City of Ottawa City Council met March 3
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Present: Commissioners Wayne E. Eichelkraut Jr., Thomas G. Ganiere, Marla K. Pearson, Brent Barron and Mayor Hasty.
Absent: None.
Commissioner Eichelkraut presented minutes of previous meeting.
Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the minutes of a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Ottawa, Illinois, held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, be approved as recorded in the permanent files of the City Clerk.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Biweekly Salary Payroll.
Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the Biweekly Salary Payroll of February 27, 2026, in the amount of $621,358.01, be approved and warrants issued.
Second by Pearson.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Bimonthly Expense Report.
Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the Bimonthly Expense Report dated March 3, 2026, showing expenses in the amount of $810,339.39, be approved and warrants issued.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an amendment to the grant agreement between the City of Ottawa and the Illinois Department of Transportation, regarding NCAT, which has been on file for public inspection since February 17, 2026, be adopted.
Second by Pearson.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an engagement agreement between the City of Ottawa and Wipfli LLP for the fiscal year 26 audit, be received and placed on file for public inspection.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Commissioner Eichelkraut thanked Mayor Hasty for removing the Proposed Business Development District tax from the agenda.
Commissioner Ganiere presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that a Resolution authorizing the execution of two maintenance agreements between the City of Ottawa and Altorfer Power Systems, for generators for the Fire Station and North water tower, which has been on file for public inspection since February 17, 2026, be adopted.
Second by Eichelkraut.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Commissioner Ganiere presented Resolution,
Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that a Resolution approving financing through PNC Equipment Finance to purchase a 2026 Pierce Enforcer PUC Pumper Fire Truck, be adopted.
Second by Eichelkraut.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Commissioner Ganiere presented Report of Police Chief.
Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that the Report of Police Chief, Michael J. Cheatham, for the month of February 2026, be received and placed on file.
Second by Pearson.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Commissioner Ganiere presented Report of Fire Chief.
Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that the Report of Fire Chief, Brian R. Bressner, for the month of February 2026, be received and placed on file.
Second by Pearson.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Commissioner Ganiere addressed the Council regarding the email that Arnie Bandstra of the Canal Association had sent. After reviewing expense reports, Ganiere concluded that we have spent almost 2 million dollars to date on the Canal project. The original plan started with $600,000.00 and the Canal is still full of algae. Ganiere feels it was a failed experiment and we should move on. Mayor Hasty added that last year we only spent between $9,000.00 and $12,000.00 on the Canal. The Canal Association has asked that their responsibilities be scaled down. Mayor Hasty warned that if we reverse it back to what it was prior, it’s going to take some money. Corporation Counselor Christina Cantlin, noted that under the lease with IDNR, only ice skating is permitted. Ganiere replied no boats are allowed and it’s not aesthetically pleasing. Mayor Hasty wants to look at the numbers and maintain it as a pond. Commissioner Pearson added that she agrees with Commissioner Ganiere and feels we need a better plan for our community.
Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Ottawa and LaSalle County for cape sealing of various City streets, which has been on file for public inspection since February 17, 2026, be adopted.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution authorizing a maintenance proposal between the City of Ottawa and Marseilles Sheet Metal for the IVCC Satelite Building, be received and placed on file for public inspection.
Second by Eichelkraut.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution requesting permission from the Illinois Department of Transportation to temporarily close southbound LaSalle Street from Washington Street to Center Street and portions of various City streets on Saturday, May 9, 2026, and closing Albin Stevens Drive on Friday, May 8, 2026, for the Run Starved Rock Country Marathon, be adopted.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, and Barron.
Nays: None. Mayor Hasty abstained due to the fact that he is the President of Run Starved Rock Country and thanked the Council for approving the Resolution.
Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a design and engineering inspection services agreement between the City of Ottawa and Renwick & Associates Inc., for the 2026 Curb Replacement Project, be received and placed on file for public inspection.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a maintenance engineering agreement between the City of Ottawa and Renwick & Associates Inc., for the 2026 Street Maintenance Program, be received and placed on file for public inspection.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Mayor Hasty presented Report of Registrar.
Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of Registrar, Shelly L. Roalson, showing 28 death certificates filed and $2,382.00 in certified copy fees, both for the month of February 2026, be received and placed on file.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Mayor Hasty presented Report of Parking Administration.
Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of the parking Administration Department showing fines collected of $2,260.00 for the month of February 2026, be received and placed on file.
Second by Pearson.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Mayor Hasty presented Report of Building Official.
Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of Building Official, Mathew W. Stafford, for the month of February 2026, be received and placed on file.
Second by Pearson.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Mayor Hasty presented Ordinance.
Moved by Mayor Hasty that an Ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on data centers in all zoning districts in the City of Ottawa, be passed and approved.
Second by Pearson.
Mayor Hasty added that we will be drafting an Ordinance soon. Commissioner Ganiere asked that it not be too restrictive to scare development away.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.
Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a renewal agreement between the City of Ottawa and Civic Plus LLC, for the City’s website, which has been on file for public inspection since February 17, 2026, be adopted.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.
Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a fireworks display agreement between the City of Ottawa and J & M Displays Inc., for the 2026 4th of July fireworks, which has been on file for public inspection since February 17, 2026, be adopted.Â
Second by Eichelkraut.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.
Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Ottawa and the Police Benevolent Labor Committee, be received and placed on file for public inspection.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Mayor Hasty presented Resolution/Set public hearing.
Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution authorizing the execution of 4 annexation agreements between the City of Ottawa and Timothy and Catherine Guerrini for 2033 Caton Road, Bill Byczynski for 2219 Boyce Place, Guy and Lanna Runyan for 2921 E. 1989th Road, and Adam Schott for 2918 E. 1989th Road, be received and placed on file for public inspection. Be it further moved, a public hearing be set for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers on these said annexation agreements.
Second by Eichelkraut.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Mayor Hasty presented Report of Plan Commission meeting.
Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of the Plan Commission meeting held on Monday, February 23, 2026, considering the conditional use permit request for a drive through facility from James Boe and McDonald’s USA LLC and Dan Olson from Upstream Design Group on behalf of the petitioners for property located at the southwest corner of McKinley Road and First Avenue, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendations of the Plan Commission and the conditional use permit be granted with the following 4 conditions, 1. Completion of the roadway and right of way improvements as recommended by the City Engineer, 2. Installation of noise limiting technology on the drive through speaker equipment, 3. All exterior lighting to be shielded and directed downward, and 4. Provision of a cross access easement to the commercially zoned property to the South and the follow up Ordinance, be passed and approved.
Second by Pearson.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Mayor Hasty presented Report of Plan Commission meeting.
Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of the Plan Commission meeting held on Monday, February 23, 2026, considering the conditional use permit request for a living space above and existing detached garage from Laura and Brendan Nash for property located at 622 Chapel Street, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendations of the Plan Commission and the conditional use permit be granted and the follow up Ordinance, be passed and approved.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None.
Mayor Hasty reminded that the Proposed Business Development District was just one idea to help with property tax relief. He also hoped it would free up funds for use on other projects. There are other grant option and possibilities available and we will not be slowing down on projects.
Mayor Hasty presented motion to adjourn.
Moved by Mayor Hasty that this regular meeting be adjourned.
Second by Eichelkraut.
Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron, and Mayor Hasty.
Nays: None. Council adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
https://cityofottawa.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03032026-664
