Location: Monmouth City Hall, 100 East Broadway
Celebrating Our Community
Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation
Mayor Rod Davies proclaimed September 15 – October 15, 2025 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in Monmouth. This annual observance celebrates the culture, history, and contributions of residents with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Residents are encouraged to join in activities that highlight the diverse traditions that enrich our city.
The Great Nicola Magic Week Proclamation
Monmouth will celebrate The Great Nicola Magic Week from September 22–27, 2025. This week honors internationally known magician William “The Great Nicola” Nicol, a lifelong Monmouth resident who brought wonder and innovation to audiences around the world. The Warren County History Museum will host the Great Nicola Magic Festival, featuring educational programs and live entertainment that celebrate Monmouth’s unique legacy in the art of magic.
Department Reports
Monmouth Police Department – August 2025
Chief Joe Switzer reported that officers responded to 1,734 calls in August, an increase from 1,530 in August 2024. Key statistics included 61 arrests, 148 citations, and 15 traffic accidents.
Highlights from August included:
- The Monmouth Car Show was a success, with the entire department on duty from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and no major incidents.
- MPD partnered with OSF HealthCare for a missing child response exercise at OSF.
- ALICE active threat training was provided to Monmouth College faculty and staff, with more sessions planned.
- Officer Christopher Salemi graduated from the Sauk Valley Police Academy and began field training with the department.
- Officers assisted with the Riley Run and the Warren County Prime Beef Festival Princess Pageant.
Looking ahead, several officers will attend ballistic shield training, field training officer training, and firearms instructor training. MPD will also provide coverage for the upcoming Monmouth-Roseville High School and Monmouth College homecoming parades.
Monmouth Fire Department – August 2025
Chief Casey Rexroat reported that the department responded to 138 calls in August, bringing the year-to-date total to 1,065 incidents.
August responses included:
- 3 fires (including a building fire, a cooking fire, and a vehicle fire)
- 87 medical/rescue calls, including 78 EMS assists and 3 vehicle accidents with injuries
- 19 hazardous condition calls, such as gas leaks, power lines down, and unauthorized burning
- 12 service calls, including assisting residents with various needs
- 17 false alarms/good intent calls
Other updates:
- The department received a new 27-foot fire safety simulator trailer, 95% funded by a grant. The trailer includes hands-on safety tools for all ages, including a fire extinguisher trainer, allowing safe and effective fire prevention education.
- A new dual-sided LED sign has been installed at Station 1, also purchased with grant funds. The sign will share fire safety tips and upcoming community event information.
- August training focused on Carbon Monoxide Emergencies and Fire Apparatus Engineer training, covering pump operations, hydraulics, and equipment maintenance.
- Service anniversaries were celebrated for: Assistant Chief Armstrong (19 years), Firefighter Devon Wade (3 years), Firefighter Kyle Martin (2 years), and Firefighter Tim LaFollette (2 years).
Council Actions & Approvals
- Lead Service Line Replacement Project
The City received $959,752 in federal Community Project funds to replace private residential lead water service lines. After reviewing qualifications from multiple engineering firms, the Council selected Woodard & Curran to manage project design, bidding, inspections, and grant administration. - Sale of Old Fire Station/Public Safety Building
Council approved the sale of 600 South Main Street to EKS Futures, LLC for $68,500. As part of the agreement, the City will receive 413 South Main Street (valued at $40,000) and provide a $5,000 credit for improvements to be used as a new evidence room. The City will also escrow up to $20,000 from the sale proceeds to separate electrical service at 600 South Main. - TIF Redevelopment Agreement
A redevelopment agreement was approved with Jose J. Jimenez to renovate three residential rental properties at 207 W. Broadway, 1004 W. 1st Avenue, and 1015 West Broadway. This project represents a $48,500 investment, with the City reimbursing the developer up to $48,500 in eligible costs through the Downtown/West Broadway TIF District.What is TIF?
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a state-approved redevelopment tool that helps communities reinvest in specific areas. When property values rise inside a TIF district, the additional property tax revenue (the “increment”) goes back into the district for improvements such as building rehabilitation, infrastructure repairs, and economic development.
➡️ Important to know: TIF funds cannot be used for general city services or the City’s General Fund. They are restricted to projects inside the district that support redevelopment and community growth. - Lien Waiver Requests
The Council reviewed requests from Alderman VanVleet to waive a $17,100 demolition lien at 924 South 1st Street and a $4,550 demolition lien at 120 East 9th Avenue. Normally, lien waivers are requested by the property owner, not a potential buyer but as this parcel is being as a site for new commercial building construction, it is being asked by the buyer. Since this request came from a sitting Council member, the matter was referred to the full Council for consideration. City Council voted to waive 80% of the leins on account of their origination which was from federal grant funding involved in the demolition of the former house. - Parking Ordinance Update
The Council passed Ordinance 25-018, updating restricted parking rules around the 100–200 blocks of South C Street and parts of West 1st Avenue near the schools. Parking will now be prohibited Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., when school is in session, improving safety and traffic flow for students and families.
Did You Know?
Monmouth’s water supply is naturally scale-forming, which actually helps protect pipes from corrosion. This means our community has never had a positive lead test in drinking water. Even so, the City is moving forward with a federally funded lead service line replacement project to comply with new regulations and keep our water system safe for years to come. This proactive approach ensures Monmouth continues to deliver clean, safe, and reliable water to every household.
Next City Council Meeting
📅 Monday, October 6, 2025
🕕 6:00 p.m.
📍 Monmouth City Hall – 100 East Broadway
Residents are always encouraged to attend and stay engaged in the decisions that shape our community.
***Courtesy of Communications Director Ken Helms***
