February 2, 2026

Call to order at 7:00 pm by President Mat.

Members answering roll call, President Mat, Tom Smargiassi, Angie Niehaus, Mike Tichler, Noah Liebenstein, Dean Wright, Tim Marten, Jamie Melville, and Cheryl Liebenstein.

The minutes from the January meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent, by Dean. Second by Angie. Motion Carried.

Noah made a motion to pay all bills as presented. Motion second by Mike.  Motion carried.

No transfer of funds needed.

Tim made a motion to approve the treasurer report as presented. Second by Mike. Motion carried.

MAINTENANCE

VISITORS

Marni Henert, Rock River energy, presented new contracts to the board for the residential electric aggregation program. We are currently contracted with Direct Energy until June, 2026 at a rate of 8.23 cents per kilowatt. Marni noted that prices will go up in June and continue to rise. The village has a 90% retention rate for our residents and we have saved $305,400.00 in the past thirteen years.

The village has the option to pause the program and send everyone back to Com-Ed.  The spike in cost is directly related to the use of Data centers and AI.

Marni recommends that we go with MC2 for a 23-month contract at 9.99 cents per kilowatt hour. This may be slightly higher than Com-Ed for a couple months, but Com-Ed will raise their rates on June 1, 2026 and Marni is looking at their rates to go to at least 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour.

Again, it is recommended that solar customers stay with Com-Ed to keep their credits.

Tim made a motion to accept the MC2 contract for 23 months at 9.99 cents per kilowatt hour.  Motion second by Dean.  Motion carried.

Marni will begin working to get letters out to the residents. You will only need to respond if you wish to opt out of the program and go back to Com-Ed. More information will be available once we know when the letters will be mailed. Check the village website or follow us on Facebook.

Brian Nott, Fehr Graham, noted that Freeport is now working on their crack sealing program for their streets and we need to do the same so that we can coordinate our streets at the same time to save money. Brian will work with Rob to evaluate the streets and determine which ones need to be done.  We will not use MFT funds for this project.

Brian was asked to get a quote together to replace the 4-inch main on BradMar St.

Mike Shiffman, Pearl City School, presented a slide show to the board and public regarding the referendum on the March ballot. It is recommended that you attend one of the informational sessions. You can calculate your projected tax increase by going to the school website and using the QR code. A copy of the slideshow is available at the Village Hall Office and the schedule of upcoming sessions is posted on the office door.

WATER/SEWER

No report

STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALK

Discussed under visitor with Brian Nott-Fehr Graham

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

No report

CEMETERY

No report

POLICE

Waiting to hear from Geraud if he is still interested in police hours with the village. It was suggested that we post for part-time officers again. Cheryl will post on the website and Facebook.

LIQUOR

Mat completed a survey from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. This survey is to be used to help with enforcement efforts at the state level.

The girls’ softball will hold their fundraiser on March 7, 2026 from 5pm to 11pm and the Annual Firemen’s Dinner and Dance will be held April 18, 2026 from 4pm to midnight.  Both parties are requesting to serve alcohol through Little John’s Tap.

Old Business

The Post Office is looking at several properties for a new location.

 New Business

The library is looking to build a new library.  They have hired a consulting firm who is conducting surveys with various members of the community.  President Mat noted he had a conductive meeting with them regarding the need for a larger library and services. The library also inquired about financial support. Board members will need to have the library give a presentation to the board before any financial discussion is made.

  Motion to adjourn at 8:50 by Tom.  Second by Angie. Motion carried.

Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk