On the agenda: Pontiac meeting — Data Center (Oct 19)

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PONTIAC CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Monday, October 19, 2026
7:00 PM

THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM {East Door)
115 W HOWARD ST.
https://www.youtube.com/play1ist?list=PU7ywOvOOwjVCsZfCCLbsr-pjitykTBkF
I.
II.
Ill.
IV.
V.

CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Motion: to approve minutes of the October 5, 2026 City Council Meeting
B. Motion: to approve payment of bills totaling $861,857.97 from all funds

VI.

REGULAR AGENDA
A. Update on Centennial Plaza
B. Update on Ambulance Substation
C. Committee Reports
1. Committee of the Whole
2. Public Properties
D. Approval-Cemetery Purchase-Utility Vehicle

VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.

MAYOR COMMENTS
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
CITY ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT

WWW. PO NTIAC.ORG

City of Pontiac, IL I 115 W. Howard St. I Pontiac, Illinois 61764
815-844-3396 I Fax 815-844-8503 I [email protected]

MINUTES OF REGULAR CITY, COUNCIL MEETING
October 5, 2026.

The regular meeting of the Pontiac City Council was held on October 5, 2026. Mayor
Eckhoff called to order the meeting of the City Council at 7:00 P.M.
The City Clerk was directed to call roll, and the following members of the Council were
present: Giovanini, S. Hoerner, Causer, Rainbolt, Bradshaw, and Wille.
Absent: Barr, A. Hoerner and Howard
*Public Comments on agenda items - none*
CONSENT AGENDA

Motion was made by Causer, seconded by Bradshaw to approve the consent agenda.
On a roll call vote motion carried 6-o. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, S. Hoerner,
Causer, Rainbolt, Bradshaw and Wille.
REGULAR AGENDA

A.

Ordinance 2026-O-025

City Administrator Woolford discusses the agreement between the Eagle Theater and the
Vermillion Players, and the changes made from the old agreement. Dylan Webster, of
Vermillion Players, gives a big thank you to the city.
Motion was made Wille, seconded by Brashaw to approve ordinance 2026-O-025. On a
roll call vote motion carried 6-o. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, S. Hoerner, Causer,
Rainbolt, Bradshaw and Wille.
B.

Fac;ade Grant - 415 W. Madison Street

City Administrator Woolford discusses the newest grant for 415 W. Madison. This request
is for a new door. He is still well under the grant threshold.
Motion was made Causer, seconded by Brashaw to approve fac;ade grant for 415 W.
Madison. On a roll call vote motion carried 6-o. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, S.
Hoerner, Causer, Rainbolt, Bradshaw and Wille.

C.

Ordinance 2026-O-024

City Administrator Woolford discusses the ordinance needed for the sale of 222 Timber
Street. The ordinance states they have to sell it for at least eighty percent of the appraisal
price, which this meets.
Motion was made Rainbolt, seconded by Causer to approve ordinance 2026-O-025. On a
roll call vote motion carried 6-o. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, S. Hoerner, Causer,
Rainbolt, Bradshaw and Wille.
D.

Ordinance 2026- O-021

Greg Knowles discusses the variance requested for the garage. When through the
processes needed. Discussion held.
Motion was made Causer, seconded by S. Hoerner to approve ordinance 2026-O-021. On
a roll call vote motion carried 5-1. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, S. Hoerner, Causer,
Rainbolt and Wille. Nay votes recorded: Bradshaw.
E.

Ordinance 2026-O-022

Greg Knowles discusses the separation request for the Best Western lot. It is currently not
in compliance with the ordinance, so separating would make them in compliance.
Discussion was held.
Motion was made by Causer, seconded by S. Hoerner to approve ordinance 2026-O-022.
On a roll call vote motion carried 6-o. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, S. Hoerner, Causer,
Rainbolt, Bradshaw and Wille.
F.

Ordinance 2026-O-023

Greg Knowles discusses the building needing an ordinance to use as a daycare facility as
it's in a residential area. Discussion was held.
Motion was made by Wille, seconded by Causer to approve ordinance 2026-O-023. On a
roll call vote motion carried 6-o. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, S. Hoerner, Causer,
Rainbolt, Bradshaw and Wille.
G.

Ordinance 2026-O-026

City Administrator Woolford discusses adding plum and Dargan lot to the social district.
Also discussed a few other changes to the ordinance.
Motion was made by S. Hoerner, seconded by Bradshaw to approve ordinance 2026-O026. On a roll call vote motion carried 6-o. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, S. Hoerner,
Causer, Rainbolt, Bradshaw and Wille.

H.

Property Acquisition - 319 Howard Street

City Administrator Woolford discusses the donation of property to the city. Attorney
Schrock discussed the process of this situation and how to acquire the property.
Motion was made by Bradshaw, seconded by Rainbolt to approve property acquisition at
319 Howard. On a roll call vote motion carried 6-o. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, S.
Hoerner, Causer, Rainbolt, Bradshaw and Wille.
I. WWfP - Fire Alarm System
Superintendent Duncan discusses the need for the fire alarm system in some of the
buildings. There was a fault in the conduit as it was full of water. Discussion was held.
Motion was made by S. Hoerner, seconded by Giovannini to approve the WWTP Fire
Alarm System. On a roll call vote motion carried 6-o. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, S.
Hoerner, Causer, Rainbolt, Bradshaw and Wille.

Mayor Comments
Mayor Eckhoff read Chan Gill's resignation letter. Reminded the citizens the scarecrow
contest is open downtown, and to support your local businesses this holiday season.
Administrator Comments
City Administrator Woolford gave updates on centennial plaza and the substation. He
also went through the October events.
Council Comments
None.
Public
None.

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Respectfully submitted

.IU�I

Kelsey Lee
City Clerk

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10/16/2026

To: Mayor and Council
From: Jim Woolford
Centennial Plaza Update

As of Friday 10/16/2026, the lighting for the structure that was obsolete and replaced has come in and
Durham Electric has been prepping it's installation. The underside of the canopy will be ready for
completion once the wiring is set. ACE sign was scheduled to install the lettering on the front of the
canopy last Thursday but was pushed back due to rain. As of Friday, a new date has not been
confirmed. The final area of asphalt will be poured upon completion of the canopy. With the lateness
and change of weather, the Plaza will open when complete, but a grand opening will be planned to
coincide with Red Carpet.

WWW.PONTIAC.ORG

City of Pontiac, IL l 115 W. Howard St I Pontiac, Illinois 61164
815-844-3396 I f-ax 815-844-8503 I [email protected]

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10/16/2026

To: Mayor and Council
From: Jim Woolford
Ambulance Substation Update

The delays have been due to engineering working for Graber Buildings, the sub for the post frame
building. Graber ended services with the firm due to delays and is now working with SKS Engineers and
they needed some time to do the stamped drawings. Those stamped drawing have been completed and
have begun the submittal process with Farnsworth. Building Systems asked SKS for a revision of
concrete and rebar costs that were too high and this has been resolved. Once the rebar drawings are
approved by Farnsworth, they will need 2 weeks to make and deliver the rebar package. The concrete
sub and plumber are ready to go.
We will soon have an in-person meeting to discuss the overall schedule.

JW

,

WWW.PONTIAC.ORG

City of Pontiac, IL I 115 W. Howard St. I Pontiac, Illinois 61764
815-844-3396 I Fax 81.5-844-8503 I [email protected]

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MINUTES OF COMMITIEE OF THE WHOLE, COUNCIL MEETING
September 30, 2026

The committee of the whole meeting of the Pontiac City Council was held on September
30, 2026. Mayor Eckhoff called to order the meeting of the City Council at 7:00 P.M.
The City Clerk was directed to call roll, and the following members of the Council were
present: Giovanini, Barr, S. Hoerner, A. Hoerner, Rainbolt, Bradshaw, Howard and
Wille.
Absent: Causer
*Public Comments on agenda items - none*
REGULAR AGENDA
A.

Fa�ade Grant - 415 W. Madison Street

City Administrator Woolford describes the grant request and the amount requested.
Agreed to move this to regular meeting.
B.

Play Park Renovations

Mayor Eckhoff discusses how to work on the play park to make it more usable. The council
discusses ideas. Sending this project to the public properties committee.
C.

Ice Skating Rink

City Administrator Woolford gives an update on the ice-skating rink and the options the
city can take with the rink. After discussion they agreed to send this to the next regular
meeting.
D.

Last Night Street Closures

S. Hoerner had questions about the street closures for the Last Night event. After
discussion, everyone is in agreeance.
E.

Agreement- Vermillion Players and Eagle Theater

City Administrator Woolford discussed the old agreement with the Vermillion Players and
the city to use the Eagle Theater. He goes through the updated needs in the agreement.
After discussion it was agreed to send it to the next regular meeting.

F.

ITEP Update - Rail Trail and proposed grant submission

G.

Update on Water Street- Elm to Fountian PCC

City Administrator Woolford updates the council regarding the rail trail. Pre-final plans
are being reviewed and to be sent to the city by October 9 th. Discussion held.
City Engineer Verdun gives an update on the project. They are 60% through the design
process, but it doesn't look like they will be ready for next year, so they are looking to see
the options for street and sewer projects. Will update soon.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
None

*Motion made by Howard, seconded by Wille to go into executive session*
*Back from Executive Session-*

Adjournment
Respectfully

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City Clerk

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Minutes of the Pontiac City Council
Public Properties Committee
October 14, 2026
The Public Properties Committee meeting was held Wednesday October 14, 2026 at 4:30 pm at the City
Hall Council Chambers
Giovanini called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm. Present were: Giovanini, Barr, A. Hoerner and
Rainbolt. Also, present were Mayor Eckhoff, Street Superintendent Brock and City Administrator
Woolford.
Play Park
The committee discussed improvements in Play Park. The discussion included benches along
the path, lighting, clearings along the bank and bank improvements to allow easier fishing, a shelter,
portable restrooms, plantings and removal of old structures such as the backstop. Superintendent brock
advised the concrete from the old restrooms has been removed and the dirt work is finished in the park.
He also advised the bridges need to be redecked. Signage for the disc golf course needs repaired and
replaced and there was discussion for a fence along the border with the cemetery for local artwork. A
concept will be put together and returned to the committee.
RVI
time.

- RVI is the consultant working on the Rec Plex plan. There was nothing new to report at this

Data Centers
The City Administrator outlined the need to re-look at our regulations concerning data centers.
The City has not been approached about one, but Illinois has become a prime location for them. A
comprehensive approach will need to be utilized to gather research and zoning recommendations. That
approach will include public hearings and input and a public document portal. The state is also
considering legislation that can affect how a municipality regulates data centers. The city does not
currently own land that is available for data center use, however, most data centers are private land
acquisitions. The discussion moved to positives and negatives of data centers. Some positives of which
are community benefit funding, high EAV, low demand on services, no student impact to schools and
some negatives of noise, air and light pollution, water usage, and increase in residential electric charges.
This discussion will be moved to Finance and Administration Committee.
Adjourn
JW

WWW.PONTIAC.ORG

City of Pontiac, IL I 115 W. Howard St. I Pontiac, Illinois 61764
815-844-3396 I Fax 815-844-8503 I [email protected]

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October 15, 2026
To:
Mayor Eckhoff, City Council, Administrator Woolford
From: Jim Melvin
Re:
Kubota UTV for Cemetery

At my budget meeting, I expressed the need to add one more UTV to my operation. We
purchased our first Kubota in 2025 from Stoller International, and it has been very useful for
us. We purchased a Kubota RTV-X1130 and at the time when compared against other brands
and models, the Kubota offered the most horsepower with the largest capacity bed/box. We
use the machine for just about everything, but most importantly, the large capacity bed
allows me to use the machine for filling in graves, for which it is very handy.
We use both the Kubota and our older John Deere Gator daily. In addition to being used for
filling graves, we utilize them for watering flowers downtown and other smaller tasks that do
not warrant using a pickup truck. The Gator, however, has several issues wrong with it that,
given its age, do not warrant repairing. It needs to be replaced.
The RTV-X1130 has been discontinued but has been replaced with a new model, RTV-X Long
Bed, that has the same specifications and equipment. From research we have done, the
Kubota still offers the largest bed capacity and horsepower to meet our needs. Additionally,
it makes sense to keep with the same brand for purposes of stocking parts, spare tires, etc.
The new Kubota is available to order locally through Stoller International via Sourcewell, a
competitive bidding agency that secures pricing and satisfies our competitive bid
requirements. We have used Sourcewell in the past on several purchases. The Sourcewell
contract provides a discount of $7,629.58 on this machine.
The cost of a newly ordered machine equipped the same as our other one is $29,771.98 and
I would respectfully request your approval of this purchase.
Thank You

WWW.PONTIAC.ORG
City of Pontiac, IL I 115 W. Howard St. I Pontiac, Illinois 61764
815-844-3396 I Fax 815-844-8503 I [email protected]

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Chief Dan Davis
Asst. Chief Brad Baird

Pontiac Police Department

413 N. Mill St.
Pontiac II. 61764
TX: 815-844-5148 FAX: 815-844-6457

Date:

10/6/2026

To:

Mayor Eckhoff and City Council

From: Chief Daniel G. Davis
RE:

2026 Halloween Hours

Mayor and Council -

In order to provide ample opportunity for our citizens to plan for safe Halloween festivities, the
Pontiac Police Department announces the continued designation of trick-or-treat hours as
being Saturday, October 31 st from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

aJJ;L-i
Daniel G. Davis
Chief of Police