Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield City Council for February 19, 2026

Meeting Summary
The Litchfield City Council met on Thursday, February 19, 2026, tackling a diverse agenda that included high-profile personnel decisions and significant infrastructure investments. The meeting was headlined by the hiring of Robert Carpenter as the new Chief of Police in a 6-2 split vote, and the approval of a new female wrestling training facility at the former Ida J. Russell School site.

In addition to personnel and zoning matters, the Council focused on city infrastructure and beautification. They approved waiving bidding procedures to expedite water line repairs on State Street and authorized thousands of dollars in grant funding to assist downtown businesses with facade renovations.

News Briefs

State Street Water Line Phase II Approved
The Council voted to waive normal bidding procedures and accept a proposal from Petersburg Plumbing for Phase II of the State Street Water Line Replacement Project. The contract is not to exceed $182,000. City staff recommended waiving the bid process because Petersburg Plumbing is currently completing Phase I and is already mobilized on-site. Phase II involves replacing service lines to 14 businesses that currently share service lines, a practice no longer permitted by the EPA. Funds will be drawn from TIF #1.

Wastewater Plant Flow Meter Replacement
The Council approved a quote from Durkin Equipment to replace a malfunctioning Return Activated Sludge (RAS) flow meter at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The cost is not to exceed $10,750. The previous meter, installed 26 years ago, failed and could not be repaired. Staff noted that the operation of this meter is critical to the treatment plant to ensure adequate return of biomass to the treatment process.

Downtown Facade Grants Awarded
Two downtown businesses were awarded Facade Improvement Grants funded by TIF District #1.

• TKW Enterprises (413 N. State): The Council approved an agreement for the Law Offices of Glenn & West. The project includes a new awning, window lettering, signage, and concrete repairs. The city will reimburse 50% of eligible costs, capped at $10,000 for the front and $3,275 for the rear.

• Short Furniture (319 N. State): The Council approved a grant to assist with replacing 19 windows across the upper outside fronts of the building. The total project cost is estimated at $26,200, with the city reimbursing 50%, capped at $13,100.

Five Below Coming to Litchfield
During the City Report, Mayor Jacob Fleming announced that the retailer Five Below has placed a “Coming Soon” and hiring sign in front of the former Sears Hometown building. Fleming noted that the landlords have been working for over six months to secure the tenant and that the business had applied for business district funds.

City Urges Patience on Water Leaks
Mayor Fleming thanked the public for their patience regarding water main breaks, attributing recent issues to the rapid swing in weather from freezing cold to warm temperatures. “That’s not good for your underground pipes. They move. And a lot of times you get some localized pipe burst,” Fleming said.