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The Docket · Government Meeting · DKT-2026-004405

On the agenda: Tilton 09-24-2026 VOT MONTHLY BOARD MEETING MINUTES — data center (Sep 24)

Past  ⚠ Agenda Watch  Tilton, Illinois · Thursday, September 24, 2026 — 1 month ago

About this record

The published agenda for the September 24, 2026 meeting contains: "data center", "DATA CENTER". The meeting has passed. The agenda stays here as a permanent public record.

WhenThursday, September 24, 2026
Check the agenda document for the meeting time.
WhereTilton, Illinois
Body09-24-2026 VOT MONTHLY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Money$696,215 was at stake
On the record“data center”“DATA CENTER”

The agenda, word for word

Government public record — the full text of the published document, archived October 20, 2026. Gold highlighting of key terms is ours, not the original’s. Read the original document ↗

1 page · scroll to read

VOT BOARD MEETING Minutes

VILLAGE OF TILTON
9/24/2026 6:00 PM
1001 TILTON RD, TILTON IL 61833

1. CALLTO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL
Attendance
Present:
Members: John Barnes - Board Trustee, Lori Fields - Village Clerk, Bob Finley - Board Trustee, Tiffany Jones-
McClellan - Village Administrator, Virgil Sheets - Board Trustee, Vanessa Sims - Board Trustee, Cassidy Warrick
- Treasurer, Billy Wear - Village Mayor, Mike Weidenburner - Board Trustee, Natalie Moreman - Board Trustee
Attendance
Present:
Members: Phil Bernardi - Police Chief, Brian Dunavan - IT Director, Butch Fields - EMS Coordinator, TJ George -
Director Of Public Works, Chad Kistler - Sewer Superintendant, Chris McMahon - Fire Chief
Absent:
Members: Tom Overmyer - Village Engineer

3. MOTION TO AMEND AGENDA TO REMOVE #24 AND ADD #22.2
Motion:
MOTION TO AMEND AGENDA TO REMOVE #24 AND ADD #22.2
Motion moved by Bob Finley and motion seconded by Virgil Sheets. 6 AYES, O NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

4. APPROVAL OF LAST MONTHS BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Motion:
APPROVAL OF AUGUST 20, 2026 BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Motion moved by Vanessa Sims and motion seconded by John Barnes. 6 AYES, O NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

5. | APPROVE FINANCE REPORT AND PAY BILLS
Motion:
MOTION TO APPROVE FINANCE REPORT AND PAY BILLS
Motion moved by Virgil Sheets and motion seconded by Bob Finley. 6 AYES, O NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

6. CROWDER CPA AUDIT REPORT

Tammy Battle of Crowder CPA presented the fiscal year 2026 audited financial statements. The Village
received an unmodified (clean) audit opinion, which Ms. Battle noted is the best possible outcome. Key
highlights included:
© Pages 1-3: Independent Auditor's Report — unmodified opinion with no issues found.
© Pages 4-13: Management Discussion and Analysis — a condensed financial summary the
Village has elected to include voluntarily.
¢ Pages 14-15: Statement of Net Position — governmental funds increased by $696,215 from the
prior year; enterprise fund increased by $345,831.
Minutes generated by OnBoard. 1

© Pages 24-44: Note Disclosures — no new or changed disclosures required.

© Page 46: General Fund — a negative change in fund balance of $220,305 was noted. Ms. Battle
advised the board that while the overall fund balance remains healthy, expenditures in the new
calendar year should be monitored carefully.

e Page 58: Expenditures Over Appropriations — TIF Funds 2 through 5 all showed expenditures
exceeding appropriations. Ms. Battle recommended improving budgeting practices for TIF
funds going forward.

Ms. Battle concluded that all fund balances are healthy and in good standing, and she had no issues to
present.

7. | AUDIENCE — NONE RESPONDED

8. COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OR REPORTS

8.1. INDIGOS BAND FOR JULY 3, 2027
Motion:
MOTION FOR INDIGOS BAND FOR JULY 3, 2027
Motion moved by Vanessa Sims and motion seconded by Mike Weidenburner. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES,
MOTION PASSED

8.2. 09-02-2026 FIRE AND EMS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Motion:
MOTION FOR 9-2-2026 FIRE AND EMS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Motion moved by Mike Weidenburner and motion seconded by John Barnes. 3 AYES, 0
NAYES, MOTION PASSED

8.2.1. EMS POLE BARN

Trustee Weidenburner provided background on the EMS pole barn proposal, explaining
that the committee reviewed the need for a more manageable and budget-friendly
solution to house EMS units separately from the fire station. A preliminary quote from
Silver Brothers of $320,000—-$330,000 was received for a 70-foot extension of the
current fire station toward 5th Street, including a rear access door. The board agreed
additional quotes were needed before moving forward with a vote, and that the item
could be placed on a special meeting agenda or brought to the next regular board
meeting.

Motion:

MOTION TO SOLICIT TWO MORE QUOTES FOR EMSS POLE BARN

Motion moved by Mike Weidenburner and motion seconded by Virgil Sheets. 6 AYES, 0
NAYES, MOTION PASSED

8.3. 09-08-2026 ORDINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Motion:
MOTION TO APPROVE 09-08-2026 ORDINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Motion moved by Vanessa Sims and motion seconded by Mike Weidenburner. 3 AYES, 0
NAYES, MOTION PASSED

Minutes generated by OnBoard. 2

10.

8.3.1. 02026-0924 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 195 TO INCLUDE REGULATING
PUBLIC CAMPING WITHIN CORPORATE BOUNDARIES FOR THE VILLAGE OF TILTON
Motion:

MOTION FOR 02026-0924 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 195 TO INCLUDE
REGULATING PUBLIC CAMPING WITHIN CORPORATE BOUNDARIES FOR THE VILLAGE OF
TILTON

Motion moved by Mike Weidenburner and motion seconded by Bob Finley. 6 AYES, 0
NAYES, MOTION PASSED

8.4. 09-14-2026 POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Motion:
MOITON FOR 09-14-2026 POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Motion moved by Virgil Sheets and motion seconded by Vanessa Sims. 2 AYES, 0 NAYES,
MOTION PASSED

8.5. 09-21-2026 TIF COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Motion:
MOTION APPROVE 09-21-2026 TIF COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Motion moved by Virgil Sheets and motion seconded by Bob Finley. 3 AYES, O NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

T3 WEDDING VENUE TIF APPLICATION

The board reviewed the T3 Estate Wedding Venue TIF application. City Administrator Tiffany Jones and
the TIF Committee had reviewed the application with Moran Economic recommendations, who
determined that only $29,000 of the requested costs were TIF-eligible, as the remaining items related
to a building addition rather than improvements to an existing structure.

Discussion also touched on a road access and easement issue. Trustee Weidenburner explained that
the property owner had expressed interest in partnering with the Village on a road project—potentially
working with contractor Sam Claypool to route a road beside the property, across a back corner, and in
front of the bathrooms. The property owner had agreed in principle to the easement. The board
agreed to pursue the road and easement as a separate future item.

A question arose regarding the need for a liquor license for the venue; the Mayor noted the applicant
would need to submit a license application separately, as that was not part of the current agenda item
Motion:

MOTION FOR T3 WEDDING VENUE TIF APPLICATION FOR $29,000.00

Motion moved by Virgil Sheets and motion seconded by Natalie Moreman. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

POWELL TIF APPLICATION

The board discussed the TIF application from Powell Fencing Company for the demolition of the old
airport hangar building on East 14th Street. The low bid for full demolition, including concrete removal,
was $38,300. Discussion centered on whether the concrete slab should be included in the scope of
work, as it remains in usable condition and could be preserved for a future property buyer. Several
trustees favored removing the structure now to eliminate a long-standing eyesore, while leaving the
concrete for the next property owner to address.

Minutes generated by OnBoard. 3

11,

12.

13.

After deliberation, the board agreed to request a revised bid that separates the cost of structure
demolition from concrete removal, allowing the board to consider a reduced scope at the next
meeting.

SET TIF APPLICATION PROCESS

The board discussed formalizing the TIF application review process. City Administrator Jones noted
that TIF committee meetings had been difficult to conduct without a prior recommendation from
Moran Economic Development. After discussion, the board agreed that all future TIF applications
should be submitted to Moran for eligibility review and cost analysis before being considered by the
TIF Committee, ensuring the committee has a professional recommendation to work from.

Motion:

MOTION FOR SET TIF APPLICATION PROCESS THAT TIF APPLICATION IS RECEIVED, SEND TO MORAN
FOR RECOMMENDATIONS AND THEN TIF COMMITTEE FOR DISCUSSION

Motion moved by Bob Finley and motion seconded by Virgil Sheets. 6 AYES, O NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

VILLAGE ENGINEER
The Village Engineer was not in attendance. No report was given

FIRE
Fire Chief Chris McMahon presented the following updates:

e The Queen of Hearts fundraiser pot has grown to $5,200.

e Engine 3 received a ceramic coating and has been restored to like-new appearance.

e Two fire drills were completed at two schools, Southwest and VASE.

e The BOFF program has been completed by all members; a few individuals still need to
pass the state test.

e Truck 2 remains out of service pending parts; Engine 1 had a pump issue during a call on
Hot Street that has since been repaired.

e Members attended a sprinkler class in Danville, a propane class hosted at the foundry,
and a MABAS side by side training.

© An upcoming basic company officer course will be taught by an outside instructor from
Chicago.

e For the month, the department responded to 64 calls, 46 of which were EMS-related.

°

13.1. HAZMAT TRAINING

Chief McMahon requested additional funds for a locally hosted Hazmat Operations class. He
explained that the department had previously been allocated $15,000 for the BOFF training
program, of which $11,500 was used, leaving $3,500. The next required step toward full
certification is a 36-hour Hazmat Ops course. Sending members to available classes at North
Chicago or Bloomington would cost approximately $1,400-$1,600 per person plus lodging. The
Chief instead proposed hosting a class locally in March or April using 1099 instructors, with
some sessions via Zoom and a hands-on weekend component. The total cost would be $5,000,
requiring an additional $1,500 beyond the $3,500 remaining allocation. The Chief noted the
class would be offered to other Vermilion County departments at $300 each (or $700 for
outside-county agencies), with the potential to recoup most of the cost.

Minutes generated by OnBoard. 4

Motion:

MOTION TO APPROVE ADDITIONAL $1,500.00 FOR BOFF TRAINING

Motion moved by Mike Weidenburner and motion seconded by Bob Finley. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES,
MOTION PASSED

14. EMS

EMS Coordinator Fields reported 77 total dispatches for the month — 22 days, 20 nights in-village, and
35 outside of town, plus 2 transfers. Staff completed QA review of ESO run records, attended the
department head meeting, and completed med audits and preventative vehicle maintenance on all
units including the fly car. Three new personnel were onboarded: two basic EMTs and one highly
experienced paramedic who also serves as an instructor. All three are completing the two-part
onboarding process before being assigned as third crew members.

15. PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works Director TJ George reported the following:

e The new playground at the ballpark is installed and in active use.

e Ditch work at 701 Crestwood was completed to the resident's satisfaction.

e Storm sewer repairs were completed in the 2000 block Liberty alley and the 400 block of
Crestwood.

e Old semi-trailers were removed and the site was prepped for the new pole barn.

e Trees were cleared from the creek behind County Market on King Street.

e Asinkhole repair was completed on Storm Sewer at Southgate Drive.

e Street sweeping is ongoing.

e Asinformation only, Director George noted that updating street signs from 1st Street to
8th Street, out to J-Tech Drive and up to Wayside, with two of each sign plus brackets,
would cost approximately $6,992. No action was taken.

e

15.1. | SONGER CEMETERY TREE REMOVAL

Director George reported that two trees at Songer Cemetery were damaged during a recent
storm and continued to drop branches over headstones. Klugow Tree Service was contacted
due to their specialized equipment capable of safely removing the trees from above without
damaging the surrounding monuments. The quote for removal of both trees was $5,525.
Motion:

MOTION FOR KLUGOW TREE SERVICE FOR $5,525.00 FOR TREE REMOVAL AT SONGER
CEMETERY

Motion moved by Vanessa Sims and motion seconded by John Barnes. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES,
MOTION PASSED

16. POLICE
Police Chief Bernardi reported the following for the month of August: 414 calls for service, 18 arrests,
19 PMTs, 59 traffic citations, 34 warnings, no ordinance warnings issued, and 6 warning violations. The

Chief also noted that two body cameras had recently been ordered — one replacement and one spare

Minutes generated by OnBoard. 5

— at a cost of approximately $3,300, as body cameras are mandated. The purchase was previously
authorized by the Mayor and did not require board action.

17. SEWER
Sewer Plant Director Chad Kistler reported that rainfall had slowed, offering some relief. His
only request was for the replacement of smart sticks for the 13th Street lift station.

17.1. 13TH ST LIFT STATION STICK REPAIR AND SPARE

Director Kistler explained that the lift station smart sticks allow full control over pump drive
functions during high-flow events. The current unit is failing. A quote was received from
Anderson Electric for two brand-new units at $6,960. The alternative of repairing the existing
unit and purchasing one new unit was only $800 less, making the two-new-unit option
preferable to also have a spare on the shelf.

Motion:

MOTION FOR 13TH ST LIFT STATION STICK REPAIR AND SPARE FOR $6,690.00 FROM ANDERSON
Motion moved by Bob Finley and motion seconded by Virgil Sheets. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

18. ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

City Administrator Jones noted that Code Enforcement Officer Amy Zaayer was present to answer any
questions. None was asked at this time.

19. IT DEPARTMENT
19.1, CLERK PRINTER

Director Dunavan reported that the Village Clerk's office printer has been malfunctioning. DTI
Office Solutions quoted a replacement printer at $1,437 with a $40/month service contract
covering all maintenance and repairs. The service contract model is consistent with similar units
used elsewhere in the Village.

Motion:

MOTION FOR DTI OFFICE SOLUTIONS $1,437.00 WITH SERVICE CONTRACT OF $40.00 A MONTH
Motion moved by Vanessa Sims and motion seconded by John Barnes. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES,
MOTION PASSED

19.2. SEWER OFFICE CAMERA

Director Dunavan presented a combined request for a security and operational monitoring
camera system at the sewer plant. The system of six cameras and an NVR was quoted by B&S
Security at $4,999. The vendor agreed to donate installation labor for minor work, with Village
staff handling additional items. The system will provide both security coverage and physical
monitoring of sewer plant conditions that the automated system does not capture.

Minutes generated by OnBoard. 6

20.

Motion:

MOTION FOR B&S SECURITY FOR $4,999.00

Motion moved by Virgil Sheets and motion seconded by Vanessa Sims. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES,
MOTION PASSED

19.3. | SEWER COMPUTER

Director Dunavan requested a desktop computer tower for the sewer plant director to allow
the existing laptop to be used as a portable field device. The tower, sourced from Dell, was
quoted at $1,543.92. The director already has a monitor and peripherals.

Motion:

MOTION FOR DELL TECHNOLOGIES $1,543.92

Motion moved by Vanessa Sims and motion seconded by Bob Finley. 6 AYES, O NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

19.4. | SEWER PRINTER

Director Dunavan reports that the sewer plant's current printer has been in use since 2011,
originally purchased for police use and subsequently passed through multiple departments. DTI
Office Solutions quoted a refurbished unit capable of handling ledger-size paper (required for
map printing) at $4,299. The existing monthly service contract rate of approximately $36-
$38/month will remain in place. The board discussed whether maps could be printed at Village
Hall but agreed the frequency of use and operational need at the plant justified a dedicated
printer.

Motion:

MOTION FOR DTI SOLUTIONS FOR $4,299.00 WITH SERVICE CONTRACT REMAINING THE SAME
Motion moved by Vanessa Sims and motion seconded by Natalie Moreman. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES,
MOTION PASSED

19.5. TOWER POWER
Director Dunavan requested approval to run a dedicated electrical circuit to the
communications tower, separate from the existing circuit used for sewer operations. This will
prevent circuit overloads as additional equipment, including future cameras, is added to the
tower. Arc Electric quoted the work at $2,900, with Director Dunavan assisting to reduce labor
costs.

Motion:

MOTION FOR POWER LINE FOR TOWER OF $2,900.00 FROM ARC ELECTRIC

Motion moved by Vanessa Sims and motion seconded by Bob Finley. 6 AYES, O NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

CLERK

Village Clerk Lori Fields reported the following activities: 10 FOIA requests processed, 6 Lexis Nexus
searches, attendance at 5 onboard meetings, coordination of a cemetery burial plot purchase and two
monument company marker placements, completion and submission of the GEMT 2027 application
with auditor assistance, issuance of annual liquor license renewals (all expiring October 31), Sling app

Minutes generated by OnBoard. 7

21.

22.

23.

scheduling for September and November, and ambulance billing activity including $96,319.61 in
charges, $29,532.26 in payments posted, and $30,274.71 in mandatory adjustments. Nine VA transfer
calls were processed; five were covered and four were declined due to lack of personnel.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR

City Administrator Tiffany Jones reported the following: a letter was sent to the EPA requesting
principal forgiveness; a letter was sent to the treasurer regarding return of funds in the eminent
domain case; she assisted the sewer operator with overflow reports during the storm event; fire
station design plans were printed for the board; plat and easement information was sent to the
appraiser for East Ross Lane and Route 1; she coordinated with Aqua and Connexus regarding the
Monaco sidewalk repair (Aqua confirmed they will fix it); she met with the Danville postmaster to
reconcile Tilton addresses to the 61833 ZIP code; and the Village's snowplow equipment remains listed
on iBid without buyers after multiple relistings.

TREASURER
22.1. 2026 TIF REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATIONS

Treasurer Warrick presented the 2025 payable 2026 TIF reimbursement obligations as required
under existing redevelopment agreements. The RS Quick Properties and Mark Pelafos
reimbursement was noted as the final payment under TIF 1. The total reimbursement
obligation presented was $224,109.65.

Motion:

MOTION FOR 2026 TIF REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATIONS

Motion moved by Mike Weidenburner and motion seconded by Bob Finley. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES,
MOTION PASSED

22.2. | RESCIND PREVIOUS VOTE FOR SEWER PICKUP TRUCK FROM HOWELL AND APPROVE UP TO
$71,000.00 FOR SIMILAR TRUCK WHERE AVAILABLE

Treasurer Warrick requested that the board rescind the previous vote to purchase a sewer
department pickup truck from Howell, as the truck was no longer available, and authorize a
new purchase of a similar truck from an alternative source for up to $71,000. The Treasurer
noted that a quote already received is below the $71,000 ceiling.

Motion:

MOTION TO RESCIND PREVIOUS VOTE FOR SEWER PICKUP TRUCK FROM HOWELL AND
APPROVE UP TO $71,000.00 FOR SIMILAR TRUCK WHERE AVAILABLE

Motion moved by Bob Finley and motion seconded by John Barnes. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

MAYOR REPORT
The Mayor reported meetings with three prospective businesses, noting that two appear interested in

locating to Tilton. The Mayor announced that he would begin sending trustees a weekly email update
on mayoral activities to improve communication and reduce time spent on updates during board

Minutes generated by OnBoard. 8

meetings. The Village Clerk reminded trustees that per the Open Meetings Act, no trustee may reply-all
to a group email, as doing so would constitute a quorum communicating outside of an open meeting.

24. | CC63 LAND APPRAISAL FOR 101 E ROSS LANE
Earlier motioned removed from agenda.

25. | THOMAS PARK SEWER REPAIR

The Mayor reported that an emergency sewer line repair was performed at Thomas Park after video
inspection revealed the line was collapsing and imminent failure was likely. The contractor excavated
two adjacent 15-foot-deep holes due to an unusual configuration — a lateral that had been run past
the main, turned, and brought back — believed to be original historical society construction. The line
has since been repaired and lined. The emergency repair cost was $29,495 and was authorized under
the Village's emergency procurement process.

Motion:

MOTION FOR THOMAS PARK SEWER REPAIR BY MIDWEST ASPHALT FOR $29,495.00

Motion moved by Mike Weidenburner and motion seconded by Virgil Sheets. 6 AYES, O NAYES,
MOTION PASSED

26. 02026-0924-A AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH D SMITH
ENTERPRISES, LLC FOR SITE IMPROVEMENTS UTILIZING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING FUNDS
Motion:
MOTION FOR 02026-0924-A AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH D
SMITH ENTERPRISES, LLC FOR SITE IMPROVEMENTS UTILIZING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING FUNDS
Motion moved by Mike Weidenburner and motion seconded by Bob Finley. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

27. | 02024-0924-B AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF REAL ESTATE TO THE COUNTY OF
VERMILION

City Administrator Jones explained that a parcel of land just north of animal control was inadvertently
conveyed to the Village via a corrective quit claim deed in 2017. The County has always maintained the
wooded parcel, which contains trails, and has never changed ownership records. This ordinance
corrects the error and formally transfers the parcel back to Vermilion County. The Village retains the
adjacent parcel that was the site of the old sewer plant. No Village investment had been made in the
parcel being returned.

Motion:

MOTION FOR 02024-0924-B AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF REAL ESTATE TO THE
COUNTY OF VERMILION

Motion moved by Virgil Sheets and motion seconded by Bob Finley. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

28. 02026-0924-C AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSAL OF MUNICIPALLY-OWNED SURPLUS REAL
PROPERTY

Minutes generated by OnBoard. 9

29.

30.

31.

32.

City Administrator Jones noted this ordinance concerns the parcel requested by Nikolas White. The
board had previously expressed concern about the condition of the property; the applicant has since
cleaned it up

Motion:

MOTION FOR 02026-0924-C AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSAL OF MUNICIPALLY-OWNED
SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY

Motion moved by Virgil Sheets and motion seconded by John Barnes. 3 AYES - SHEETS, BARNES, SIMS
3 NAYES - MOREMAN, WEIDENBURNER, FINLEY MAYOR WEAR VOTES AYE, MOTION PASSED

02026-0924-D AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSAL OF MUNICIPALLY-OWNED SURPLUS REAL
PROPERTY

City Administrator Jones noted that this parcel's prospective recipient has not yet cleaned up his
property, as confirmed by Code Enforcement Officer.

Motion:

MOTION NAY 02026-0924-D AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSAL OF MUNICIPALLY-OWNED
SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY

Motion moved by Mike Weidenburner and motion seconded by Natalie Moreman. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES,
MOTION PASSED

R2026-0924 A RESOLUTION ENACTING A RECURRING ANNUAL MORATORIUM ON LARGE SCALE DATA
CENTER DEVELOPMENTS

The board confirmed that this resolution applies to data center developments exceeding 21,780 square
feet (0.5 acres).

Motion:

MOTION FOR R2026-0924 A RESOLUTION ENACTING A RECURRING ANNUAL MORATORIUM ON LARGE
SCALE DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENTS

Motion moved by Bob Finley and motion seconded by Mike Weidenburner. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

R2026-0924-A A RESOLUTION ENACTING A RECURRING ANNUAL MORATORIUM ON BATTERY
FACILITIES FOR STORAGE OF ELECTRICAL ENGERY/ELECTRICITY

The board confirmed that this resolution applies to battery storage facilities over 200 kilowatts, and
would not affect residential solar battery backup systems.

Motion:

MOTION FOR R2026-0924-A A RESOLUTION ENACTING A RECURRING ANNUAL MORATORIUM ON
BATTERY FACILITIES FOR STORAGE OF ELECTRICAL ENGERY/ELECTRICITY

Motion moved by Virgil Sheets and motion seconded by Bob Finley. 6 AYES, O NAYES, MOTION
PASSED

SUNVEST SOLAR SITE PLAN

Ryan Fulton, Project Developer with SunVest Solar, appeared before the board to introduce a proposed
community solar project on West Ross Lane. The project would occupy approximately 25 acres within a

Minutes generated by OnBoard. 10

33.

75-acre parcel currently leased by SunVest and planted in soybeans. Mr. Fulton outlined two
conditions that would require board consideration beyond the standard ordinance:

1. Rezoning: The parcel is currently zoned agricultural and would need to be rezoned industrial.
The applicant requested that the rezoning occur after SUP approval but before construction, to
protect the landowner in the event the SUP is denied.

2. Setback Variance: The Village's solar ordinance requires a 500-foot setback from property lines.
The project can comply on the north, west, and east sides, but the southern boundary abuts a
railroad right-of-way, making compliance impractical on that side.

Mr. Fulton noted the project would feed energy into the local Ameren distribution grid as a community
solar project, allowing any Ameren electric customer to subscribe at no cost to join, typically yielding
10-20% savings on supply rates. The project does not involve battery storage.

Board members raised questions about storm damage cleanup timelines, referencing a damaged solar
array on Lynch Road that remains unaddressed. Mr. Fulton acknowledged the concern and noted the
Village's ordinance requires a third-party decommissioning plan, a fully funded surety bond prior to
building permit issuance, and annual updates to keep pace with inflation. He also noted the SUP would
require the project to be decommissioned if non-operational for more than one year. The board asked
about the Panhandle pipeline crossing the eastern side of the property; Mr. Fulton confirmed Energy
Transfer has requested a setback that is reflected in the site plan.

The board indicated that the project would need to proceed through the Village's Zoning Commission
for an SUP before any further board action. No vote was taken; Mr. Fulton left contact information for
follow-up.

LATE AUDIENCE ARRIVAL -

Resident Jeff Tinder addressed the board regarding the possibility of exploring a school district transfer
for Tilton students — specifically whether it would be feasible to align with Westville or Salt Fork
school districts rather than Danville District 118. The Mayor and board acknowledged that the idea is
popular among residents but explained that the process is legally and administratively complex. The
Mayor noted that Tilton contains three school districts within its corporate boundaries — District 118
(Danville), Westville, and Catlin — making a unified transfer to any one district particularly
complicated. The board confirmed this has been explored multiple times over the years. Mr. Tinder
acknowledged the complexity and thanked the board for the response.

DISTRICT 118 TIF SHARE REQUEST - DISCUSSION ONLY

Superintendent John Hart, all members of the Danville School District 118 Board, and various
administration appeared before the board to present a request for a partnership in which the Village
would share a portion of its TIF revenues with the district. Superintendent Hart was joined by the
district's Director of Business and Finance, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Human
Resources, an IT administrator/union president.

Superintendent Hart framed the request by noting that TIF District 1 was established in 1991, and since
then, property tax growth within the TIF areas has been redirected away from taxing bodies —
including the school district. He argued that District 118 represents approximately 60 percent of the
local tax rate paid by Tilton taxpayers, and that an estimated $7,870,000 in tax revenue that otherwise

Minutes generated by OnBoard. 11

would have gone to the district has instead been directed to TIF funds over the life of the districts. In
the most recent year, he estimated that approximately $1,500,000 of the more than $2,500,000
generated by Tilton TIFs would otherwise have gone to local schools. The district is not asking to
eliminate TIF districts, but is requesting that 25 percent of the district's TIF allotment — representing
approximately 15 percent of total TIF revenues — be shared back with the school district.

The board raised several substantive questions and concerns:

e Academic performance: The Mayor cited state report card data showing math and English
proficiency rates below 20%, and questioned the disconnect between a 78% graduation rate
and low proficiency scores. Superintendent Hart acknowledged room for improvement and
noted that statewide assessments are not always prioritized by students, particularly the ACT.

e Enrollment: A board member asked how many Tilton students attend District 118.
Superintendent Hart acknowledged he did not have that figure immediately but offered to pull
it by address. A board member estimated approximately 500. The superintendent offered to
provide the data to the Mayor.

e Representation: The Mayor noted that Tilton, as a separate governmental entity, has no
representation on the District 118 school board and expressed concern about contributing TIF
funds to a body where Tilton residents have no guaranteed voice. Superintendent Hart
acknowledged that three board seats are currently vacant and encouraged Tilton residents to
pick up petitions.

e Football field expenditure: The Mayor questioned the wisdom of a recently constructed
football field using district funds at a time when the district is now requesting additional
revenue. Superintendent Hart acknowledged he was not in his current role when that decision
was made and that the current board is different.

e Timing: Several trustees asked why this request was coming forward now rather than years
earlier. Superintendent Hart explained that state reimbursements for mandated expenses such
as transportation and special education have been declining — transportation reimbursement
dropped from approximately 70% to an estimated 60% — and that this, combined with the
expanding number of TIF districts, created a compounding impact that has reached a breaking
point.

¢ Precedent concern: The Mayor expressed concern that agreeing to share TIF funds with one
taxing body could invite similar requests from other bodies such as the county, township, or
airport authority, potentially undermining the Village's ability to fund economic development.

e Identity and community engagement: Several board members expressed a longstanding
sentiment that District 118 had historically diminished the Tilton identity — noting that the
Tilton elementary school was renamed "Southwest" — and that many Tilton residents feel
disconnected from the district as a result. District staff acknowledged the concern and invited
greater community engagement, including an open invitation to tour district programs.

City Administrator Tiffany Jones noted that TIF 1 is approaching expiration, at which point taxing
bodies including the school district will begin receiving the full incremental value. She also noted that
TIF 5 falls entirely within Westville and Catlin school districts, not District 118. A board member noted
that upon TIF 1's expiration, the district stands to receive approximately $400,000-$540,000 in
additional annual revenue.

Several trustees, including Trustee Weidenburner encouraged a collaborative approach and noted that
information presented at the IML conference had introduced creative partnership models — such as
Minutes generated by OnBoard. 12

surplus-sharing agreements — that could be explored as alternatives to a flat percentage allocation.
The board indicated willingness to discuss further with the Village attorney and Moran Economic,
without committing to any specific arrangement.

No action was taken. The item was for discussion only.

34. EXECUTIVE SESSION (IF NEEDED) PERSONNEL 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1) OR PROPERTY 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (6)
NONE REQUESTED

35. ADJOURN
Motion:
MOTION TO ADJOURN AT 8:20 pm

Motion moved by Virgil Sheets and motion seconded by Natalie Moreman. 6 AYES, 0 NAYES, MOTION

PASSED

LORI FIELDS-CLERK 10-15-2026
APPROVED

Minutes generated by OnBoard.

13

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  • Agenda Watch · Oct 20, 2026

Permanent ID DKT-2026-004405 — this record is never deleted.

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  • Oct 20, 2026 Filed on the Docket
  • Oct 20, 2026 Full document archived — public record

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