City of Neoga City Council met Feb. 23.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Helm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Those present were Commissioners Williams, Schabbing, Edwards, Letizia, and Mayor Helm. Others present were City Clerk Brenda Evans, City Treasurer Diana Foor, Police Chief Schabbing, Superintendent Durbin, Engineer Lee Beckman, Leo Vecchiarello, Tim Monroe, Janice Vandeveer, Bill Fritcher, Tony Reynolds, Brad Keck, Manjit Negr, and Tom Pottschmidt.
MINUTES
After reviewing the regular session minutes from February 9, 2026, Commissioner Schabbing made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Williams, Schabbing, and Mayor Helm. Commissioner Edwards and Letizia abstained. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments were made.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR HELM
PRESENTATION FROM MANJIT NAGR, NEOGA, ILLINOIS 1076, LLC
Mr. Nagr attended the meeting to explain his plans for the property at 1076 US RT. #45 also known as Neoga, Illinois 1076, LLC. Mr. Nagr said that his plans are the same as they were in 2017, and he would have to go through two phases to build a fuel stop, a hotel, and a restaurant. Mr. Nagr said that he has not spoken with IDOT yet to see if anything will have to be changed from the original plans, but he plans to do that in the coming days. City Administrator / Clerk Evans asked if he had a set of plans to give to the council to review; however, his Engineer had it on his computer to show the council. Commissioner Edwards asked what he would need from the city to proceed, and Mr. Nagr said that he would like the property to the west of his for Phase 2, but would also need at least ten (10) feet for Phase 1. The council thanked him for showing his plans to them, and once they are finalized by IDOT, to bring them back to the council.
PRESENTATION FROM LEO VECCHIARELLO, SOLAR ON EARTH
Mr. Vecchiarello explained to the council how Solar on Earth could save the city 10-15% on its Ameren bill. This would be on a community solar project where the city could sign up, and Solar on Earth would give us “credit” on our energy bill. It would be billed in one of two ways. It was decided to give additional electric bills to Mr. Vecchiarello to receive a more accurate quote.
NPP DONATION FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The council discussed matching funds for the ground display of Christmas lights. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to donate $6500 to NPP. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, Edwards, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.
2026 IIMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
City Administrator / Clerk Evans gave the Council information about the upcoming 2026 IIMC Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada in May. Evans explained that since she is the MCI President, Municipal Clerks of Illinois will reimburse the registration, hotel, and transportation expenses. After a lengthy discussion, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to allow Evans to attend the 2026 IIMC Annual Conference in Reno. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, Edwards, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.
FINANCE, COMMISSIONER SCHABBING
MONTHLY BILLS
After reviewing the bill list, Commissioner Schabbing made a motion to pay the monthly bills as presented in the amount of $72,406.35. Commissioner Letizia seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Schabbing, Edwards, Letizia, Williams, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.
PUBLIC PROPERTY, COMMISSIONER LETIZIA
UPDATES FROM MILANO & GRUNLOH
Engineer Lee Beckman updated the council on the following projects:
Sewer Plant – Still in litigation.
CDAP Water Grant – This project has been completed, and if the city finds any problems with any of the work, Kieffer has a guarantee on the work for 12 months.
ITEP – This project has been completed, as well as the grass seeding and mulching; however, it will be spring to see if the grass comes up before everything is complete.
RLF & State Grant Project – This is still in litigation.
Rebuild IL/RISE Grant – There has not been a new NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity). Community Facilities Grant – Rural Development did not fund this.
IDOT – There has been talk about another 5.5 billion dollars requested, and now is the time to talk with political leaders about supporting the city’s application.
Walnut Street & Alley – Walnut has had concrete poured, and the road was reopened this morning. The alley work will start when the weather becomes warmer.
City Hall Parking Lot – This project will begin in March or April.
Watermain Relocation – The contractor is ready to begin once the weather breaks. Also, an easement will need to be signed, which the city just received.
M & G INVOICE 32502
After reviewing the invoice, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to pay the $2,283.75 invoice. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Edwards. Ayes Commissioner Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, Edwards, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.
WALK SUBDIVISION FIRST ADDITION COVENANTS
City Administrator / Clerk Evans asked the council to decide on how they want the covenants to read on the Walks Subdivision First Addition. After discussion on pre-fab, pre-engineered, modular, and duplexes, Commissioner Letizia made a motion to leave the covenants without any changes. Commissioner Schabbing seconded the motion. Ayes, Commissioner Letizia, Schabbing, and Edwards. Nays, Commissioner Williams, and Mayor Helm. Motion carried. 3-2.
STREETS AND ALLEYS, COMMISSIONER EDWARDS
Commissioner Edwards informed the Council that he is working with Superintendent Durbin on options this year. He is hopeful for an update at the next meeting.
HEALTH AND SAFETY, COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS
Commissioner Williams said that the council had a copy of the nuisance ordinance. City Administrator / Clerk Evans explained the process of nuisances. No questions were asked about the process.
Commissioner Williams also informed the council that he contacted Canadian National Railroad about the potholes and loose boards at the 6th Street crossing, and they said they would send someone down to look at them.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Edwards made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Ayes, Commissioner Edwards, Letizia, Williams, Schabbing, and Mayor Helm. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5-0.
https://neoga.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Minutes-February-23-2026.pdf
