Key Actions and Approvals
- Police Department Ordinance Amendment: This ordinance updates the composition of the Monmouth Police Department to include the Chief of Police, one Deputy Chief, one Lieutenant, three Sergeants, up to 14 patrol officers, one animal control officer, one confidential secretary, seven full-time dispatchers, one full-time Leads coordinator, and four part-time dispatchers. The ordinance was approved.
- National Police Week Proclamation: Mayor Rod Davies proclaimed May 11-17, 2025, as Police Officer Week, with May 15 designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The proclamation honors the Monmouth Police Department’s 19 full-time officers and staff for their tireless dedication and community engagement through programs like Shop With a Cop, and their role in ensuring public safety during events like the Prime Beef Festival and Maple City Car Show.
Committee of the Whole Discussions
- Maple City Centerpiece Project: Sarah Walters presented updates on this initiative. The project has reached the financial goal and will begin the next stage in development. Monmouth’s downtown features a fountain that has been in service for many years and needs to be replaced. Sarah Walters spearheaded a movement to raise funds to replace the fountain with an artistic metal maple leaf that will spin and feature the words Maple City. Walters raised $30,000 in approximately 2 months for the project. The City will now begin removing the existing fountain to prepare it for installation of the new artwork.
- Traffic Control Measures: Citizen Krzysztof Socha addressed concerns regarding current traffic enforcement measures, requesting council consideration for potential changes including additional stop signs and yield signs.
- Liquor License Request: Joan Crain submitted a request to be considered for a liquor and gaming/gambling license at the former Pepperonis’ Pizza location. No motion was made to approve the request.
- Building and Zoning Report: Director Clark reported that the Zoning Department issued six junk and debris notices, one unsafe notice, two nuisance notices, and completed two rental inspections in April 2025. No citations were issued, and $150 of $200 in fines were collected year-to-date. Beck’s Oil Company at 1198 N Main Street completed its construction project, including all mechanicals and merchandise setup. April construction costs totaled $183,222.70, with year-to-date residential and business construction at $64,349.98 and $529,000, respectively.
- Woodard & Curran Report: Director Brayden Bledsoe shared the March 2025 Public Works report. The wastewater treatment plant processed 117 million gallons with no sewer overflow events, maintaining excellent effluent quality. The water treatment plants produced 100 million gallons, with hydrant flushing starting the week of March 5 and hydrant painting ongoing. Revenue from municipal services reached $7,621,899.14 year-to-date. No safety incidents occurred, and staff completed required OSHA training.
- FOIA Officer Appointment: The Council discussed the appointment of the 2025 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer with newly elected City Clerk Melissa Teel appointed to the position. A motion was made to approve the appointment and was approved.
Other Business
- The meeting adjourned sine die to reconvene for the swearing-in of newly elected officials, marking the transition to the new council term.
Get Involved!
Residents can speak at council meetings during the Citizen Inquiries section (3-minute limit). The next meeting date will be posted at City Hall or on the city’s website. For more details, contact City Hall at (309) 734-2141 or email melissa.teel@cityofmonmouthil.gov.
Thank you for staying engaged with our community’s progress!
***Courtesy of the Monmouth City Council***
