Council to Review Grant, Demolitions, Park Alcohol

STREATOR — The Streator City Council is scheduled to discuss downtown grant preparation, a requested alley vacation and four residential demolitions during its Committee of the Whole meeting Wednesday, July 1, before moving into a special City Council meeting that includes proposed changes to alcohol rules in city parks.

The Committee of the Whole meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, 204 S. Bloomington St. The special City Council meeting is scheduled to follow immediately after.

Downtown Grant Preparation

One of the main discussion items is a proposed engineering agreement with Hutchison Engineering for work related to an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant application.

According to the meeting packet, the ITEP grant application is expected to open in August and would require engineering and design work, right-of-way investigation and project cost estimates.

The proposed project area would include one block north and south of Main Street, from Hickory Street to Bridge Street, and from Park Street to Wasson Street.

Hutchison Engineering’s proposal would be billed hourly, with a cost not to exceed $10,000. The scope of work includes project administration, environmental coordination, utility coordination, right-of-way review, grant narrative preparation, support letter coordination, plan sheets showing proposed improvements, detailed cost estimates and final submission of the application to IDOT.

Hoyne Street Alley Vacation

The council also will discuss a request to vacate a public alley extending from Hoyne Street to the rear of 802 E. 12th St.

The property owner requested the vacation, and city staff said the alley is not currently needed for public access or municipal operations. Staff also said vacating the right-of-way would not adversely affect existing or future city infrastructure, utilities or maintenance operations.

If approved, the petitioner would assume responsibility for maintaining the vacated property. Staff said notification letters were sent to nearby property owners and no issues had been identified that would prevent the alley vacation.

Four Residential Demolitions

Another discussion item involves residential demolition.

City staff issued a request for proposals for seven residential properties determined to be beyond repair. After further review, staff removed three properties from the project because of budget considerations and the potential sale of those properties.

Staff is now recommending demolition contracts for four properties: 1502 N. Bloomington St. for $12,500, 511 S. Fifth Ave. for $13,000, 815 N. Jackson St. for $12,500 and 1203 S. Bloomington St. for $10,600.

The total recommended cost is $48,600, which staff said is within the approved budget.

America250 Resolution

During the special City Council meeting, council members are scheduled to consider a resolution supporting the Illinois America250 commemoration.

The resolution recognizes the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, and supports the Illinois America250 Commission’s efforts to encourage local commemorations, educational initiatives and civic participation.

Beer and Wine in City Parks

The council also will consider two ordinances related to alcohol rules at city parks and municipal properties.

Ordinance 2026-10 would delete a section of city code dealing with the sale or delivery of alcohol at municipal properties and amend language regarding alcohol possession and consumption in city parks.

The proposed language would allow beer and wine possession and consumption for family reunions, ball games and other gatherings if approved in advance by the local liquor control commissioner, but only at City Park, Oakland Park, Marilla Park and Anderson Fields.

The ordinance also would allow beer and wine sales in those parks if approved in advance by the local liquor control commissioner for special events, as permitted by state law or under a Class E liquor license. If beer and wine consumption, possession or sales are permitted, no glass bottles would be allowed and the approved area would have to be delineated by a fence.

Related Park Code Change

Ordinance 2026-11 would make a related amendment to the city parks section of the municipal code.

It would remove Owens Softball Field from the list of parks where beer and wine possession could be approved and would add language allowing beer and wine sales at City Park, Oakland Park, Marilla Park and Anderson Fields with prior approval and conditions imposed by the local liquor control commissioner.

Both proposed ordinances would keep restrictions prohibiting people under 21 from possessing or consuming alcohol in public parks. The proposed park code also would continue to prohibit people from entering or remaining on park property while intoxicated.

Public Comment

Both meetings include time for public comment.