For the second time this year, the Washington City Council has adopted and signed the Illinois Municipal League's Civility Pledge for elected officials.
Seven of the eight alderpersons – Bobby Martin III was absent from the meeting because of a work commitment – and Mayor Lilija Stevens signed the pledge Monday after voting unanimously to adopt it.
The first time the pledge was adopted and signed was at the request of then-Mayor Gary Manier in February, after a contentious committee of the whole meeting about the since-abandoned $12 million amphitheater project proposed for a portion of the city's "223" property of U.S. Route 24.
Stevens said she brought the pledge back to the council table Monday because four alderpersons are new to the council following the April election, and in response to the politically charged atmosphere in the country.
The pledge reads, "In the interest of civility, I pledge to promote civility by listening, being respectful of others, acknowledging that we are all striving to support and improve our community and understanding that we each may have different ideas for achieving that objective."
Alderperson Mike McIntyre said he was happy to sign the pledge because, "with everything happening in the world and in our country, it's important that we continue to act in a civil manner.
"No matter what our political views, we're here to serve our community and violence is never an option. We stand united by signing this."
The resolution adopting the ordinance reads, "We [Washington elected officials] recognize the importance of engaging in free and spirited debate, while maintaining the highest standards of civility, honesty and mutual respect."
Earlier in Monday's meeting, Stevens had a lighthearted exchange with two alderpersons that exemplified the tone of council discussions since it began conducting business in May.
Stevens announced a monthly "Let's Talk Washington" session Tuesday in the police station conference room and said she always bring cookies to the sessions.
"What kind?" Alderperson John Blundy asked.
"An assortment. Usually three," Stevens said.
"Will there be milk?" McIntyre asked.
"No, water," Stevens said.
Each question was greeted with laughter from alderpersons.
Candlewood Bridge repairs
It's finally full speed ahead for repairs of the historic Candlewood Bridge, which has been shut down since 2023.
The council unanimously approved awarding a $516,310 contract to East Peoria-based Illinois Civil Contractors as the lowest bidder.
The project was re-bid with concrete being used instead of asphalt on the bridge surface and four bids were received. Just one bid – for $597,965 – was received for the project using asphalt.
Goal-setting workshop set
Council will hold a special meeting from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Countryside Banquet Facility, 659 School Street, for a goal-setting workshop. Residents submitted 773 goal-setting surveys so elected officials could get input from them.
A kickoff meeting for the council's city administrator search has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29. The location is yet to be determined.
The city has been without a full-time city administrator for about a year after Jim Snider resigned. City Engineer Dennis Carr has been serving as interim city administrator since May.
Kevin Brown basketball tournament
Other items from Monday's meeting:
• Council watched a presentation about the Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions by Washington Community High School boys basketball coach Eric Schermerhorn. This is the 20th year for the tournament. The city has been a tournament sponsor since its inception.
• Council recognized RNS Electric of Washington in a proclamation for doing free-of-charge work for the Washington Fire Department for several years,
• Council unanimously approved a $8,942 payment to the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission. That's the city's 20% per capita local match so it will be eligible for federal transportation funding during the commission's 2025-26 fiscal year. The commission expects to receive nearly $980,000 in federal transportation funds.
• During public comment, resident Joann Fraser suggested that throwing candy from vehicles during parades in the city should be banned because of safety concerns. She said other area communities only allow candy to be thrown by people walking in a parade.
Department reports
Here are highlights of department heads' reports Monday to the council:
DENNIS CARR, CITY ENGINEER/INTERIM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
• The Illinois Department of Transportation has assured city staff that work will be halted on a Business Route 24 mill and overlay resurfacing project and traffic control devices will be moved to the side of the road for the high school homecoming parade Oct. 3. Also, IDOT has decided not to include the crosswalks in the square as part of the project.
• Plows have been delivered to WCHS, Central Intermediate School, Washington Middle School and Beverly Manor School for a "Paint the Plow" event. Students will paint the plows and their work will be shown off at the homecoming parade.
JON OLIPHANT, PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
• Staff has awarded a $1,000 tourism grant to the Washington Specialty Shops to help the organization purchase new lanterns for its annual Candlelight Stroll in the downtown square, scheduled for Dec. 4.
• Infrastructure work has begun on the Protea Place commercial and residential development at the intersection of Business Route 24 and Cummings Lane.
• Rambler, an outdoor gear, clothing and home decor store, plans to open soon on the ground floor of the Washington Historical Society building at 128 Washington Square.
• Work has begun on a building expansion at Free Grace Church, 1115 Glenn St.
BRIAN RITTENHOUSE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
• Fall brush pickup will be the week of Oct. 6.
• DPW staff removed and installed new concrete stairs at City Hall.
