El Paso public meetings in 2025

City Council

The El Paso City Council voted to approve Ordinance 1091, which joins the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association and creates an intergovernmental contract. The council also approved a $103,827 payment to the association for 2026. Both actions were adopted with unanimous support.

• Approved Ordinance 1091 for IML RMA membership (5‑0 unanimous)
• Approved $103,827 payment to IML RMA for 2026 (5‑0 unanimous)

Streets Committee

The Streets Committee will meet on Dec. 15, 2025 to discuss and possibly recommend installing signs or making improvements on Pine Street and 6th Street. The agenda notes this discussion follows a prior meeting on Nov. 17, 2025. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Discussion of possible sign installation on Pine Street
• Discussion of possible sign installation on 6th Street

The Streets Committee discussed a recommendation to install stop signs at Pine and 5th Streets and to expand the 50‑foot vision‑radius ordinance. The committee decided to table the recommendation until intersection measurements are obtained. The meeting was then adjourned by voice vote.

• Recommendation to install stop signs at Pine & 5th Streets – tabled pending measurement data
• Motion to adjourn the meeting – approved (voice vote)

City Council

The El Paso City Council will discuss several items, including a possible donation to the Community Well at 560 W. Clay Street. Council members will review liquor and gaming licenses (License C, F, and I) for the new owner FRO El Paso LLC, formerly Freedom Oil Company. They will also consider Resolution 2025‑4, which requests $180,000 of Motor Fuel Tax funds to be used for street maintenance in the city. Standard agenda items such as the consent agenda and public comments will also be addressed.

• Discussion of a donation to the Community Well at 560 W. Clay Street
• Review and possible approval of liquor and gaming licenses (License C, F, I) for FRO El Paso LLC
• Consideration of Resolution 2025‑4 requesting $180,000 of Motor Fuel Tax funds for street maintenance
• Consent agenda: approval of minutes from Dec 1 2025, register of bills (Dec 2‑15 2025), and Treasurer’s Report for Nov 2025
• Public comments period

The council voted to donate $10,000 to the Community Well for its cooler project. It also approved a liquor license for FRO El Paso LLC at 601 W Main Street. Additionally, the council adopted a resolution to allocate $180,000 of MFT funds for street maintenance in 2026. The agenda and consent agenda were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved $10,000 donation to Community Well (ayes: Howard, Rigsby, Kilpatrick, Wilkey; abstain: Brucker)
• Approved liquor license for FRO El Paso LLC, Licenses C, F, I (all ayes)
• Approved $180,000 MFT funds for 2026 street maintenance (all ayes)
• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote ayes)
• Approved consent agenda items (voice vote ayes)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote ayes)

Water & Sewer Committee

The Water & Sewer Committee will meet to discuss a specific water bill for a property in El Paso. The committee is considering whether to waive or reduce the amount owed.

• Discussion of a $1,268.68 water bill at 475 E. Jefferson Street, Lot #9

The Water & Sewer Committee met on Dec. 15, 2025. A motion was made to forgive the sewer portion of a $1,268.68 water bill for 475 E. Jefferson St. #9. The motion was seconded and a roll vote of all ayes was taken. The minutes do not record the vote result.

• Motion to forgive sewer portion of $1,268.68 bill – outcome not recorded
• Roll vote of all ayes taken – result not documented

City Council

The council will open the meeting, adopt the agenda, and consider the consent agenda, which includes approval of minutes from previous meetings. Public comments will be heard in person. No other specific business items are listed on the agenda.

• Approve minutes for City Council Meeting on November 17, 2025
• Approve minutes for Finance Committee on November 17, 2025
• Approve minutes for Streets Committee on November 17, 2025
• Approve minutes for Zoning Board on November 13, 2025
• Approve Register of Bills from November 18, 2025 to December 1, 2025

The El Paso City Council approved the meeting agenda by voice vote and then approved the consent agenda items, also by voice vote. Mayor Mool reported receiving $10,000 in pledges for a walk‑in cooler for the Community Well Food Pantry. The council adjourned the meeting by voice vote at 7:07 PM. No other business was taken.

• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda items (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 6:30 PM. The committee will discuss approving a loan for property renovations for a new business called The Recovery Room at 101 Delaney Drive. No other agenda items are listed.

• Discussion on approving a loan for The Recovery Room renovation at 101 Delaney Drive

The committee reviewed a $100,000 loan request from Nathan Ehrhardt and Jeremy Faulk for a new business called The Recovery Room. Committee members said they will recommend the loan to the council, but no approval or vote was taken. The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 pm after a motion to adjourn.

• Reviewed $100,000 loan request for The Recovery Room (no decision made)
• Committee will recommend loan approval to the council
• Motion to adjourn adopted; meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm

Streets Committee

The Streets Committee will discuss a possible recommendation to install stop signs for south‑ and north‑bound traffic on Pine Street and 6th Street. The proposal would create a four‑way stop at that intersection. No decision is recorded in this agenda.

• Discussion of installing stop signs for south‑bound traffic on Pine Street
• Discussion of installing stop signs for north‑bound traffic on 6th Street

The Streets Committee discussed installing stop signs at Pine and 6th Streets and other traffic‑calming measures. It concluded that the best approach is to talk with the homeowner to find a solution. Director Barry Kauther will contact the homeowner and arrange a follow‑up committee meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Decided to pursue a conversation with the homeowner to address traffic concerns
• Director Barry Kauther tasked to contact the homeowner and schedule a new committee meeting

City Council

The El Paso City Council will review the consent agenda, including minutes and the Treasurer’s Report. New business includes a zoning board recommendation to approve an area variance for an electronic message board at the Veterans of Foreign War #6026 property on 99 West Main Street. The council will also consider a Finance Committee recommendation to approve a loan for a startup at 101 Delaney Drive and a proposal to donate to the Community Well at 560 W. Clay Street.

• Zoning Board recommendation to approve area variance for electronic message board at 99 West Main Street (VFW #6026)
• Finance Committee recommendation to approve loan for startup business at 101 Delaney Drive
• Proposed city donation to the Community Well at 560 W. Clay Street

The council approved the agenda and consent agenda by voice vote. It accepted the zoning board’s recommendation and approved installing an electronic message board at the El Paso VFW Post, including a variance for the residential setback. The council also approved a $50,000 loan to Recovery Room at 3% interest for five years, pending collateral approval. The meeting was adjourned by voice vote.

• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote of all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda (voice vote of all ayes)
• Approved installation of electronic message board at VFW Post and granted required variance (roll call vote of all ayes)
• Approved $50,000 loan to Recovery Room at 3% for 5 years, subject to collateral approval (roll call vote of all ayes)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote of all ayes)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board voted to recommend that the City Council approve a variance for the Veterans of Foreign Wars #6026 to install an illuminated sign less than 100 feet from residential zones. The Board also approved the illuminated sign itself. Both motions passed by voice vote.

• Recommend City Council approve variance (voice vote)
• Approve illuminated sign (voice vote)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will discuss a loan for property renovations and review insurance options. The body is evaluating health insurance premiums and competing quotes for property and workers' compensation insurance.

• Loan for property renovations at 100 Recreation Blvd
• Health insurance plan increase of 15.7% with a higher deductible
• Assured Insurance quote for property and workers' compensation: $107,483.00
• RMA Insurance quote for property and workers' compensation: $102,838.17 ($98,883.00)

The committee recommended the city council offer a $50,000 loan for 10 years at 3% interest and approved the recommendation by voice vote. It also recommended renewing the health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield plan “Alternate 1” and continuing the health reimbursement account, approved by voice vote. Finally, the committee voted to select RMA for the city’s general and workers’ compensation insurance, also approved by voice vote.

• Recommend council offer $50,000 loan (10‑yr, 3% interest) – approved by voice vote
• Recommend renewing health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield “Alternate 1” and continue health reimbursement account – approved by voice vote
• Select RMA for general and workers’ compensation insurance – approved by voice vote

City Council

The El Paso City Council will meet to approve minutes, discuss a loan for a local event venue, and consider renewing health and workers' compensation insurance. The meeting will be held in person at City Hall and streamed online.

• Approval of October 20th and October 21st to November 3rd meeting minutes
• Discussion of a loan for 100 Recreation Blvd renovations
• Renewal of City health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
• Discussion of property and workers' compensation insurance renewal
• Swearing in of Jackson Hickok to the Zoning Board

The council approved the agenda and consent agenda by voice vote. Jack Hickok was sworn in as a member of the El Paso Zoning Board. The council approved a $50,000 loan for 100 Recreation Drive, renewed health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and renewed property and worker’s compensation insurance with Illinois Municipal Leage RMA. Alderman Moore announced his resignation at the close of the meeting.

• Approved agenda (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda (voice vote, all ayes)
• Swore in Jack Hickok as Zoning Board member
• Approved $50,000 loan for 100 Recreation Drive (roll call, all ayes)
• Approved 2026 health insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (roll call, all ayes)
• Approved 2026 property and worker’s compensation insurance renewal with Illinois Municipal Leage RMA for $102,838 (roll call, all ayes)
• Alderman Moore resigned effective immediately

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss a special use permit request for a dog kennel. The body will also review meeting minutes and financial reports.

• Special use permit request for a dog kennel at 47 E. 2nd Street for Cody & Gabriella Persic

The council approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda by voice vote. It approved the Zoning Board’s recommendation to issue a Special Use Permit to operate a dog kennel limited to four dogs at 47 E 2nd Street, with a roll‑call vote of all ayes. The meeting was then adjourned by voice vote.

• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda items (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved Special Use Permit for a four‑dog kennel at 47 E 2nd St (roll‑call, all ayes)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote, all ayes)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a special use permit application submitted by Cody and Gabriella Persic for the property at 47 E. 2nd Street, Parcel #16-05-402-027. The request seeks permission to keep a fourth dog, defining a kennel as four or more dogs over four months old. The board may make a recommendation on the permit.

• Special use permit request for a dog kennel (four dogs) at 47 E. 2nd Street, Parcel #16-05-402-027

The Zoning Board voted to recommend that the City Council approve a special‑use permit for a dog kennel at 47 E. 2nd Street. The recommendation passed by voice vote. The meeting was then adjourned by voice vote.

• Recommended City Council approve dog kennel special‑use permit (voice vote)
• Adjourned the meeting (voice vote)

Finance Committee

The El Paso Finance Committee will meet on October 6, 2025 at City Hall. The committee will discuss approving a loan for property renovations at 100 Recreation Blvd. No other substantive agenda items are listed beyond standard procedural matters.

• Discussion on approving a loan for property renovations at 100 Recreation Blvd

The committee did not approve the $100,000 loan request for 100 Recreation Blvd. Members decided the Carls must provide a business plan before any loan can be approved and a follow‑up meeting will be scheduled. The meeting was then adjourned by voice vote.

• Requested business plan from Doug and Amber Carls before loan approval (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote of ayes)

City Council

The El Paso City Council will discuss and possibly approve several items. Items include opening a money market account with Heartland Bank and Trust Company, a zoning board recommendation for a two‑part area variance at 20 W. 5th Street, a loan to renovate 100 Recreation Blvd into a venue/event space, and taking control of a flag pole at 100 Ford Drive. The council will also receive staff reports and public comments.

• Discussion and possible approval to open a money market account at Heartland Bank and Trust Company (signers: Linda Haas, Thad Mool, David Fever, Alex Brucker).
• Consideration of a zoning board recommendation for a two‑part area variance for 20 W. 5th Street, requesting reduced setbacks and an additional 42.98 sq ft for a detached accessory building.
• Discussion and possible approval of a loan for the owners of 100 Recreation Blvd to fund renovations for a venue/event space.
• Discussion and possible approval for the city to take control of the flag pole located at 100 Ford Drive.

The council approved a money market account for the Grant Fund recruitment and retention grant. It also approved two zoning board recommendations for Jack Hickok's property at 20 W. 5th Street, allowing reduced setbacks and an additional 42.98 square feet for an accessory building. The city took control of the flagpole at 100 Ford Drive, assuming maintenance and insurance responsibilities.

• Approved opening a money market account for Grant Fund (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstain)
• Approved zoning variance for Jack Hickok property at 20 W. 5th Street (2‑ft rear and side setbacks)
• Approved extra 42.98 sq ft for accessory building on Jack Hickok property
• Approved city taking control of flagpole at 100 Ford Drive (maintenance and insurance)
• Approved agenda (voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda items (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The El Paso Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to consider two variance requests. One request involves a two-part area variance for an accessory building at 20 W. 5th Street. The other request involves an area variance for a billboard at 850 W. Main Street.

• Variance request for 20 W. 5th Street (RC District)
• Variance request for 850 W. Main Street (I District)
• Meeting held via Zoom at 125 W Front Street
• Public comments period scheduled
• Meeting set for Oct 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM

The board voted by voice to recommend the City Council approve Jackson Hickok's two‑part area variance for setbacks on the rear and interior yards at 20 W. 5th St. It also recommended approval of an additional 42.98 sq ft for the detached accessory building at the same address. No recommendation was made on Ronald Gimbel's billboard variance request. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm.

• Recommended City Council approve setback variance for 20 W. 5th St (voice vote ayes)
• Recommended City Council approve extra 42.98 sq ft accessory‑building variance for 20 W. 5th St (voice vote ayes)
• No recommendation made on billboard variance for 850 W. Main St
• Meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm

City Council

The El Paso City Council will approve the minutes from the August 18 meeting, approve two registers of bills covering August 19–September 2 and September 3–15, and adopt the Treasurer’s Report for August. The council will also hear staff reports and public comments, and will swear in Officer Lisa Shutt.

• Approval of minutes for the August 18, 2025 City Council Meeting
• Approval of minutes for the August 18, 2025 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
• Approval of Register of Bills from August 19 to September 2, 2025
• Approval of Register of Bills from September 3 to September 15, 2025
• Swearing in of Officer Lisa Shutt

The council approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda by voice vote. Clerk Fever swore in Officer Lisa Shutt. The council adjourned the meeting by voice vote at 7:13 PM.

• Approved agenda (voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda (voice vote)
• Swore in Officer Lisa Shutt
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Parks & Recreation Committee

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm and concluded at 6:52 pm. No approvals, denials, or policy changes were made. The only action was a motion to adjourn, which was carried. Discussions covered a new EduStrategy Partners contract and possible playground equipment for Franklin Park, but no decisions were taken.

• Adjourned meeting (motion by Rigsby, seconded by Moore)

City Council

The council approved several items, including a $15,000 bonus for employees who installed new sidewalks. It also approved a new contract with EduStrategy Partners for grant‑writing services and the north water‑tower cleaning estimates. The agenda, consent agenda items, and adjournment were each approved by voice or roll‑call votes.

• Approved agenda (voice vote ayes)
• Approved consent agenda items (voice vote ayes)
• Approved up to $15,000 bonus for sidewalk workers (roll call ayes)
• Approved new EduStrategy Partners contract for grant writing (roll call ayes)
• Approved north water tower cleaning estimates (roll call ayes)
• Adjourned meeting (roll call ayes)

City Council

The council approved its agenda and the consent agenda by voice vote. Ordinance 1090, a tax levy for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2025, was approved with a roll‑call vote of all ayes. The proposed 2026 council meeting schedule was also approved by voice vote.

• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda items (voice vote)
• Approved Tax Levy Ordinance #1090 (roll‑call vote, all ayes)
• Approved 2026 council meeting schedule (voice vote)

City Council

The council approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda by voice vote. The council also approved Mayor Mool's appointment of Josh Gray to the Zoning Board, also by voice vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved agenda (voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda (voice vote)
• Approved appointment of Josh Gray to Zoning Board (voice vote)

Judiciary Committee

The committee reviewed Ordinances 315-32 and 315-43, which govern accessory building height and size. After noting only two variance requests since the ordinances were adopted, the committee decided no further action is needed. The meeting was then adjourned.

• No further action on Ordinances 315-32 and 315-43
• Motion to adjourn adopted (motion by Howard, seconded by Wilkey)

City Council

The council approved the agenda, the June 2 minutes, the register of bills, and accepted the Treasurer’s report. It passed a yield‑sign ordinance, tabled any action on front‑yard fences, and approved an annexation ordinance for McLean County. All votes were recorded as unanimous ayes.

• Approved agenda (voice vote)
• Approved minutes of June 2, 2025 (voice vote)
• Approved register of bills as of June 16, 2025 (voice vote)
• Did not update May 29, 2025 Zoning Board minutes (roll call ayes)
• Accepted Treasurer’s report for May 31, 2025 (roll call ayes)
• Approved Proposed Ordinance 1088 – yield signs (all ayes)
• Tabled front yard fences action (motion adopted)
• Approved Proposed Ordinance 1089 – annexation of McLean County territory (all ayes)

City Council

The council approved the annexation of 10 acres west of the American Building Company plant and rezoned it to industrial. It also approved three zoning variances for properties on Abby Road, North Grant Street, and South Elm Street. The council denied a rezoning request for 199 E. Lincoln. All actions were adopted by voice or roll‑call votes.

• Approved Hinthorne Variance – 8‑ft setback increase and 55‑ft setback (unanimous ayes)
• Approved Allen Variance – 334 sq ft increase for detached accessory structures (unanimous ayes)
• Approved Ragusa Variance – 661 sq ft and 1,062.75 sq ft increases for detached accessory structures (ayes: Howard, Moore, Kilpatrick, Rigsby; nay: Wilkey)
• Denied Harrell Rezoning Request for 199 E. Lincoln to C‑2 (unanimous ayes)
• Approved American Building Company Illinois LLC annexation of 10 acres and rezoning to industrial (unanimous ayes)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board voted to recommend approval of three residential variance requests and to recommend annexing 10 acres of land. It also recommended rezoning the annexed land to industrial. The board denied a rezoning request to change a lot to commercial. All motions were approved by the board members present.

• Recommend approval of variance for 502 Abby Road (unanimous ayes)
• Recommend approval of variance for 445 N. Grant Street (3-1 ayes)
• Recommend approval of variance for 475 S. Elm Street (unanimous ayes)
• Deny rezoning of 199 E. Jefferson Street to commercial (unanimous ayes)
• Recommend annexation of 10 acres at US Highway 24 (unanimous ayes)
• Recommend rezoning annexed land to industrial (unanimous ayes)

Streets Committee

The Streets Committee voted by voice vote to recommend sidewalk projects 1‑4 and project 5 if funds are available. No recommendation was made regarding yard signs for variance or rezoning requests. The meeting was adjourned after a motion to adjourn was approved.

• Recommend sidewalk projects 1‑4 approved (voice vote)
• Recommend project 5 approved conditionally if funds allow (voice vote)
• No recommendation on yard‑sign variance request (no action)
• Motion to adjourn approved (voice vote)

City Council

The council approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda by voice vote. They approved the Fiscal Year 2026 MFT work projects and sidewalk projects 1 through 4, with project five contingent on available funding. A motion to amend the zoning ordinance to allow yard signs for variance or rezoning requests was defeated. The meeting was adjourned by voice vote.

• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote ayes)
• Approved consent agenda (voice vote ayes)
• Approved FY 2026 MFT work projects (voice vote ayes)
• Approved sidewalk projects 1‑4; project 5 pending funding (voice vote ayes)
• Rejected zoning yard signs amendment (voice vote nays)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote ayes)

City Council

Council approved the meeting agenda and consent items by voice vote. The council members elected in the April 1 election were sworn into office, including Mayor Thad R. Mool, Clerk David W. Fever, Treasurer Linda Haas, Alderperson Karen S. Wilkey and Alderperson Shawn C. Rigsby. A proclamation honoring JW Price for 12 years of service was read.

• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda items (voice vote)
• Swore in Mayor Thad R. Mool
• Swore in City Clerk David W. Fever
• Swore in City Treasurer Linda Haas
• Swore in Alderperson Karen S. Wilkey (Ward I)
• Swore in Alderperson Shawn C. Rigsby (Ward III)

City Council

The El Paso City Council voted to adopt the FY 2026 budget and FY 2025 budget adjustments, totaling $7,227,600 in revenue and $8,386,651 in expenditures. The council also approved the renewal of liquor licenses for four local businesses. The agenda, consent agenda, and a temporary appointment of Alderman Thad Mool as Mayor Pro Tem were also approved by voice vote.

• Approved FY 2026 budget and FY 2025 adjustments (voice vote)
• Approved renewal of liquor license for American Dream Pizza Co., classes A & H (voice vote)
• Approved renewal of liquor license for El Paso Mexican Restaurant, classes C & F (voice vote)
• Approved renewal of liquor license for TNT Holding LLC, class C (voice vote)
• Approved renewal of liquor license for Local Tap LLC, classes C, F & I (voice vote)
• Approved agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda items (voice vote)
• Appointed Alderman Thad Mool as Mayor Pro Tem for the meeting (voice vote)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee met on April 7, 2025, reviewed the proposed FY 2026 budget and capital projects, and heard various financial reports. No substantive actions or approvals were taken. The meeting was adjourned by voice vote.

• Adjourned (voice vote)

City Council

The council unanimously approved a three‑year agreement with the Illinois Council of Police. It also passed Ordinance #1087 creating a municipal grocery occupation tax with a 4‑1 roll‑call vote. Several existing liquor licenses were renewed by voice vote.

• Approved Police Officers and City Agreement (effective May 1 2025–April 30 2028) – unanimous roll‑call ayes
• Passed Ordinance #1087 implementing a municipal grocery occupation tax – roll‑call vote 4‑1 (aye: Brucker, Howard, Mool, Kilpatrick; nay: Moore)
• Renewed liquor license for L. Percy Tucker Post 6026 (VFW) – approved by voice vote
• Renewed liquor license for Casey’s General Store – approved by voice vote
• Renewed liquor license for El Paso Liquors (Jai Shree Ramjil Inc.) – approved by voice vote
• Renewed liquor license for El Paso C Store DBA Brake Time – approved by voice vote
• Renewed liquor license for Gander Incorporated DBA Topsy’s – approved by voice vote