City of Pontiac City Council met Jan. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The regular meeting of the Pontiac City Council was held on January 20, 2026. Mayor Eckhoff called to order the meeting of the City Council at 7:00 P.M.
The City Clerk was directed to call roll, and the following members of the Council were present: Giovanini, Barr, Causer, A. Hoerner, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion made by Howard, seconded by Wille to approve the consent agenda. On a roll call vote, motion carried 7-0. Aye votes recorded, Giovanini, Barr, Causer, A. Hoerner, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.
REGULAR AGENDA
A. Appointment of Joe Rainbolt
Mayor Eckhoff presented a candidate for the vacant spot in Ward 4.
Motion was made by Bradshaw, seconded by Wille to appoint Joe Rainbolt to the vacant Ward 4 seat. On a roll call vote, motion carried 7-0. Aye votes recorded, Giovanini, Barr, Causer, A. Hoerner, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.
B. Selection of Engineering Firm for WWTP BNR Study
Superintendent Duncan presented the results from the wastewater discussion last week. Per the discussion, he recommends Donahue Engineering.
Motion was made by Bradshaw, seconded by Howard to approve Donahue Engineering for the BNR Study. On a roll call vote, motion carried 7-0. Aye votes recorded, Giovanini, Barr, Causer, A. Hoerner, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.
C. Conveyance of land to CILBA
City Administrator Woolford presents that the Land bank came into town to look at the land on Cleary and Oak. The consensus is to come up with a donation agreement with the intent of donation to make residential housing. Discussion was held.
Motion was made by Howard, seconded by Causer, to approve the conveyance of land to the CILBA. On a roll call vote motion carried 7-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Barr, Causer, A. Hoerner, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.
D. ITEP Jurisdiction Agreement
City Engineer Verdun presented an agreement for IDOT to reimburse 80% of engineering fees for the bike path.
Motion was made by Howard, seconded by Causer, to approve the ITEP agreement. On a roll call vote motion carried 7-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Barr, Causer, A. Hoerner, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.
E. Finance and Administration Committee Minutes
Alderman Barr presented the minutes from the Finance and Administration Committee minutes. They discussed the staffing issue with the fire department. They are asking for one new staff member while three are injured. The discussion of security cameras around the town and the price. They also discussed TIF funds and future projects. No Vote.
*Gill enters the meeting*
F. Personnel Authorization – Fire department
City Administrator Woolford discusses from the committee meeting the fire department has three firefighters out currently. The consensus is to hire one firefighter. If approved, Chief Campbell can start the process.
Motion was made by Barr, seconded by Causer to approve the hire of a firefighter. On a roll call vote motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Barr, Gill, Causer, A. Hoerner, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.
G. 2026 Solid Waste Rates
City Administrator Woolford presents the update on the commodity rate for 2026. It will now ass $.95 to the bill. Discussion held.
Motion was made by Bradshaw, seconded by Gill to approve the 2026 solid waste rates. On a roll call vote, motion carried 8-0. Aye votes recorded: Giovanini, Barr, Gill, Causer, A. Hoerner, Bradshaw, Howard and Wille.
H. Committee of the while agenda – January 31, 2026
Mayor Eckhoff presents the start time for the meeting on January 31, 2026. The meeting is for the upcoming year.
No vote.
Mayor Comments
Mayor Eckhoff commented on the new sign for city hall. The governor was in town last week. She had a conversation with his staff about the town and the warden’s house. She also spoke with Chris Balkema’s office about the warden’s house and the sidewalk project. Lastly, read a letter from the winner of the Christmas decoration contest thanking the city for the award.
Administrator Comments
City Administrator Woolford states that Mike Davis was in town with a contractor looking at the rehab list and demo list, as they discussed projects around town. Also met with the health insurance group to find new health insurance for the city. The agent thinks he found a good rate while keeping deductibles low. Lastly, the kiosk is off for a week for weather.
Council Comments
Alderman Wille asked if anything could be done with the container at the corner of Oak and Howard, it’s blocking the view.
Alderman Barr spoke about the high school students who are working on the bike path project. He went to the county board meeting last week where they also verbally agreed to help. If you have the chance, the high school is also putting on a 30 for 30 projects that he encourages everyone to see.
https://www.pontiac.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01202026-1194
