Category: News and Announcements

Press Release

Contractors for the City of Ottawa are scheduled to resume work on Autumnwood Drive (on Ottawa’s northwest side) on Monday, March 27 at 7 A.M. Commissioner Marla Pearson advises this phase of the road reconstruction will be for installation of a storm sewer. She noted although thru traffic will be allowed during construction, there will be periods when lane closures will be necessary. She reminds all drivers when in this area to use extreme caution, be aware of the workers, equipment, all signage and that extra travel time should be allowed.

This portion of the Autumnwood drive construction is expected to take one month. Commissioner Pearson adds that every effort will be made to advise residents in advance of the remaining construction phases and thanks the residents for their patience during this most important road improvement.

Concept for Downtown Parking Resolution

• Each Business will receive one to two parking spots in a lot closest to the business when possible.

• Each spot will have a painted number and sign indicating reserved business spot. Signage will also state towed at owner’s expense and police enforced. (Mon – Thru – Friday 7 am to 5 pm)

• Signage and spot numbers will be colored based on lot. The Business will have corresponding hangers for the reserved spot.

• The Police Department can administer the program since we enforce and cite violators. There is a gap in what we offer now. Vouchers and Downtown lot permits are handled by City Hall and that information is not shared
with the department. It’s an added step that does not need to exist. If we maintain the program then we are aware of the permits issued and can share those with City Hall if need be.

The Courthouse focus will be using reserved parking on in the Upper lot. I can work with them on this issue.

• A suggestion was made to increase fines for those violating parking rules if they are employees. I would agree that with the reserved parking spots this would be potentially beneficial in enforcing the move into the lots. This would mean an over all increase in fines for parking on the street and not in the lots.

• Fine increase is the second prong to this approach which can be implemented after we evaluate the reserved parking program.

• Businesses with larger number of employees will be considered for additional spots – Ex. First National Bank and First Federal Bank.

• I plan on meeting with them individually to discuss the implementation once the smaller businesses are considered.There are a couple of small businesses that have specific needs that we can look at and explore solutions for once the bulk of parking issues are addressed with the businesses. The reserved parking solution may resolve the issue for these businesses.

• We will be revamping the parking validation program as well. The Police Department will administer new validation forms that will be monitored and distributed to businesses upon request. These validation forms are to be used for customers only and not staff/employees.

My goal is to have everyone work together on this issue. By doing so our merchants will hopefully benefit which in turn benefits the city.

January 17, 2023 Downtown Parking Meeting Video
Parking Lots
Sample Reserved Parking Lot Request
Sample Reserved Parking Space Tag
Parking Validation Program

The City of Ottawa was awarded its first Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Housing Rehabilitation.  If a homeowner meets the guidelines, they may qualify for up to $50,000 in home repairs paid for by grant funds.  Funding could cover structural, electrical, plumbing, accessibility accommodations, and more. 

Letters were sent to residents in the designated project.  Click here for a map of the designated project area.

To qualify you must live in a single-family owner-occupied home, within the designated project area and meet the income guidelines below. 

Number in Household	Maximum Annual Income
1	43,400
2	49,600
3	55,800
4	62,000
5	67,000
6	71,950
7	76,900
8	81,850

In addition you will need the following documentation:

• Proof of income for everyone in the household 18 years old and over.
• Proof of Homeowner’s Insurance.
• Proof of Homeownership (a copy of real estate tax bill).
• Current utility bills (gas & electricity).

Any questions may be directed to Tami Koppen, City of Ottawa, by phone: 815-433-0161 ext. 240 or email: [email protected]

Contact Connie Buchanan, North Central Illinois Council of Government (NCICG), 815-433-5830 for an application.