Illinois Valley Times

City of Princeton City Council met Feb. 18

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Raymond Mabry. 

Upon roll call, the following answered present, constituting a quorum: Council Members Jerry Neumann, Mike McCall, Martin Makransky and Hector Gomez. All present at the meeting offered the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. 

PRESENTATION: Lex Poppens and Jim Dunn, Bureau County History Center, informed the state of the Historical Museums and announced the final stage of the project will be completed mid-March and has been fully funded. A Community Open House will take place on May 24th from noon until 5 P.M. On behalf of the Bureau County Historical Society and the Bureau County History Center, Lex and Jim presented Peter Nelson with the first History Hero Award of 2025. 

PUBLIC COMMENT: Abije Sherwood, spoke of the agreement with the City of Princeton with the development of the AmericInn & Hotel he started years ago. He presented the City Clerk, Janet Henning, with an invoice for the Professional Survey and Engineering work on the ground. 

MOTION # 1: Neumann made a motion (2nd Gomez) that the printed copy of the minutes for the Regular Meeting of February 3, 2025 be approved. 

VOTE #1 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Council Members Neumann, McCall, Gomez, Makransky, and Mayor Mabry voted Aye. Motion declared carried. 

MOTION #2: Neumann made a motion (2nd Gomez) that the bills and payrolls of the Department of Public Affairs and Department of Accounts and Finance, the Department of Public Property and Utilities, Streets and Public Improvements, and the Department of Public Health and Safety, all totaling $1,484,043.28 be allowed and paid. 

VOTE #2 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Council Members Neumann, McCall, Gomez, Makransky, and Mayor Mabry voted Aye. Motion declared carried. 

MOTION #3: Neumann made a motion (2nd Gomez) that Ordinance O-25-005 An Ordinance Amending the City of Princeton, Bureau County, IL Budget for the Fiscal Year Commencing May 1, 2024 and Ending April 30, 2025 move to Second Reading. 

VOTE #3 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Council Members Neumann, McCall, Gomez, Makransky, and Mayor Mabry voted Aye. Motion declared carried 

MOTION #4: Neumann made a motion (2nd Gomez) that Ordinance O-25-006 Modifying Princeton Historic Preservation Commission Membership Structure move to Second Reading. 

VOTE #4 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Council Members Neumann, McCall, Gomez, Makransky, and Mayor Mabry voted Aye. Motion declared carried. 

MOTION #5: Neumann made a motion (2nd Gomez) that Resolution R-25-007 Resolution. Establishing Depositories and Authorities for City Funds. 

VOTE #5 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Council Members Neumann, McCall, Gomez, Makransky, and Mayor Mabry voted Aye. Motion declared carried. 

MOTION #6: Neumann made the following motions (2nd Gomez): 

1. To remove Rodney Johnson from the Board of Fire & Police Commissioners and Dan Jaeger to fill an unexpired 3-year term ending July 31, 2027. 

2. To appoint Rodney Johnson to the Princeton Police Pension to fill an unexpired 2-year term ending April 30, 2026. 

3. To appoint Tess Heidenreich to the Bike & Pedestrian Commission to fill an unexpired 3-year term ending June 30, 2025. 

4. To appoint Ian Cardosi and Michael Wendt to the Planning & Zoning Commission to fill an unexpired 3-year term ending June 30, 2027. 

VOTE #6 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Council Members Neumann, McCall, Gomez, Makransky, and Mayor Mabry voted Aye. Motion declared carried. 

CITY MANAGER REPORT: City Manager Theresa Wittenauer shared the Marion Street Sewer project is looking to start Monday, February 24th, with construction looking to be completed within about a weeks' time frame. Laterals and sidewalks to follow after completion. She also announced the City of Princeton S & P Rating has improved from an A- to an A. This is was due to the city's stable reserves and revenue that is coming in. Lastly, she expressed her sincere gratitude to Peter Nelson for his 20 years of service with the City of Princeton. He demonstrated professionalism but also kindness and leadership. The City formally presented Peter Nelson with an original watercolor painting of City Hall, created by artist Judy Gosse. Finally, City Clerk Janet Henning, shared a heartfelt note from Peter Nelson's sister, Mary H. Nelson, congratulating him on a well-deserved retirement.

Peter Nelson took a moment to express his gratitude to all of the City of Princeton employees. He briefly reflected on his years of service. He shared statistics regarding the number of permits he has issued over the years, the Council Meetings he has attended, and the checks he has signed. He also reflected on the number of mayors and city managers he has had the privilege of serving under, and expressed his honor in working alongside the dedicated city staff. Lastly, he expressed his gratitude to the City Attorney for his invaluable guidance and support throughout his tenure with the City. 

MAYOR REPORT: Mayor Mabry expressed his appreciation for Peter Nelson dedication, honesty, steadfast commitment, and his deep love for the City of Princeton. Mayor Mabry invited everyone to join the Council for refreshments and sign the 'Positively Princeton' banner, celebrating Peter Nelson's retirement and honoring his years of dedicated service. 

OLD BUSINESS: None. 

NEW BUSINESS: Mike McCall, thanked Peter Nelson for all that he has done for the council through his years. 

PUBLIC COMMENT: Rodney Johnson, Chairman for Flags of Freedom, announced the 20th Anniversary of the Flags of Freedom. On April 5th an event will be held at the Cider Mill to celebrate the anniversary of Flags of Freedom. Michael Stutzke, acknowledged Peter Nelson and expressed kind words in recognition of him. 

MOTION #7: Neumann made a motion (2nd Gomez) that the Regular Meeting be adjourned. The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., at City Hall. 

VOTE # 7 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Council Members Neumann, McCall, Gomez, Makransky, and Mayor Mabry voted Aye. Motion declared carried. Adjournment at 6:48 p.m.

https://cms3.revize.com/revize/princeton/Document/Government/City%20Council/Minutes/2025/3.3.2025.pdf