The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Dallas City Council convened for a regular meeting on December 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., presided over by Mayor Kevin Six. Present were Commissioners Carole McDowell, Peggy Newberry, Harold Northup Jr., and Greg Olson.
Several members of the public and city officials also attended, including Anne Thompson, Brad Jackson, Mike Clanton, Michelle Gold, Laurey Wibbell, Wes Woolson, and Doug Erickson.
The meeting began with the approval of the minutes from the December 1, session.
Public comments and inquiries occupied a significant portion of the open session. Mike Clanton raised questions about the future of Father Schram Hall, a property the city is acquiring.
Council members explained that plans call for renting the facility out for special events and utilizing it as a temporary safe house location for public use when circumstances require. Clanton also inquired whether visitors are permitted in the city cemetery after dark, though the minutes do not record a specific response to this point.
Concerns about the local police department and trash collection services were voiced by residents Michelle Gold and Laurey Wibbell.
Retired police officer Wes Woolson offered his willingness to provide guidance and assistance in efforts to recruit additional officers for the city, an offer the council welcomed. Infrastructure projects received considerable attention.
Doug Erickson updated the council on the ongoing sewer and lift station initiative. The engineer’s recommendation favors installing grinder pumps at roughly 16 locations within the floodplain rather than pursuing a gravity flow system, which is expected to create more complications.
With the original Facility Plan already approved, the next phase involves adopting a bond ordinance to fund the work. Erickson agreed to review updated cost estimates and prepare a preliminary bond ordinance draft.
The council also discussed the lead service line replacement project. The city clerk reported that annual notices were mailed that day to water customers identified as having lead service lines, galvanized lines requiring replacement, or service lines of unknown material.
Brad Jackson, representing B & K Waste Solutions, presented details on a potential switch to his company’s trash collection services. He indicated that the monthly rate would remain close to the current $17 per location.
Key changes would include the elimination of recycling bins, a limit of one large item per month (excluding appliances, televisions, computers, and similar items), and a prohibition on mattresses and box springs due to added landfill fees.
Residents seeking pickup of these prohibited items could potentially purchase a sticker from the city, allowing B & K to collect them and bill the municipality accordingly.
Trash collection would shift from Wednesdays to Thursdays. Before any decision, the council resolved to consult the city attorney to ensure sufficient legal grounds exist to terminate the existing contract with the current provider, LRS.
In a gesture of appreciation for city staff, the council approved Christmas bonuses. A motion by Commissioner Northup, seconded by Commissioner Olson, authorized $200 for full-time employees and $100 for part-time employees. The measure passed unanimously.
Mike Clanton suggested hosting a community New Year’s Eve party at Father Schram Hall, but the council noted that final acquisition paperwork remains incomplete, making use of the property impossible for this year.
The council then entered executive session at 6:54 p.m. to discuss police personnel matters under the provisions of 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). All members voted in favor.
The body returned to open session at 7:13 p.m. The meeting concluded at 7:14 p.m. This information was taken from the December 15 minutes approved at the January 5 regular meeting.
The Dallas City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 on Monday, January 19 at city hall.