CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The Champaign City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday evening to discuss various issues and ordinances.

Special recognitions

Before moving on to the legislative side, the City Council will introduce and/or recognize several individuals. First is Terry Lusby Jr., the city’s new director of public works, who took office on August 12.

Additionally, the City of Champaign will swear in new officers to the Champaign Police Department.

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Public hearing on the redevelopment of Springfield and Mattis

The City Council will vote to schedule a public hearing on a redevelopment project in the area of ​​Springfield Avenue and Mattis Avenue. The Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act passed by the state of Illinois requires municipalities to hold such meetings before plans are drawn up and the project is approved.

The planned public hearing is scheduled for October 15 at the Champaign City Building.

Bike lane on the Kirby Avenue overpass

The Illinois Department of Transportation plans to replace the overpass between Kirby Avenue and Interstate 57 in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The Department of Transportation is coordinating with the city of Champaign on the design of the replacement bridge, and one aspect city officials are aiming for is safe crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Officials said the existing bridge was designed for rural and agricultural traffic and does not reflect Champaign’s growth west of the interstate. The existing bridge is “very narrow, unsafe for all users and presents a significant pedestrian and bicyclist barrier for residents in western Champaign,” officials said.

The City Council bill on Tuesday night’s agenda would authorize the city manager to submit a grant application to the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by IDOT, to support the bridge replacement project. One of the main goals of the ITEP, city officials said, is to improve roads so bicyclists and pedestrians can use them.

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New fire truck for the Champaign Fire Department

The City Council will also address an issue related to the Champaign Fire Department, specifically the replacement of one of the department’s fire trucks.

City officials said the unit currently serving as Ladder 161 is scheduled to be replaced in 2026. Delivery of a replacement truck is expected to take 44 to 48 months.

The bill, which will be voted on at Tuesday’s meeting, if passed, will authorize the city manager to purchase a new aerial ladder truck valued at $2,429,000.

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