Shelby City Council approves M-16 payments, advances financing and OKs two homeowner grants; gym master plan tabled

The Shelby City Council met Oct. 21, 2025, with Mayor Ron Kroll presiding, and approved a series of motions to fund ongoing street work and assist local homeowners while tabling further work on a gym master plan.

Councilmember Todd Frank moved and Pat Honeywell seconded approval of Pay Application #2 from Western Engineering for the M-16 project in the amount of $77,269.82; the roll-call vote was all ayes and the motion carried. The council then approved Resolution 10-2125, moved by Frank and seconded by Honeywell, to advance $82,170.82 from a line of credit to cover payment for the M-16 project; that resolution also passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.

The meeting included a presentation from Chad Kehrt, who identified himself as representing V&K Engineering. Kehrt outlined a five-year Streets Assessment plan intended to guide street-improvement goals, budgeting and planning for Shelby.

On housing assistance, the council approved a $5,000 housing program application for Tyler Lund to help buy an existing home at 201 Station Street; the approval is contingent on bank approval. Separately, the council approved a Minor Restoration and Improvement Grant reimbursement request from Daniel Erickson of 422 East Street, covering 50% of eligible costs for window replacements and a new front door, in the amount of $4,000; Erickson provided copies of paid invoices and receipts.

Jamie Leaders presented a purchase contract for the Cardinal Lofts building. Council members decided to take no further action on the contract until an appraisal of the building is completed. Councilmember Traci True moved and Todd Frank seconded to table the gym master plan items e and f due to no action on them; the motion was approved unanimously.

Councilmember Pat Honeywell raised concerns about littering on Shelby's interstate on/off ramps and proposed installing a no-litter sign; staff noted that Illinois Department of Transportation rules prohibit signs visible from the interstate, so that specific proposal cannot proceed as stated.

The claims list for Oct. 21, 2025, was approved on a motion by Karen Schlueter, seconded by Todd Frank. Mayor Kroll adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

Votes at a glance:
- Agenda approval: Motion by Pat Honeywell, second Jackie Hursey; roll call: all ayes; motion carried.
- Pay Application #2 (Western Engineering) — M-16: Motion by Todd Frank, second Pat Honeywell; approved; $77,269.82.
- Resolution 10-2125 (advance from line of credit) — M-16: Motion by Todd Frank, second Pat Honeywell; approved; $82,170.82.
- Housing program application (Tyler Lund): Motion by Pat Honeywell, second Jackie Hursey; approved pending bank approval; $5,000.
- Tabling of gym master plan (items e,f): Motion by Traci True, second Todd Frank; approved (tabled).
- Minor Restoration & Improvement Grant reimbursement (Daniel Erickson): Motion by Pat Honeywell, second Jackie Hursey; approved; $4,000.
- Claims list: Motion by Karen Schlueter, second Todd Frank; approved.

Next steps: appraisal is required before any council action on the Cardinal Lofts purchase contract; the housing award for Tyler Lund remains subject to bank approval.