payments totaling $246,325.40
- Approval of payroll expenses totaling $100,763.08
City Council
The Braidwood City Council approved Ordinance 25-2, changing the waste‑hauling charge from $85 to $100. It also adopted Ordinance 25-1 to amend the Energy Conservation Code and Ordinance 25-3 to purchase a 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicle. Additionally, the council approved payment of bills totaling $275,847.77 and payroll expenses of $93,447.44 plus a $28,416.30 retirement payout.
- Ordinance 25-2: waste‑hauling fee increased from $85 to $100
- Ordinance 25-1: amendment to Section 22-35 of the Energy Conservation Code
- Ordinance 25-3: purchase of a 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicle from Terry’s Ford
- Payment of bills approved for $275,847.77
- Payroll approved for $93,447.44 and retirement payout of $28,416.30