Votes at a glance: South Beloit City Council, Jan. 21, 2025

The South Beloit City Council took the following actions at its Jan. 21 meeting. Where the transcript did not record a full numeric roll call tally, the item’s approval is noted and staff are expected to provide formal minutes or roll-call records.

- Resolution 6576: Approved an intergovernmental agreement with Winnebago County for police and fire dispatch; soft tentative go-live date Feb. 24; county approval expected Jan. 13 (city staff to complete paperwork and protocols).

- Ordinance 2833: Approved a variance to reduce the required front yard setback from 60 feet to 4 feet for the property commonly known as 621 Blackhawk Boulevard (parcel pen number 0405-351.6). The variance was requested to accommodate a disability access ramp for a property owner; the Planning and Zoning recommendation was recorded in the packet.

- Resolution 6587: Approved purchase of a Kubota M7060 utility cab tractor for the Streets Department (budgeted; vendor and final bid process discussed by staff).

- Resolution 6588: Approved purchase of a 2025 Ford Police Interceptor squad car. Council amended the purchase price during the meeting to $47,710 before approving the purchase; the motion specified the purchase of the vehicle only (installation, decals and other equipment were not included in that amount).

- Revised tow agreement with the Police Department: Council approved a revised towing agreement that preserves a local rotation and allows for addition of larger-capacity firms; council directed staff to draft enforcement language to temporarily remove firms from the rotation if they decline calls repeatedly.

- Claims: Approved claims for Jan. 4–17, 2025 in the amount of $517,822.36, which included closeout payments tied to the Rock Road MFT project.

- Craftsman Character internship: Approved participation in a student internship program (South Beloit High School, in partnership with Lincoln Academy) for spring semester placements in public works and wastewater; staff to finalize waivers and scheduling.

- Legal services rate increase (Sonalski Zito, LLC): Approved an hourly rate increase across practice categories (approximate 5% increase); council discussion noted the option to put legal services out to bid in a future meeting.

- Employment agreement with City Administrator Sonia Hoppe: Approved an updated employment agreement that includes a $200 monthly vehicle stipend; the administrator said the stipend compensates use of a personal vehicle on city business when a city vehicle is not assigned.

- Revised job offer for Fire Inspector James Griffin: Approved revised hourly rate for James Griffin; council discussion noted recruitment and retention considerations for fire-background positions.

- Hiring Jada Adams: Approved hiring of Jada Adams as an office assistant at City Hall to replace a retiring employee.

Several items were laid over for a future meeting, and staff indicated additional paperwork and closeout documents will follow for specific projects.