Ottawa council adopts payroll, expense report and a slate of routine resolutions; commits $20,000 toward CDBG match

The City of Ottawa on July 21 approved payroll and expense reports and adopted a series of routine resolutions, including agreements and grant acceptances tied to infrastructure and service functions.

Council voted to approve the biweekly payroll dated July 17, 2026, totaling $721,681.39, and to accept the bimonthly expense report showing $2,051,212.71 in expenses. Both motions were seconded and adopted by roll call.

The council adopted a resolution accepting and authorizing a grant agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for rehabilitation of the NCAP maintenance facility and approved transit service agreements with multiple entities regarding transportation services. The body also adopted a resolution authorizing execution of 28 amendments to employment agreements for multiple NCAD employees; a commissioner briefly noted those relate to full-time employee contracts.

Other approved items included a resolution placing on file a second loan agreement with Loma EPA regarding the new wastewater treatment plant and a professional-services filing related to the Illinois River wastewater treatment plant.

The council also authorized advertisement for bids for the Dayton Ridge Sports Complex soccer fields (bids due Aug. 4, 2026) and approved a local administrative policy and procedures manual for the housing rehabilitation plan. All recorded votes were adopted by roll call with ayes recorded for the five members present.

Commissioner Gainer praised the housing rehabilitation grant program during discussion, calling it among the most effective grants for direct assistance to residents. "That is the best grant that we get because it provides a direct assistance to some of our citizens," Gainer said on the record.

The meeting adjourned after the items were completed.