Champaign City Council to vote on bridge grant application, new fire truck

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday night, during which they will discuss several topics and legislative ordinances.

Special recognitions

Before getting into the legislative side of things, the City Council will be introduced to and/or recognize several individuals. First is Terry Lusby Jr., the city’s new Public Works Director , who started the job on Aug. 12.

In addition, the City of Champaign will swear in new officers to join the Champaign Police Department.

Public hearing on Springfield and Mattis redevelopment

The City Council will vote to schedule a public hearing on a redevelopment project concerning the area of Springfield and Mattis Avenues. The Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, passed by the State of Illinois, requires that municipalities hold such meetings prior to the creation of plans and authorization of the project.

The proposed public hearing would take place on Oct. 15 at the Champaign City Building.

Bike path on Kirby Avenue overpass

The Illinois Department of Transportation is planning to replace the overpass carrying Kirby Avenue over Interstate 57 in Fiscal Year 2025-2026. IDOT is coordinating with the City of Champaign on the design of the replacement bridge and one feature city officials want is for safe passage by pedestrians and bicyclists.

Officials said the existing bridge is designed to accommodate rural and agricultural traffic, and it does not reflect Champaign’s growth to the west of the interstate. The existing bridge, officials said, is “very narrow, unsafe for all users and creates a significant barrier to walking and biking for west Champaign residents.”

The council bill on Tuesday night’s agenda would authorize the City Manager to submit a grant application for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by IDOT, to assist in the bridge replacement project. One of the primary goals of ITEP, city officials said, is to upgrade streets to support biking and walking.

New fire truck for the Champaign Fire Department

The City Council will also address a matter regarding the Champaign Fire Department, specifically the replacement of one of the department’s fire trucks.

City officials said the apparatus that currently serves as Ladder 161 is due for replacement in 2026. A replacement truck is estimated to take 44 to 48 months to deliver.

The bill up for a vote at Tuesday’s meeting will, if approved, will authorize the City Manager to purchase a new ladder truck for $2,429,000.

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