NW Illinois News

City of Morrison City Council met Aug. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

The Morrison City Council met in Regular Session on August 12, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Morrison Community Room, 307 South Madison Street, Morrison, Illinois. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Mayor Scott Vandermyde. City Clerk Michael Hemmer recorded the minutes. Meeting was offered to the public via Zoom and video recording to be available at https://www.youtube.com/@CityofMorrisonIL

ROLL CALL

Alderpersons present on roll call were Kevin Bruckner, Greg Kruse, Todd Schlegel, Matt Tichler, Vernon Tervelt, Josh West, and Harvey Zuidema. Absent: Sidonna Mahaffey. Other city officials present were Police Chief Kevin Soenksen, Recreation Services Director Nathan Jacobs, and Treasurer Margaret Jones.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Cited.

PUBLIC HEARING

DNR OSLAD GRANT APPLICATION, SPORTS COMPLEX PLAYGROUND PROJECT (DAN PEPIN, COMMUNITY FUNDING & PLANNING SERVICES) - Postponed to August 26, 2024.

SIGN VARIANCE – PRIMAX PROPERTIES LLC (TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY) CA Melton informed Council that since a quorum was not present at the last Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting on July 17, 2024 this item was coming to Council directly. Council discussed the details of the variance and would vote on the ordinance later in the meeting. A two thirds approval vote would be needed to be passed. No public input was received for the record.

PUBLIC COMMENT - None.

REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS, DEPARTMENT HEADS AND/OR COMMITTEES

Chief Soenksen informed Council of new cameras being installed at City Hall, that the department was preparing for the County Fare and that the new squad car was delivered.

Recreational Services Director Jacobs provided a written report to the Council prior to the meeting.

CONSENT AGENDA

Ald Zuidema moved to approve Council Meeting Minutes for July 22, 2024; Bills Payable - $145,125.10; Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes for July 17, 2024; Street Closure Request – Dept. of Fun, Glow-Bangers Ball, September 7, 2024; Parade Permit – Dept. of Fun, Glow Parade, September 7, 2024, seconded by Ald Schlegel. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed.

ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

Ald Schlegel moved to approve Ordinance 24-06 Sign Variance (Tractor Supply Company); seconded by Ald Bruckner. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed.

Ald Zuidema moved to award bid for Replacement of City Hall Rooftop AC Units to Workman Heating & Cooling, $18,345.00; seconded by Ald Bruckner. CA Melton introduced the project and bids. Ayes: Bruckner, Kruse, Schlegel, Tervelt, Tichler, West, and Zuidema. Nays: None. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed.

Ald Schlegel moved to accept quote for Electrical Service Extension at Sports Complex to Randy Nelson, $24,250.00; seconded by Ald Tichler. Discussion followed. Ayes: Bruckner, Schlegel, Tichler, and West. Nays: Kruse, Tervelt, and Zuidema. Absent: Mahaffey. Motion passed.

Agenda items Waive Formal Bidding Process for Water Tank Maintenance and Water Tank Maintenance Agreement were removed prior to Council discussion.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION & INFORMATION

CA Melton reminded Council the Strategic Plan Workshop is scheduled for Monday, August 19, 2024 at 4:00 pm.

CA Melton discussed the establishment of a Code Enforcement Officer. The position would be a non-sworn community service officer responsible for permitting, zoning and other code enforcement activities. Initially, the position would start as part-time. The position would work under the direction of the City Administrator and Chief of Police. Discussion followed.

CA Melton discussed DRAFT Ordinance - Vacant Buildings. This type of program to address vacant buildings had been previously introduced to the City Council. This is an actual draft relevant for our community. Discussion followed.

CA Melton discussed DRAFT Ordinance Amending & Adopting International Codes. The city has basic and minimal regulations regarding new construction and renovation activities. To better serve and protect the community, the City must consider adopting more specific codes for building, electrical, plumbing and property maintenance. CA Melton offered a draft ordinance adopting the 2021 International Codes. The City had adopted the 2018 Edition of the Property Maintenance code in late 2017. Discussion followed.

CA Melton discussed Public Works Building Renovation Plan. Discussion followed.

CA Melton discussed Hillandale Drive. CA Melton provided some history of this private drive. A new property owner had contacted City Hall requesting the City consider accepting Hillandale Drive as a public right-of-way and to assume its maintenance. Discussion followed.

Mayor Vandermyde and CA Melton discussed the new law that has abolished the Grocery Sales Tax effective January 1, 2026. This 1% tax is part of the overall 6.25% State Sales Tax. This is a significant source of revenue for the City’s General Fund and the City must consider a local grocery sales tax to replace what the State is abolishing. This would not increase tax, but only maintain the current sales tax rate.

ADJOURNMENT

Ald Zuidema moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald Tervelt. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:48 pm with no objection, Mahaffey absent.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3871/Morrison/4744969/082624p.pdf