Council approves public-works equipment purchases, police camera grant, board appointment and hiring

The South Beloit City Council approved several consent and routine items during its Feb. 16 meeting. Council authorized the purchase of a GR 21 20-series riding lawnmower with a snowblower attachment at a cost not to exceed $15,077.44 and a rotary broom attachment for an existing front mower not to exceed $8,775; staff said both purchases are part of the approved capital plan and will be used for public-works maintenance tasks such as clearing leaves and cleaning right-of-way.

The council also approved a grant agreement authorizing the mayor, city administrator and chief of police to accept state law-enforcement training grant funds to offset the cost of body-worn and infrared cameras and storage; staff reported the city was awarded just over $31,000 for these purposes.

On appointments and personnel, council reappointed Pam Clifton to the SMTV board by voice vote and approved hiring Megan Ruff as deputy clerk at $31.25 an hour effective March 16, 2026. Staff noted state statute limits having two city clerks at once, so Megan will shadow the outgoing clerk for two weeks and assume the clerk role after Tracy’s retirement.

These votes advance capital-equipment needs, improve the police department’s body-camera capacity, and complete a routine board appointment and a planned personnel transition.