The Dwight Village Board met in regular session on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
In attendance were trustees Joshua Jahn, Pete Meister, Marla Kinkade, Austin Haacke, and Deb Karch. Trustee Dan Hansen was absent.
Others in attendance were Village President Paul Johnson, Village Administrator Crissy Livingston, Village Attorney Nick Ehrgott, and Village Clerk Nicole Bozarth.
The following Consent Agenda items were approved:
- Minutes of June 23, 2026, Village Board Meeting
- Minutes of July 21, 2026, Committee Meetings
- Payments of July 28, 2026, of $149,840.43
- Transfer of $20,746.25 from 36 NHR Referendum to 47 NHR Referendum Bond Fund to pay interest
- Transfer of $3,673.75 from 51 Water to 41 Water Bond Fund to pay interest
- April 2026 Treasurer’s Report
- May 2026 Treasurer’s Report
- Final payment to Peoples National Bank in the amount of $22,285.20 for the cot loan.
- Microsoft License renewal $6,240.00.
Navara Stiles spoke in Public Forum on behalf of Worker’s Center for Racial Justice and their efforts to bring select programs to Livingston County.
Report of Mayor/Officers
Mayor Paul Johnson acknowledged the efforts of all Village Staff and Departments involving the recent visit of the Union Pacific Big Boy #4014 train to Dwight on July 17. The Village was given little time to prepare but was able to create plans which turned out to be safe, memorable and historic. The Village had assistance from multiple regional agencies while estimating nearly 10,000 visitors came to see the train that day.
Village Administrator Crissy Livingston echoed the Mayor’s sentiments on the Big Boy train stop. She also reported the Village phone system was in the process of being upgraded. Callers to the Village will now be given options to be directed to respective departments. She added the annual Fourth of July fireworks were a success and plans will begin for 2027.
EMS Director Dustin Campbell told the Board his department has handled 942 calls for the year. He added that Courtney Giblin, Joseph DiGiacomo, Camron Hayden, and Jacob Ozee had recently graduated from the Paramedic Program.
Chief of Police Mike Nolan reminded everyone that National Night Out will be Tuesday, Aug 4 from 5 – 8 p.m. The event includes several free events for the community.
Public Works Director reported that two blacktopping road projects had recently been completed. One was on on Odell Road from Lions Lake to near the old public works building. The second was on Bannon Drive.
Planning Commission Chairman Earl McCoy reported on the Commission’s meeting of June 23 and their recommendations to the Board..
The following Ordinances and/or Resolutions were approved:
- Ordinance 1570 Repeal and Replace Section 195-17 Inoperable Motors Vehicle
- This ordinance updated definitions and rules regarding junk or inoperable vehicle
- Ordinance 1571 Amend Section 50-29 (H) (8) to include emergency purchases
- This ordinance would allow the Village Administrator the authority to make emergency purchases over $5,000 if affecting public health, safety or welfare of the Village.
- Ordinance 1572 Amend Section 250-12.09 Fees
- This ordinance updated the respective fees that could be collected under Professional Fee Reimbursement Agreements.
- Motion to approve Resolution 2026-18 -RVI Professional Services Agreement for Renfrew Park Phase II Final Design
- This resolution allows for the Village to enter into an agreement with RVI Planning for professional fees related to Renfrew Park Phase II Final design.
New Business
- Eagle Scout candidate Carter Christensen addressed the Board requesting Village approval for him to initiate a project to improve the Village Park on East South Street.
- Lauri Pope from Mack & Associates recapped their firm’s FY26 Audit of Village Finances and reported no findings. The Board voted to accept the audit. The full report can be found on the Village website.
- A Curb Cut at 307 South Clinton St. for a length of nine feet was approved.
- The Board voted to amend 120-2 Cannabis Business Establishments ordinance.
- This amendment allows for marijuana production at the former PharmaCann facility plant east of Dwight to be classified as recreational production.
- The Board voted to include Museums as a Special Use category in 8.01 DT Downtown dependent on the establishment being open a minimum of 12 hours per week.
- Planning Commission recommendation -Temporary Use Permit Regulations –
- This was tabled.
- The Board agreed with the Planning Commission recommendation that if voluntary annexation of property was to be addressed, the Hoffmann LLC Property at the north I55 interchange would be one to consider.
- The Board voted to initiate a hybrid Planning Committee that would include both Village Board and Planning Commission members to address Future Annexation Planning.
- A motion was passed to approve payments between board meetings of $225,357.90.
- A motion was passed to approve corrected dates on Street Closures for Dwight Harvest Days 2026.
- The Harvest Days 2026 5k Route was approved.
- A Spirit Run Initiative route within the Village of Dwight was approved for September 3, 2026 at 9 a.m.
- A motion was approved to pay a Dorner invoice for a Butterfly Value in the amount of $6,763.00.
- A Solicitor Permit for Michael Thomas with IGS Energy was approved from 7/29/26 – 8/17/26.
- These hirings were approved:
- Tyler Masching as full-time Police Officer
- Camden Beier as full-time Police Officer
- Isaac Telford as full-time Police Officer.
- The employment status for Tim Ploch from full-time to part-time was approved
- The updated Park Pavilions and Baseball Diamond Reservation Form was approved.
- A motion was approved to issue a Request for Proposal – Stevenson Pool Removal.
- EMS tuition reimbursement request submitted by Madison Fraser in accordance with the Village’s reimbursement policy was approved.
The Board moved into Executive Session with no actions resulting.
The next Regular Board Meeting will be Tuesday, August 25.
