Public Comments/Informational Items
A few residents asked about repairs to roads resurfaced last year due to poor quality, which has resulted in loose rock and staining on driveways. Public Works Director Brian Strike said the projects were done by Porter Brothers of Sterling, which is no longer in business, so the city lost significant money and cannot make repairs until next year. Strike said the oil was either not hot enough or was of poor quality, also adding that they’re not the only town with this issue. For now, they can apply sand and chips and plan to fix the issue next year. Problem areas include Market Street, Lyndon Road, and East Avenue. “We’ll do what we can,” said Strike regarding the need to make repairs.
Mike Mudge of Rock River Energy Services, Inc., next addressed the council about the Electric Aggregation contract expiring in December. The city currently uses Dynegy for its pump accounts and ComEd for streetlights. Eight companies bid to be the supplier, with Constellation offering the lowest rate.
Mudge noted that natural gas rates are down and half the power on this grid uses natural gas while the other half is powered by nuclear energy and steam. He said the market is cheaper than a few years ago when they signed the last contract. ComEd offered 5.44 cents and Constellation offered 4.081 cents for 3 years, or 4.01 cents for 5 years. Choosing the longer contract will help reduce their bills. He estimated annual costs of $7,700 for the pump accounts and $1,300 a year for streetlights with the new rates.
Mudge said the prices fluctuate daily, so their rate depends on when they secure the contract, especially with more demand and less supply available. The city traditionally signs 3-year contracts but could switch to five years this round. He encouraged them to secure both contracts now, even 6 months ahead of time while rates are favorable. “Tell us the supplier and term you want,” he said. He noted the increased strain on the grid due to data centers and electric vehicles, with one EV consuming as much power annually as two households. The item was on the agenda for a vote later.
Olivia Pearson and Amanda Burger of Prophetstown Proud reported that the June 4th Friday of Family Night Out had a good turnout. July’s Fourth Friday is a Back to School Bash on the 24th featuring free school supplies, a firefighting set-up at Shaw’s empty lot, a bounce house sponsored by FNB, a balloon twister, paper rockets, and Happy Tails bringing adoptable puppies. The August 28th event will be a car show on Main Street and a touch-a-truck event on Eclipse Square, with a request to close off Market to Railroad St. for the event. Since there’s a concert in the park and food trucks that night, this area should accommodate the event.
September’s Fourth Friday is a Ladies Night Out that will include specials from local shops and restaurants; and October’s event is trick-or-treating on Main St., the Lutheran and Methodist Churches with trunk-or-treating, and Advent Church set up on Main St. November’s event is the Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 28th.
Cindy Sibley, Henry C. Adams Memorial Library board member, reported that the summer reading program was a huge success with 100 kids participating and numerous businesses and individuals donating to the program. The library is starting a baking class for kids and an American Idol style competition weekly for the kids. Coming up this fall, there will be fermentation classes on how to make yogurt, sourdough, and kombucha. For winter, classes about crocheting and playing the ukulele are being planned. The United Way of Whiteside County has asked the Prophetstown Library to host the Dolly Bash next year.
Items for Consideration and Possible Action
The 2026-2027 Appropriations Ordinance, which the council reviewed last month, was approved as presented. The council approves closing the alley by 213 Market St. for Vacation Bible School July 20-23 and East Railroad Street from 4-7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 28th for Prophetstown Proud’s Fourth Friday Car Cruise. In an update to the Subway parking lot purchase, Attorney Tim Zollinger said he’s just waiting on the title and it’s “pretty much a go” to take care of it all at once.
The council approved the purchase of new software from Locis Inc. with a maximum initial expense of up to $16,310 and an annual membership of up to $4,071. Alderwoman Chrissy Barton-Howard said they need to give Office Manager Wendy Schultz “what she needs to do her job.” Alderman James Miller said he looked up the company and they’re the largest software company for smaller municipalities and are rated high for customer support. The council agreed this will make the transition smoother since Village Books will be going away.
Next on the agenda was adding a convenience fee for credit card payments, noting that for utility payments, they receive about 1/3 from credit card, 1/3 from ACH, and 1/3 from cash/check. For credit card processing fees, the city was charged $425 last month, with the monthly average at $300. Based on these numbers, the city is on track to lose $4,800 annually.
Inskeep said he doesn’t want to impose more fees and they’re not making any money, just covering the costs. He encouraged the use of cash, check, or ACH to avoid the fee. The council approved the ordinance to add the bank’s processing rate, typically 3%.
The council accepted a $33,900 bid from C & C Spray Foam Insulation for the Public Works shop, with crews to install a 3-inch-thick layer on the walls. The Moore Foundation granted $30,000 for the project, with the city paying the remaining balance of $3,900.
The council next discussed the Electric Aggregation contract, noting that Mudge has been helping them find the best rates. Strike noted that AEP or Constellation have the lowest rate. He also noted the LED lights on Main Street could take six months to see the energy savings. The council voted on a 3-year contract with Constellation Energy for the streetlight and pumping accounts.
Finally, the council approved policies on IT and Security Awareness and Outstanding Checks, which the auditor recommended in 2024. Zollinger recommended approval of the policies, noting there may be some training involved.
Items for Consideration
Inskeep noted that the 3-year contract with Republic Services ends on June 30, 2027 and asked the council to consider options since it’s typically a 3-month bidding process. “We can do it ourselves or get a new contractor,” he stated.
The council again discussed leases for cargo containers on properties, which were approved as a temporary solution during remodeling, but a couple have become permanent fixtures. Strike said he and Schultz are working on a letter to send to property owners regarding previously amended and renewed leases.
A new state law is in effect for e-bikes and electric scooters, and Zollinger noted that riders of e-bikes must have a driver’s license and will be required to follow the rules of the road. “They’re everywhere around town,” Police Chief Bruce Franks said of the bikes.
Consent Agenda
The council approved as presented the May 12th and June 9th meeting minutes, financial report, bills payable, and the following building permits:
- Jerri Robinson, roof, $22,617
- Ryan Inskeep, roof, $19,750
- Jackie Sanchez, roof, $12,609.87
- Kennah Meier, pool/deck, $500
- Rock River Lumber & Grain, new building/demolition, $500,000
- Bruce Johnson, roof/windows, $14,895.99
- 401 Market LLC, demolition/tank removal, $175,000
- Penny Bielema, fence, $3,283.99
- Tim Fisk, garage roof, $7,984.51
Department Head Reports
Chief of Police Bruce Franks reported that the Police Department will be at Prophetstown Proud’s Back to School Bash on Friday, July 24th with pencil bags for the kids.
Whiteside County is shifting to e-citations, so the department will need to purchase printers. Franks said it’s “not an option” since it will go with the new CAD system and computer program. The cost for two printers, two charging cables, and one box of thermal paper with six rolls will cost $1,017. Inskeep said they can add it to the agenda next month.
Franks is looking to hire an outside building inspector for 506 Locust St., saying the issue is beyond superficial and will require a full inspection before clean-up. In June, ten verbal warnings and one written warning were issued, there were no accidents to report, and officers responded to 70 calls for service.
Officers Cross and Brubaker are in week ten of Police Academy and completed the Patrol Rifle class on July 11th. The Fishing Derby was well attended, with 98 kids showing up to fish. The 4th of July went well, with only one lost child who was found within 15 minutes of the police receiving the call. A few storage units were broken into on July 6th, and they’re working with Jo Daviess County on apprehending a suspect.
Public Works Director Strike reported that another Eagle Scout project is in the works. Dean Fisk is in the process of getting donations and plans together for landscaping, planting trees, and painting at Jaycee Park. There’s an account at the local bank to support the project.
Strike said there was an “incident at Public Works” that left a piece of equipment submerged in a pond and he’s waiting for insurance to replace the zero-turn mower. The replacement cost for the same mower from Birkey’s is $19,000, and the cash value is $13,000, so he’s seeking a few more quotes.
He reported that the city-owned Hartig Drug building on Washington Street has some bowing in the back area, so they’ll need to reinforce the west wall and install new siding and a roof. “It’s deteriorated and needs attention. I’ll look at pricing for next month,” he told the council.
Inskeep was notified about a potential EV charging station, with grant opportunities available. He also informed the council that Amy Misfeldt, owner of Blooms-A-Latte, is looking to purchase one of the three empty lots on Washington St. to expand her business. The city has charged $1 for the lot along with reimbursement for publication, with Zollinger saying they can also sign a redevelopment agreement for TIF district funds. Strike said it’s still the beginning of the process; he wants to look at the back alley since it snakes around and he’d like to have it better aligned, with more discussions ahead.
Public Works Monthly Operating Report
Street and Water Department:
Crews repaired a leaking water service line at 717 Buttercup Lane; repaired water main breaks at 408 W. 3rd St. and the northwest intersection of Woodlawn Drive and Lyndon Road; removed and replaced 160 ft. of sidewalk at 212 E. Railroad St. and 60 ft. of sidewalk at 3 Elm Court; removed city-owned trees at 608 Locust St., 116 Ferry St., and the east side of 301 W. 3rd St.; crews installed patriotic flag banners on Main Street light poles for the 4th of July holiday and community festivities, and assisted by setting barricades near the State Park and Streetscape route in front of the high school.
Parks and Grounds:
Crews trimmed and maintained shrubbery throughout Eclipse Square Park, repaired deteriorated boards on the pedestrian bridge at the park and stained the entire bridge structure to improve appearance and extend its service life.
City Buildings and Facilities:
Public Works staff removed overgrown vines from the rear of the city-owned Hartig Drug building and evaluated the vinyl-covered attachment structure located at the rear of the building due to visible rot and bowing of structural components. The condition of the structure will require future direction from the City Council regarding repair, replacement, or removal. Hinrichs Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning completed cleaning and preventative maintenance service on Hartig Drug building’s air conditioning units.
Community Projects:
Strike met with a prospective Eagle Scout candidate regarding a proposed improvement at Jaycee Park, which would include repainting picnic tables, refinishing playground equipment, planting trees, and completing landscaping improvements in designated park areas. Project paperwork has been submitted and is currently awaiting approval from Scout leadership before work can begin.
Upcoming Projects:
Public Works will continue implementation of the city’s sidewalk replacement program, targeting identified areas needing repair and replacement to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility; complete striping and painting of curbs, crosswalks, and parking stalls throughout the city; review recommendations and determine the course of action for the rear structure attached to the Hartig Drug building; assist with approved Eagle Scout and community improvement projects as they move forward; and continue routine maintenance and improvements of city streets, parks, public facilities, and infrastructure.
The next regular meeting of the Prophetstown City Council will be on Tuesday, August 11th at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
