Austin Hanson, Megan Carlson, and Chad Anderson of the Make a Farmer Foundation followed up with the council on Tuesday, October 14th to get feedback on the August 9th event held in memory of Jayden Hanson. Council members were all supportive of the festival and “didn’t hear of any issues.”
There were 91 cars, trucks, and tractors for the morning car show, along with hundreds from the community coming out to support the cause. “For a first time event, give yourself a pat on the back,” said Mayor Bruce Franks.
Anderson said it will be a shorter event next year with the same rules and different time slots. “Thumbs up for a beer garden next year?” he asked, noting that both Cragel’s and the Foundation did well. There was a question on paying to enter the bar and bags tournament, which will be changed for next year.
The Make a Farmer Foundation provided $2,500 to the newly established Erie FFA Chapter. Anderson said there will be “many more checks to cut,” as they have $25,000 in funding to support PLT 3# and Erie students in ag and industrial fields.
With the council’s approval, they’ll have more time to plan for next year’s event and make improvements. They’re currently working on a professional 3-sided pamphlet, and the event will be “done to a different level” and scaled up for Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Public Comments
Monika Adamski of Lauterbach & Amen LLP discussed the result of the FY-2023 audit and said she’ll be starting the next one for FY-2024 soon to get the city caught up.
Clint Reisenbigler of Reisy Door LLC inquired about lot pricing at the new business park on Groves Street, saying he’s interested in building on a lot. Attorney Tim Zollinger said the price is what the council decides to set it at, though the appraisal was $22,000 per lot. The council can sell at 80% of the appraised value, so his next step would be to submit a proposal and utility needs and “it’s a pretty quick process after that.”
A contractor from United Metal Buildings next addressed the council about putting up a steel building at 403 W. 6th St. He said homeowner Chase Swanson’s building permit request was denied and he wondered how to proceed. He asked for clarification on whether it’s for fire reasons, as it’s an all-steel building with no outer combustible materials. He said he builds in five states, and Prophetstown is the first place where he’s had an issue with building.
Zollinger noted two zoning issues based on the 1978 building code (38-30): an accessory building must have a 6 ft. setback from any other building or structure as he noted the parameters as 14 inches from an existing garage. He could have the fire department weigh in on it, but items inside the garage could pose fire risks.
The other zoning issue is exceeding the 30% rear yardage for an accessory building. Public Works Director Strike said it’s a 65×100 lot and the building would take up 50%, if not more. Swanson would need to get approval for two variances from the Zoning Board and then the City Council to be able to build it.
In the Henry C. Adams Memorial Library report, 15 kids attended a recent Dragon Ball Z craft, and one coloring contest has wrapped up and another started. The Ogle County Health Department will be offering two microgreen classes in November, with registration now open. Staff members had to take bloodborne pathogens and Narcan training, per state guidelines. The railing to the basement was loose and some steps needed attention, so Sutton & Sons is working on it now. A new outdoor camera was also installed.
Items for Consideration and Possible Action
The council approved the FY-2023 audit report as presented. They set trick-or-treating times to Friday, October 31st from 4:30 – 7 p.m. They approved option 1 for the 2026 Risk Management plan, $67,104.61, since “it saves the most money.”
They next discussed and approved the purchase of a brand new 2024 5550 Chevrolet Silverado MD work truck for $148,718.70, going through Sourcewell for government pricing and a leasing agreement. The city is down to one plow truck, and this one has a new stainless-steel plow. It’s also a non-CDL truck, so they won’t have to worry about public works drivers having that license.
“It’s the lowest price, best deal, and prices will continue to go up,” said Public Works Director Strike. He’s been budgeting $23,000 for a vehicle every year, so the remaining payment can come from other funding sources. The first payment won’t be due until January 2026 and they would lease it through NCL Government Capital with Shimmers to deliver it and Bonnell to outfit it. They need to submit the paperwork to get approval, then should have it before winter.
The council approved an ordinance to use TIF District Funds for Hinrichs Plumbing by reimbursing 50% of the project costs, or an amount not to exceed $19,000. The outdoor façade work at the building on Short Street is expected to start next spring.
They continued the discussion on increasing the renter’s water deposit fee from $75 to $100, since the minimum monthly bill is $81, with a vote on the ordinance change next month. It was also noted that there’s a lien and demand letter on the property for an unpaid water bill for Table 52, which is also in default.
Mayor Franks asked for the council’s opinion on providing a Class G liquor license to Jeton Abduli to serve wine and beer at Friday night fish fries at the Prophet Family Restaurant. The council approved the liquor license in 2023, but he never applied for it, so it has not been issued. Franks said the city can only control liquor licenses and not gaming machines, which go through the state, so if they issue the license that’s a possibility.
Alderman Ryan Inskeep said they need to go through the books to make sure everything is up to date before having him reapply. Since there is one Class G license available, it’s ultimately the mayor’s call.
The Consent Agenda was next approved as presented with Sept. 9 meeting minutes, financial reports, bills payable, and the following building permits:
- Robert Anderson, privacy fence, $3,400
- Geri Lundquist, putting sides on two carports, $1,000
- Susan Lanphere, rooftop solar, $15,865
- PLT CUSD #3, fence, $18,410
- CGH Clinic, roof, $24,750
Reports of Department Heads
For public works, Strike said the street sweeper is not a street vac, and residents are not allowed to blow leaves into the streets. He’s working on replacing all the 250-watt sodium bulbs in the streetlights downtown with LED lights, since they’re more efficient and will save money. They just need to update the fixtures and not the poles, but he needs to get state guidance on wattage since Rte. 78 is a state highway. Roadwork and paving using MFT funds will be completed by the CGH Clinic on Wednesday. Next year, Rte. 78 to IL 92 will be re-milled and resurfaced, with the project going out for bid for next week. Stichter Construction will be repaving Mill St.
Crews bored and tapped a new water service line for the new building addition for Rock River Lumber on Lyndon Road. They also hydro excavated the water service at the carwash for repair, along with Dollar General’s water service. Crews set up road closure of Main Street for the Homecoming parade. The alley on E. Railroad St. is ready for blacktopping. Public works crews have also been trimming trees back that hit the street sweepers and plow trucks. They cut down and removed the dead pine tree by the gazebo at Triangle Park.
Franks reported that the appraisal for the Subway parking lot on Short Street cost the city $1,105, and they’re still waiting for results. They can look at using USDA funding to possibly purchase the parking lot. The city’s police officer in training at the academy is doing well.
Office Administrator Wendy Schultz reported that the FY-2024 audit has been uploaded, and they’re scheduled with the auditors for the week of Nov. 10. The IDOT MFT (Motor Fuel Tax) audit is still underway. It’s been 12 years since the last audit, and they got most everything submitted from 2014 and on. The FY-2023 TIF audit is next. “We’re getting there,” said Schultz.
The next regular meeting of the Prophetstown City Council will be on Tuesday, November 11th at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
